最新美国发明专利第2016-05-03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
US09328061B2	Simple organic molecules as catalysts for practical and efficient enantioselective synthesis of amines and alcohols The present invention provides organic molecules and methods thereof for reactions between organoboron reagents and double bonds, such as imines or carbonyls, to stereoselectively provide chiral products including amines and alcohols, entities useful for the preparation of biologically active molecules.
US09328058B2	Mixtures of amines with guanidine derivatives The present invention provides a mixture comprising at least three hardener components a1), a2), and b), the ratio of hardener component a1) to a2) being in the range from 0.1 to 10:1, and hardener component b) being present at 5% to 55% by weight, based on the mixture, a process for preparing this mixture, the use of the mixture of the invention for curing epoxy resins, the use of the mixture of the invention with epoxy resins as adhesives, and an epoxy resin cured with the mixture of the invention.
US09328055B2	Systems and methods of refining natural oil feedstocks and derivatives thereof Systems and methods are disclosed for refining natural oil feedstocks. In some embodiments, the methods comprise transesterifying glycerides in a natural oil feedstock to provide a transesterified product comprising monounsaturated fatty acid esters and polyunsaturated fatty acid esters. In some embodiments, the methods comprise separating the polyunsaturated fatty acid esters from the monounsaturated fatty acid esters (or vice versa), to provide a separated monounsaturated fatty acid ester composition having a ratio of at least 10 parts by weight of monounsaturated fatty acid esters for every 1 part by weight of polyunsaturated fatty acid esters.
US09328053B2	Methyl-substituted biphenyl compounds, their production and their use in the manufacture of plasticizers In a process for producing a methyl-substituted biphenyl compound, at least one methyl-substituted cyclohexylbenzene compound of the formula: is contacted with a dehydrogenation catalyst under conditions effective to produce a dehydrogenation reaction product comprising at least one methyl-substituted biphenyl compound, wherein each of m and n is independently an integer from 1 to 3 and wherein the dehydrogenation catalyst comprises (i) an element or compound thereof from Group 10 of the Periodic Table of Elements and (ii) tin or a compound thereof.
US09328052B2	Process to produce alkenoic acid esters from lactones This invention relates to a process for the preparation of alkenoic acid esters comprising contacting a lactone with an alcohol and an acidic heterogeneous catalyst, characterized in that the process is carried out in the presence of at least 20 ppm of an acid having a pKa of 5 or less, relative to the amount of the lactone. The presence of at least 20 ppm of an acid having a pKa of 5 or less may stabilize the catalyst during the reaction and may also be used for reactivating an acidic heterogeneous catalyst. The improved yield advantageously allows energy conservation.
US09328050B1	Processes for making hydroxymethylbenzoic acid compounds This invention relates to hydrogenation processes for making hydroxymethylbenzoic acid compounds. More specifically, this invention relates to hydrogenation processes in the presence of tertiary amide solvent compounds, as well as compositions that can result from such processes. The invention thus provides processes for making hydroxymethylbenzoic acid compounds.
US09328042B2	Integrated process for the production of Z-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene The present invention provides an efficient and cost effect synthesis route from a specific starting material of 2,3-dichloro-1,3-butadiene to the desired product of Z-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene.
US09328041B2	Methods and systems for separating para-xylene using a radial flow simulated moving bed chamber Methods and systems for separating para-xylene are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a method for separating para-xylene includes the steps of providing a feed stream including para-xylene and other C8 aromatic hydrocarbons to a first adsorbent bed within a radial flow simulated moving bed chamber and providing a desorbent stream to a second bed within the radial flow simulated moving bed chamber. The method further includes circulating the feed stream and the desorbent stream radially within the radial flow simulated moving bed chamber to third and fourth beds within the radial flow simulated moving bed chamber. Still further, the method includes withdrawing an extract stream including the para-xylene from the third bed and withdrawing a raffinate stream including the other C8 aromatic hydrocarbons from the fourth bed.
US09328040B2	Process for recovering benzene and fuel gas in an aromatics complex A process for separating xylene from a feedstock in which the feedstock is separated into a xylene stream, a benzene rich stream and a light ends stream. Two separation zones may be utilized in which liquid from both is sent to a stabilization zone and the vapor from the stabilization zone is combined with a stream prior to the stream entering the second separation zone.
US09328035B1	Systems and methods for producing liquid hydrocarbon fuels In one embodiment, liquid hydrocarbon fuels are produced in a single reactor using a hybrid catalyst system including a reforming catalyst, a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) catalyst, and a porous material that spatially separates the reforming catalyst from the FTS catalyst.
US09328034B2	Liquid electrically initiated and controlled gas generator composition A liquid electrically initiated and controlled composition comprising an oxidizer, soluble fuel additive(s), and other optional additives to enhance the chemical or ballistic properties, or a combination thereof is disclosed. The liquid composition further comprises stabilizers to enhance thermal stability, sequestrants to minimize deleterious effects of transition metal contaminants, and combustion enhancers maximizing efficiency. Buffers and heavy metal sequestering or complexing agents may be used in combination to achieve the highest degree of thermal stability. Additional ionic co-oxidizers may be added to the liquid composition to stabilize the liquid oxidizer and further depress freezing point. The liquid phase of matter allows flow via pipes or tubes from tanks, reservoirs, or other containers, through metering valves, followed by ignition or combustion modulation when stimulated by electrodes, statically or dynamically.
US09328033B2	Process for producing a coated fertilizer A process for producing polyurethane coated fertilizer granules having core granules in a rotating drum, wherein the drum has an inlet and an outlet and n application zones arranged along the longitudinal direction of the drum between the inlet and the outlet, n being an integer of at least 2 and wherein each of the application zones is followed by a curing zone. The curing zone after each application zone is arranged to allow an interval of 2-15 minutes, preferably 3-5 minutes, before the application in the successive application zone, wherein the polyol and the isocyanate are applied in the first application zone at a ratio of 0.5-4 wt %, preferably 1-3 wt % of the core granules. The process has the steps of: A) continuously feeding the core granules to the inlet of the rotating drum, thereby providing a flow of the core granules in the direction from the inlet to the outlet, B1) applying a polyol and an isocyanate to the core granules in each of the n application zones, the ratio of hydroxyl groups in the polyol to NCO groups in the isocyanate at the end of each of the application zones being in the range from about 0.9 to about 1.3, B2) reacting the polyol and the isocyanate to form a tack-free polyurethane layer in each of the n curing zones and C) continuously collecting the polyurethane coated fertilizer granules from the outlet.
US09328032B2	Biochar The invention provides for methods, devices, and systems for pyrolyzing biomass. A pyrolysis unit can be used for the pyrolysis of biomass to form gas, liquid, and solid products. The biomass materials can be selected such that an enhanced biochar is formed after pyrolysis. The biomass can be pyrolyzed under specified conditions such that a selected biochar core is formed. The pyrolysis process can form a stable biochar core that is inert and/or resistant to degradation. The biochar or biochar core can be functionalized to form a functionalized biochar or functionalized biochar core. Functionalization can include post-pyrolysis treatments such as supplementation with microbes or physical transformations including annealing and/or activation.
US09328031B2	Method for limiting the use of an ammonium nitrate fertilizer as a precursor for an explosive and composition therefor The present invention relates to a fertilizer composition comprising ammonium nitrate, of which the potential misuse as a precursor for an explosive is limited on the one hand, without hampering its legitimate use by farmers for food production on the other hand, to a method for the preparation of said fertilizer composition, and to the use thereof. The fertilizer composition comprising ammonium nitrate comprises a non-hygroscopic agent which is able to form a non-hygroscopic fertilizer composition with ammonium nitrate under normal conditions of storage and use, and to form an hygroscopic composition with ammonium nitrate after said fertilizer composition is contacted with water, and optionally a foaming agent. According to one embodiment, the non-hygroscopic agent is selected from the group of non-hygroscopic urea double salts, in particular urea calcium nitrate (UCaN).
US09328030B2	Bioorganically-augmented high value fertilizer The invention is directed to processes for treating biosolids that result in high-value, nitrogen-containing, slow-release, organically-augmented inorganic fertilizer that are competitive with less valuable or more costly conventional commercially manufactured fertilizers. The process involves conditioning traditional waste-water biosolids and processing the conditioned biosolids continuously in a high throughput manufacturing facility. The exothermic design and closed loop control of the primary reaction vessel decreases significantly the amount of power necessary to run a manufacturing facility. The process utilizes green technologies to facilitate decreased waste and enhanced air quality standards over traditional processing plants. The fertilizer produced from recovered biosolid waste is safe and meets or exceeds the United States Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) Class A and Exceptional Quality standards and is not subject to restrictions or regulations.
US09328028B2	Structure and method for protecting a hybrid ceramic structure from moisture attack in a high temperature environment A hybrid ceramic structure and a method for protecting the hybrid ceramic structure from moisture attack in a high temperature combustion environment are provided. The structure includes a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) substrate (12). A thermal insulation material (14) is disposed on the substrate. A vapor resistant material (20) is applied through at least one surface of the hybrid ceramic structure while the hybrid ceramic structure is in a bisque condition that provides a degree of porosity to the hybrid ceramic structure so that the vapor resistant material is infiltrated through interstices available within a thickness of the hybrid ceramic structure.
US09328025B2	Effective use of melamine sulfonate condensate dispersants in wallboard containing foam Effective use of dispersants in wallboard containing foam results from a method where stucco is mixed with a first dispersant and a first quantity of water to form a gypsum slurry. A soap is blended with a second dispersant and a second quantity of water to make a foam. Subsequently, the foam is combined with the slurry. Choice of different first and second dispersants and their relative amounts allows control of the size distribution of the foam bubbles in the slurry and the resulting voids in the gypsum core. Melamine sulfonate condensate and polycarboxylate dispersants are preferred dispersants.
US09328022B2	Copolymer for dispersant for cement, dispersant for cement, and cement composition A copolymer that has sufficient dispersibility to various kinds of cements, including those having low fluidity (difficult cement). The copolymer is obtained by polymerizing monomer components including an unsaturated (poly)alkylene glycol ether monomer (a), an unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer (b), and an unsaturated cross-linkable monomer (c) or an unsaturated cross-linkable monomer (d). The unsaturated cross-linkable monomer (c) is allyl itaconate or allyl citraconate, or ester thereof. The unsaturated cross-linkable monomer (d) is an ester obtained by reaction of at least one acid, selected from the group consisting of (meth)acrylic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, itaconic acid, and citraconic acid and ester derived from the acids, with a (poly)alkylene glycol or a (poly)alkylene glycol ether.
US09328018B2	Graphene coated optic fibers A graphene coated optic fiber is disclosed. An optic fiber core is encapsulated within a graphene capsule. An optic fiber having cladding layer encapsulated within a graphene capsule is also disclosed. The graphene capsule may comprise a single layer of graphene, bi-layer of graphene, or multiple layers of graphene. An optical circuit is disclosed that transmits ultraviolet light across an optic fiber encapsulated with graphene.
US09328016B2	Surface-modified glass substrate Scratch-resistant glass substrates including a hard, scratch-resistant layer over a major surface of the substrate are disclosed. The layer may exhibit a hardness, as measured using a Berkovich indenter, of at least 10 GPa and an x-ray amorphous structure along at least a portion of the thickness of the layer. The layer may optionally exhibit an optical transparency of at least 70% and/or a compressive stress of at least 10 MPa.
US09328012B2	Glass base material elongating method To manufacture glass base material with high manufacturing yield, provided is a glass base material elongating method comprising forming a tapered portion where the outer diameter of the glass base material changes continuously, holding the glass base material with chucks, heating the glass base material held by chucks with a heat source, and with a portion of the glass base material softened, increasing the distance between the chucks to elongate the glass base material. The elongation begins from a state in which a position of the heat source at a position at which the outer diameter of the glass base material is set in a range from no less than 95% to no more than 98% of an average outer diameter of the trunk portion of the glass base material.
US09328008B2	Supercritical water oxidation treatment system for organic wastewater with high salinity A supercritical water oxidation treatment system for organic wastewater with a high salinity crystallizes high-salinity wastewater by a low temperature of liquid oxygen, and decreases an inorganic salt content in the wastewater. Under supercritical water conditions, a hydrocyclone (4) separates most precipitated solid salts in the wastewater, so effectively prevents pipes and the tubular reactor (22) after the hydrocyclone (4) from plugging. Inorganic salts are able to be continuously separated from the system by the hydrocyclone (4) at the bottom of a desalination device, In addition, excess oxygen and gaseous products CO2 are recovered by a separation recovery part. The reaction time and the reaction temperature of supercritical water oxidation reaction are lowered due to the installation of a simple post-treatment unit (37). Moreover, the heat of the reactor effluent with a high temperature is recovered in the system, so operation cost of the system is reduced evidently.
US09328001B2	Systems for fluid treatment having fluid release cycle A method and system for fluid treatment that provides fluid release cycles within the regeneration sequence of a fluid treatment device. The fluid release or backwash air cycle permits the slow, controlled and metered release of air or gases from a treatment tank.
US09327999B1	Compact inclined plate sedimentation device and methods An inclined plate sedimentation device includes a plurality of parallel spaced inclined plates, each at a plate inclination angle relative to a horizontal axis, an influent fluid source that provides a fluid to the device such that the fluid flows between the inclined plates, and at least one vibratory source operatively coupled to at least one of the inclined plates for providing vibration. The inclined plates have tapered lower ends for reducing eddy currents between adjacent inclined plates upon vibration. The vibratory source may be at least one of mechanical, electrical, air-driven, hydraulic-driven, a sonic wave device, and a microwave device.
US09327998B2	Photoinhibition of microbial nitrification in potable water A method for providing a dose of visible light in covered drinking water storage facilities to control nitrification. In one embodiment, the method includes irradiating the water with a dose of visible light sufficient to inhibit microbial nitrification of the water. In one embodiment, the dose of visible light has a wavelength from approximately 400 Hz to approximately 700 Hz. In another embodiment, the dose of visible light has a wavelength from approximately 550 Hz to approximately 700 Hz. In a further embodiment, the dose of visible light has a wavelength from approximately 380 Hz to approximately 430 Hz.
US09327997B1	Water treatment process and apparatus A water treatment system for treating viscous sludge containing entrained solids in water by evaporating the water from the viscous sludge to produce water and dehydrated solids including a tank with an internal agitator with an associated rotary meter to dispense metered quantities of the sludge into a subsequent dehydrator for heating the sludge to evaporate the water therefrom to produce dehydrated solids exiting through a meter and a gas containing evaporated water going to a condenser connected to the dehydrator to receive gas therefrom for condensing it into a liquid that is discharged from the system and provide dehydrated gas to a subsequent vacuum pump that maintains a relatively static vacuum.
US09327996B2	Method for producing positive electrode active material for lithium ion battery and positive electrode active material for lithium ion battery The present invention provides a method for producing a positive electrode active material for lithium ion battery, having excellent tap density, at excellent production efficiency, and a positive electrode active material for lithium ion battery. The method for producing a positive electrode active material for lithium ion battery including a step of conducting a main firing after increasing mass percent of all metals in lithium-containing carbonate by 1% to 105% compared to the mass percent of all metals before a preliminary firing, by conducting the step of a preliminary firing to the lithium-containing carbonate, which is a precursor for positive electrode active material for lithium ion battery, with a rotary kiln.
US09327991B2	Aluminium hydroxide powder and method for producing same The present invention provides an aluminum hydroxide powder having a predetermined cumulative pore volume which falls within a range suited for the production of a high purity alumina, and a method for producing the same. It is possible to produce an aluminum hydroxide powder having high bulk density and high firing efficiency, and an aluminum hydroxide having high shape retention.
US09327990B2	Production of nanostructured Li4Ti5O12 with superior high rate performance A process of preparing nanostructured lithium titanate particles. The process contains the steps of providing a solvent containing a soft-template compound, a lithium ion-containing compound, and a titanium ion-containing compound; removing the solvent to obtain a lithium titanate precursor; and calcining the precursor followed by milling and annealing. Also disclosed is a nanostructured lithium titanate particle prepared by this process.
US09327989B2	Compositions, systems and methods for separating ethanol from water and methods of making compositions for separating ethanol from water Silicalite particles, methods of making silicalite particles, systems comprising silicalite particles and methods for using silicalite particles to separate ethanol from water.
US09327985B2	Graphene oxide sheet, article containing graphene-containing substance produced by reducing the graphene oxide sheet, and process for production of the graphene oxide sheet [Means for solving]A graphene oxide sheet which changes to a substance having a graphene structure when reduced, and which is obtainable by dispersing a graphene-containing carbon substance using a dispersant to reduce the size of the aggregate units of the graphene-containing carbon substance, and then oxidizing the graphene-containing carbon substance.
US09327983B2	Compositions for preparing graphene and methods for preparing graphene using the same A composition for preparing a graphene and a method for preparing a graphene using the same are disclosed.
US09327977B2	Apatite crystal An apatite crystal is a single crystal expressed by a general formula (M2)5(PO4)3X. In this formula, M2 indicates at least one type of element selected from the group consisting of bivalent alkaline-earth metals and Eu, and X indicates at least one type of element or molecule selected from the group consisting of halogen elements and OH. And the single crystal is of a tubular shape. The outer shape of the apatite may be a hexagonal prism. The shape of an opening of a hole formed in the upper surface or lower surface of the hexagonal prism may be a hexagon.
US09327972B2	Systems and processes for producing ultrapure, high pressure hydrogen In various implementations, feed streams that include methane are reacted to produce synthesis gas. The synthesis gas may be further processed to produce ultrapure, high-pressure hydrogen streams.
US09327970B2	Synthesis gas and nanocarbon production method and production system A synthesis gas and nanocarbon production method has a lower hydrocarbon decomposition step for decomposing lower hydrocarbon to produce hydrogen and nanocarbon, a carbon dioxide reduction step for reacting a part of the nanocarbon produced with carbon dioxide to produce carbon monoxide, and a mixing step for mixing the hydrogen and carbon monoxide produced in a predetermined ratio, thereby nanocarbon and a synthesis gas having a desired gas ratio can be simultaneously produced easily.
US09327969B2	Microwave transmission assemblies fabricated from carbon nanostructure polymer composites Carbon nanostructures can be formed into polymer composites that are electrically conductive and highly reflective of microwave radiation, thereby facilitating transmission of the microwave radiation. Microwave transmission assemblies containing carbon nanostructures can include an elongate structure containing elongate opposing surfaces that extend the length of the elongate structure and that are spaced apart from one another with a channel region defined in between. The elongate opposing surfaces include a polymer composite containing a polymer matrix and a plurality of carbon nanostructures. Each carbon nanostructure can include a plurality of carbon nanotubes that are branched, crosslinked, and share common walls with one another.
US09327968B2	Vibrating element, optical scanning device, actuator device, video projection apparatus, and image forming apparatus A work hardening treatment which decreases the Young's modulus, and an age hardening treatment which recovers or increases the Young's modulus decreased by the work hardening treatment are performed to form a vibrating portion, thereby attaining a vibrating element advantageous in downsizing while ensuring desired fatigue characteristics and vibration characteristics. This downsizes, for example, an actuator device, an optical scanning device, a video projection apparatus, and an image forming apparatus.
US09327964B2	Method for manufacturing a die assembly having a small thickness and die assembly relating thereto A method for manufacturing a die assembly, including the steps of: bonding a first wafer of semiconductor material to a second wafer, the second wafer including a respective semiconductor body having a respective initial thickness and forming an integrated electronic circuit; and subsequently reducing the initial thickness of the semiconductor body of the second wafer; and subsequently bonding the second wafer to a third wafer, the third wafer forming a micro-electromechanical sensing structure.
US09327963B2	Encapsulation structure comprising trenches partially filled with getter material An encapsulation structure comprising at least: a hermetically sealed cavity in which a micro-device is encapsulated, a substrate of which one face delimits one side of the cavity, at least two trenches formed through said face of the substrate, the interior volumes of each of the trenches communicating together, first portions of getter material covering at least in part side walls of the trenches without entirely filling the trenches, and completely covering the trenches at said face of the substrate, an opening formed through one of the first portions of getter material or through the substrate and making the interior volumes of the trenches communicate with an interior volume of the cavity.
US09327961B2	Electrodynamic speaker structure having MEMS technology The present invention relates to the field of electrodynamic speakers. Particularly, the present invention relates to an electrodynamic speaker structure having MEMS technology. More particularly, the invention relates to such a structure comprising stator-forming means, diaphragm-forming means, and resiliently shape-changing means for connecting such means.
US09327959B2	Water dispenser A water dispenser includes a raw water container which can be slid into and out of a loading space, while being placed on a slide table. The slide table has a container holder adapted to restrain the peripheral side wall of the raw water container. The minimum height and the shape of the container holder are determined such that when the peripheral side wall of the raw water container is collapsed, the raw water container is never pulled up by the container holder as a result of the peripheral side wall getting caught on the container holder, and such that when the raw water container becomes empty, the raw water container is received within the container holder. This prevents portions of the peripheral side wall from protruding into spaces behind front distal ends of side plates defining the loading space.
US09327956B2	Water dispenser with bag in a box unit The subject matter discloses an apparatus, which includes a housing; a mineral water container positioned within the housing and formed as a bag and box package unit; a chilled water faucet and a hot water faucet configured to dispense chilled mineral water and hot mineral water from the apparatus. In some cases, the apparatus further includes a cold water tank for receiving water at room temperature from the mineral water container and supply cold water to the cold water faucet and a hot water tank for receiving water at room temperature from the mineral water container and supply hot water to the hot water faucet. The apparatus may include a pump for pumping water from the mineral water container to the cold water tank and the hot water tank.
US09327954B2	Lifting system for display cases A device for moving store display cases or gondolas which are elevated above a support surface by support posts. The device features a body supported for rolling on the support surface by at least one rotationally engaged wheel. The body has an upper surface dimensioned for an engagement with an underside of said horizontal support member supported by a support post which maintains the support post elevated from the support surface to allow a rolling of the display case or gondola on the wheel of the body. The wheel may have a circumferential edge having rotational rollers rotating traverse to the direction of rotation of the wheel, thereby allowing rolling of the body and supported display, in four directions without steering the wheel.
US09327948B2	Telescopic boom A telescopic boom provided in a crane includes a boom body and a telescopic cylinder for extending/contracting the boom body. A roller is provided in a tip end portion of the telescopic cylinder to be rotatable in a longitudinal direction. A peripheral surface of the roller is formed to be curved (crowning) in a convex shape outside as viewed in the longitudinal direction and make contact with a lower plate of the boom body in a state where both corner parts are away from the lower plate.
US09327937B2	Inertia powered proportional braking mechanism A system is provided for braking rotational movement comprising: a rotatable member; a friction surface disposed on the rotatable member; a friction plate opposed to the friction surface, such that when the rotatable member rotates the friction plate is in contact with the friction surface; a rod, having at least a threaded portion, and the at least a portion of the rod being received within the rotatable member such that the rotatable member rotates about the rod and moves along the threaded portion towards the friction plate; and a compressive member, whereby a force is applied to the friction plate which increases with rotation of the rotatable member.
US09327934B2	Sheet stacking apparatus and sheet stacking method Disclosed is a sheet stacking apparatus which includes: a leading-edge regulating member configured to be positionally adjustable depending on a length of a plurality of corrugated paperboard sheets; a sheet stopper installed in the leading-edge regulating member in such a manner as to be movable with respect to a contact surface of the leading-edge regulating member reciprocatingly between a first position and a second position, and contactable with a leading edge of the corrugated paperboard sheet to be stacked in the hopper section; a detection section disposed upstream of the hopper section, and configured to detect a passing of each of the corrugated paperboard sheets; and a synchronization control device configured to reciprocatingly move the sheet stopper according to a detection signal, in such a manner as to allow the leading edge of the corrugated paperboard sheet to come into contact with the sheet stopper.
US09327933B2	Device and method for conveying a spring string A device for conveying a spring string (31) has a first spring conveyor (3) and a second spring conveyor (4). By means of a sensor device, in operation, lengths of a plurality of segments of the spring string differing from one another are detected, while the spring string (31) is guided past a sensor (5) of the sensor device arranged in the conveying direction upstream of the second spring conveyor (4). A control device (9) is provided which sets, in an operating state of the device (1) in which both the first spring conveyor (3) and the second spring conveyor (4) convey the spring string (31), time-sequentially a plurality of relative conveying speeds between a conveying speed of the second spring conveyor (4) and a conveying speed of the first spring conveyor (3), depending on the detected lengths.
US09327927B2	Sheet conveying device and image reading apparatus A sheet conveying device includes a conveyor for conveying a sheet along a predetermined conveyance path and a feeder unit for supporting the sheet to be fed to the conveyor. The conveyor includes a first guide part for guiding the sheet toward a downstream side in the conveying direction in a direction inclined at a downward gradient, a second guide part for guiding the sheet from the first guide part toward a further downstream side in a direction inclined at an upward gradient, a suction roller arranged at the first guide part for conveying the sheet supported by the feeder unit toward the downstream side, and a first conveyance roller arranged at the second guide part and for conveying the sheet conveyed by the suction roller toward the downstream side one at a time.
US09327923B1	Portable heated ramp and method A heated portable cargo ramp and method of making the same is provided. The ramp has an elongated base comprising a length that is longer than a width of the base. A first ceramic insulating layer is provided above the elongated base. A heating element is provided above the first ceramic insulating layer. The heating element comprises an elongated flexible mat. A first rubber layer is provided above the heating element. A second ceramic insulating layer is provided above at least the portion of the rubber layer which extends over the heating element. A second rubber layer is provided above at least the portion of the second ceramic insulating layer which extends over the laminated paper-enclosed heating element.
US09327922B2	Dock leveler sealing systems Dock leveler sealing systems include a bottom seal configured to be attached to an underside of a dock leveler deck and extend transversely thereto, and two side seals configured to be attached to opposite end portions of the bottom seal and extend forwardly therefrom. The side seals can be shaped and sized to effectively seal openings and/or gaps that may exist between the bottom seal, the deck lip, a shipping vehicle, a dock bumper, and/or the building floor.
US09327918B2	Substrate processing apparatus and substrate processing method for performing cleaning process and the like on substrate For the transport of a substrate from a cassette to a back surface cleaning processing unit in a cleaning processing block, a transfer robot rotates the substrate through 90 degrees from a horizontal attitude in which the front surface of the substrate is positioned to face upward into a standing attitude while transporting the substrate out of a cassette to a substrate passing part, and passes the substrate in the standing attitude to the substrate passing part. The substrate passing part holds the substrate in the standing attitude. A main transport robot receives the substrate held in the standing attitude. The main transport robot rotates the substrate through 90 degrees from the standing attitude into a horizontal attitude in which the back surface of the substrate is positioned to face upward while transporting the substrate from the substrate passing part to the back surface cleaning processing unit.
US09327917B2	Device for singulating and passing on upright containers A device for singulating and passing on upright containers preferably comprises a feed device for transporting the containers in a single row and a singulation unit having a first star wheel and a second star wheel, each of which comprises receiving pockets to accept, when in a first and second receiving position, the containers being transported to them and to transport these containers to a first and second discharge position. The star wheels comprise parallel rotational axes but opposite rotational directions. In addition, the device comprises a pusher unit, which comprises at least one plunger, which, in the area of the first and second discharge position, is movable back and forth in a direction parallel to the rotational axes of the star wheels and through the associated receiving pockets to push the containers out of the receiving pockets of the star wheels and into product holders.
US09327914B1	Rotary sweep arm system A rotary sweep arm system for use with a food product classifier line conveyor. The sweep arm system sweeps selected food products from the conveyor to a selected food product receiving station such as a conveyor, container, or a trimming station.
US09327913B2	Stocking system and collection device, and method for its utilization The invention pertains to a stocking system and collection device consisting of a linear conveyor system and a second linear conveyor system parallel to the first and placed in alignment with it so that an object placed on the first conveyor system may be transferred to the second conveyor system. In accordance with the invention, the means are anticipated to move the second conveyor system perpendicularly to the direction of the conveyance so that the second conveyor system can be move from a position situated in alignment with the first conveyor system to a position for distribution. It is preferable that the first conveyor system (100) consist of three parallel belts (110, 120, 130) placed side by side; the first (110) and the third (130) belts extend farther in advance in the direction of the second conveyor system (200) at a distance (d) than the second belt (120). Similarly, the second conveyor system (200) consists of three parallel conveyor belts (210, 220, 230) placed side by side; the first (210) and the third (230) belts extend less in behind, in extension, one after the other, and the second belts (120, 220) at least partially extend one after the other; the first drivers are anticipated to drive the three belts of the first conveyor system and the second drivers are anticipated to drive the two belts of the second conveyor system in the same movement.
US09327910B2	Multi-width vapor steam conveyor belt cleaner A reciprocating assembly for applying vapor steam to the surface of a multi-width conveyor belt, having a frame to support the belt, to clean and sanitize the conveyor belt, includes, a housing having two ends, with the housing enclosing an endless chain member positioned within the housing and powered by a motor member, with the chain member having a cam member extending outwardly from the endless chain, a reciprocating block member supports a nozzle, with the block member having a cam guide notch structurally arranged to be engaged by the cam member extending from the endless chain member. The housing ends are engageable with vertical housing supports to mount the assembly to the conveyor belt frame to predeterminely control the reciprocating movement of the nozzle between the edges of the conveyor belt.
US09327905B2	Conveyor belt module with bearing retainer A conveyor belt module includes a body, a link end formed by the body, and an opening through the link end along a hinge axis. A cover extends from the body in a direction of the hinge axis and a post extends from the cover; a bearing is rotatably engaged with the post. A fastener engages the post to capture the bearing between the cover and the fastener, such that the bearing is housed at least partially between the upper and lower extremes of the body. A track for supporting and guiding the conveyor belt module includes a guide arm extending into a guide channel defined by the body to engage the bearing. The conveyor belt module may also include laterally offset protrusions extending from the link end in opposite directions to inhibit engagement with a drive member.
US09327899B2	Aerosol container An aerosol container (1) comprising a body (50) and cone (60) and encasing a composite spout (30) and bag (40) combination. The composite spout (30) has a metal tubular section (10), adapted to accommodate a valve arrangement (70, 75) and a polymer fishtail section (20), adapted to form a leak-proof seal with the bag (40). A product is filled into the bag (40) and propellant is filled into the sealed chamber defined between the outside of the bag (40) and the internal surface of the body (50)/cone (60).
US09327894B2	Dispenser packaging for viscous liquid comprising large particles The invention provides a dispensing system for viscous liquids comprising suspended large particulate material, the system comprising a deformable container having an outlet nozzle, the container holding the viscous liquid. It has been found that this combination of features enables a viscous liquid which may otherwise give rise to frequent blockages and difficult dispensing of a liquid through a constriction, such as in the nozzle, to be evenly, reproducibly and continuously dispensed as a manual operation.
US09327892B2	Flexible container and reusable closure element An assembly offering to consumers a choice between two types of closure systems for a wipes flexible container is provided. The assembly comprises at least one flexible container and a reusable closure element.
US09327889B2	Beverage carrier with detachable sleeves and method for making the same The present invention provides a beverage carrier for holding, storing, and carrying one or more beverages. Advantageously, the carrier comprises detachable sleeves that each hold a beverage container. When a sleeve is detached from the remainder of the beverage carrier, with the beverage remaining within the sleeve, the sleeve serves as an insulating device to reduce the transfer of heat to or from the beverage during consumption.
US09327887B2	Delivery receptacle A delivery receptacle for receiving objects (such as parcels, mail or other deliveries) deposited into the receptacle at residences or other building and locations, and securing the objects within the receptacle from unauthorized access. The receptacle has an input opening and a lid which can be moved between an open position which provides access to the input opening and a closed position which covers the input opening. The receptacle has a locking mechanism which may configured for any one of a plurality of operating modes, including a single-delivery mode which does not require an access code to the lid automatically locks after the delivery and a multi-delivery mode which requires the entry of a security code into a code-operated device to unlock the lid, open the lid, place the delivery into the receptacle, and close the lid which automatically locks closed.
US09327886B2	Vial container with collar cap Vial containers including a collar which is attached to a vial or incorporated into a vial cap, a cap designed to receive a portion of the collar while covering the vial, and a container designed to receive a portion of the collar and encase the body of the vial are described herein. The collar, generally, includes a means for reversibly attaching to the cap and container.
US09327881B1	All-in-one lid dispenser An All-In-One Lid Dispenser contains condiments and additives to be added to a beverage or food container. Raised sections on the top panel of the lid are depressed by the consumer which causes punches to separate the dispensing flaps from the bottom panel. The condiments or additives which are contained in between the top and bottom panels flow through the dispensing flap holes into the beverage or food.
US09327880B2	Cover film Disclosed is a cover film and an electronic component package that uses the cover film as a lid material for a thermoplastic resin carrier tape, the cover film having at least a substrate layer, an intermediate layer, and a heat sealing layer having a thermoplastic resin which can be heat-sealed to a carrier tape, the intermediate layer including a metallocene straight-chain low density polyethylene, the metallocene straight-chain low density polyethylene having a TMA softening temperature of 90 to 109 ° C. according to JIS K7196, and the cover film in some instances having a release layer between the intermediate layer and the heat sealing layer.
US09327879B2	Multilayer body and container The present invention provides a multilayer body, a packaging material and a container, each of which can maintain excellent water repellent properties and non-adhesive properties. Specifically, the present invention describes a non-adhesive multilayer body wherein hydrophobic oxide fine particles having an average primary particle diameter of 3-100 nm adhere to at least a part of the outermost layer.
US09327876B2	Reusable bottle cap having identification means A reusable bottle cap system includes a bottle cap and a bottle cap cover. The bottle cap includes a stem portion extending downwardly from a flanged portion. When in use the stem portion is used to seal a bottle mouth. When the bottle cap is not in use the bottle cap cover encloses and houses the stem portion to protect it from debris. The flanged portion includes a complementary mating structure. The bottle cap cover includes a mating structure that engages the complementary mating structure to secure the bottle cap cover to the flanged portion. When the bottle cap cover is secured to the flanged portion the stem portion extends substantially to a closed bottom end of an inside surface of the bottle cap cover.
US09327874B2	Water collection pan for appliances A liquid containment device for use with refrigerators to prevent overflow and damage to flooring. The containment device allows for appliance elevation within and integral support and water collection pan. The detachable loading ramps provide for smoothly rolling the appliance up onto the integrated independent elevated level support surfaces within the water retainment pan.
US09327872B2	Product container having narrowed waist portion A product container includes a top portion defining an opening, a bottom portion defining a base, and a central portion including a plurality of sidewalls extending between the top and bottom portions. Three of the sidewalls include discrete planar facets that collectively define a narrowed waist portion, at which the product container has smaller dimensions or a smaller cross sectional area compared to the top portion and the bottom portion. The narrowed waist portion is configured to be gripped by a user for lifting the product container (even when wearing gloves), and a flat product label may also be placed on the product container at the narrowed waist portion. The narrowed waist portion provides a natural gripping location as well as clearance between abutting product containers when multiple abutting product containers are located on a shelf.
US09327868B1	Pallet system for cable-enabled loading A novel pallet construction includes a rigid pallet body including a linear conduit passing through the pallet between opposing sides of the pallet and open at the ends of the conduit. The conduit includes a removable lining to prevent destruction of the pallet and conduit during use. In alternative configurations, two offset conduits may be provided to accommodate other hardware and use constraints.
US09327860B2	Preform for large container, large container, and method for producing large container A preform 20 for a large container, used for producing a large container which is made of a polyethylene terephthalate resin and which is formed by stretch blow molding, is formed by injecting molding to have a wall thickness of 6 mm to 9 mm and have a longitudinal axis length longer than that of the large container which is a final molded product.
US09327859B1	Metal bottle type container and related methodology A container is disclosed that has a drawn and ironed aluminum container body. The container body includes a body portion with a relatively constant outer diameter and a varying diameter neck portion integrally connected to the body portion and terminating in an opening. The container body is constructed and arranged to receive, without crushing deformation, a metal crown applied by conventional glass bottle crowning equipment.
US09327858B2	Display label manufacturing apparatus A label manufacturing apparatus manufactures a label L having a sub-label Lb bonded to a predetermined position on a main label La. A main label conveyance mechanism 10 conveys a main continuous label strip Ta in a first direction Da. A sub-label conveyance mechanism 20 conveys a sub-continuous label strip Tb in a second direction which crosses the first direction. The sub-labels Lb arranged in series on a backing strip Db, are separated from their backing strip and are each bonded to the surface of a respective main label La by a bonding mechanism. The completed display label L is separated from its backing strip Db of the main continuous label strip Ta. The label manufacturing apparatus can adjust the relative bonding position between the sub-label and the main label La so as to allow the sub-label bonding mechanism 20 to bond the sub-label Lb to the main label La at a predetermined position.
US09327855B2	Feeding device for packaging machine A feeding device for feeding products (12a-k) and/or stacks of products (14a-k) to a packaging process of a packaging machine (16a, 16d-k), in particular of a horizontal tube packaging machine, comprises a guide unit (22a-k) which is disposed as a closed loop (18a, 18c-k) and on which a plurality of arranged conveyor elements (22a-k) are arranged so as to be drivable mutually independently in a speed- and/or position-controlled manner at least along at least one working section (24a, 24c-d, 24f-k) of the guide unit (20a-d, 20f-k). At least one conveyor element (22a-k) has a holder (26a-k), and at least one conveyor element (22a-k) that follows contrary to a conveying direction (28a, 28c-k) has a counter holder (30a-k).
US09327853B2	Automated system and method for constructing card multipacks Automated systems and methods for constructing card multipacks. An automated system for constructing card multipacks includes: a movable conveyor; a first carrier placing station configured to place a first carrier portion of a carrier on the conveyor; at least one card placing station configured to place a plurality of stored value cards on the first carrier portion; a data capture station configured to read a card bar code of each of the plurality of stored value cards in-line in the automated system; and a software system adapted to create a data file including the card bar codes.
US09327852B2	Tray sealer with a tray feeder and a method for a packaging facility A tray sealer that may be incorporated into a packaging facility, the tray sealer may include a tray feeder for collecting a plurality of trays that are conveyed on a continuously moving chain feeder. An embodiment of the tray feeder may comprise at least two train chains. Each train chain may be independently moveable and each train chain may be operable grouping the plurality of the trays into groups and transferring the groups to a sealing station. The group of trays may have number of trays that corresponds to the operation of the sealing station. The tray sealer may include the transfer of a group of trays by a gripper system to a sealing station of the tray sealer.
US09327838B2	On-blade deice heater mat A heater mat for a rotor blade includes a plurality of electrically conductive heater wires extending in a path along a span of the rotor blade and a plurality of yarn thread knitted to the plurality of heater wires, each of the yarn threads looping around at least one of the plurality of heater wires. A warp thread is positioned between adjacent heater wires and knitted to adjacent pairs of the yarn threads without looping around the plurality of heater wires, to maintain spacing between adjacent heater wires of the plurality of heater wires. An electrical current flowed through the plurality of heater wires inhibits ice accumulation on the rotor blade assembly.
US09327837B2	Modular airplane seat unit The invention is a Modular Airplane Seat Unit (1), where the seat can be lowered into the floor of a passenger cabin (9) via telescopic structure (14) and covered by sliding covers (12). The modular seat unit is to be utilized in passenger airplanes providing a more comfortable and healthy flight to the passengers, and more than one additional options like Coffee Table and Leg Rest.
US09327836B2	Cabin attendant seat, arrangement comprising a cabin attendant seat and aircraft area A cabin attendant seat including a carrier element which comprises a backrest section and a base section that carries the backrest section and a seat element fastened to a front side of the carrier element. At least one first stowage compartment is integrated into the carrier element. An inclined section of a rear wall of the carrier element is inclined, at least along a section of the first stowage compartment integrated into the carrier element, in such a way that a cross-sectional area of the carrier element increases in the direction of the base section of the carrier element.
US09327835B2	Airplane seat provided with a reinforcing strip for absorbing impacts A seat for an airplane is provided that makes it possible to absorb, in the event of a frontal impact of the airplane, the rocking to which a passenger in a seat located behind the seat is subjected. The backrest of the seat is provided with a reinforcing strip placed behind the backrest. The seat portion can also be provided with a second reinforcing strip placed under the seat portion. The reinforcing strip includes knitted or woven textile. In the case of knitting, the yarn used has a high tenacity, and the knitting stitch can advantageously be the Jersey stitch. In the case of weaving, the weft and warp threads have approximately the same tenacity.
US09327833B2	Aircraft cabin ingress and egress door area An aircraft region having an aisle which leads into an aircraft door region and via which passengers can leave the aircraft or enter the aircraft. The aircraft region further has at least one monument, wherein one of the side walls of the monument is adjacent to the aisle in such a manner that the side wall forms one of the lateral boundaries of the aisle. A niche is formed in a portion of the side wall of the monument facing the aircraft door, which niche is so configured that it is able to accommodate a standing person wholly or at least for the most part.
US09327827B2	Leading and trailing edge device deflections during descent of an aircraft An system for increasing the descent rate of an aircraft may include a flight control computer, an edge control system, and a speedbrake control device. The flight control computer may be configured to compute a first setting for a leading edge device and/or a trailing edge device of an aircraft wing. The edge control system may be communicatively coupled to the flight control computer and may include an edge control device having a plurality of control device positions including a cruise position. The speedbrake control device may include a plurality of speedbrake detents including a flight detent. The edge control system may be configured to automatically command the leading edge device, the trailing edge device, or both, to a deflection angle corresponding to the first setting if the edge control device is in the cruise position and the speedbrake control device is in the flight detent.
US09327825B2	Actuator control system An actuator control system for coupling to one or more flight control computers (FCCs); comprising: apparatus for controlling an aerodynamic control surface in response to commands received from one or more FCCs, and, integrated with the controlling apparatus, a failure protection system comprising apparatus arranged to provide at least one of the following functionalities: a servo monitor functionality, a command monitor functionality, and a loop closure functionality. Thus, in the overall flight control system, some or all of the elements of the failure protection system are located in the actuator control stage.
US09327823B2	Device for reducing structural vibrations of airfoils A device for reducing structural vibrations of airfoils in an aircraft comprises, in the region of the airfoil tips, at least one force generator acting substantially in the direction of movement of the vibrations. This arrangement has the advantage that such a force generator is considerably less susceptible to wear than conventional aerodynamic flaps and therefore effective vibration damping is possible with a reduced outlay on maintenance and greater efficiency.
US09327818B1	Ballonet for a balloon A self-stabilizing bladder or ballonet is provided within an envelope of a balloon. The bladder includes a spheroid body comprising an equator, a top pole, a bottom pole, and an axis crossing through the top pole and the bottom pole. The distance between two poles may be less than the equatorial distance. The bladder is sized and shaped for insertion into an envelope of a balloon and is inflatable to provide altitude control for the balloon.
US09327815B2	Outboard motor A dog clutch selectively meshes with a forward gear and a reverse gear according to an operation of a shift operating member such that connection of the forward gear or the reverse gear to a propeller shaft is changed. A friction clutch transmits the rotation of a drive shaft to the propeller shaft by a first friction surface and a second friction surface contacting together. Before a shifting stage in which the dog clutch meshes with the forward gear or with the reverse gear, a control unit is configured or programmed to control an actuator so as to execute synchronization control by making the first friction surface and the second friction surface of the friction clutch contact one another.
US09327814B2	Adjustable paddle A joint is provided for a double bladed paddle which allows for the angle between the blades to be adjusted relative to one another. The joint is formed from joining a female body recessed into a first shaft with a male body extending from a second shaft. The female body encloses a spring mechanism abutted by teeth of a crown with receiving grooves. The male body has protuberances which fit within the receiving grooves leading to the spring mechanism which when pushed in by the male body allows the protuberances to move past the receiving grooves and rotate to slot into the pockets formed between the teeth of the crown.
US09327813B2	Boat sail comprising shape memory material elements, apparatus and method for its operation A sail for sailboats is described. The sail having portions wherein shape memory elements in the form of filiform members made of a shape memory alloy are incorporated, the surface area resulting from the sum of the surface areas of the portions incorporating shape memory alloy elements being between 0.01% and 50% of the surface area of the whole sail. A control apparatus is also disclosed for controlling the operation of the sail. A method is further disclosed for controlling operation of a sailboat sail.
US09327811B2	High speed surface craft and submersible craft A marine vessel comprising: at least one buoyant tubular foil; and at least one baffle plate positioned about the perimeter of the at least one buoyant tubular foil so as to protrude into the flow of water passing by the perimeter of the at least one buoyant tubular foil, whereby to create a high-pressure zone fore of the at least one baffle plate and a low-pressure zone immediately aft of the at least one baffle plate, whereby to create a dense stream of supercavitated water immediately aft of the at least one baffle plate.
US09327808B2	Breathing apparatus A double counterlung for the breathing circuit of a diver has regulators (41, 51) for automatic addition and venting of breathing gas. Also disclosed is a weighted hinged plate (3) for a double counterlung, to reduce breathing effort when the diver is horizontal. Other improvements to the breathing circuit are described including use of a two stage compressor (151, 155), and single actuator valves for back-up circuits.
US09327807B1	Transparent and buoyant aquatic recreation board A transparent and buoyant aquatic recreation board is provided. The board includes an elongated buoyant body having front and rear ends and upper and lower surfaces extending between the front and rear ends. The body is constructed of a substantially transparent material. A support frame is disposed within the body and provides support to the body against collapsing. The support frame has a main spar extending between the front and the rear ends of the body, a first plurality of transverse spars extending laterally outward from a first longitudinal side of the main spar at spaced intervals, and a second plurality of transverse spars extending laterally outward from a second longitudinal side of the main spar at spaced intervals.
US09327806B2	Drilling ship for a polar region Provided is an arctic drill ship in which a weather tight structure protecting a drill floor and a drilling work area from outside air is coupled to a side strake around the drilling work area. It is possible to economically and easily manufacture the weather tight structure which minimizes the influence of outside air on the drilling operation in the polar regions, and it is possible to efficiently support the hull longitudinal strength and the weather tight structure with the use of the side strake structure solely. Therefore, a structure which may cause a disturbance in the drilling work area is minimized, and it is unnecessary to install a separate structural reinforcement part for a drilling workspace in the polar regions. In addition, the drilling workspace in the polar regions can be effectively ensured, and a spatial limitation in an upper portion of a moonpool can be solved.
US09327801B2	Driving unit and battery-assisted bicycle A battery-assisted bicycle includes a driving unit that accurately detects a failure in each of a torque detector, a crank rotation detector, and a motor rotation detector. The driving unit includes a crankshaft to which pedals are to be connected, a motor rotation detector that detects rotation of an electric motor, a torque detector that detects a torque generated at the crankshaft, a crank rotation detector that detects rotation of the crankshaft, and a sensor failure detector that detects a failure in at least one of the motor rotation detector, the torque detector, and the crank rotation detector based on detection results from the motor rotation detector, the torque detector, and the crank rotation detector.
US09327798B1	Drive system for vehicles The present application is directed to a drive system. The drive system comprises a drive shaft and a driven wheel assembly. The wheel assembly includes a split axle coupled perpendicular to the drive shaft. An overrunning clutch is coupled between each section of the split axle and the drive shaft. A wheel is coupled to spin with each axle section. The wheels receive power from the drive shaft and are driven so that when power is applied from the drive shaft to the driven wheel assembly, whichever wheel that is spinning the slowest receives the power. The drive system may be incorporated into any number of vehicles to improve traction around turns, improve wheel slippage on uneven terrain and generates new options for how and where vehicles may be ridden.
US09327797B2	Vehicle shock absorber A guide member for a vehicle shock absorber having a construction with which, even when the guide member contacts an inside tube member, the operation of the vehicle shock absorber is not obstructed. A vehicle shock absorber system is provided with an outer tube, an inner tube, a damper cylinder which is connected to the outer tube and is positioned on the inside of the inner tube, a spring guide which is fixed onto the outer circumferential surface of the damper cylinder, and a coil spring which is positioned between the inner tube and the spring guide. The spring guide is provided with a guide main body portion and a low friction portion provided in a portion of the guide main body portion which contacts the inner tube when the outer tube and/or the inner tube has been bent. The low friction portion has a lower coefficient of friction than the guide main body portion.
US09327795B2	Operating device An operating device is provided that is configured to be attached to a handlebar of a bicycle. The operating device includes a first operating unit and a second operating unit. The first operating unit includes a first input part and a fixing part configured to be fixed on the handlebar. The second operating unit includes a second input part that is rotationally arranged around an axis of the handlebar. The second operating unit is detachably attached on the first operating unit.
US09327794B2	Control lever and actuation device of a bicycle gearshift of the bar-end type The control lever (120) comprises a substantially cylindrical body (130) for mounting in the actuation device (100) and an arm (140), which projects with respect to the body (130) according to a main axis (A) substantially tangential to the upper part of the body (130) and is intended to face forwards in the direction of travel of the bicycle. The arm (140) comprises a first upper pressure area (141), concave and adjacent to the body (130), and a second lower pressure area (142), remote from the body (130).
US09327793B2	Bicycle operating device A bicycle operating device is provided with a position maintaining arrangement that selectively maintains a movable member in any one of a plurality of holding positions relative to a fixed member. The moving arrangement selectively moves the movable member in a first moving direction from a current holding position to another one of the plurality of holding positions. The first operating member moves in a first operating direction from a rest position to a first end position, and moves in a second operating direction from the rest position to a second end position. The movable member is moved by a different number of the holding positions in the first moving direction when the first operating member moves from the rest position to the first end position as compared to when the first operating member moves from the rest position to the second end position.
US09327792B2	Gear transmission and derailleur system A transmission system for vehicles, including bicycles, is disclosed. The system aligns a chain or other drive means to a center of each of a plurality of provided sprockets, allows for a smaller, lighter and more durable shifter/controller, and reduces various complications associated with cable slack and shifting. A derailleur is provided with linear actuated features to directly translate drive means from one position to another along a desired path.
US09327791B2	Foldable vehicle A battery or mechanically powered, foldable, light two-wheel or three-wheel vehicle that is rapidly lockable and unlockable at two points. The vehicle includes an upper frame pipe consisting of two parallel parts, whose front end is connected to an upright element connecting the front wheel fork and the vehicle's handlebar with a certain length of the distal end of the upper frame pipe extending distally from under the saddle; a lower frame pipe consisting of two parallel parts, whose front end is connected to the upright element connecting the front wheel fork with the vehicle's handlebar, with the rear wheel or wheels located at the distal end; a support pipe consisting of two parallel parts between the saddle and the lower frame pipe, and extending below the lower frame pipe so that the lower end of the support pipe is equipped with leg supports. The vehicle has auxiliary transportation wheels.
US09327788B2	Rehabilitation device A rehabilitation device includes a wheeled platform with first and second pedals, the first and second pedals engaging drive mechanisms for first and second rear wheels of the device, respectively. First and second braking mechanisms provide independent braking of the first and second rear wheels of the device. The independent braking mechanisms of the rehabilitation device provide a method of steering the device.
US09327785B2	Humanoid robot implementing a ball and socket joint The invention relates to a humanoid robot comprising two elements connected by a spherical joint with three degrees of freedom in rotation, the joint being moved by three actuators each acting in one of the three degrees of freedom. The invention is of particular use in the production of humanoid robots coming as close as possible to the human anatomy. According to the invention, the first and the second of the actuators act in parallel and the third of the actuators acts in series with the first and the second of the actuators.
US09327783B1	Cartridge joint with convoluted seal A cartridge joint comprises a pin, a first collar circumferentially surrounding the pin and fixed thereto, a second collar circumferentially surrounding the pin and fixed thereto, and a bushing positioned axially between the first collar and the second collar and circumferentially surrounding the pin for relative rotation between the bushing and the pin. The cartridge joint has an annular first seal unit and an annular second seal unit. A method of assembling a cartridge joint is disclosed.
US09327782B2	Fifth wheel locking mechanism A fifth wheel includes a top plate having a throat that is adapted to receive a kingpin of a trailer. The fifth wheel is equipped with a locking mechanism including a jaw slidably connected to the top plate and slidable between a closed position where the jaw blocks passage of a kingpin out of the throat of the fifth wheel and an open position where a kingpin may pass into and out of the throat of the fifth wheel. The jaw has an edge adapted to engage a kingpin positioned in the throat of the fifth wheel when the jaw is in the closed position. A bias device urges the jaw towards the closed position. The fifth wheel further includes a mechanism for moving the jaw between the open and closed positions. Further, the top plate of the fifth wheel is configured to allow service and/or replacement of the jaw from the top of the fifth wheel while it is assembled to a vehicle.
US09327780B1	Aerodynamic bumper center deflector for a truck or tractor vehicle A center deflector for a front bumper of a truck or tractor vehicle includes a thickened portion extending upward from the inner deflector surface and extends laterally across a deflector section, preferably spanning substantially an entire width of the deflector section thereof. The thickened portion comprises a cross-sectional shape having a height that gradually declines from an intermediate maximum height to a reduced height along a rear edge thereof, and preferably resembles an airfoil. The thickened portion may include a hollow interior containing a pressurized gas.
US09327779B1	Removable front spoiler for a vehicle A removable front spoiler for a vehicle includes a body member, a fastener and a clip. The body member has a shape configured to disrupt airflow, the body member including a horizontal mounting member extending in a car forward direction and being configured to mount directly to an underside of a vehicle body part, and a vertical wind deflection member adjacent the horizontal mounting member and being configured to face in a direction away from the vehicle body part. The horizontal mounting member includes an opening extending through the horizontal mounting member. The fastener is configured to extend in a vertical direction through the opening and into the vehicle body part. The clip is configured to couple to the fastener so as to couple the body member to the vehicle body part.
US09327777B2	Boundary layer control system A boundary layer control system includes a boundary layer separating portion that separates a boundary layer of an airflow at an underside of a body of a moving object from a main flow of the airflow, and an ejecting portion that ejects fluid in a state different from that of the boundary layer and the main flow, between the boundary layer and the main flow that have been separated by the boundary layer separating portion. This boundary layer control system is characterized in that boundary layer and the main flow are reliably separated by the fluid in a state different from that of the boundary layer and the main flow, so the percentage of the main flow that is slowed down (i.e., reduced in velocity) by the boundary layer is reduced.
US09327775B1	Active vehicle fascia A vehicle includes a vehicle body having a first body end configured to face oncoming ambient airflow when the vehicle is in motion relative to a road surface, and also having a second body end opposite of the first body end. The vehicle also includes first and second lateral body sides disposed generally parallel to one another. The vehicle additionally includes first and second side panels mounted to the vehicle body and configured to selectively deploy into ambient airflow aft of the second body end to become positioned along the respective first and second lateral body sides and retract from the ambient airflow. The first and second side panels provide an active lengthening of the vehicle body aft of the second body end to thereby reduce aerodynamic drag when both side panels are deployed and positioned along the respective first and second lateral body sides.
US09327771B2	Adjustable vehicle tailgate device An adjustable vehicle tailgate device adjusts to multiple positions including pivoting both outwardly and inwardly to lay flat within the vehicle bed. The device includes a vehicle having a bed defined by a bottom wall and a pair of spaced sidewalls. A tailgate has a pair of opposite ends. Each of a pair of hinge pins extends from an associated opposite end of the tailgate proximate a bottom of the tailgate such that the tailgate is pivotable between the sidewalls. Each of a pair of latch pins extends from an associated opposite end of the tailgate proximate a top of the tailgate. Each latch pin engages an associated sidewall holding the tailgate in a static position. Each of the opposite ends of the tailgate is positioned in spaced relationship to an associated one of the sidewalls wherein the tailgate is pivotable inwardly towards the bed.
US09327768B2	Roof panel to body side tether A vehicle having a roof panel connectedly extending inwardly from a body structure and a tether connectedly extending between the roof panel and body structure. The vehicle may be a pickup truck having a side body structure with an aluminum alloy internal panel and roof panel connected together to make up a portion of a passenger compartment of a cab. The tether assembly may have a mounting component adhesively connected to the roof panel and a tether rope connected to the mounting component and to the internal panel. The mounting component of the tether assembly may be taped to the roof panel. The mounting component may have a heat curing adhesive. The connector of the tether assembly may be fastened to the side body structure using a threaded fastener. The heat curing adhesive may be activated with an oven to secure the mounting component to the roof panel.
US09327764B2	Vehicle control apparatus A vehicle control apparatus that controls a vehicle provided with a steering force applying device capable of applying steering force to induce a change in a steering angle of a steered wheel to the steered wheel, includes a difference detecting device that detects a positional difference that determines a relative positional relationship between a target running path to be maintained and the vehicle; a determining device that determines a control amount of the steering force applying device based on the detected positional difference; a controller that maintains a running path of the vehicle on the target running path by controlling the steering force applying device according to the determined control amount; a steering input detecting device that detects a steering input to a steering input device by a driver; and a correcting device that corrects a determining reference of the control amount of the steering force applying device such that, when a steering input is detected while the running path is maintained on the target running path, this steering input is reflected.
US09327763B2	Safety device on a vehicle, and associated vehicle A safety device on a vehicle includes a cable system provided for each one of front wheels of the vehicle, the cable system including a traction cable fastened on a first fastening point on a component of the vehicle body and on a second fastening point on one of the front wheels, at least one deflector arranged between the first and second fastening points, and a self-inhibiting device which includes a cable slack and a lock, wherein in a deactivated state of the cable system the lock releases the cable slack to permit a steering movement of the front wheel, and in an activated state locks the cable slack so that in case of a frontal collision a penetrating obstacle actuates the traction cable in dependence on an overlap of the frontal collision, thereby pivoting the affected front wheel from a starting position into a protective position in which the front wheel is turned with its outside in the direction of the obstacle and with its inside in the direction of an end wall of the vehicle body.
US09327762B2	Electric power steering systems with improved road feel A method is provided for controlling a motor drive torque in an EPS system having a motor and a steering assembly. The method includes receiving a torque signal from the steering assembly; processing the torque signal in accordance with a steering perception program to produce a motor control signal; and controlling the motor drive torque based on the motor control signal.
US09327761B2	Electric power steering apparatus An electric power steering apparatus including: a steering angle control section that calculates a motor current command value and a switching section that inputs the motor current command value to switch. The steering angle control section has a feedback control section that generates a feedback control current command value; an SAT compensating section that generates an SAT compensation current command value; and an output section that generates the motor current command value from the feedback control current command value and the SAT compensation current command value. The switching section is switched depending on a switching command of an automatic steering mode and a manual steering mode, a motor is drive-controlled based on the motor current command value in the automatic steering mode.
US09327760B2	Electric power steering system There is provided an electric power steering system that makes it possible to improve the driver's steering feel, and that includes a controller that controls driving of a motor. The controller computes a first assist component based on a steering torque. The controller computes a torque command value based on a basic drive torque that is the sum of the steering torque and the first assist component, and computes an assist compensation component through feedback control based on the torque command value. The controller computes a steered angle command value based on a value obtained by adding the assist compensation component to the basic drive torque, and computes a second assist component through feedback control based on the steered angle command value. The controller controls driving of the motor based on an assist command value that is the sum of the first assist component and the second assist component.
US09327758B2	Steering apparatus A steering apparatus includes a motor, a rack shaft, a belt transmission mechanism that is provided with a drive pulley connected to the motor, a driven pulley, and a belt wrapped around the drive pulley and the driven pulley, and a converting member that is provided to extend along an axial direction of the rack shaft and that converts a rotational force of the driven pulley into a movement force in the axial direction of the rack shaft. The driven pulley is fastened and fixed to the converting member by a bolt, and the steering apparatus further includes a retaining member that prevents detachment of the bolt by restricting movement of a head of the bolt.
US09327757B2	Energy-absorbing deformable tube An energy-absorbing deformable tube having a first end, a second end, and a reduced portion there between, a proximate tube portion between the reduced portion and the first end and a distal tube portion between the reduced portion and the second end, where a first cross section dimension in the reduced portion is smaller than a corresponding second cross section dimension in the proximal tube portion, distal tube portion, or both, and a cover spanning the reduced portion connected to the proximal tube portion and the distal tube portion, the cover provided over at least a portion of the reduced portion, the distal tube portion or the proximal tube portion or both moves relative to the cover after the deformable tube receives an axial force exceeding a predetermined threshold value.
US09327755B2	Steering device A steering device includes: a steering shaft and a column jacket that are telescopically adjustable in an axial direction; a lock member that advances to an advance position at which the lock member is engaged with one of holes of a lock plate and that retreats to a retreat position at which the lock member is disengaged from the hole of the lock plate; an operation member that is mechanically separated from the lock member; a biasing member that constantly biases the lock member toward the advance position; and a transmission member that moves the lock member to the retreat position against a biasing force of the biasing member in accordance with operation of the operation member.
US09327753B2	Wheel assembly and stroller having the same A wheel assembly includes a bottom base fixed with an axle, a wheel assembled to a bottom end of the bottom base, and a mounting base fixed with a mounting sleeve. The axle protrudes out of a top end of the bottom base, and is inserted into the mounting sleeve to assemble the bottom base to the mounting base. A resilient buffering member is sleeved on the axle and is clamped between the mounting sleeve and the bottom base. The resilient buffering member has at least one protruding portion that projects downward from a bottom surface thereof and that abuts against the bottom base.
US09327752B2	Device for fitting seats and the like to the chassis of baby carriages The object of this patent is a device for fitting seats to the chassis of baby carriages. It comprises an anchoring mechanism at each side of the seat for securing the seat in corresponding recipient elements on the chassis of the baby carriage, characterized in that the recipient element is composed of a junction box into which the anchoring mechanism fits. This box rotates around a transverse shaft and has means to limit said rotation. The device can incorporate seats requiring a specific inclination for correct folding.
US09327751B2	Assemblies and methods for handling, transporting and/or positioning component parts Assemblies and methods for the handling, transporting and/or positioning component parts include a jig assembly for supporting a component part is provided with an elongate spar assembly, a plurality of rib assemblies attached to the spar, and a plurality of tensionable strap assemblies operatively associated with the rib assemblies for capturing and holding the component part against the rib assemblies. The strap assemblies may include a strap ratchet mechanism and a strap, so that operation of the strap ratchet mechanism allows strap slack to be removed thereby tensioning the strap. The jig assembly may be positioned and oriented by suspension cables and a hoist mechanism to allow it to be removably connected to a moveable transport dolly.
US09327750B2	Stroller frame and stroller therewith The present invention provides a stroller frame adapted for a stroller and the stroller with the stroller frame. The stroller frame includes a handle, a front foot pivoted to the handle, a bottom pipe pivoted to the front foot, and a linking mechanism pivoted with the handle, the front foot and the bottom pipe. Thus, the present invention provides the stroller frame and the stroller therewith capable of being folded easily and with simple structure.
US09327746B2	Roll-out cart with lid latch The present invention relates to a residential-sized waste disposal roll-out cart that includes a latch that automatically latches a lid in the fully opened position with the lid in close proximity to the side of the bin. When the bin is tilted on to the wheels to be rolled, the lid remains in close proximity to the side of the bin, rather than hanging down towards the ground. In this way, the lid remains out of the space where a user might step. A lid reinforcement structure may be used to increase the strength and wear of the lid where it engages the latch.
US09327744B2	System and method for early train detection Train detection security system and method for detecting a moving train are provided. The train detection security system includes one or more sensor units fixed to a rail of a rail track. The sensor units are arranged for detecting a first signal induced by a moving train and propagated through the rail. The system further includes a control unit including a signal processor arranged for receiving first sensor output signals representing the first signals from each of the one or more sensor units, processing the first sensor output signals and generating a train warning signal representing characteristics of the moving train based on envelope characteristics of the first sensor output signals.
US09327738B2	Brake control device for a brake system of a rail vehicle, brake system, rail vehicle and method for operating a brake control device A brake control device for a brake system of a rail vehicle, wherein the brake control device detects strain during a braking process on at least one friction brake device actuated during the braking process, the brake control device further stores wear data based on the detected strain in a memory device. Also disclosed is a brake system for a rail vehicle having such a brake control device, a rail vehicle having such a brake system and/or such a brake control device, and a method for operating a brake control device for a brake system of a rail vehicle.
US09327737B2	Railcar bogie A plate spring bogie includes: a cross beam supporting a carbody of a railcar; a pair of front and rear axles sandwiching and respectively arranged in front of and behind the cross beam in a railcar longitudinal direction to extend in a railcar width direction; bearings respectively provided at both railcar width direction sides of each of the axles and rotatably supporting the axles; axle boxes respectively accommodating the bearings; plate springs extending in the railcar longitudinal direction to respectively support both railcar width direction end portions of the cross beam and each including both railcar longitudinal direction end portions respectively supported by the axle boxes; and an auxiliary supporting mechanism supporting the railcar width direction end portion of the cross beam in a case where the railcar width direction end portion of the cross beam is displaced downward beyond a predetermined elastic deformation range of the plate spring.
US09327736B2	Method for manufacturing vehicle body frame A method of manufacturing a vehicle body frame including a roof structure, side structures that face each other, and a floor structure is provided. The method includes a primary joining step of butt-joining only a first set of face plates among inner face plates and outer face plates of a plurality of panel boards that form the side structures, and manufacturing intermediate bodies of the side structures; a structure joining step of joining the roof structure, the floor structure, and the intermediate bodies; and a secondary joining step of joining, after the structure joining step, a second set of face plates among the inner face plates and the outer face plates of the plurality of panel boards that form the intermediate bodies to complete the side structures.
US09327734B2	Inferring state of traffic signal and other aspects of a vehicle's environment based on surrogate data A vehicle configured to operate in an autonomous mode can obtain sensor data from one or more sensors observing one or more aspects of an environment of the vehicle. At least one aspect of the environment of the vehicle that is not observed by the one or more sensors could be inferred based on the sensor data. The vehicle could be controlled in the autonomous mode based on the at least one inferred aspect of the environment of the vehicle.
US09327733B2	Method of controlling a vehicle during a clutch-to-clutch power upshift of a transmission A method of controlling a clutch-to-clutch power-on upshift of a transmission includes defining a possible engine torque as a latched possible engine torque value. An on-coming clutch torque phase target value is defined as a latched on-coming clutch torque value, and held constant until a final ramp. A commanded engine torque is reduced and maintained to a maximum torque reduction value until a shift completion ratio is achieved. The commanded engine torque is increased until the commanded engine torque is equal to a restore ramp target value. Both the on-coming clutch torque and the commanded engine torque are simultaneously increased at a final ramp rate, such that the increase in the on-coming clutch torque parallels the increase in the commanded engine torque, until an actual engine torque is substantially equal to the possible engine torque, to complete the shift.
US09327719B2	Method for braking a vehicle A method for braking a vehicle driving forward towards stop. The vehicle has a propulsion system including a combustion engine with an output shaft (2a), a gearbox (3) with an input shaft (3a), an electric machine (9) comprising a stator and a rotor, and a planetary gear comprising a sun gear (10), a ring gear (11) and a planet wheel carrier (12). When braking the vehicle, a reverse gear of the gearbox is engaged and the electric machine is controlled to apply brake torque requested to the input shaft of the gearbox.
US09327718B2	Hybrid vehicle control apparatus A hybrid vehicle control apparatus configured to control a hybrid vehicle having an engine, a first electrical rotating machine, a second electrical rotating machine, a power supply, and an engagement mechanism, is provided with: a specifying device configured to specify a state of the power supply; and a controlling device configured to select and perform one control on the basis of the specified state of the power supply and required torque of engine brake, from among a plurality of controls including (1) first control in which the engagement mechanism is controlled to be in a disengaged state and the first electrical rotating machine is controlled according to the required torque of the engine brake and (2) second control in which the engagement mechanism is set to be in an engaged state and the second electrical rotating machine is controlled according to the required torque, if the engine brake is required.
US09327717B2	Methods and systems for providing uniform driveline braking Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, negative torque of an electric machine is adjusted to mimic negative torque of an engine during engine braking so that the vehicle may transition from regenerative braking to engine braking in a seamless manner.
US09327716B2	Method for controlling a drive system of a vehicle, a drive system, a computer program, a computer program product and a vehicle A method for controlling a drive system of a vehicle, the drive system including a combustion engine with an output shaft, a gearbox with an input shaft, an electrical machine including a stator and a rotor, and a planetary gear with a sun gear, a ring gear and a planet wheel carrier. The combustion engine may be active or inactive. A braking device may be active or passive. The planetary gear may be released or locked. The method includes arranging the planetary gear in the released state, the combustion engine in inactive state, the braking device in active state, and, when information on a requested torque for the operation of the vehicle is received, controlling the electrical machine to provide the requested torque with the combustion engine inactive, the braking device active and the planetary gear released.
US09327714B2	Method for simultaneous control of torque from combustion engine and electric machine in a hybrid vehicle A method for driving a vehicle having a propulsion system comprising a combustion engine with an output shaft, a gearbox with an input shaft, an electric machine comprising a stator and a rotor, and a planetary gear comprising a sun gear, a ring gear and a planet wheel carrier. The vehicle is driven with the members of the planetary gear interlocked. The planetary gear is brought to the releasing position by controlling the torque of the electric machine and of the combustion engine towards torque balance in the planetary gear.
US09327713B2	Hybrid drive of a motor vehicle and method for controlling same A hybrid drive of a motor vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine with a drive shaft, an electric machine having a rotor and being operable as a motor and as a generator, and a multistage conventional gearbox with two coaxially arranged input shafts and a common output shaft. The first input shaft is arranged centrally within the second input shaft which is embodied as a hollow shaft. The first input shaft can be connected to the drive shaft of the internal combustion engine via an assigned clutch; the second input shaft has a drive connection to the rotor of the electric machine; and the two input shafts can be selectively placed in a drive connection with the output shaft via a plurality of gearwheel sets with a different transmission ratio and a shiftable speed clutch.
US09327709B2	Cancelling creep torque in a hybrid vehicle A hybrid vehicle includes an engine and an electric machine, both capable of propelling the vehicle. The electric machine provides creep torque to propel the vehicle at a slow speed or hold the vehicle when on an incline. At least one controller is programmed to cancel or otherwise inhibit the electric machine from generating the creep torque in response to a brake torque or brake torque request exceeding a calibratible threshold. The calibratible threshold varies based upon vehicle incline, vehicle mass, and/or vehicle speed.
US09327706B2	Systems and methods for improving engine starting Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine is rotated to increase pressure within a fuel rail. The engine is rotated without combusting air and fuel within the engine.
US09327703B2	Tactile based performance enhancement system A system is disclosed for communicating tactile messages to a user, such as a racecar driver, yacht crewmember, or other athlete. The system can include a tactile vest having tactile activators for conveying tactile messages to the user, including real time messages for helping the user assess and improve physical performance. The messages may be generated based on various types of sensor data, including, for example, data collected by vehicle sensors of a racecar or yacht.
US09327699B2	Method for reducing reverse vehicle stopping distance using brake pre-charge An automatic braking system for a vehicle is disclosed and includes an electronic brake system capable of applying wheel brakes to decelerate the vehicle and a controller. The controller includes instructions for maintaining the electronic brake system in a pre-charge condition when the vehicle is operating in a reverse gear, and applying the wheel brakes independent of a driver input.
US09327697B2	Braking device A first slave piston and a second slave piston are disposed in tandem in series within a cylinder body, and the pistons are arranged so that part of the shaft section of the second slave piston overlaps with the inner periphery of an opening section provided in the backward side, in the displacement direction, of the first slave piston. A long hole extending along the axial direction of the second slave piston is provided in the shaft section, and a connection pin which regulates the initial position of the second slave piston is inserted into the long hole.
US09327696B2	Hydraulic braking system A hydraulic braking system has a brake actuator including hydraulic pumps that generate a W/C pressure by sucking and discharging a brake fluid from a master reservoir, and suck the brake fluid discharged from the W/C side for decompressing a W/C pressure during anti-lock braking. Further, open-when-self-priming valves that suck the brake fluid by themselves from the master reservoir in the hydraulic pumps are provided. Further, an accumulator is provided in a pipe connecting the hydraulic pumps and the W/C, and an accumulation to the accumulator is performed by the hydraulic pumps. Then, communication and cut-off of a pipe connected to the accumulator are controlled by lower limit indicating valves.
US09327695B2	Method and device for the electronic control of the brake force distribution according to the differential slip A method and device for the electronic control of the brake force distribution according to a differential slip or differential speed between at least one wheel of the front axle and at least one wheel of the rear axle of a vehicle, in which, when a differential slip threshold value or a differential speed threshold value is exceeded by the differential slip or the differential speed, the brake pressure at the rear axle is limited, characterized in that the differential slip threshold value or the differential speed threshold value is determined according to the braking request.
US09327693B2	Rear collision avoidance system for vehicle A collision avoidance system of a vehicle includes a camera disposed at a vehicle and having a field of view exterior of and rearward of the vehicle. An image processor is operable to process image data captured by the camera. Responsive to image processing of captured image data, the collision avoidance system is operable to determine an approach of a vehicle rearward of the vehicle and to determine an excitation level depending on a difference between the speed of the approaching vehicle and the speed of the equipped vehicle and a distance between the approaching vehicle and the equipped vehicle. Responsive to the determined excitation level, the collision avoidance system may provide an alert to the driver of one or both vehicles, prepare for impact, control a vehicle braking system, vehicle steering system and/or vehicle acceleration system and/or communicate information to the approaching vehicle via a telematics system.
US09327685B1	Wireless vehicle anti-theft surveillance system A vehicle anti-theft system to sense the presence of an intruder in proximity to a vehicle via motion sensors which activates one or more cameras and sends real-time video to a remote location accessible by a user to monitor their vehicle.
US09327684B2	Warning of danger of unauthorized access to a parked vehicle The invention concerns a process and assistance system for warning of an unauthorized access to a parked vehicle. The process includes a first step for providing a communication as to whether the vehicle is at least partially unlocked. In a second step, in the case of an affirmative communication, the transmission of the current location of the vehicle takes place. In a third step, a comparison is made between the current location with at least one predetermined home location. In a fourth step, in the case in which the current location does not correspond with at least one home location, a wireless transmission of a warning signal to a mobile unit is given. In a fifth step, following the receipt of the warning signal by the mobile unit, a warning that is perceptible optically and/or acoustically and/or haptically is undertaken.
US09327682B2	Safety belt system for vehicle seats Disclosed is a safety belt system for vehicle seats, including: a vehicle seat part which includes a seat portion, and a backrest; a safety belt which includes a shoulder belt, and a waist belt, and restricts a body of an occupant; a headrest which is connected with the backrest by a rotation shaft, and protects a face or neck region of the occupant from the shoulder belt using a cushion having both convex sides; a sensor which senses impact of the vehicle; and a rotation locking unit which prevents the headrest from being rotated when the sensor senses an accident signal that is equal to or greater than a predetermined output.
US09327680B2	Seat belt retractor A seat belt retractor (10) comprises a frame (12), a belt reel (14) which is rotatably mounted in the frame (12), and a blocking pawl (22) which is provided at the belt reel (14) and is capable of engaging with a blocking teeth system (20). The blocking teeth system (20) is provided at a blocking ring (18) which is mounted at the frame (14) in a rotationally limited manner.
US09327679B2	Safety belt buffering device and vehicle safety seat having the safety belt buffering device A safety belt buffering device and a related vehicle safety seat are provided. The safety belt buffering device is applied to a shoulder belt. The safety belt buffering device includes a buffering component, a blocking component and an actuating component. The buffering component includes an accommodating space, and the accommodating space is formed through the buffering component. The blocking component is disposed inside the accommodating space. The actuating component is disposed on the shoulder belt. The shoulder belt movably passes through the accommodating space. The actuating component is driven to move into the accommodating space to contact the blocking component when the shoulder belt is pulled by external impact, and the blocking component is structurally deformed to reduce the external impact. The present invention can obviously decrease the impact energy transmitted from the vehicle safety seat to the passenger, so as to protect safety of the passenger.
US09327678B1	Methods and apparatus for restraining vehicular passengers with assembly including feedback sensor A vehicular seat belt assembly includes a pair of lateral webbing strips that extend laterally across the passenger's lap, proximal ends being manually connectable and dis-connectable from each other. A vertically extending webbing strip includes a pair of upper body strips that are configured to contact opposite sides of a front of the passenger's upper body. A sensor is configured to provide data indicative of whether the proximal ends of the pair of lateral webbing strips are connected together. A harness assembly includes a harness webbing that is attached to one of the pair of lateral webbing strips, and a wire harness that is connectable to the sensor, the wire harness extending along the harness webbing.
US09327677B2	Arrangement comprising a pyrotechnical device and a first mechanical structure The present disclosure relates to an arrangement comprising a pyrotechnical device and a first mechanical structure. The pyrotechnical device is adapted to, directly, or indirectly, influence the first mechanical structure at a first location, such that the first mechanical structure is exposed to a deformation and/or a displacement. The deformation and/or displacement of the first mechanical structure at the first location is adapted to at a second location, being different from the first location, change a functional mode of the first mechanical structure and/or of a second mechanical structure connected to the first mechanical structure by means of direct mechanical influence. The disclosure further relates to a vehicle comprising such an arrangement.
US09327676B1	Safety mechanism of vehicle and deployment method thereof A method for deploying a safety mechanism of a vehicle includes detecting an object or person within a predetermined vicinity of the vehicle, transitioning a transitioning assembly of the safety mechanism from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation when an object or person is detected within the predetermined vicinity, detecting whether the object or person enters into a danger zone in front of a rear wheel of the vehicle, deploying a first airbag in front of the rear wheel of the vehicle when the object or person enters into the space in front of the rear wheel, and deploying a second airbag and extending a blocking plate in front of the rear wheel of the vehicle. The second airbag is positioned in front of the blocking plate and causes the blocking plate to extend.
US09327672B1	Active bolster with bladder member hot welded to reaction plate An active bolster for an automotive vehicle includes a plastic-molded trim wall that deploys outwardly during a crash. A plastic-molded reaction plate is mounted as a deployment base. A plastic-molded bladder member is joined around a substantially sealed perimeter with the trim wall to form an inflatable bladder. The bladder member includes at least one substantially circumferential pleated baffle around a central attachment region. The central attachment region includes an attachment boss projecting toward an attachment pad on the reaction plate to form a hot weld. The attachment boss has an arched cross section defining a weld surface with an apex. The weld surface is hot welded to the attachment pad such that the apex makes first contact with the attachment pad, wherein compression of the bladder member with the reaction plate creates a contact edge moving radially outward from the apex to expel gas from the hot weld.
US09327668B1	Corrugated weld seam for active bolster An active bolster is provided for an interior trim surface of an automotive vehicle. A plastic-molded outer trim panel has a welding track on an inside surface. A plastic-molded expandable bladder member has a central attachment section configured to attach to a support structure of the vehicle, a welding flange along a peripheral edge with a first surface facing the trim panel inside surface and a second opposed surface, and a pleated region between the central attachment section and the welding flange. The welding track and the welding flange are joined by a closed-loop hot weld seam to form a sealed chamber. The welding track and welding flange comprise complementary surfaces having a plurality of corrugations making the weld seam at least partially shaped as an undulating ribbon. As a result, a majority of the forces on the weld seam during inflation are in shear instead of peel.
US09327667B1	Active bolster with supplemental bracing An active bolster mounts at an interior trim surface of a passenger compartment. A plastic-molded front wall deploys to receive an impacting passenger in the passenger compartment. A plastic-molded back wall is joined around a substantially sealed perimeter with the front wall to form an inflatable bladder, wherein the back wall includes at least one substantially circumferential pleated baffle for unfolding during inflation of the bladder to deploy the front wall. An inflator delivers an inflation gas into the inflatable bladder in response to a crash event of the vehicle. An absorber member is disposed along the front wall in the bladder prior to inflation and is configured to deploy transversely to the front wall and into fixed abutment with the back wall upon inflation of the bladder to mechanically resist post-inflation movement of the front wall toward the back wall and to dissipate energy of the impacting passenger.
US09327666B2	Passive structural design that improves impact signal during side impact A vehicle includes a floor structure and one or more tubular rocker structures. Each rocker structure includes an outer cladding and/or an inner structure extending across an interior space of the rocker structure. At least one acceleration sensor is connected to a central portion of the floor structure to detect acceleration resulting from a crash event. The vehicle may also include pressure sensors that detect changes in pressure in the door cavities that result from side impacts. The cladding and/or inner structure of the rockers reduce the time required to detect acceleration due to a side impact on the rocker structures.
US09327658B2	Power conversion device in electric vehicle A power conversion device in an electric vehicle that uses a short-circuit capacitor and is capable of detecting a short circuit of the capacitor by using a simple structure. The power conversion device includes an inductor connected on a main battery side with a switching member provided between the inductor and a power line. The power line connects a first capacitor and a second capacitor as well as an electric load in parallel. A controller is provided for controlling the on/off of the switching member. The first capacitor and the second capacitor are each a small capacitor configured to be short-circuited upon application of an excess voltage. The power conversion device is provided with a detection member for detecting a short circuit of any one of the first capacitor and the second capacitor. The detection member is connected in series to the first capacitor and the second capacitor.
US09327657B2	Bus bar module, vehicle power source apparatus, and vehicle A bus bar module has a bus bar housing portion housing a plurality of bus bars placed side by side in a first direction, and a plurality of voltage detecting lines extending in the first direction and each connected electrically to a different one of the bus bars through a conductive member. The plurality of voltage detecting lines are placed adjacently to the bus bar housing portion and are placed diagonally in a second direction inclined relative to an in-plane direction including the bus bar such that a first region in the plurality of voltage detecting lines separate from the bus bar housing portion is located below a second region in the plurality of voltage detecting lines closer to the bus bar housing portion.
US09327656B2	Vehicle interior material The present invention discloses a vehicle interior material that is integrally formed, the vehicle interior material comprising an impact absorbing rib that is extended from a counter surface facing a vehicle body panel, an insertion portion that is inserted into a hole formed on the vehicle body panel; and a base portion that has a thick portion that is thicker than the impact absorbing rib, is extended from the counter surface, and is integrated with the insertion portion at a tip portion of the base portion.
US09327653B2	Roof rail for a motor vehicle A roof rail (1) for a motor vehicle, having at least one rack bar (3) and having at least one support element (24) which is fixed to the rack bar (3) for bridging a spacing which is formed between the rack bar (3) and the roof of the motor vehicle and for fixing the roof rail (1) to the roof of the motor vehicle, and having at least one cover (11) for the support element (24), wherein the rack bar (3), support element (24) and cover (11) are formed as separate components. There is provision for at least one end region (6) of the rack bar (3) to be in the form of a bent portion (7) whose front end (8) forms a roof application end (9), for the support element (24) to be in the form of an extrusion component (56) and for the support element (24) and cover (11) to be located at least partially in the region of the bent portion (7).
US09327648B2	Rearview assembly with exposed carrier plate A rearview assembly for a vehicle includes a rearview device having a peripheral edge. A carrier plate is operably coupled to the rearview device. The carrier plate includes a peripheral wall with a forward edge and a rearward edge. The forward edge is substantially aligned with the peripheral edge of the rearview device. A housing includes a forward lip configured to abut the rearward edge of the peripheral wall to provide a substantially smooth exterior transition from the housing to the peripheral wall to the rearview device.
US09327646B2	System and method of illumination expression of head up display for vehicle A system and method for illumination brightness of a head up display for a vehicle are provided. The method includes turning on, by a controller, the vehicle and the head up display and determining whether an auto light is operated. The head up display is illuminated when the auto light is normally operated. The controller determines whether a tail lamp mounted within the vehicle is operated when the auto light is abnormally operated. The head up display is illuminated as a night condition when an exterior night condition is detected and the tail lamp is normally operated. Additionally, the controller determines whether a tail switch is operated when the tail lamp is abnormally operated. The head up display is illuminated as a daytime condition when an exterior daytime condition is detected and the tail switch is abnormally operated.
US09327642B2	Deceleration-triggered LED stop lamp A deceleration-triggered stop lamp installable into for vehicles includes a support frame to which is mounted: a plurality of LEDs; a deceleration sensor; microcontroller; an energy storage component; and power circuitry configured to detect when the vehicle brake pedal has been depressed and to divert power from the vehicles power system to charge the energy storage component. In the event the vehicle decelerates at a rate greater than a predefined threshold, the power circuitry is configured to illuminate the LEDs with power from the energy storage component.
US09327640B2	LED fog lamp A fog lamp for use in an automobile includes a plurality of reflectors each sharing a common focus point, a light emitting diode array positioned at the common focus point, and a circular, non-optic window. The window fits through a standard-sized opening in an automobile fascia substantially two inches in diameter. The reflectors include a central reflector, a pair of lateral reflectors surrounding the central reflector and angled toward a center axis of the fog lamp, and a pair of converging reflectors surrounding the lateral reflectors and angled more sharply toward the center axis of the fog lamp. The central reflector and lateral reflectors produce beams of reflected light through the outer circumference of the window. The converging reflectors produce beams of reflected light converging at a secondary focus point within the fog lamp and transmitting through the window.
US09327635B2	Turn indicator switch with electromagnetic latching device A switch for activating the turn signals (blinkers) of a vehicle is actuated by a lever movable from a central position in opposite first and second directions to respective first and second switching positions. A first electromagnet is located such that movement of the lever to the first switching position brings a portion of the lever closer thereto. A second electromagnet is located such that movement of the lever to the second switching position brings the portion of the lever closer thereto. A control unit controls energization of the first and second electromagnets in a manner to attract and/or repel the lever to alternatively: a) hold the lever in the first switching position; b) hold the lever in the second switching position; and c) release the lever to return to the central position from the first switching position and from the second switching position.
US09327622B2	Load transfer structure against side impact A load transfer structure includes a seatback frame, and a load receiving member disposed on the seatback frame to contact with a side wall of a vehicle body when the side wall is moved toward a vehicle cabin by a side impact. The load receiving member includes a horizontal portion extending laterally, an inclined portion extended obliquely outward and upward from an outer end of the horizontal portion, and a curved portion provided between the horizontal portion and the inclined portion and having inner and outer concave edges. A bisector of an angle between straight edges continued from both ends of the outer concave edge and a bisector of an angle between straight edges continued from both ends of the inner concave edge intersect with each other in the curved portion. Accordingly, an absorbed energy amount by the load receiving member increases.
US09327616B2	Vehicle seat sliding apparatus A vehicle seat sliding apparatus includes: a first rail fixed to one of a vehicle floor and a seat and having first vertical wall portions, a first connection wall portion, and flanges; and a second rail fixed to the other one of the vehicle floor and the seat and having second vertical wall portions, a second connection wall portion, outward extending wall portions, and extending wall portions, wherein locking claws are aligned side by side at tip ends of the flanges of the first rail; the second rail is provided with through-holes; the vehicle seat sliding apparatus further includes, a locking member having locking portions, and a biasing member; and the outward extending wall portions are provided with flat portions.
US09327611B2	Temperature elevating apparatus of secondary battery and vehicle equipped with same A temperature elevating apparatus of a secondary battery includes a ripple generator and a controller. Ripple generator is connected to secondary battery, and is configured to actively generate ripple current of a predetermined frequency in secondary battery. Controller controls ripple generator to elevate a temperature of the secondary battery by generating ripple current in secondary battery. Here, the predetermined frequency is set to be a frequency in a frequency region where an absolute value of an impedance of secondary battery relatively decreases based on frequency characteristics of the impedance of secondary battery.
US09327604B2	Electric vehicle control apparatus and electric vehicle According to one embodiment, an electric vehicle control apparatus is provided with a converter having a diode and a switching device which convert an AC voltage or a DC voltage supplied from an input side into a DC voltage, whose output side is connected to a main motor through an inverter, a battery connected to the converter through a reactor, to provide a power source for the main motor, and a boosting chopper circuit composed the diode and the switching device which the converter has, so as to boost a voltage of the battery.
US09327603B2	Vehicle equipped with regenerative generator A vehicle includes a power storage unit, a regenerative generator, and an electronic control unit. The regenerative generator is connected to the power storage unit and is configured to perform regenerative power generation. The electronic control unit is configured to perform regeneration amount enlargement control in which positions of stopping and deceleration of the vehicle by input of driver's operations are predicted or set based on route information, regenerative power generation by the regenerative generator is controlled, and a regeneration power amount charged into the power storage unit is enlarged. The electronic control unit is configured to restrict the regeneration amount enlargement control when executing a predetermined vehicle speed adjustment mode by comparison with when the predetermined vehicle speed adjustment mode is not selected, the vehicle running with automatic adjustment of vehicle speed in the predetermined vehicle speed adjustment mode selected by intentional input from the driver.
US09327602B2	Inductively transferring electric energy to a vehicle using consecutive segments which are operated at the same time A system for transferring electric energy to a vehicle, including an electric conductor arrangement for producing an alternating electromagnetic field and for thereby transferring electric energy to a vehicle. The conductor arrangement includes a plurality of consecutive segments. Each segment is combined with an assigned controller adapted to control the operation of the segment independently of the other segments. The controllers of at least two consecutive segments are connected to each other and/or to a central controlling device so that the at least two consecutive segments can operate at the same time. Each segment includes at least three alternating current lines for carrying phases of a multi-phase alternating current. The consecutive segments are electrically connected in parallel to each other to a current supply. The alternating current lines of each segment include a plurality of sections which extend transversely to the direction of travel of the vehicle.
US09327601B2	High-voltage interlock loop (“HVIL”) switch having a reed relay A high-voltage (“HV”) system for a vehicle is provided, and includes a HV source providing HV power, a low-voltage source, a high-voltage interlock loop (“HVIL”) switch, and at least one control module. The low-voltage source provides a low-voltage power that is less than the HV power. The HVIL switch is in communication with the low-voltage source. The HVIL switch includes a reed relay and a magnetic element. The magnetic element is selectively positioned within an actuation distance from the reed relay. The HVIL switch is in a closed circuit condition when the magnetic element is positioned within the actuation distance from the reed relay, and is in an open circuit condition when the magnetic element is positioned outside of the actuation distance from the reed relay. The at least one control module is in communication with and monitors the HVIL switch.
US09327600B1	Aircraft utilities and power distribution system The present example provides aircraft integrated aircraft utility management and power distribution systems. Included are three exemplary implementations of aircraft power management systems (a DC power distribution system, a utility management system, and a combined system) that may utilize the like architecture, technologies, and components advantageously. A DC power distribution system can include two parts: primary DC power distribution and secondary DC power distribution systems. The utility management system integrates aircraft sub functions and utilities into one fault tolerant system. The systems described makes use of secondary power distribution units of a modularized design, including standard I/O modules, power modules, and aircraft computing modules.
US09327598B1	Multi-speed transmission with mechanical on-off clutch A transmission has four planetary gear sets, four interconnecting members and six torque-transmitting mechanisms selectively engageable in different combinations of four to establish ten forward speed ratios. One of the six torque-transmitting mechanisms is a mechanical on-off clutch that engages to prevent rotation of a first member of a first of the planetary gear sets rotates in a first direction, and freewheels when the first member rotates in an opposing second direction. When engaged, the first member is grounded to a stationary member.
US09327596B2	Fuel tank wave catcher A fuel tank for a hybrid vehicle is disclosed. In one example approach, a fuel tank for a vehicle comprises a wave catcher extending through an interior of the fuel tank and coupled to a front wall and a first side wall of the fuel tank.
US09327595B2	Fixing structure of resin tank A fixing structure of a resin tank for stably keeping the resin tank being fixed includes: a first holder having a predetermined length and being disposed corresponding to a pressed portion of a resin tank; a biasing member that is disposed in the first holder; a pressing member that is supported by the first holder and projects toward the pressed portion by a biasing force of the biasing member; and a pair of rods respectively having first ends attached to both ends of the first holder in a longitudinal direction and second ends attached to a frame.
US09327594B2	Access system for vehicle energy storage device with magnetic sensor to detect access door position An access system for a vehicle energy storage device includes a housing and an access port in the housing configured for operative communication with the energy storage device. An access door is operatively connected to the housing and is movable between a closed position in which the access door closes the housing, and an open position in which the access door opens the housing. The access door prevents access to the access port in the closed position and permits access to the access port in the open position. A magnet is operatively connected to one of the housing and the access door. A magnetic sensor is operatively connected to the other one of the housing and the access door and detects the proximity of the magnet relative to the sensor. The sensor is operable to provide a signal indicative of whether the access door is in the closed position.
US09327591B2	Electrically powered vehicle and method for controlling same The SOC of a power storage device provided in an electrically powered vehicle is controlled not to fall out of a SOC control range. When a SOC estimate value reaches a control lower limit value during vehicle traveling, a power generating structure provided in the vehicle starts to charge the power storage device. In the case of low temperature and/or deterioration of the power storage device, i.e., in the case where decrease of performance of the power storage device is concerned, the control lower limit value is increased as compared with that in a normal state. As a result, decrease of driveability and decrease of startability of an engine in the hybrid vehicle, both otherwise caused by insufficient output electric power from the power storage device, can be avoided.
US09327587B2	Off-highway recreational vehicle A recreational off-highway vehicle includes side-by-side passenger and driver seats held within a chassis that is approximately 50 inches wide. The seats sit low in the chassis and are covered by a roll cage. Grab handles are positioned on the sides of the passenger seat. Select large round tubing protects the vehicle, while rectangular tubing frames the portions of the vehicle beneath body panels. The vehicle is powered by an engine rearward of the seats that is connected to a transaxle. The engine and transaxle are isolation mounted together with a portion of the air intake assembly. The vehicle is suited for rough terrain travel.
US09327579B2	Vehicle engine warm-up apparatus A vehicle engine warm-up apparatus includes a coolant temperature sensor, an intake temperature sensor, an air intake heater, a heating system and a controller. The intake temperature sensor measures a temperature of combustion air entering the engine. The coolant temperature sensor measures a temperature of engine coolant. The air intake heater is configured to heat the combustion air. The controller is operably coupled to the coolant temperature sensor, the intake temperature sensor and the air intake heater. The controller is configured to operate the air intake heater with the vehicle engine running to increase a rate of heating of the coolant by the engine to more rapidly make heat available to the heating system in response to determining that the air intake temperature is below a first temperature threshold and the coolant temperature is below a second temperature threshold.
US09327576B2	Valve for a vehicle suspension system A valve assembly for a suspension system includes a housing including a first port, a second port, and a third port, the housing defining a first flow path extending between the third port and the first port and a second flow path extending between the third port and the second port. The valve assembly further includes a first check valve having a first crack pressure positioned within the housing along the first flow path and a second check valve having a second crack pressure positioned within the housing along the second flow path. A difference between the first crack pressure and the second crack pressure provides a corresponding difference in pressures at the first port and the second port.
US09327575B2	Air spring for vehicle An air spring for a vehicle may include a piston chamber with a bottom connected with an axle assembly to be able to move up/down, an air chamber with a top fixed to a car body and a bottom seated over a top of the piston chamber to be extendable and contractible by inflow/outflow of air, a piston positioned in the piston chamber, vertically dividing an internal space of the piston chamber into upper and lower internal spaces, and airtightly separating the upper internal space from the lower internal space, and an air control mechanism allowing air to flow into/out of the upper and lower internal spaces of the piston chamber and the internal space of the air chamber so that the piston chamber and the axle assembly are moved up/down with extension/contraction of the air chamber by the inflow/outflow of the air.
US09327574B2	Vehicle control device and vehicle control method A vehicle control device includes a variable-damping-force shock absorber, a sprung vibration damping control device, an unsprung vibration damping control device, a driving state-determining device, a damping force distribution factor-calculating device, and a damping force control device that, when the driving state-determining device determines that the vehicle is traveling in a straight line, controls the damping force of the variable-damping-force shock absorber on the basis of a greater of an unsprung vibration damping control amount and a sprung vibration damping control amount, and that, when the driving state-determining device determines that the vehicle is turning, calculates the damping force control amount on the basis of an unsprung vibration damping control amount so as to maintain the damping force distribution factor, and controls the damping force of the variable-damping-force shock absorber on the basis of a greater of a calculated damping force control amount and the sprung vibration damping control amount.
US09327572B2	Air spring with a sensor arrangement An air spring (100) for a vehicle is provided. The air spring comprises a first mounting element (110) for being fixed to a vehicle's chassis (210), a second mounting element (120) for being fixed to a movable part (220) of a vehicle being movable with respect to the chassis, a bellow (130) extending from the first mounting element to the second mounting element and including an air volume (140), and a sensor arrangement (150) being arranged within the air volume. The sensor arrangement is adapted for sensing at least one of a road condition, a vehicle condition and a pay load condition.
US09327570B2	Ball joint assembly for a control arm The ball joint assembly includes a housing and a bearing which has an inner surface that extends between open ends and which presents a bearing surface that surrounds a generally spherically-shaped cavity. A stud is provided which has an outer surface with a generally ball-shaped portion that has at least two curved surfaces and at least two recessed surfaces. The bearing has a passage with a slots that extend from one of the ends to the cavity. The ball-shaped portion of the stud is insertable into the cavity of the bearing by aligning the curved surfaces of the stud with the slots of the passage. The stud is rotatable while the ball-shaped portion of the stud is positioned within the cavity to establish slidable contact between the curved surfaces of the stud and the bearing surface of the bearing to allow pivoting of the stud relative to the bearing.
US09327566B2	Ball mount for measuring tongue weight of a trailer A ball mount for measuring tongue weight of a trailer is disclosed. The ball mount can comprise a ball portion for interfacing with a ball configured to couple with a tongue of a trailer, a hitch portion for interfacing with a hitch receiver associated with a vehicle, and a load measurement device associated with the hitch portion. The hitch portion can be configured to pivot relative to the hitch receiver about a fulcrum in response to a downward force on the ball, with the hitch receiver resisting rotation of the hitch portion about the fulcrum thereby inducing a load on the hitch portion. The load measurement device can be configured to determine a magnitude of the downward force on the ball based on the load on the hitch portion.
US09327560B2	Compact valve system for self-inflating tire A tire having a tire cavity is disclosed, wherein the tire has a bi-directional pump assembly including a pump passageway having an inlet end and an outlet end, and being operative to allow a portion of the pump passageway near a tire footprint to substantially close and open the pump passageway. The tire includes a valve assembly having a valve housing, wherein a diaphragm is mounted in the valve housing forming an interior chamber, and wherein the diaphragm is responsive to the pressure of the tire cavity. The interior chamber has a first hole in fluid communication with the inlet end of the pump passageway, a second hole in fluid communication with the outlet end of the pump passageway, and a third hole in fluid communication with the outside air. The valve housing has a passageway in fluid communication with the tire cavity and the outlet end of the pump. The valve assembly further includes an inlet control valve having a valve bottom positioned over the third hole and operative to open and close the third hole to allow air to enter the system. The inlet control valve has a first end connected to the diaphragm, and a resilient member biases the inlet control valve into the open position.
US09327557B2	Off-road motorcycle tyre A tyre for off-road motorcycles has a tread band provided with blocks, a carcass structure with crossed plies and at least one zero degree belt layer with limited angular extension, i.e., a zero degree belt layer which does not extend up to the axially outer edges of the tread band.
US09327555B2	Rubber article-reinforcing steel cord and pneumatic tire Provided is a steel cord for reinforcing a rubber article, which has an improved durability against so-called cuts, such as notches and perforations, which are generated in the case of treading on an obtusely or sharply pointed projection, without decreasing the strength in the axial direction of the cord, and without increasing the thickness in the radial direction, namely without increasing the weight of a tire, as well as a tire using the steel cord for reinforcing a rubber article as a reinforcing material, especially a construction vehicle tire. Also provided is a steel cord for reinforcing rubber articles with a multi-twisted structure formed by twisting a plurality of sheath strands formed by twisting a plurality of wires around a core strand formed by twisting a plurality of wires, and the core strand being constituted of an at least three-layer-twisted structure formed by twisting core filaments and sheath filaments. The lowest tensile breaking strength of filament bs and the tensile breaking strength of steel cord Bc satisfy the relationship represented by the following formula: bs/Bc×100≧0.65.
US09327553B2	Mower with front caster wheel suspension A lawn maintenance vehicle caster wheel assembly includes a suspension and a fork. The fork is rotatably connected to a structural member of the lawn maintenance vehicle. The caster wheel assembly also includes an arm connected to the fork, and the arm is rotatable about an arm axis. The caster wheel assembly further includes a caster wheel mounted to the arm and is rotatable about a wheel axis. A damping member is attached to the fork and the arm such that the caster wheel and the arm can rotate about the arm axis.
US09327549B2	Vehicle wheel rim A vehicle wheel rim (1) having a wheel rim well (2) and having a wheel disk (16, 25, 37), wherein the wheel rim well (2) has a substantially axially extending region (3) and the wheel disk (16, 25, 37) has a substantially axially extending region (8, 9), wherein the wheel disk (16, 25, 37) and the wheel rim well (2) are connected to one another in the axially extending regions (3, 8, 9).
US09327547B2	Vehicle wheel disk A spoke 15 has a spoke crest 15a, a spoke radially outer wall 15b and a pair of spoke circumferential side walls 15c. In a cross section of the spoke 15 along a radial direction of a disk, a crest outer curved portion 15a2 of the spoke crest 15a is curved at a larger curvature than curvatures of a crest inner curved portion 15a1 of the spoke crest 15, a crest main portion 15a4 of the crest and the spoke radially outer wall 15b. Thus, compared with a conventional one, a configuration of the spoke 15 becomes like a box. As a result, a bending strength and a bending rigidity of the spoke 15 in the radial direction of the disk can be improved.
US09327546B2	Matting activator for hydraulic transfer film, hydraulic transfer method, and hydraulic transfer product There is provided a matting activator for water pressure transfer film adapted to impart the maximum matting effect to a decoration obtained by water pressure transfer with a matting agent added to the activator. To an ultraviolet ray hardening resin composite, the main component of the activator are added a matting agent and a resin bead gathering agent. The ultraviolet ray hardening resin composite includes a photo-polymerization monomer including a photo-polymerization component having at least photo-polymerization monomer and a photo-polymerization initiator, the matting agent comprises resin beads, the resin bead gathering agent comprises particulate silica, the weight ratio of the blend of the resin beads relative to the ultraviolet ray hardening resin composite is 0.01-0.3 and the weight ratio of blend of the resin bead gathering agent relative to the resin beads is adjusted in 0.05-1.5 according to the weight ratio of blend of the resin bead.
US09327545B2	Handheld precise liquid marker A handheld precise liquid marker. The handheld precise liquid marker preferably creates a substantially perfect dot when marking one or more surfaces and is preferably used for multiple applications such as marking a dimple of a golf ball surface and/or providing a proper amount of dosage for medicinal applications. The handheld precise liquid marker may also comprise a liquid delivery system for dispensing a precise amount of ink or liquid onto various surfaces, a projecting/retracting mechanism, and an audible and/or tactile physical feedback mechanism. The projecting/retracting mechanism may controllably retract or protrude a nib into and out of the housing, and the audible/physical feedback mechanism may provide either a physical and/or audible click once a desired amount of ink or liquid transfers onto the surface.
US09327544B2	Stick-on stylus holder A stick-on stylus holder for receiving a stylus associated with an electronic device according to the present invention includes a stylus mounting member having opposed first and second ends and an elongate stylus mounting member extending therebetween. A pair of retaining members are mounted to a front side of said stylus mounting member proximate said first and second ends, respectively, each retaining member having a generally circular configuration that defines an open interior area. Each retaining member has a closed side coupled to said front side of said stylus mounting member and an open side facing away from said front side that is in communication with said open interior area and configured to selectively receive the stylus. A back side of said stylus mounting member includes an adhesive layer configured to adhere to an electronic device.
US09327534B2	Image forming apparatus with a beam that aligns a sheet feeder with an upper frame An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a return-sheet conveyer unit to convey a recording sheet carried from the image forming unit along a return-sheet path to return to the image forming unit, an upper frame unit including a pair of side frames to support the image forming unit in a position there-between, and a pair of lower frames arranged to have a predetermined amount of clearance there-between to have the return-sheet conveyer unit in the clearance, and configured to be less rigid than the upper frame unit and to support lower sections of the pair of side frames. A vertical position of the return-sheet conveyer unit with respect to the image forming unit is defined with reference to the upper frame unit by having a part of the return-sheet conveyer unit aligned to be in contact with the upper frame unit.
US09327531B2	Tape cartridge with open area for preventing rotation in cartridge mount A tape cartridge 2 includes a tape core 21b rotatably supported in a cartridge case 25 and houses a print tape 21a wound around the tape core 21b such that the print tape 21a can be unwound. The tape core 21b includes a core body 26 with the print tape 21a wound around an outer peripheral surface of the core body 26, a disk-like rib 27 provided at a middle portion in an axial direction of an inner peripheral surface of the core body 26, and a shaft hole 28 formed at an axis center of the rib 27. The cartridge case 25 includes a shaft support 41 that is inserted into the shaft hole 28 and rotatably supports the tape core 21b, and a rotation guide 42 that slides on the inner peripheral surface of the core body 26.
US09327529B2	Recording apparatus A recording apparatus includes a recording unit, a discharge unit, and a medium receiving unit. The medium receiving unit has a sheet section which is flexible and of which a front-end portion is disposed to be closer to a discharge side of a recording medium than a terminal-end portion. When the medium receiving unit is transited from a serviceable state to an accommodated state, the front-end portion of the sheet section becomes closer to the terminal-end portion of the sheet section and a connection portion between the front-end portion and the terminal-end portion of the sheet section moves to a side opposite to the discharge side.
US09327527B2	Printing apparatus, conveying apparatus, and control method A printing apparatus includes a printing unit, first and second conveying units conveying a printing medium, a driving unit driving the first and second conveying units, and a control unit controlling the driving unit. The conveyance state of the printing medium makes transition from a first conveyance state in which the printing medium is conveyed only by the first conveying unit to a second conveyance state in which the printing medium is conveyed by both the first and second conveying units. The control unit controls the driving unit based on a fluctuation in a load that mutually acts between the first and second conveying units through the printing medium to suppress a fluctuation in a conveyance amount at the time of the transition of the conveyance state from the first conveyance state to the second conveyance state.
US09327523B2	Printing device and control method A controller controls a first heating stage to heat a printing medium to a first temperature in a printing region when printing latex ink on the printing medium, and controls a second heating stage to heat the printing medium to a second temperature greater than the first temperature in a curing region to cure the latex ink on the medium. The controller controls a cooling stage located between the first and second heating stages to cool the printing medium after the printing medium has been heated by the first heating stage and prior to heating of the printing medium by the second heating stage.
US09327522B2	Image recording apparatus having an irradiator with directionality in the transport direction An image recording apparatus includes a first print head that discharges a first liquid that is cured through irradiation of light from a nozzle towards the recording medium; a second print head that discharges a second liquid in which a content rate of a tri-functional or higher polyfunctional monomer is different from that of the first liquid and that is cured through irradiation of light from a nozzle towards the recording medium, and is provided at a different position in the transport direction from the first print head; and an irradiator that irradiates the recording medium with light, and is arranged between the print heads in the transport direction, in which the irradiator emits light having directionality in a direction receding in the transport direction from a print head that discharges a liquid with a higher content rate from the print heads.
US09327512B2	Inkjet printhead device, fluid ejection device, and method thereof An inkjet printhead device, fluid ejection device and method thereof are disclosed. The fluid ejection device includes a fluid supply chamber to store fluid, an ejection chamber including a nozzle and a corresponding ejection member to selectively eject the fluid through the nozzle, and a channel to establish fluid communication between the fluid supply chamber and the ejection chamber. The fluid ejection device also includes a pressure sensor unit having a sensor plate to output a voltage value corresponding to a cross-sectional area of an amount of fluid in the at least ejection chamber.
US09327510B2	Verification record for a replaceable supply One example discloses a system comprising a computer comprising a memory to store machine readable instructions. The system can also comprise a processing unit to execute the machine readable instructions, the machine readable instructions comprising a data collector. The data collector can receive a plurality of verification records from a printer. Each verification record can characterize a usage of a given replaceable supply at the printer. The data collector can also evaluate a verification history of the printer based on the plurality of verification records to determine a usage credit for the printer. The usage credit can correspond to a number of authentic replaceable supplies consumed at the printer.
US09327508B2	Printing apparatus A printing apparatus has a cartridge carrier and with a locking-and-ejection mechanism. The cartridge carrier has a cavity for insertion of an ink cartridge, and the locking-and-ejection mechanism is arranged on an outside of a side part of a cartridge carrier. This locking-and-ejection mechanism has a locking mechanism with a locking lever biased by a spring force produced by a first spring. The locking lever can be tilted around a rotation axis situated on the outside of the side part. The locking-and-ejection mechanism also has an ejection mechanism with a lifting plate biased by a spring force produced at least by a second spring. The lifting plate is rotatable on the outside of the side part, and the rotation axis of the lifting plate is stationary on the outside of the side part. The locking lever has a first locking mechanism and a second locking mechanism to the lock the first locking mechanism, and an actuator is operable to unlock the locking of the second locking mechanism. The lifting plate is rotatable by a sufficient amount that the locking lever is held in the unlocked position after an ejection of an ink cartridge.
US09327506B2	Liquid-accommodating-body accommodating receptacle, liquid supply apparatus, and liquid ejecting apparatus A case includes a main receptacle body that accommodates an ink accommodating body which accommodates ink. A first tube support portion and second to fourth tube support portions that guide connection tubes that are connected to the ink accommodating bodies, respectively, are provided on an internal surface of the main receptacle body.
US09327505B2	Suction device, suction method, and ejection device A suction device for an ejection head provided with a nozzle includes a cap capable of sealing a nozzle surface provided with the nozzle, a decompression pump serving as a decompression device, and a suction passage provided between the cap and the decompression pump. The negative pressure level of the suction passage set by the decompression pump are controlled on the basis of a volume of the suction passage such that a liquid with which the ejection head has been filled is sucked out from the nozzle.
US09327502B2	Method of manufacturing head chip A method of manufacturing a head chip includes a groove forming step for forming grooves which are the bases of ejection grooves on a first surface of the actuator substrate, a substrate grinding step for grinding a second surface of the actuator substrate so that each of the grooves has a predetermined depth, a recessed portion forming step for forming an inspection recessed portion which changes its state in the second surface of the actuator substrate according to the grinding amount of the actuator substrate in the substrate grinding step, and a grinding amount determination step for determining the grinding amount of the actuator substrate on the basis of a state of the inspection recessed portion after the substrate grinding step.
US09327500B2	Nozzle plate, liquid ejecting head, and liquid ejecting apparatus A silicon nozzle plate has excellent liquid resistance on an inner surface of a nozzle opening and a discharge surface. A plurality of the nozzle openings are disposed in a silicon substrate of the nozzle plate. A tantalum oxide film formed by atomic layer deposition is disposed on both surfaces of the silicon substrate and the inner surface of the nozzle opening.
US09327499B2	Liquid ejection head and substrate A liquid ejection head includes an ejection port for ejecting liquid, a liquid chamber communicating with the ejection port, and a substrate having a heat generating resistor arranged in the liquid chamber at a position corresponding to the ejection port and a bubble detecting device arranged on the heat generating resistor for controlling driving of the heat generating resistor by detecting a bubble produced by the heat generated by the heat generating resistor. The bubble detecting device has two electrodes arranged in the liquid chamber and, as viewed in the direction perpendicular to the substrate, one of the two electrodes is arranged at a position overlapping the heat generating resistor whereas the other one of the two electrodes is arranged at a position not overlapping the heat generating resistor.
US09327498B1	System and method for applying electromagnetic ink to a non-electromagnetic ink image A digital printer is configured to form with marking material a solid background and a negative image of features to be formed with a liquid ink. The liquid ink is applied to the solid background and negative image of the features to be formed with the liquid ink with an applicator that contacts the surface on which the solid background and features are located. An absorbent member is moved into contact with the solid background and the features formed with the liquid ink to remove the liquid ink from the solid background, while leaving the liquid ink in the features.
US09327497B2	Liquid discharge apparatus A liquid discharge apparatus includes: a channel unit including: a discharge port; a first channel through which liquid to be supplied to the discharge port flows; and a second channel communicated with the first channel and the discharge port; an actuator including a first and second electrodes and a piezoelectric layer, and being configured to apply pressure to the liquid in the second channel; and a signal supply unit configured to selectively supply a discharge driving signal and a non-discharge driving signal to the actuator. The discharge driving signal includes a first voltage signal which drives the actuator to discharge the liquid from the discharge port, and the non-discharge driving signal includes a plurality of second voltage signals each of which drives the actuator not to discharge the liquid from the discharge port.
US09327492B2	Printing machine with print head control A printing machine for printing onto containers, such as bottles, having at least a conveyor and a printing unit with a print head module, with at least one print head, a movement system for adjusting the position of the print head module, a measuring system for determining the position of the print head module and a control unit for controlling the movement system, where the movement system comprises a radial module for adjusting the position of the print head module in the radial direction and a height module for adjusting the height of the print head module in the vertical direction.
US09327486B2	Tape dispenser and take-up reel for tape backing This invention generally relates to a tape dispenser with automatic backing removal more particularly including a spindle rotatably mounted for receiving said supply of tape; a pinch roller set in tension having an adjustment to set the drag for the tape supply passing through the pinch rollers that convert a pull of the tape to a rotary motion; a take-up spindle for spooling the protective backing layer when separated from the tape; a set of drag washers to maintain an pre-set tension as the protective backing is spooled onto the take up spindle; a first gear responsive to the rotary motion of the pinch roller set and a second gear responsive to the motion of the first gear and axially attached to the take-up spindle for spooling the protective backing.
US09327485B2	Unit for laminating a first web onto a second web in a laminating machine and method for manufacturing a multi-layer composite A laminating unit to manufacture a multi-layer composite (2) in a laminating machine (1), comprising a laminating rotating roll (16), laminating a first web (3) onto a second web (4), is characterized in that it further comprises: driving means (42), rotating (R) the roll (16); gripping means (39, 41), maintaining the first web (3) in contact with the roll (16); first detection means (43, 46) emitting first detection signals (44, 47) in accordance with detected longitudinal positions of the first web (3); second detection means (48, 51) emitting second detection signals (49, 52) in accordance with detected longitudinal positions of the second web (4); and control means (53), regulating a rotation speed of the driving means (42) and of the roll (16) as a function of the first and second signals (44, 47, 49, 52), to convey, correct longitudinally positions of the first web (3), and laminate the first web (3) in register onto the second web (4).
US09327478B2	Apparatus for laying fiber tapes An apparatus for laying fiber tapes includes a deflection guide for the fiber tapes made up of pressure plates arranged adjacent to one another transversely to the deflection axis and a frame for receiving the pressure plates which is displaceable in the laying direction. Pressure plates with rollers for deflecting the tape are provided between the pressure plates with a sliding surface for the deflection of the tape, and the retainers for the rollers, which retainers are arranged laterally on the pressure plates, displaceably engage in the pressing direction in recesses of the pressure plates with the sliding surfaces.
US09327476B2	Compatibilized polymeric compositions comprising polyolefin-polylactic acid copolymers and methods of making the same Polymeric compositions and processes of forming the same are described herein. The processes generally include contacting a polyolefin with a polylactic acid in the presence of at least 800 ppm of a radical initiator under extrusion conditions to produce a polyolefin-polylactic acid copolymer.
US09327475B2	Gas barrier layered product and method for producing the same The gas barrier layered product of the present invention includes a base and a gas barrier layer stacked on the base. The gas barrier layer is formed of a composition that includes the hydrolyzed condensate of at least one type of compound (L) containing a hydrolyzable characteristic group, and a polymer (X) containing at least one functional group selected from a carboxyl group and a carboxylic acid anhydride group. At least part of —COO— group contained in the functional group of the polymer (X) is neutralized and/or reacted with a compound (P) containing at least two amino groups. At least part of the —COO— group of the polymer (X) is neutralized with a metal ion having a valence of at least two. The ratio of [the equivalent amount of the amino groups contained in the compound (P)]/[the equivalent amount of the —COO— group of the polymer (X)] is in the range of 0.2/100 to 20.0/100.
US09327474B2	Display device and methods for producing the same A display device includes a bonding layer between a display module and a cover. An ink layer and a fluorescent layer are disposed between the cover and the bonding layer. A method for producing a display device includes applying a fluorescent layer on at least one end of a cover; applying an ink layer on the fluorescent layer, with the ink layer not contacting the cover; forming a bonding layer on the ink layer and the cover; and coupling a display module to the cover via the bonding layer. In another approach, a method includes applying an ink layer on at least one end of a cover; applying a fluorescent layer on the cover at a location other than the ink layer; forming a bonding layer on the ink layer, the fluorescent layer, and the cover; and coupling a display module to the cover via the bonding layer.
US09327473B2	Fluid-entangled laminate webs having hollow projections and a process and apparatus for making the same The present invention is directed to a fluid-entangled laminate web and the process and apparatus for its formation as well as end uses for the fluid-entangled laminate web. The laminate web includes a support layer and a nonwoven projection web having a plurality of projections which are preferably hollow. As a result of the fluid-entangling process, entangling fluid is directed through the support layer and into the projection web which is situated on a forming surface. The force of the entangling fluid causes the two layers to be joined to one another and the fluid causes a portion of the fibers in the projection web to be forced into openings present in the forming surface thereby forming the hollow projections. The resultant laminate has a number of uses including, but not limited to, both wet and dry wiping materials, as well as incorporation into various portions of personal care absorbent articles and use in packaging especially food packaging where fluid control is an issue.
US09327470B1	Variable-radius laminated radius filler and system and method for manufacturing same A variable-radius laminated composite radius filler may include a base portion, a keyway portion, and a tip portion. The base portion may be formed of a plurality of variable width composite plies defining a variable cross-sectional shape of the base portion. The keyway portion may be stacked on the base portion and may be formed of a plurality of substantially constant width composite plies defining a substantially constant cross-sectional shape of the keyway portion. The tip portion may be stacked on the keyway portion and may be formed of composite plies.
US09327469B2	Rotary tablet press and method for pressing tablets in a rotary tablet press The invention relates to a rotary tablet press comprising: a rotatingly drivable rotor, having a die plate comprising die holes and assigned to the die holes upper and lower punches, rotating synchronously with the die plate, whose axial movement is controlled by upper and lower control cams, having at least one filling station comprising at least one filling device for filling the die holes with material to be pressed, having at least one compression station disposed downstream of the filling station in the rotational direction of the rotor, comprising at least one pressing device which presses the upper and/or lower punches into the die holes when passing through the compression station in order to press the filled material in the die holes, and having at least one ejector station, disposed downstream of the compression station in the rotational direction of the rotor, comprising an ejector device for ejecting the pressed tablets in the die holes, characterized in that at least one vibration generator is provided in the circumferential direction of the upper and lower punches between the filling station and the ejector station that at least temporarily vibrates the upper and/or lower punches at least at the compression station and/or at the filling station and/or at least at an upper control cam and/or at least at a lower control cam.
US09327467B2	Composite mandrel for autoclave curing applications A composite mandrel includes a generally elongated mandrel body comprising a resilient mandrel core and an elastomeric mandrel outer layer disposed outside the mandrel core. A method for fabricating a contoured stiffened composite panel is also disclosed.
US09327465B2	Retreaded tire manufacturing method and tires suited therefor A retreaded tire manufacturing method, which avoids forming the buffed surface always in the same position by buffing in tire retreading and the resulting drop in delamination resistance of new tread rubber, and tires suitably retreaded by this manufacturing method are provided. In this method, the tread rubber of a tire is abraded away circumferentially to form a tread application surface of the tire to which new tread rubber is applied. And the position where the tread application surface is formed is radially changed as the repeat count of retreading rises.
US09327464B2	Intermediate transfer belt and image forming apparatus An intermediate transfer belt used for an image forming apparatus of an electrophotographic system includes: an elastic layer; and a surface layer formed on the elastic layer, wherein stress relief time τ [ms] of a material used for the elastic layer and hardness H [MPa] of the surface layer satisfy a first condition that 0.48<τ<0.75 and 50
US09327463B2	Device and method for producing tubes for packaging tubes A device for producing tubes for packaging tubes, comprising an elongated mandrel (3), around which a substrate web can be formed in order to produce a tubular form (4) that surrounds the mandrel (3) and can be conveyed along the mandrel (3) in a conveying direction (R), as well as welding means (9) for welding the substrate web along a welding region in order to produce a welding seam (11) and at least one first welding belt (34) that can be conveyed together with the tubular form (4) and fixes the tubular form in a contact region of the substrate web with itself by clamping the substrate web between the first welding belt (34) and a clamping partner, wherein means (13) are provided for expanding the tubular form (4) fixed by the first welding belt (34) and the clamping partner by plastically elongating the substrate web in the circumferential direction, wherein said means can be adjusted into a position, in which they radially protrude over the outer surface (14) of the mandrel section (31) of the mandrel (3) that is arranged upstream of the means (13) referred to the conveying direction (R).
US09327458B2	In-situ annealing of polymer fibers A method of manufacturing a composite article may include attaching a polymer element to a tool. The polymer element may be pre-stretched prior to attachment to the tool. The method may further include annealing the polymer element at a predetermined temperature while constraining a length of the polymer element using the tool. In addition, the method may include curing or solidifying resin associated with the polymer element. The annealing step may be performed prior to the curing or solidifying step. Alternatively, the annealing step may be performed concurrently with the curing or solidifying step.
US09327457B2	Electronic device and method for manufacturing electronic device A method for manufacturing an electronic device includes forming a resin film over a wafer, the wafer including a plurality of elements formed therein, each of the elements including a functional unit, patterning the resin film to form a plurality of frame members, each of the frame members being provided on each of the elements and surrounding the functional unit, dividing the wafer into the elements, and providing an encapsulation.
US09327456B2	Method and apparatus for manufacturing fiber-reinforced base material It is intended to provide a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced base material, which is capable of manufacturing a fiber-reinforced base material of high quality while preventing generation of defects such as wrinkles during stacking of the base material sheet. The method for manufacturing the fiber-reinforced base material formed by stacking a base material sheet including a reinforcement fiber onto a mold having a double-curved surface shape, includes steps of: supplying the base material sheet onto the mold from a base material roll while applying distribution varying in a width direction (X direction) to a length of the base material sheet in a sheet-supplying direction of the base material sheet (Y direction) in correspondence with the double-curved surface shape of the mold; and applying pressure to the base material sheet in contact with the mold.
US09327455B2	Method for producing air ducts from plastic material, and mould used Method and mold for producing air ducts (P) from plastic material, especially soft plastic material, with a hardness of between Shore 5 and Shore 65, of the type comprising a hollow main body (P1) provided with at least one protuberance or nipple (P2) that projects from the exterior wall of the main body (P1), the method comprising the steps of injection-molding at least one nipple (P2) from plastic material inside a first cavity (1) of a mold (M); interconnecting the first cavity (1) with a second cavity (3) arranged in the same mold (M) and located adjacent to said first cavity (1), in order to form a single volume; and blow-molding a hollow body from a moldable plastic-material parison inside the second cavity (3).
US09327454B2	Lightweight structural materials A light-weight material and a method for producing a light-weight material use removable forms to produce an array of interconnected voids within the material. The forms include a plurality of spaced apart and adjoining blocks onto which the material is deposited, and the blocks are constructed of a material that may be desolidified, such as by vaporization, to remove the blocks from the material, leaving behind a network of interconnected voids.
US09327453B2	Three dimensional printer for fiber reinforced composite filament fabrication Various embodiments related to three dimensional printers, and reinforced filaments, and their methods of use are described. In one embodiment, a void free reinforced filament is fed into an conduit nozzle. The reinforced filament includes a core, which may be continuous or semi-continuous, and a matrix material surrounding the core. The reinforced filament is heated to a temperature greater than a melting temperature of the matrix material and less than a melting temperature of the core prior to applying the filament from the conduit nozzle.
US09327448B2	Methods for fabricating three-dimensional metallic objects via additive manufacturing using metal oxide pastes Methods of forming three-dimensional metallic objects are provided. A metal oxide paste comprising metal oxide particles, a polymeric binder and an organic solvent is extruded through a tip to deposit sequential layers of the metal oxide paste on a substrate to form a three-dimensional metal oxide object. The three-dimensional metal oxide object is exposed to a reducing gas at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to reduce and to sinter the metal oxide particles to form a three-dimensional metallic object. Depending upon the composition of the metal oxide paste, the three-dimensional metallic object may be composed of a single metal, a simple or complex metal-metal alloy, or a metal-ceramic composite.
US09327446B2	Joint structure and method A joint including a substrate, optionally a metal substrate, and a body of material joined to the substrate, the body of material typically having a composite portion. An outer surface of the substrate is provided with a fastening projection for fastening the substrate to body of material, where the fastening projection has a stem and a plurality of branches having dendritic geometry projecting into the material of the body.
US09327445B1	Method and means for accenting a wheel A method and means for accenting a wheel. The means for accenting the wheel comprises design segments comprised of a wrap film. The method of this invention comprises the steps of: (1) providing a plurality of vinyl film segments; (2) positioning the design segments onto portions of the wheel so that the design segments are spaced-apart from one another; and (3) applying pressure to the design segments to adhere the design segments to the wheel.
US09327444B1	Apparatuses for expanding tubing and methods of use Apparatuses for expanding tubing and methods of use are provided herein. An exemplary process may include heating tubing to an expansion temperature, expanding the heated tubing within an expansion chamber by injecting a first fluid within the heated tubing to expand the heated tubing, and constraining expansion of the heated tubing within the expansion chamber by introducing a second fluid between an outer sidewall of the heated tubing and an inner sidewall of the expansion chamber.
US09327442B2	Device for sterilizing plastic parisons A device for producing plastic containers may include a heating element for heating plastic parisons, a transport system for transporting the plastic parisons along a pre-defined transport path, and a shaping element arranged along the transport path, downstream of the heating device. The shaping element shapes the plastic parisons to form plastic containers. The device has a sterilization element that applies a free-flowing medium to a wall of the plastic parisons in order to sterilize said wall, the sterilization device being arranged along the transport path of the containers such that the sterilization takes place after the heating process applied to the containers in the heating device and before the end of the shaping process in the shaping element.
US09327441B2	Adjustable feedblock An adjustable feedblock configured for adjusting the thicknesses of each layer of the juxtaposed extrudates forming a laminate. The feedblock includes at least one pair of opposing combining planes and at least one pair of opposing extrudate distribution blocks that are removably disposed within the housing of the feedblock. As such, the combining planes and the extrudate distribution blocks partially define portions of the flow paths for the extrudates that form the laminate within the housing of the feedblock. A method for forming a laminate having juxtaposed layers of extrudates of adjustable thicknesses is also disclosed.
US09327440B2	Device and method for producing film tubing A device for the production of film tubes includes a die head having an annular nozzle, from which a plastic melt for producing the film tube can be extruded in a transport direction (y), a fluid-application device, which is annular in shape at least in certain regions and which follows the die head in the transport direction (y) and which surrounds the film tube annularly, and via which a fluid can be guided toward the film tube, and a ring, the diameter of which is larger than the annular nozzle of the fluid-application device. The device has an adjusting device, via which the ring can be adjusted in height relative to the fluid-application device.
US09327435B2	Sheet for decoration simultaneous with injection molding and decorated resin molding The present invention provides a laminate-type decorative sheet for use in simultaneous decoration and injection molding, including a base film and at least a decorative layer provided on the base film, the decorative sheet having an elongation at break as measured at 25° C. of 3 to 10%, and an elongation at break as measured at 120° C. of 200% or more.The laminate-type decorative sheet exhibits good conformability to the molding surface of a mold during the course of preforming, and is less likely to produce wrinkling, blistering, breakage, etc. when laminated on and united with a resin molding through injection molding. In addition, the decorative sheet enables easy trimming.
US09327434B2	Method for producing a rear wall of a seat back A method for producing a rear wall of a seat back from at least one organic sheet, includes back-moulding at least one organic sheet in an injection moulding tool with a rib structure, such that a bond is formed between the organic sheet and the rib structure, so that an integral component is formed.
US09327430B2	Rotomoulded structural parts having asymmetrical layering This invention discloses a method for preparing rotomolded articles having asymmetrical layering.
US09327428B2	Casting mold comprising a breather Disclosed is a casting mold comprising at least two adjoining molds that enclose a hollow space, the cavity, which is accessible from the outside via at least one inlet duct and into which liquid casting material can be injected or pressed, and at least one vent opening that extends from the cavity to the outer surface of a mold, points approximately in the direction in which the hardened cast part is removed from the mold, and is closed by a pin-type breather. The face of the breather facing the cavity is perforated by small air holes which are permeable to air while retaining the liquid casting material and which are connected to the outer surface of the breather.
US09327427B2	Method for producing a PVC-based composite plate and structure including one such plate Process for manufacturing composite sheets based on PVC and a network of long fibers, said process comprising the following steps: dispersing PVC in powder form in said network; subjecting the dispersion to an alternating electric field with a sufficient intensity and for a sufficient time in order to distribute the powder in the network; and heating the dispersion under pressure until the powder forms a continuous matrix.
US09327422B2	Saw guide for increasing a gap between deck boards A saw guide for increasing a gap between deck boards is an apparatus that includes a base panel, a blade hole, a front guide tab, a back guide tab, a binding clamp, and an alignment rail. The apparatus is used in conjunction with a circular handheld saw to more precisely widen the gap between two deck boards. The circular handheld saw is mounted onto the base panel by the binding clamp. The blade of the circular handheld saw is positioned within the blade hole, and the alignment rail is used to properly orient the blade. The front guide tab and the second guide tab are located on opposite sides of the base panel and are used to guide the cutting direction of the circular handheld saw.
US09327418B2	Adhesive film An adhesive film includes a film-like adhesive layer and a pair of separators sandwiching the adhesive layer. The outer edges of both separators extend outward beyond the outer edge of the adhesive layer, and a blade is used to form a notch on the adhesive layer side of the heavy release separator, along the outer edge of the adhesive layer. The thickness of the heavy release separator is between 50 μm and 200 μm, the average notch depth is between 5 μm and 45 μm and the standard deviation for the notch depth is no greater than 15 μm. Specifying the notch depth allows complete cutting of the adhesive layer with the blade, while also limiting release problems between the heavy release separator and the adhesive layer.
US09327412B2	Compliant underactuated grasper A compliant underactuated grasper includes a palm base and two fingers. Each of the fingers comprises: a proximal phalanx; a distal phalanx; a compliant flexure joint connecting the distal phalanx to the proximal phalanx; and a pin joint connecting the proximal phalanx to the palm base, the pin joint constraining angular movement of the proximal phalanx relative to the palm base to rotation about a pin pivot axis. The grasper further includes at least one actuator to move the fingers. The grasper has fewer actuators than degrees of freedom.
US09327408B2	Robot control device detecting contact with external environment A robot control device includes: an internal force estimating unit; a storage unit in which, in each small region of a rotational operation region of a plurality of joints of a robot arm, an internal force estimated by the internal force estimating unit is subtracted from an output of the force sensor in a state in which the robot arm is not in contact with an external environment, thereby storing a force correction amount; a force correction amount determining unit in which a force correction amount corresponding to each of the current angles of the plurality of joints of the robot arm is determined; and a contact force calculating unit in which a contact force when the robot arm is in contact with an external environment is calculated by subtracting an internal force and the force correction amount from a current output of the force sensor.
US09327405B2	Robot apparatus A robot apparatus that performs the work of attaching a cable includes a gripper that grips the cable having first and second ends, the first end being fixed; an arm main body that guides the second end of the cable being gripped by the gripper to the interior of a guide area; a force sensor that is provided on the arm main body and detects that the gripper has come into contact with the second end of the cable; a camera that captures an image of the guide area when the force sensor detects that the gripper has come into contact with the second end of the cable; and an image processor that detects the posture of the second end of the cable based on the captured image. The robot apparatus performs the work of attaching the cable in accordance with the detected posture of the connector.
US09327404B2	Systems and methods for determining a status of a component of a device Methods and systems for determining a status of a component of a device are provided. An example method includes triggering an action of a component of a device, and responsively receiving information associated with the action of the component from a sensor. The method further includes a computing system having a processor and a memory comparing the information with calibration data and determining a status of the component based on the comparison. In some examples, the calibration data may include information derived from data received from a pool of one or more devices utilizing same or similar components as the component. The determined status may include information associated with a performance of the component with respect to performances of same or similar components of the pool of devices. In one example, the device may self-calibrate the component based on the status.
US09327403B2	Advanced behavior engine A method of commanding a remote vehicle includes executing a command on a controller of the remote vehicle based on a kinodynamic fixed depth motion planning algorithm to use incremental feedback from evaluators to select a best feasible action. The method also includes determining servo commands corresponding to the best feasible action for one or more actuators of a drive system or a manipulation system of the remote vehicle and commanding the one or more actuators of the remote vehicle based on the servo commands. The best feasible action includes actions within a fixed time horizon of several seconds from a current time each time a feasible action is selected.
US09327399B2	Movement control method for mobile robot A prediction model for predicting a mobile robot state is constructed to represent a state change of the mobile robot in a prediction interval of a predetermined duration; time-series data on a control input to ensure stability of the mobile robot is obtained in the prediction interval using a predetermined stability evaluation criterion and a constraint condition based on a mechanical balance; a center-of-gravity trajectory of the mobile robot is obtained based on the time-series data and prediction model; a slack variable for relaxing a constraint is introduced into a constraint condition; a slack variable is introduced into the stability evaluation criterion such that the variable becomes zero when a solution to a stable trajectory is obtained under the constraint condition and a slack variable value is generated when the trajectory diverges under the constraint condition; and positions of contact points are changed so as to cancel the generated value.
US09327395B2	Wrench handle and wrench A wrench that has an adjustable wrench head, a wrench handle, and an attachment means for attaching the wrench handle to the wrench head. The wrench head has an orifice configured to control the rotation of a work-piece such as a nut or bolt. The wrench handle has an attachment section and a gripping section. The attachment section is formed for attachment with the wrench head and has a hole with a central axis extending in a direction towards the wrench head. The gripping section is formed for gripping by a user and connects with the attachment section beside the central axis, whereby, when the wrench handle is viewed from an end view thereof, the gripping section is nonaligned with the central axis of the attachment section at the connection of the gripping section with the attachment section. The wrench handle is formed for at least partial rotation about the axis of the attachment section. And, the adjustable wrench head has at least one engaging surface creating an imaginary line diverging from the axis of the attachment section of the handle.
US09327388B2	Ratchet wrench with angle adjusting mechanism A ratchet wrench includes a handle, a driving head, an engaging member, a spring and a controlling knob. The handle has a receiving groove, a transverse hole in one lateral side of the handle, and a longitudinal hole in a bottom of the receiving groove. The driving head has a connecting portion pivotally connected to the handle. The engaging member is movably received in the longitudinal hole, and has a guiding cutout in a lateral side thereof. The spring is interposed between a bottom of the longitudinal hole and the engaging member. The controlling knob has an abutting block received in the guiding cutout of the engaging member. The abutting block is substantially oblong in shape such that rotational movement of the controlling knob drives the engaging member to be disengaged from the driving head.
US09327383B1	Quick replacement device of abrasive belt wheel A quick replacement device of an abrasive belt wheel is disposed on a belt sander. The belt sander has an abrasive belt wheel box. The abrasive belt wheel box is provided with two spaced fixing seats. Two ends of the abrasive belt wheel are provided with brackets relative to the fixing seats. The brackets and the fixing seats are fixed through fixing members. Through the fixing members, the abrasive belt wheel can be assembled to or disassembled from the abrasive belt wheel box quickly, providing a simple and quick replacement effect. The time to replace the abrasive belt wheel can be shortened so as to enhance work efficiency and economic efficiency.
US09327375B2	Machine tool To provide a machine tool capable of coping with both a workpiece requiring a small driving force, for example, having good machinability and a workpiece requiring a large driving force, for example, having poor machinability. The machine tool includes a coupling mechanism 9 which couples a first tool post (first tool driving mechanism) 5 and a second tool post (second tool driving mechanism) 6 so that a driving force of the second tool post 6 is added to a driving force of the first tool post 5.
US09327373B2	Preform clamping head A preform clamping head which is mounted at the lower part of a heating chain (8) includes an integral annular sleeve body (1), the outer surface of which inclines outwardly from bottom to top and the upper part of which is provided with a retracting space (2) for the inward retracting of the annular sleeve body when it is pressed. The invention has simple manufacture process and low manufacture cost. By means of the integral molding mode, the axial requirement of the preform clamping head is easier to satisfy, so that the bottle preform clamped on the outer surface of the sleeve body is capable of rotating stably along the heating chain and can be heated more uniformly during the heating process.
US09327368B2	Full ring inner air-seal with locking nut A vane assembly has a vane including an inner platform with a mount rail extending radially inwardly toward an engine center axis. An air seal is attached to the inner platform. The air seal has a single-piece ring extending circumferentially about the engine center axis. A ring nut secures the air seal to the inner platform. A biasing member cooperates with the ring nut and air seal to seal fore and aft locations on the vane.
US09327364B2	Solder piece, chip solder and method of fabricating solder piece A solder piece that has a rectangular parallelepiped shape formed by a punching process. Any one of the four surfaces of the rectangular parallelepiped other than the surface on which the shear droop portion generated by the punching process is formed and a surface opposite to the surface on which the shear droop portion is formed is a vacuum pickup surface. Each vacuum pickup surface is a sheared surface and extends along a longitudinal direction of the rectangular parallelepiped solder piece. The solder piece may be located in an open cavity in a supply tape with one of only the four vacuum pickup surfaces exposed to be available for vacuum pickup.
US09327361B2	Intelligent soldering cartridge for automatic soldering connection validation An intelligent soldering cartridge that includes: a housing; a solder tip; a heater for heating the solder tip; a storage device for storing information about characteristics of the cartridge; a processor for retrieving the information about characteristics of the cartridge, monitoring the power level delivered to the solder tip to detect liquidus occurrence at a solder joint, determining a thickness of an intermetallic compound (IMC) of the solder joint using some of the retrieved information, determining whether the thickness of the IMC is within a predetermined range, and generating an indication signal indicating that a reliable solder joint connection is formed when the thickness of the IMC is within the predetermined range; and an interface for transmitting the indication signal.
US09327359B2	Tap tool assembly A tap tool assembly includes a tap, a retaining member and a sleeve. The tap has a thread cutting section and a shaft section. The retaining member is fixed to the shaft section of the tap adjacent to a first end of the thread cutting section. The sleeve has a central bore extending therethrough. A surface of the sleeve defines the central bore and has a shoulder. The sleeve is coupled to the shaft section of the tap for movement between a first position completely covering the thread cutting section and a second position exposing at least a portion of the thread cutting section, with the sleeve being biased to move toward the first position.
US09327358B2	Method for processing gear and cutter for processing gear A method for processing a gear includes a first cutting process starting the cutting of a work by moving a cutter in a first cutting direction while maintaining a cutting depth of the work at a setting value and reducing the cutting depth of the work before a first cutter portion reaches an end portion of a cutting area in the first cutting direction and a second cutting process synchronously rotating the work and the cutter in a reverse direction of rotational directions of the work and the cutter in the first cutting process, maintaining the cutting depth of the work at the setting value, and cutting the end portion of the cutting area by moving the cutter in a second cutting direction.
US09327357B2	Gear machining apparatus, cutter and strain wave gearing device A gear machining apparatus includes a skiving mechanism positioning a work to be machined and a pinion type cutter on axes skewing from each other, the skiving mechanism rotating the work at a predetermined position and feeding the cutter while rotating in a direction of a tooth trace of a gear to be formed at the work synchronously to the rotation of the work for producing the gear from the work. The cutter includes a tooth surface which is formed with an involute region having an involute curve in an area including a pitch circle in a tooth depth direction, an addendum region continuously formed from the involute region to an addendum, and a dedendum region continuously formed from the involute region to a dedendum the addendum region and the dedendum region being shaped in a configuration different from the involute region.
US09327356B2	Tooth flank machining device and gear manufacturing method A tooth flank machining device includes a helical teeth grinding wheel, a position adjusting unit] capable of moving a relative position of a rotational axis of the helical teeth grinding wheel to a rotational axis of a work gear, and a controlling unit having a relative position controller activating the position adjusting unit to adjust the relative position of the rotational axis of the helical teeth grinding wheel to the rotational axis of the work gear so that the helical teeth grinding wheel engages the work gear with a grinding wheel tooth flank of the helical teeth grinding wheel abutting on only one of work tooth flanks forming a tooth of the work gear, a grinding wheel rotating unit controller activating a grinding wheel rotating unit, and a torque controlling unit controller activating a rotational torque controlling unit to adjust rotational torque within a predetermined range.
US09327353B2	Roughing and semi-finishing end mill having serrated and non-serrated cutting teeth An end mill having a plurality of teeth configured for both roughing and semi-finishing applications, the teeth being alternated with a plurality of flutes. At least one tooth of the plurality of cutting teeth is a serrated tooth formed with serrations along a relief surface thereof and at least one other tooth is free of serrations. Each tooth of the plurality of cutting teeth includes an actual internal cutting angle formed at an intersection of a rake cutting sub-surface and a relief surface. The actual internal cutting angle of each tooth has a greater value than an imaginary internal cutting angle formed at an intersection of imaginary extension lines of a rake recessed sub-surface and a relief surface of the same tooth.
US09327345B2	Process cycle including laser assisted casting and related system Various embodiments include methods and related systems for laser-assisted casting. Some embodiments include a method including: performing laser ablation on a preliminary wax casting model to form a modified wax model including at least one additional feature absent from the preliminary wax casting model; coating the modified wax model to form a mold shape around the modified wax model; removing the modified wax model to leave a casting mold including the at least one additional feature; forming a shape from a casting material using the casting mold having the at least one additional feature; and scanning the modified wax model to image the at least one additional feature after the performing of the laser ablation.
US09327343B2	Laser assisted casting of surface texture and related system Various embodiments include methods and related systems for laser-assisted casting. Some embodiments include a method including: performing laser ablation to a preliminary wax casting model to form a modified wax model including at least one surface texture element absent from the wax casting substrate; coating the modified wax model to form a mold shape around the modified wax model; and removing the modified wax model to leave a casting mold including the at least one surface texture element.
US09327341B2	Method of fabricating integrally bladed rotor and stator vane assembly A method of fabricating an integrally bladed rotor of a gas turbine engine according to one aspect, includes a 3-dimensional scanning process to generate a 3-dimensional profile of individual blades before being welded to the disc of the rotor. A blade distribution pattern on the disc is then determined in a computing process using data of the 3-dimensional profile of the individual blades such that the fabricated integrally bladed rotor is balanced.
US09327339B2	Element blanking apparatus and method An apparatus configured to make blanks that would be used to assemble a CVT belt formed from such blanks. The CVT is assembled by arrange a body portion of the blanks on an inner periphery, a head portion on an outer periphery, and a neck portion, which connects the head and body. The apparatus has a die that has an opening shape conforming to a planar shape of the element to be formed. An ejector that has a sectional shape conforming to the opening shape of the blanking blade and is located inside the blanking blade. A punch that has a sectional shape conforming to the opening shape of the blanking blade and moves downward into the blanking blade to blank the element together with the blanking blade, and a pusher that is located around the punch and presses the flat plate-like material against the die.
US09327337B2	Expansion head for expansion tools and expansion tool comprising said expansion head An expansion head for expansion tools for hollow work-pieces, particularly for the ends of plastic pipes and metal-plastic composite pipes, comprising a union cap having a guide flange directed radially inward, and a set of expandable jaws of sector-shaped design, each received individually by an inner flange sector overlapping the guide flange so that they are radially movable in the union cap, wherein the set of sector-shaped expandable jaws is movable between a closed state and an expansion state, and in a closed state, an approximately cylindrical lateral area is formed by an envelope of the outer walls of the set of expandable jaws, wherein characterized in that each expandable jaw is provided with at least one recess extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the expandable jaws so that in a closed state of the expansion head, the surface of the outer walls of the set of expandable jaws corresponds to 25% to 75% of the surface of the envelope of the outer walls of the set of expandable jaws.
US09327336B2	Metal joint Disclosed is a metal joint having improved electrical characteristics and mechanical strength. A center swaged part (2) formed by putting metal plates (11, 12) on top of each other, cutting the metal plates (11, 12) along a first to a fourth cut lines (L1 to L4), and depressing a part surrounded by the first to the fourth cut lines (L1 to L4). Metal joint parts are formed on cut surfaces of the first to the fourth cut lines (L1 to L4) because the cut surfaces of the first to forth cut lines (L1 to L4) are, while rubbing each other, depressed.
US09327335B2	Ball-lock retainers and methods for controlling ball bounce in a ball-lock retainer Retainers for holding tools and methods for controlling the motion of a locking member, such as a resiliently-biased locking ball, in a retainer. The locking member is disposed in a passage that intersects another passage configured to receive the tool. A portion of the locking member has a contacting relationship with the tool in order to hold the tool within its passage. The retainer further includes a constraint member, which may be a threaded member or a non-threaded member, that occludes the passage containing the locking member. During a stamping operation using the tool, the constraint member mechanically constrains motion of the locking member within its passage by contact with the locking member.
US09327331B2	Hemming a flange with compression to form a sharp edge A tool and method of hemming a panel wherein the tool engages a flange to apply a compressive force with a stop initially preventing a distal end of the flange from moving inwardly. The hemming tool bends the intermediate portion of the flange between the flange bend and the distal end toward the panel. The stop is withdrawn to allow the flange to be progressively formed toward the panel until the distal end is aligned with the intermediate portion.
US09327328B1	Pneumo-hydraulic system for repairing transportation containers An apparatus used to repair damage from metal body panels of a transportation container. The apparatus includes a platform having wheels that can optionally be locked. The apparatus further includes a pivoting arm that can be selectively raised, lowered, extended or retracted to repair virtually any area of a transportation container. At the end of the pivoting arm is a cross-arm member comprised of a piston repair arm that can be fitted with a plurality of attachments depending on the contours of the surface being repaired. The area to be repaired can include perimeter walls, ceilings, doorframes, and/or corner posts. The pivoting arm and piston repair arm are driven using a pneumo-hydraulic system that is lighter than any other system currently used on transportation repair devices. The substantial reduction in weight allows the apparatus to readily enter transportation containers and be easily handled by a single operator.
US09327327B2	Method of manufacturing pipe with different diameter along a longitudinal direction and die for forming A method of manufacturing a pipe with different diameters along a longitudinal direction that has a small diameter portion, a large diameter portion, and a diameter-changing portion provided between the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion and is formed by press forming a blank made of a metal sheet includes press forming the blank with a U-shape forming die into a U-shaped formed part and press forming the U-shaped formed part with an O-shape forming die set into a circular cross-section formed part. A length of a vertical wall of the U-shape forming die is longer than a length of a vertical wall portion of the U-shaped formed part. In the O-shape forming die set, a die mating line is inclined downwardly, and a ratio t/D of a sheet thickness t of the blank to a diameter D, which represents a diameter of a portion of the O-shape forming die set corresponding to the small diameter portion and a diameter of a portion of the O-shape forming die set corresponding to the large diameter portion, is 0.010≦t/D≦0.080.
US09327320B1	Apparatus and method for coal dedusting An apparatus and a method for dedusting coal or other material are described. The apparatus and method involve the coal or other material moving down a declined sliding bed composed of slats through which air or gas is blown to provide an air or gas cushion. Dust particles are lofted so as to separate dust from the material. Either or both of the dust and the resulting dedusted material can be collected.
US09327317B2	Ultrasound transducer and method for making the same The present application provides a multilayer lateral mode coupling method for phased array construction and transducer devices built accordingly. This disclosure describes and demonstrates that the electrical impedance of a phased array can be substantially reduced and readily controlled to be close to the source impedance. The fabrication process is relatively simple and inexpensive. In addition, the elements are robust for use in 1.5, 2, 3 or other dimensional configurations, over an extended period of operation, without structural failure, and providing a high power output required for imaging and/or medical therapy applications.
US09327314B2	Core-shell nanoparticles with multiple cores and a method for fabricating them The present invention is directed toward core-shell nanoparticles, each comprising a ligand-capped metal shell surrounding a plurality of discrete, nonconcentric, metal-containing cores. Methods of making and using these nanoparticles are also disclosed.
US09327312B2	Resin coating apparatus and a method for forming a resin layer using the same A resin coating apparatus includes a display panel disposed on a stage. A plurality of nozzles correspond to the display panel. The nozzles have a plurality of outlets configured to discharge a first resin and a second resin to the display panel. The second resin has different viscosity from the first resin. A connecting member holds the plurality of nozzles. A first supply unit is connected to the nozzles, and the first supply unit is configured to supply the first resin. The second supply unit is connected to the nozzles, and the second supply unit is configured to supply the second resin.
US09327311B1	Inhibiting corrosion with fractions of corn stillage A bio-based corrosion inhibitor composition includes a corn stillage product, and may be a substantially water insoluble fraction of corn stillage. The corrosion inhibitor composition is useful in protecting metal articles from corrosion.
US09327302B2	Thermal coating of a component stack and of component stacks A component stack is coated such that, during a first coating pass, a first angle (α) is formed between the first stack opening surface and the coating beam and, during a second coating pass, a second angle (β) is formed between the first stack opening surface and the coating beam, wherein the first angle (α) and the second angle (β) are formed in opposite directions relative to the first stack opening surface.
US09327301B2	Disposable spray gun cartridge A disposable cartridge assembly for use with a paint spray gun is disclosed, being made out of an inexpensive material, such as plastic, wherein the paint flows into the cartridge assembly and is sucked out of the tip of the cartridge assembly by the force of pressurized air flowing around the cartridge assembly and past the cartridge assembly fluid spray tip opening, thereby atomizing the paint, allowing for an even application of the paint onto a working surface, such as an automobile body. The inexpensive material allows the cartridge to be disposed of after use, rather than cleaned. Further, keeping the paint within the cartridge assembly and away from any inner workings of the paint spray gun reduces or eliminates the need to clean the spray gun after use.
US09327300B2	Spray gun with side-mounted fan control A paint spray gun for use in association with a HVLP turbine blower and an attachable paint container divides input air flow into two horizontally adjacent channels. Air flow through one channel remains open whereas air flow through the second channel may be varied by a side air controller such that when air flow is cut off from the second channel, the paint mixture is sprayed in a substantially circular shape whereas when air flows through the second channel the paint mixture is sprayed in a substantially fan shape. In another embodiment, a rotatable nipple is positioned to redirect some air flow from the channels to drive paint from the paint container.
US09327291B2	Underwater mineral dressing methods and systems Underwater mineral dressing units, systems and methods are provided. Material is milled in a water-immiscible liquid which is heavier than water and lighter than the product material. Gangue material is removed by the milling and floats on the water-immiscible liquid to be removed without further processing. Product containing material sinks and is further milled to remove additional gangue material, until the required level of extraction is achieved. Cascades of milling rolls in the water-immiscible liquid allow ever improving extraction of the product material. The rolls are arranged to regulate material flow through the system to remove floating gangue while directing sinking product material to further processing.
US09327289B2	Mineral material processing plant and method A mineral material processing plant includes a frame having two or more upper support surfaces and a jaw crusher including a crusher body having at least two bottom support surfaces at a distance from each other. The processing plant further includes at least one damper to be arranged in between the bottom and upper support surfaces which damper includes a first counter surface for the bottom support surface and a second counter surface for the upper support surface and an elastic material layer between the counter surfaces and preferably a slide joint between the first counter surface and the bottom or upper support surface. A method for damping a jaw crusher in a mineral material processing plant is also disclosed.
US09327287B2	Mallet with a cutting insert and a basic element The invention refers to a mallet, in particular for comminution devices with a rotor or at least one shaft, on or at which the mallet (1) can be fastened, consisting of a basic element (2) provided with a through bore hole (B), wherein the through bore hole (B) is provided for connecting the mallet (1) with the rotor or the shaft, and a cutting insert (3) that can be connected releasably/fixedly with the basic element (2) by at least one form-locking connection (V) as well as by at least one connecting means (4), the connecting means (4) exerts power (P) drawing or pressing the cutting insert (3) in the form-locking connection (V) of the basic element (2).The invention is characterized in that referring to the power (P) a power (P1) results drawing or pressing the cutting insert (3) in a sloping angle (α) with reference to an axis (Y) of the mallet (1) and a symmetry axis (A) of the connecting means (4) essentially parallel to the axis (Y) in the basic element (2).
US09327286B2	Mill for grinding rubbish A mill for grinding rubbish. The mill comprises at least one grinding chamber defined by a side wall and a floor. The mill also comprises at least two rotors and rotatable about respective substantially vertical axes and. Each of the rotors comprises a hub and a plurality of chains connected to the hub and designed to sweep over part of the grinding chamber during rotation of the rotor.
US09327284B2	Sampling and assay device A sampling and assay device comprises at least three chamber portions connected together in a row. Each chamber portion defines a chamber separated by respective partitions. One end chamber is capable of receiving a sample. The other chambers contain reagent. In respect of each pair of adjacent chamber portions one of the adjacent chamber portions has the respective partition fixed thereto and the other of the adjacent chamber portions has a rupture member arranged to rupture the respective partition on relative movement of the adjacent chamber portions. Each pair of adjacent chamber portions have respective connection portions mated together, the connection portions being designed to allow further chamber portions identical to an intermediate chamber portion to be connected into said row.
US09327280B2	Catalytic carbonylation catalysts and methods In one aspect, the present invention provides catalysts for the carbonylation of heterocycles. The inventive catalysts feature metal-ligand complexes having cationic functional groups tethered to the ligand, wherein the tethered cationic groups are associated with anionic metal carbonyl species. The invention also provides methods of using the inventive catalysts to affect the ring opening carbonylation of epoxides.
US09327278B1	Process for catalyst regeneration A process is disclosed for an improved catalyst regeneration process to improve catalyst stability and hence increase overall catalyst life. The process includes passing a spent catalyst stream to a first, or upper, combustion zone to partially regenerate the catalyst through controlled combustion of the carbon on the catalyst. The first combustion zone will burn off a high fraction of hydrogen at lower temperatures generating a large fraction of H2O. The partially regenerated catalyst is passed to a second, or lower, combustion zone to burn off the remaining coke at the needed high severity operation. The second combustion zone will burn off the remaining coke at a higher temperature and higher oxygen gas inlet concentration.
US09327277B2	Fibrous IM-5 molecular sieve and preparation process thereof The present invention provides a fibrous IM-5 molecular sieve and the preparation process thereof. According to the process according to the present invention, by adding an appropriate amount of a quaternary ammonium salt with a long carbon chain to the preparation system so as to occur a synergistic action with the organic templet agent, an IM-5 molecular sieve which would be otherwise a rodlike form is converted into the fibrous form. The IM-5 molecular sieve according to the present invention has an aspect ratio greater than that of the rodlike IM-5 molecular sieve obtained according to the prior art, such that the proportion of the exposed periphery crystal face is higher, which benefit to increasing the selectivity of the catalytic reaction for the corresponding crystal face.
US09327276B2	Catalyst for glycerin dehydration, preparation method thereof, and preparation method of acrolein The present invention relates to a catalyst for glycerin dehydration, a preparation method thereof, and a preparation method of acrolein, and more particularly, to a catalyst for glycerin dehydration which minimizes by-product formation during glycerin dehydration to improve acrolein selectivity and maintains high catalytic activity during reaction.
US09327275B2	Hydroconversion multi-metallic catalysts and method for making thereof The invention relates to a self-supported mixed metal sulfide (MMS) catalyst for hydrotreating hydrocarbon feedstock and to a method for preparing the catalyst. The MMS catalyst is characterized as having a BET surface area of at least 20 m2/g and a pore volume of at least 0.05 cm3/g. In one embodiment, the MMS catalyst is also characterized as having a multi-phased structure comprising five phases: a molybdenum sulfide phase, a tungsten sulfide phase, a molybdenum tungsten sulfide phase, an active nickel phase, and a nickel sulfide phase.
US09327274B2	Hydroconversion multi-metallic catalyst and method for making thereof The invention relates to a self-supported mixed metal sulfide (MMS) catalyst for hydrotreating hydrocarbon feedstock and to a method for preparing the catalyst. The self-supported MMS catalyst contains Ni:W in a mole ratio of 1:3 to 4:1, on a transition metal basis. The self supported MMS catalyst is characterized as having an HYD reaction rate constant of at least 15% higher than that of a catalyst comprising nickel sulfide alone or a catalyst comprising tungsten sulfide alone, when compared on same metal molar basis in hydrotreating of benzene as a feedstock at identical process conditions.
US09327272B2	Method for producing a composite material A method for producing a composite material which contains a support material and an ionic liquid, as well as a composite material and its use as synthetic catalyst.
US09327269B2	Stationary phase A stationary phase that increases the number of column stages and that exhibits an excellent molecular discrimination ability is realized by a stationary phase that contains a polymer having, in main chain repeat units, an aromatic ring that forms a portion of the main chain and a bipolar atomic group that forms a portion of the main chain, wherein the stationary phase has a specific surface area of 5 to 1000 m2/g.
US09327268B2	Honey comb matrix comprising macro porous desiccant, process and use thereof Macroporous desiccant based honeycomb matrix comprising the macroporous desiccant synthesized “in-situ”, said desiccant having a differential water adsorption. Process for the “in-situ” preparation of the macroporous desiccant based honeycomb matrix comprising the steps of soaking honeycomb substrate impregnated with water glass, in aqueous metal salt(s) solution or acid solution, or combination thereof, till such time the hydrogel honeycomb matrix is obtained and thermally activating said hydrogel honeycomb matrix to produce macroporous desiccant based honeycomb matrix.
US09327262B2	Solid phase reaction method and apparatus A solid phase reaction method comprising an elongate material of (1) with a substance provided thereon through at least one reaction zone (2) and comprises at least one group for attachment to at least one linker species of said substance. The elongate material (1) may be a cord ribbon, thread or tape.
US09327258B2	Porous silica-based particles having smooth surface, method for production thereof and cosmetic comprising such particles Disclosed are porous silica-based particles having high surface smoothness, a method for producing the porous silica-based particles, and a cosmetic comprising the porous silica-based particles. The porous silica-based particles have an average particle diameter of 0.5 to 30 μm and have a surface smoothness of a level to such an extent that, when the entire surface of the particle is observed from a photograph thereof taken by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with a magnifying power of 10,000, a foreign matter attached to the surface thereof can be hardly seen.
US09327255B2	Microchemical analysis device, a micro mixing device, and a microchemical analysis system comprising the same By situating a mixing pot in a junction of a first solution and a second solution or after the junction in a channel to temporarily retain these solutions, and situating an analysis sensor downstream from the mixing pot to detect the result of reaction of the first solution and second solution, heterogeneous solutions are mixed so as to react within the channel, and chemical analysis of one of the solutions is performed. According to this system, before the solutions have fully flowed through the remainder of the channel following the junction, the solutions are mixed uniformly at once by the turbulent and vortex flow generated within the mixing pot.
US09327251B2	System and method for improved gas dissolution The invention provides a microbubble generation system with increased efficiency and flexibility compared to known systems. Further, the invention provides a method of microbubble generation. In particular, invention relates to increasing the efficiency of a fermentation reaction by reducing bubble size and increasing gas absorption into a liquid fermentation broth.
US09327248B1	Copolyimide membranes with high permeability and selectivity for olefin/paraffin separations A copolyimide polymer membrane is provided for separation of hydrocarbons including separation of olefins from paraffins and isoparaffins from other paraffins. The copolyimide polymer membranes include a poly(3,3′-diaminobenzophenone-3,3′,5,5′-tetramethyl-4,4′-methylene dianiline-pyromellitic dianhydride) (abbreviated as poly(DAB-TMMDA-PMDA)). The copolyimide membranes prepared from poly(DAB-TMMDA-PMDA) with varying molar ratios of DAB to TMMDA (abbreviated as PI-DAB-T) showed excellent separation properties for propylene/propane separation.
US09327244B2	Ionic membrane preparation In a first aspect, a method for forming a ionic polymer membrane, comprises: (i) polymerising a mixture of one or more first monomers to form an ionic polymer membrane; (ii) soaking the polymer membrane of (i) into a mixture of one or more second monomers, for a sufficient length of time to allow the solution to penetrate through the entire polymer membrane; and (iii) polymerising the monomer-coated polymer of step (ii) to form an essentially homogenous ionic polymer. In a second aspect, a method for forming a catalyst-coated ionic polymer membrane, comprises: (i) polymerising a mixture of one or more first monomers to form an ionic polymer membrane; (ii) dipping the polymer of (i) into a mixture of one or more second monomers; (iia) depositing a catalyst onto the monomer-coated polymer; (iii) polymerising the monomer-coated polymer of step (iia). The present invention also includes membranes formed using these methods.
US09327240B2	Method and system for estimating reagent quality In a method for estimating the quality of an urea based reagent in terms of urea concentration, the reagent is injected upstream of a SCR catalyst in an exhaust aftertreatment system. A demanded NOx conversion rate is set substantially lower than a currently estimated maximum NOx conversion rate of the SCR catalyst. An actual NOx conversion rate is monitored for a certain time period. The urea concentration of the reagent is estimated based on comparing the monitored actual NOx conversion and the demanded NOx conversion during the time period. A corresponding system is also disclosed.
US09327236B2	Wet type flue-gas desulfurization method A wet type flue-gas desulfurization apparatus, into which exhaust gas containing mercury goes, includes an upstream absorption tower, an upstream absorbent spray nozzle and a make-up water supply unit on an upstream side of a desulfurization apparatus body in a flow direction of the gas. The upstream absorption tower has a circulation tank reserving absorbent slurry. The make-up water supply unit supplies make-up water into the circulation tank to keep the chloride ion concentration of the absorbent in the circulation tank not lower than 50,000 ppm. Thus, it is possible to provide a wet type flue-gas desulfurization apparatus by which Hg can be prevented from being released again from the desulfurization apparatus, the purity of recovered gypsum can be increased and the usage of industrial water can be reduced.
US09327235B2	Removal of atmospheric pollutants from gas, related apparatuses, processes and uses thereof One aspect of the invention relates to a method comprising a single-stage conversion of an atmospheric pollutant, such as NO, NO2 and/or SOx in a first stream to one or more mineral acids and/or salts thereof by reacting with nonionic gas phase chlorine dioxide (ClO20), wherein the reaction is carried out in the gas phase. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method comprising first adjusting the atmospheric pollutant concentrations in a first stream to a molar ratio of about 1:1, and then reacting with an aqueous metal hydroxide solution (MOH). Another aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus that can be used to carry out the methods disclosed herein. The methods disclosed herein are unexpectedly efficient and cost effective, and can be applied to a stream comprising high concentration and large volume of atmospheric pollutants.
US09327232B2	Circulating dry scrubber system and method A system and method suitable for the removal of pollutants from gases with a circulating dry scrubber system having a circulating dry scrubber reactor containing a fluidized bed adapted to contact the gas with a dry reagent within the fluidized bed. The system includes a housing fluidically coupled to the reactor, a filter array within the housing, and an internal hopper within the housing and adapted to return at least some of the particulates to the fluidized bed within the circulating dry scrubber reactor. The scrubbed gas stream exits the circulating dry scrubber reactor and flows upward between an interior of the housing and an exterior of the internal hopper before contacting the filter array. The exterior of the internal hopper is exposed to the scrubbed gas stream, and the scrubbed gas stream is not recirculated to the circulating dry scrubber reactor to maintain the fluidized bed therein.
US09327229B2	Air pollution control system and method SOx removal equipment 15 which reduces sulfur oxides from flue gas 12 from a boiler 11, a cooler 16 which is provided on the downstream side of the SOx removal equipment 15 so as to reduce the sulfur oxides from the flue gas and decrease a gas temperature, CO2 recovery equipment 17 which includes an absorber for bringing CO2 in the flue gas into contact with a CO2 absorption liquid so as to be reduced and a regenerator for causing the CO2 absorption liquid to emit CO2 so as to recover CO2 and regenerate the CO2 absorption liquid, and ammonia injection equipment 22 for reducing a mist generation material which is a generation source of mist that is generated in the absorber of the CO2 recovery equipment before introducing the flue gas to the CO2 recovery equipment, are included.
US09327228B2	Venturi scrubber for wet dedusting and having an insert body A venturi scrubber, which has a flow channel defined by a confuser, a throat, and a diffuser in sequence and which has a longitudinal axis. The throat has a throat wall, with nozzles for injecting scrubbing liquid into the throat. At least one insert body in the throat reduces the flow cross-section in the flow channel by at most 45%, preferably at most 30%, especially preferably at most 20%. The insert body is located preferably in a region of the longitudinal extension of the throat after the nozzles, as viewed in the direction from the confuser to the diffuser.
US09327223B2	Collapsible air filtering device A collapsible device for filtering air comprising a base, a fan functionally attached to the base, an air filter releasably attached to the base, and a substantially air impermeable outer sleeve is provided.
US09327222B2	Sealed honeycomb structure and device for cleaning exhaust A sealed honeycomb structure which can suppress increase of pressure loss and improve durability favorably is disclosed. A sealed honeycomb structure 100 including includes a honeycomb structure having porous walls dividedly forming inlet cells and outlet cells, an outlet side sealing portion, and an inlet side sealing portion, wherein an opening area of the inlet cell is larger than an opening area of an outlet cell on a cross-section of the honeycomb structure, wherein at least one outlet cell is a reinforced cell where a reinforcing part for reinforcing the outlet cell is formed at at least one corner portion at which the walls on a cross-section vertical to an extending direction of the cell cross each other, and wherein the inlet cell is a non-reinforced cell where the reinforcing part is not formed at all the corner portions at which the walls on the cross-section vertical to the extending direction of the cell cross each other.
US09327212B2	Method and system for preparation of liquid mixtures A method for preparing a liquid flow having pre-defined characteristics by mixing liquid flows of at least two different component stock solutions with each other comprises the steps of determining a selected property value for one or more of the stock solutions by sensing, in a flow of each stock solution separately, at least one characteristic related to the property value for the stock solution, and based on the determined property value or values, mixing the stock solution flows in mixing ratios giving the desired mixed liquid flow. A system for carrying out the method comprises sensor means and a control unit, wherein the control unit is arranged to evaluate the characteristics sensed by the sensor means and provide relative ratios of stock solutions required to obtain a mixed liquid flow having the pre-defined characteristics.
US09327207B2	Spherical desalination device The spherical desalination device includes a hollow spherical transparent shell serving as a distillation chamber or still. Water initially flows through an underground system for geothermal heating, then flows into the hollow shell. The water flows from the upper portion of the shell, filling a series of concentric circular trays arranged in a conical stack within the shell. Water cascades from the smallest diameter uppermost tray to the largest lowermost tray, in sequence. Sunlight focused on the transparent shell causes the water to evaporate, and condensation collects upon the interior surface of the shell. A resilient seal extends about the lower rim of the largest and lowest evaporator tray, and is located at the equator of the hollow shell. The shell is rotated by an external motor, thereby drawing the internal surface of the shell across the seal to remove collected condensation from the internal surface of the shell.
US09327205B2	Kinetic entertainment device, kit and method for manufacturing the same A kinetic entertainment device comprises one or more elongated flexible strips anchored to a surface either directly or via a base. As a result, the strip can be modified into a desired static shape and, upon excitation, a corresponding kinetic (i.e., motion) shape.
US09327203B2	Systems and methods for real time sound effect modulation based on attitude variations Provided are systems and methods for real time sound effect modulation based on attitude variations. The system may include one or more position sensors installed on a moving object, with the position sensors reporting positional data associated with the moving object. A memory may contain predetermined criteria for altering characteristics of a sound associated with the moving object, and a database may contain sound examples. A processor may receive the positional data from the position sensors and determine positional changes based on the data. The processor may fetch sound examples from the database and fetch predetermined criteria from the memory. The processor may modulate the sound examples based on positional changes according to the predefined criteria to produce modulated sound examples. The processor may aggregate the modulated sound examples to produce an aggregated modulated sound example. Speakers on the moving object may emit the aggregated modulated sound example.
US09327199B2	Multi-tenancy for cloud gaming servers Some implementations may include one or more servers to host multiple game instances of game modules. The one or more servers may determine whether a difference between a total rendering time to render output data for the multiple game instances and a rendering capacity of the one or more processors is less than a predetermined rendering threshold. In response to determining that the difference between the total rendering time and the rendering capacity of the one or more processors is less than the predetermined rendering threshold, the one or more servers may adjust a rendering complexity associated with one or more of the plurality of game instances.
US09327197B2	Conducting challenge events A method and system for conducting a challenge event. The challenge event is communicated to at least two participants in a form of an event specification. A proposal for a solution that meets the specification is received from each participant. Only one participant is chosen from the at least two participants, based on the proposal previously received from each participant. The solution is received in a form of a document or computer code from the chosen only one participant.
US09327193B2	Dynamic selection of voice quality over a wireless system Various systems, methods, and computer readable instructions are disclosed herein for dynamically allocating fixed bandwidth over a wireless link between a video game console and a wireless peripheral device. In an embodiment, the voice sample rate in a wireless microphone may be dynamically adjusted to free up bandwidth that can be repurposed for other operations. The sample rate adjustment can range from maximum where the bandwidth is filled with voice data to a lesser sample rate. In the case where the sample rate is less than max, the freed up bandwidth can be for used for other operations.
US09327192B2	Game system and storage medium storing game program A movement vector of an object which appears in a virtual game world is determined in accordance with an operation of a direction instruction section which is provided in a housing. The movement vector is corrected in accordance with a change in an orientation of the housing from a reference orientation or acceleration generated in the housing. Then, movement of the object in the virtual game world is controlled based on the corrected movement vector.
US09327191B2	Method and apparatus for enhanced virtual camera control within 3D video games or other computer graphics presentations providing intelligent automatic 3D-assist for third person viewpoints A pivoting camera viewpoint is provided so that when an animated game character uses a bow and arrow or other weapon, the camera adopts a third person 3D view based on the relative position of the game character and the target that game character is aiming his bow at. The user positions a target cursor on the desired target. This causes an imaginary line segment or plane to be drawn in 3D space between the desired target and the game character (or possibly the game character's bow). The imaginary line segment or plane continues through and past the game character, and the character keeps the weapon, if it is a missile weapon, pointed along this line segment. Additionally, the player can lock onto a target, and freely move a character around. While in lock-on mode, the camera automatically repositions itself to keep both the character and the target visible to a player.
US09327190B2	Storage medium having stored thereon information processing program, and information procesing device A computer readable storage medium having stored thereon an information processing program executable by a computer of an information processing device which presents information corresponding to a biological signal acquired from a user, is provided. The information processing program causes the computer to function as biological signal acquiring means, motion/attitude information acquiring means, and presentation means. The biological signal acquiring means acquires the biological signal from the user. The motion/attitude information acquiring means acquires information about a motion or an attitude of the user from detecting means, in association with the biological signal acquired by the biological signal acquiring means. The presentation means performs predetermined presentation based on both the biological signal acquired by the biological signal acquiring means and the information acquired by the motion/attitude information acquiring means.
US09327189B2	In-vehicle gaming system An in-vehicle gaming system may be played by a driver alone, or simultaneously or individually by a driver and/or one or more other users. The in-vehicle gaming system may be activated or controlled by, for example, touch, voice, or gesture. Gameplay is dynamically adjusted based at least in part on environmental factors such that the driver is not distracted from driving the vehicle. Game content is generated based at least in part on environmental factors and user data.
US09327187B2	Interactive feature game A gaming machine comprises a display, a game player input means and a game controller arranged to control images displayed on the display. The game controller controls play of a game in which a winning game result causes a prize to be awarded to a game player. The game comprises an interactive sequence related to a tournament in which a representation of a first video-player, of one team is displayed. An action of the first video-player to be executed is selected by the game player via the game player input means and the game controller selects an action to be performed by another video player. Depending on an outcome resulting from the selected actions, an award is made to the game player.
US09327186B1	Roulette system with side bet and random multiplier event A wagering system having: a physical roulette wheel; a source of multiple drop balls; a selection system that selects a single drop ball from a roulette ball storage area; and the roulette ball storage area storing a first roulette ball of a first color in a first accessible area and storing a second roulette ball of a second color in a second accessible area. The processor recognizing wagers on roulette wagering event outcomes and side bets placed at a player position on roulette wagering event outcomes. The processor is configured to resolve wagers at a player position with the side bet being recognized on roulette wagering event outcomes that do occur at odds against a second paytable with odds on at least some winning event outcomes that are higher than odds on the same at least some winning event outcomes without a side bet.
US09327185B2	Systems, methods, and apparatus for bingo games having a visible ball queue Systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture provide for a bingo game including a representation of a ball queue. In one example, a display for a bingo game represents a queue of one or more upcoming ball calls for the bingo game. In some embodiments, a ball queue may include partial information about an upcoming ball call (e.g., an indication of a corresponding bingo card column but not a bingo number).
US09327184B2	Apparatus and method of manipulating numeric panels An apparatus and method of manipulating numeric panels according to an evaluation of a division operation using a division token is provided. At step (1) of the method, a method participant uses a mathematical operator token to randomly select a mathematical operator from a plurality of mathematical operators one of which being a division operator. At step (2) of the method, upon the selected mathematical operator comprising the division operator, the method participant randomly selects a division operation from a plurality of predefined division operations using a division token and evaluating the selected division operation, the division token comprising a plurality of division indicia each associated with one of the predefined division operations, each of the division operations evaluating solely to an integer quotient. At step (3) of the method, the method participant manipulates a subset of available panels from an array of numeric panels.
US09327181B2	Ski systems and methods and related toe binding mounts and associated quick-release locking mechanisms A ski system includes a ski, a heel binding provided on an upper surface of the ski, a toe binding mount provided on the upper surface of the ski forward of the heel binding, a toe binding releasably mounted to the toe binding mount, and a quick-release locking mechanism for locking the toe binding to the toe binding mount. The quick-release locking mechanism is configured for release by hand.
US09327177B2	Tennis swing analysis method A swing analyzing apparatus includes: a three-axis acceleration sensor attached to a tennis racket, for measuring accelerations in the directions of three axes when a swing for hitting a tennis ball is taken with the tennis racket; a three-axis gyro sensor attached to the tennis racket, for measuring angular speeds about the three axes; and an analyzing device. The analyzing device has a receiving function to receive data regarding the accelerations and the angular speeds from the three-axis acceleration sensor and the three-axis gyro sensor; a coordinate axis conversion function to convert relative coordinate axes that are the three axes for the accelerations into absolute coordinate axes on the basis of the angular speeds; and a calculation function to calculate an index of the swing on the basis of accelerations resulting from the coordinate axis conversion.
US09327174B2	Sports bag with integral transportation system Disclosed is a sports bag assembly with an integral wheeled transportation system. The bag assembly can accommodate the transportation and storage of sports equipment. The wheels can be deployed and retracted with a single mechanical movement, and may be stowed within the geometry of the bag. The bag assembly can fit within the recessed areas of platforms on the rear of motorized golf carts; within conventional storage stands, racks, lockers, vehicle trunks and/or hatches typically found around golf courses and in residences; and within travel containers or other systems for traditional golf bags. The golf bag assembly may also include a ventilated club storage compartment to facilitate the drying of clubs (including grips), and allow drainage of fluids which may enter the interior of the bag assembly. The bag assembly can also include a support and suspension system which restrains the grip and upper shaft or hosel ends of clubs which stabilizes and protects clubs during transport and play. The restraint system also can enhance the golfing experience by reducing or eliminating noise generated by clubs banging together during transportation. The restraint system can also extend the life of golf clubs by preventing contact between clubs, which contact could damage and alter frequency settings for various clubs.
US09327172B2	Mid-density materials for golf applications The golf club head has a body comprising a crown portion, a sole portion, a toe portion, heel portion, hosel portion, rear portion, and a front portion including a striking face. At least one or more portions of the body of the golf club head is made out of at least one or more mid-density materials. The at least one mid-density material or composite of mid-density materials have a density within a range from about 4.5 g/cm3 to 7.9 g/cm3. The mid-density material or composite of mid-density materials provide sufficient stiffness at a reduced weight to optimize the center of gravity and moment of inertia of the golf club head. Also, by using mid-density materials, discretionary weight of the golf club head is increased which can be used to position higher density weights at selective portions of the golf club head.
US09327166B2	Golf balls having foam center and thermoset outer core layer with hardness gradients Multi-layered golf balls containing a dual-core structure are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The outer core layer is preferably formed from a non-foamed thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. The specific gravity (density) of the foam inner core is preferably less than the density of the outer core layer. The core assembly preferably has a positive hardness gradient extending across the entire assembly. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency.
US09327161B1	Portable spotting device A portable spotting device that can be moved by a single person from one piece of exercise equipment to another is described. The portable spotting device has a central tower having a vertical support, a powered lifting device and an actuator portion. A powered lifting device, such as an electric motor, may be coupled to the vertical support and drive a cable spool, whereby a cable is attached to the actuator portion. The electric motor, configured as a wench may move the actuator portion up and down along the vertical support. A horizontal extension attached to the actuator has a pair of adjustable arms the extend forward to retain and lift a weight, such as a weight bar. An actuator pedal allows a weight lifter to control the height of the adjustable arms while lying on a bench.
US09327159B1	Convertible variable weight exercise system The embodiments herein relate to a weight system enabling a user to configure the system for the performance of various exercises. The invention comprises a multiplicity of generally cylindrical weights which are inserted into weight receiving bores equally spaced around a central bore of a generally cylindrical body with a first and second face. A post with at least one end is configured to releasably engage the central bore on the first face of the body. A first collar releasably engages the first end of the post proximal to the body to prevent the weights from exiting the weight receiving bore to form a kettlebell. In an alternate embodiment, the second end of the post is configured to releasably engage a central bore of a second generally cylindrical body which mirrors the configuration of the first generally cylindrical body to modify the kettlebell configuration into a dumbbell configuration.
US09327151B2	Fire-fighting extinguisher nozzle; a method for fabricating such nozzle, and a method for producing a spray of fine-droplet mist Method and a fire-fighting extinguisher nozzle for providing a spray of fine droplet mist of liquid into a space, room or a cavity, comprises a number of openings in the exterior surface of the nozzle. Openings communicate with a liquid source through at least one small diameter drilled hole in a nozzle material, enabling liquid in the form of a mist to be directed at least partly in lateral direction and/or at least partly in a sector axially out from the nozzle. The nozzle is also being associated with trigger mechanism, initiating the mist creating effect by allowing an extinguishing liquid to be sprayed out the openings of the nozzle when heat or fumes are detected. Some of the drilled holes are configured in such way that a deflecting surface is provided inside the drilled holed in the nozzle material in the vicinity of the outlet, causing formation of the mist spray of crushed liquid consisting of fine, minute droplets just inside the drilled holes.
US09327150B2	Firefighting vehicle A firefighting vehicle includes a chassis, a front wheel assembly coupled to the chassis and having at least one front wheel defining an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the chassis when in a straight position, an operator cab positioned at a front portion of the chassis, and an engine supported by the chassis. The operator cab has a floor section extending laterally between a driver seat and a passenger seat at a position forward of the axis of rotation, and the floor section is substantially flat. The engine is disposed under the operator cab and at least partially rearward of the axis of rotation.
US09327141B2	Gantry image guided radiotherapy system and related treatment delivery methods Systems, methods, and related computer program products for image-guided radiation treatment (IGRT) are described. Provided according to one preferred embodiment is an IGRT apparatus including a barrel-style rotatable gantry structure that provides high mechanical stability, versatility in radiation delivery, and versatility in target tracking. Methods for treatment radiation delivery using the IGRT apparatus include conical non-coplanar rotational arc therapy and cono-helical non-coplanar rotational arc therapy. A radiation treatment head (MV source) and a treatment guidance imaging system including a kV imaging source are mounted to and rotatable with a common barrel-style rotatable gantry structure, or alternatively the MV and kV sources are mounted to separate barrel-style rotatable gantry structures independently rotatable around a common axis of rotation. Methods for intra-fraction target tracking in a gantry-style IGRT system based on comparisons between a pre-acquired planning image and intrafraction x-ray tomosynthesis images and/or intrafraction cone beam CT (CBCT) images are also described.
US09327133B2	Implantable medical device An implantable medical device is provided for sensing cardiac activity within a patient's body. The device comprises a canister, control circuitry disposed within the canister, and a lead assembly extending from the canister. At least one sense electrode is coupled to the circuitry and disposed on the lead assembly for sensing cardiac activity. At least one spacer is coupled between the lead assembly and the canister for maintaining a minimum predetermined distance between the at least one sense electrode and the canister.
US09327130B2	Implantable pacemakers control and optimization via fractional calculus approaches Method and system for non-linear modeling of physiological behavior, such as R-R intervals, in implantable devices, such as a rate responsive pacemakers, comprising a comprehensive modeling and optimization methodology based on fractional calculus and constrained finite horizon optimal control theory that allows for allows for fine-grain optimization of pacemaker response to heart rate variations; and the theoretical basis on which a hardware implementation of the fractional optimal controller that can respond to changes in the heart rate dynamics. Present invention describes a fractal approach to pacemaker control based on the constrained finite horizon optimal control problem. This is achieved by modeling the heart rate dynamics via fractional differential equations. Also, by using calculus of variations, the invention describes how the constrained finite horizon optimal control problem can be reduced to solving a linear system of equations. Finally, the invention describes the theoretical basis on which a hardware implementation become possible.
US09327129B2	Blended posture state classification and therapy delivery Techniques for classification of a posture state of a patient using multiple posture state definitions, and for delivering therapy according to the patient's classified posture state. Detected parameter values describing a patient's posture state are compared to posture state definitions. This comparison is used to determine similarity values describing how similar the patient's posture state is to each of the posture states described by the posture state definitions. Weighting factors may be determined from the similarity values and used to weight therapy parameter values that are associated with each of the posture state definitions. The resulting weighted therapy parameter values may be used to derive a blended therapy parameter value for use in delivering therapy to the patient. The patient's posture state may be expressed in terms of a blending of the multiple posture state definitions.
US09327125B2	Selective high frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects, and associated systems and methods Selective high-frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal cord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side effects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications.
US09327123B2	Endovascular nerve monitoring devices and associated systems and methods Endovascular nerve monitoring devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A nerve monitoring system configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include a shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion and a nerve monitoring assembly at the distal portion. The shaft is configured to locate the distal portion intravascularly at a treatment site. The nerve monitoring assembly can include a bipolar stimulation electrode array and a bipolar recording electrode array disposed distal to the bipolar stimulation electrode assembly.
US09327122B2	Methods for catheter-based renal neuromodulation Methods and apparatus are provided for monopolar neuromodulation, e.g., via a pulsed electric field. Such monopolar neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, monopolar neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. In some embodiments, such monopolar neuromodulation is performed bilaterally.
US09327119B2	Electrostimulation system An electrostimulation system of the invention includes a signal generator, a docking assembly, and at least one transmission assembly. The signal generator is configured to produce at least one signal. The docking assembly includes a main housing; at least one mechanical retaining element operatively connected to the main housing that mechanically secures the signal generator to the docking assembly; and, at least one electrical docking element mechanically connected to the main housing that electrically connects the docking assembly to the signal generator. The at least one transmission assembly is adapted to fit on a portion of a user's anatomy, including at least one transmission assembly connection element (TACE) adapted to transmit a signal from the docking assembly to the user. The signal generator is electrically and mechanically detachably connected to the docking assembly during use.
US09327116B2	Wireless cardioresonance stimulation An apparatus for the cardio-synchronized stimulation of skeletal or smooth muscle, but excluding the heart muscles, in a counterpulsation mode of a patient. The apparatus comprises an active and a passive electrode for attachment to said patient, a signal processor having a configuration input for varying a time delay associated with counterpulsation mode stimulation, and a sensing system for sensing information relating to the performance of the patient's heart and for transmission of information signals to said signal processor, said signal processor producing control signal information relating to stimulation signals to be applied to said active electrode in a counterpulsation mode, a stimulation signal generator associated with said active electrode for generating stimulation signals, wireless transmission means for transmitting said control signal information from said signal processor to said stimulation signal generator whereby said stimulation signal generator applies stimulation signals to said active electrode in accordance with said signal information.
US09327115B2	Implant device for stimulating osteogenesis and osseointegration An implant device for stimulating osteogenesis and osseointegration comprises a hollow annular housing member, a pulsed current modulator, and a coil connected to the current modulator. The current modulator and at least a portion of the coil are mounted within the housing member. A frequency of the pulsed current is selected to generate an electromagnetic field of a predetermined flux density that penetrates, and propagates radially outwardly from, the housing member for a sufficiently large propagation distance to stimulate osteogenesis and osseointegration, by means of the generated electromagnetic field, of a bone region in which the implant device is implanted and which is disposed radially outwardly from the housing member.
US09327114B2	User-activated self-contained co-packaged iontophoretic drug delivery system A user-activated self-contained co-packaged iontophoretic drug delivery system and method of use for treatment of a subject are described.
US09327113B2	Active fixation lead having a rotatable curve Various embodiments concern a lead having a proximal section and a curbed section. The lead can comprise an outer tubular portion having a bias such that the lead assumes a curved shape along the curved section. The lead can further include an inner tubular portion extending within the outer tubular portion, the inner tubular portion comprising an inner coil conductor and an inner polymer jacket over the inner coil conductor along the curved section, the inner tubular member stiffer along the proximal section than the curved section, the outer tubular portion stiffer along the curved section relative to the inner tubular portion along the curved section such that the inner tubular portion can rotate relative to the outer tubular portion while the curved shape is substantially maintained. Relative rotation can extend and rotate and active fixation element.
US09327112B2	Left ventricular intraseptal stimulation lead A stimulation lead is disclosed. This lead comprises a lead body having a lumen housing an inner conductor, the conductor being axially and rotationally movable within the lumen, and coupled to a generator of an active implantable medical device. The lead also has a helical anchoring screw extending from a distal end configured to penetrate target tissue, and a stimulation needle electrically coupled to the conductor and comprising at its distal end an active free portion with at least one stimulation electrode for application of pacing pulses to the target tissue. The stimulation needle is axially movable between a retracted position inside the tubular body, and a deployed position with the active free portion of the needle emerging out of the tubular body, utilizing an actuating mechanism for moving the needle from its retracted position to its deployed position under the effect of rotary movement relative to the lead body.
US09327111B2	Systems and methods for making and using electrode configurations for paddle leads A paddle lead assembly for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue includes a paddle body having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis transverse to the longitudinal axis. The paddle body includes a plurality of electrodes disposed into at least four columns extending parallel with the longitudinal axis. The at least four columns include two lateral columns and at least two medial columns disposed therebetween. The electrodes of the at least two medial columns are arranged into rows aligned along the transverse axis. The electrodes of the two lateral columns are each longitudinally offset from the rows of electrodes of the at least two medial columns. An array of terminals are disposed on each of at least one lead body coupled to the paddle body. A plurality of conductive wires couple each of the electrodes to at least one terminal of the terminal arrays.
US09327109B2	Implantable electroacupuncture device for reducing hypertension Disclosed is an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture (EA) device having at least two electrode contacts attached to the surface of its housing. The electrodes include a central cathode electrode on a bottom side of the housing, and a circumferential anode electrode that surrounds the cathode electrode. In one embodiment, the anode annular electrode is a ring electrode placed around the perimeter edge of the coin-shaped housing. The EA device is adapted to be implanted through a very small incision, e.g., less than about 2-3 cm in length, directly adjacent to a selected acupuncture site known to moderate or affect a hypertension condition of a patient. Appropriate power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery having a relatively high internal impedance to be used without causing unacceptable dips in battery voltage when the instantaneous battery current surges. Stimulation pulses are generated during a stimulation session that has a duration of T3 minutes and which is applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio of T3 to T4, is very low, not greater than 0.05. This low duty cycle, along with careful power management, allows the EA device to perform its intended function for several years.
US09327108B2	Flexible circuit electrode array and a method for backside processing of a flexible circuit electrode device A flexible circuit electrode array device comprising: a polymer layer; wherein the polymer layer includes one or more metal traces, an electrode array; one or more bond pads; and the electrode array is located on the opposite side of the polymer layer. A method for backside processing of a flexible circuit electrode device, comprising: applying polymer film on a substrate; processing the front side; releasing the polymer film from substrate; flipping over the polymer film and fixing it onto the substrate; processing the backside; and final releasing of the polymer film from the substrate. Another aspect of the method involves backside processing of a flexible circuit electrode device, comprising: processing the front side without releasing the polymer; processing the backside by sacrificial substrate method, or by laser drilling method; and releasing the polymer film from the substrate.
US09327104B2	Methods and apparatus for delivering a therapeutic agent to nasopharyngeal mucosa targets A system for delivering a therapeutic agent to a nasopharyngeal mucosa target comprises a foam generating mechanism, a gas, a therapeutic agent in liquid form that inhibits mucus production, and a delivery device. Actuation of the foam generating mechanism entraps gaseous bubbles from the gas in the liquid thereby forming a foam. The therapeutic agent is dispersed in the foam which has an expanded configuration adapted to fill a nasopharyngeal space and deliver the therapeutic agent to the mucosa targets. The delivery device is for delivering the foam to the nasopharyngeal space. The foam may also have a collapsed configuration for removal from the nasopharyngeal space or for concentration of the therapeutic agent onto the mucosa.
US09327103B2	Rapid exchange dilation catheter for non-vascular applications Described is a method for treating a bronchial tissue. A guide wire is inserted through a bronchial passage to a desired location relative to a target portion of tissue to be treated. A catheter is slid along the guide wire with the guide wire received in a first lumen of the catheter until the guide wire exits a proximal port of the first lumen. A stiffening member is inserted into a second lumen of the catheter. A fluid is injected through the second lumen to a distal port of the catheter, so that the fluid is supplied to the bronchial tissue.
US09327096B2	Body lumen fluid delivery device A method and apparatus for fluid delivery enables navigation through tortuous, spatially restricted body anatomy to access narrow diameter body lumens for the continuous delivery of fluids, including therapeutic fluids, to the lumen in an atraumatic manner that avoids damage to the body lumen. The fluid delivery device can have a flexible conduit having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending along an interior of the flexible conduit providing a fluid flow path between the proximal and distal ends, where the lumen transitions into a micro-lumen exiting through a port through which a high concentration of fluid injected into the lumen exits laterally out along an image viewable zone at the distal end of the flexible conduit. The flexible conduit has a maximum outer diameter sized sufficient to navigate narrow diameter body lumens.
US09327093B2	Heating element, humidifier for respiratory apparatus including heating element, and respiratory apparatus An apparatus for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a flow generator to generate a flow of breathable gas; a humidifier chamber to contain a supply of water; a first flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the flow generator to the humidifier chamber; a second flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the humidifier chamber to a patient interface; and a wicking element and/or a flat, elongate heating element provided at least in the humidifier chamber. A method of delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes generating a flow of breathable gas; and humidifying the flow by passing the flow over a supply of water. Humidifying the flow includes heating the supply of water and/or the flow with a heating element in thermal contact with the water and/or the flow before passing the supply of water, the flow over the supply of water, and/or the flow after passing the supply of water; and controlling a voltage applied to the heating element to control the humidity of the flow. A tube for use in delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes a circuit including electrically conductive ink provided on an inner surface and/or an outer surface.
US09327091B2	Tracheal tube and suction device Tracheal tube systems may include first and second tubes and an inflatable balloon. The first tube may be flexible and hollow and have first and second open ends. The inflatable balloon may be affixed to and circumferentially surround a portion of the first tube. The inflatable balloon may include an indentation sized and positioned to accommodate a portion of a second tube positioned therein, when the inflatable balloon is inflated. The second tube may be hollow and have a multiplicity of holes along a sidewall not in contact with the balloon. The second tube may be configured to be coupled to a suction device that creates a negative pressure in the second tube. When the tracheal tube system is inserted in a patient's trachea, the negative pressure in the second tube may act to remove, or suction out, fluids and other matter from the trachea.
US09327089B2	Methods and systems for compensation of tubing related loss effects A method for ventilating a patient with a ventilator includes consecutively delivering a plurality of substantially equal volume amounts into a closed ventilator circuit during a ventilator self-test, receiving a pressure measurement for each volume delivery, calculating a change in pressure for each volume delivery, consecutively releasing a plurality of substantially equal volume amounts from the closed ventilator circuit during the ventilator self-test, calculating a change in pressure for each volume release, fitting the calculated change in pressure data for volume delivery and volume release to an inhalation non-linear model equation and an exhalation non-linear model equation, respectively, deriving one or more inhalation tubing compliance compensation coefficients from the inhalation non-linear model equation, and deriving one or more exhalation tubing compliance compensation coefficients from the exhalation non-linear model equation.
US09327088B2	Drug dispenser There is provided a drug dispenser device comprising a housing defining a first chamber; extending from said housing and defining a second open chamber, an outlet for insertion into a body cavity of a patient; provided to said first chamber of the housing, a discharge block defining a discharge block orifice; receivable within the first chamber for movement therewithin, a drug discharge device, said drug discharge device having a longitudinal axis and comprising a container for storing a drug formulation to be dispensed, a discharge mechanism and a discharge channel from said container, wherein said discharge channel is receivable by said discharge block to enable discharge of said drug formulation via said discharge block orifice to said outlet; provided to the housing; and at least one finger operable member moveable to apply a force directly or indirectly to the drug discharge device for movement along the longitudinal axis towards the discharge block to actuate said discharge mechanism. The housing further defines an aperture through which said at least one finger operable member in part protrudes, and wherein the at least one finger operable member is moveable from a rest position in which the at least one finger operable member acts to block off said aperture to an actuating position in which the aperture is unblocked and through which air may be drawn into the housing in response to patient inhalation through the outlet.
US09327086B2	Needle shield and adapter fixedly attached to syringe An assembly for use with a syringe having a barrel and a needle includes a sealing element surrounding and positioned over at least a portion of the distal end of the syringe. An adapter at least partially surrounds the sealing element and is positioned over the distal end of the syringe. The adapter has a first skin contacting surface positioned at a distal end thereof. At least a portion of the first skin contacting surface extends generally parallel to at least a terminal end of the needle. The adapter also has a second skin contacting surface positioned proximally relative to the terminal end of the needle and at an angle to the first skin contacting surface. A needle shield at least partially surrounds and is removably positioned over at least one of the adapter, the sealing element and the syringe barrel.
US09327085B2	Needle disabling device using electric current A used needle is inserted in a housing of a needle apparatus disabling device. As the needle is pushed downwards sealing a collar opening and bears against a stationary cutter blade. The needle is pushed further into the device where it contacts upper and lower electrodes. An electric current passes through the needle, which causes it to become heated resistively to destruction. A voltage drop between the electrodes is detected by a processor activating a motor driven movable cutter blade which then severs a remaining stub or remnant of the needle portion and simultaneously urges the severed stub downwardly onto the electrodes to ensure its complete destruction. During this process any sparks or airborne contaminants, or combustion gases are prevented from escaping through the opening by the sealing action of the apparatus.
US09327083B2	Medicament delivery device Provided is a medicament delivery device (100) comprising a tubular housing (110), having a proximal end (111) and an opposite distal end (112), an actuator means (119, 120), slidably and coaxially arranged inside the tubular housing (110) wherein is provided an inter-locking mechanism (119, 413) between the a cap (410) and the housing (110), enabling the cap (410) to freely spin, i.e. it is impossible to open the cap (410), until the medicament delivery device (100) has been properly activated by an activator means (160).
US09327081B2	Multi-function surgical instrument tool actuator assembly A tool actuating assembly for a multi-function surgical instrument is disclosed. The tool actuating assembly of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of differently configured multi-function surgical instruments and can be embodied in various physical configurations. The tool actuating assembly of the present invention provides for more efficient use of the tools of the instrument by the surgeon who is utilizing the instrument.
US09327080B2	Piston for a medical hollow body, and medical hollow bodies A piston for a medical hollow body such as a syringe or a carpule includes at least one sliding surface for contact with the hollow body. The piston has at least one receiving area in which a lubricant can be received, and at least one dispensing mechanism for dispensing the at least one lubricant from the at least one receiving area to the at least one sliding surface.
US09327079B2	Syringe barrel lubricant coverage quality control A quality control method or system for determining a lubricant coverage at the inside surface of a syringe barrel is provided. The timing for the quality control is not intuitive, yet crucial for patient's safety. The pre-fill test is for a pre-filled (empty or no drug solution), yet oil lubricated, barrel. This pre-fill test needs to be performed within a certain time window immediately following the lubrication. The post-fill test is for a post-filled oil lubricated syringe barrel filled with a solution. This post-fill test needs to be performed after a certain time window has passed from the filling with the solution. The quality control methods could lead to a reduction of health-risks or avoid life-threatening situations associated with syringes that are either below or above the desired lubrication coverage.
US09327077B2	Medical injector with compliance tracking and monitoring A system includes a medicament delivery device and a container configured to receive at least a portion of the medicament delivery device. The medicament delivery device includes an actuator and a first electronic circuit system. The actuator is configured to initiate delivery of a medicament into a body when the actuator is moved from a first position to a second position. The first electronic circuit system is configured to output a first electronic signal when the actuator is moved from the first position to the second position. The container includes a second electronic circuit system configured to receive the first electronic signal. The second electronic circuit system is configured to output a second electronic signal associated with the first electronic signal.
US09327074B2	Implantable infusion devices including apparatus for confirming fluid flow and systems, apparatus and methods associated with same Implantable infusion apparatus, systems and methods that involve the use of a sensor that is associated with the catheter outlet.
US09327070B2	Medical device therapy based on posture and timing This disclosure describes techniques implemented by a medical device, such as an implantable medical device (IMD). The IMD may be configured to detect a posture state of a patient, and deliver posture-responsive therapy. In particular, the IMD not only detects the posture state of a patient, but also detects timing associated with the detected posture state, such as the time of day, the day of the week, or a specific time of day associated with a specific day. In this way, the posture-responsive therapy delivered by the IMD may be dependent not only on the posture state of the patient, but also on the timing associated with the posture state. The same posture state, therefore, may result in different types of therapy to the patient if the same posture occurs at different times of the day.
US09327069B2	Methods and systems for treating a medical condition by promoting neural remodeling within the brain Methods of treating a medical condition include applying at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within the brain of a patient with an implanted stimulator in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The at least one stimulus is configured to promote neural remodeling within the brain of the patient. Systems for treating a medical condition include an implantable stimulator configured to apply at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within the brain of a patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The at least one stimulus is configured to promote neural remodeling within the brain of the patient.
US09327068B2	Guidable intravascular blood pump and related methods An improved intravascular blood pump and related methods involving the broad inventive concept of equipping the intravascular blood pump with guiding features such that the intravascular blood pump can be selectively positioned at a predetermined location within the circulatory system of a patient.
US09327066B2	CPB system with dual function blood reservoir The venous reservoir is omitted from an extracorporeal blood circuit system by substituting a blood reservoir in parallel with the arterial pump. The reservoir has an inlet connected to the outlet of the pump and an outlet connected to the inlet of the pump. At least three blood flow paths can be configured. A main path has the inlet and outlet of the reservoir blocked while pumped blood flows through the venous cannula, the oxygenator, and the arterial cannula. An accumulator path has the inlet to the oxygenator and the outlet of the reservoir blocked while blood flows through the venous cannula and the inlet to the reservoir. A discharge path has the inlet of the reservoir blocked while the outlet is open whereby blood from the reservoir flows into the oxygenator. In a fourth configuration, the ECC fluid can be recovered in the reservoir and hemoconcentrated for autologous transfusion.
US09327065B2	Apparatuses and methods for negative pressure wound therapy Disclosed herein are several embodiments of a negative pressure appliance and methods of using the same in the treatment of wounds. Some embodiments are directed to improved fluidic connectors or suction adapters for connecting to a wound site, for example using softer, kink-free conformable suction adapters.
US09327062B2	Soluble implantable device comprising polyelectrolyte with hydrophobic counterions The present invention provides an implantable device having a biosoluble coating comprising a polyelectrolyte and a counterion and the methods of making and using the same.
US09327059B2	Steroid-containing sustained release intraocular implants and related methods Biocompatible intraocular implants include a steroid and an auxiliary agent, where the auxiliary agent is present in an amount sufficient to lessen the severity of at least one side effect compared to the use of an otherwise identical implant lacking said auxiliary agent. The steroid and the auxiliary agent may be present on the same intraocular implant or on different implants. The steroid and auxiliary agent may be associated with a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as a matrix of a two biodegradable polymers. Or, the steroid may be associated with a polymeric coating having one or more openings effective to permit the steroid to be released into an external environment. The implants containing the steroid and an auxiliary agent may be placed in an eye to treat one or more ocular conditions while reducing the side effects otherwise accompanying steroid use.
US09327058B2	Hydrogel enhanced medical devices The present disclosure generally provides a stent-graft for insertion into a body vessel that comprises hydrophilic polyurethane hydrogel cuffs and an elongated cylindrical body. This stent-graft exhibits an enhanced ability to maintain its original position when placed into a patient and resist the potential of migration without causing excessive discomfort to the patient. Upon exposure to bodily fluids, the cuffs of the stent-graft expand to exert a sealing or anchoring force against the wall of the body vessel. Such a stent-graft overcomes many of the problems associated with conventional stent-grafts as currently used in many different applications, for example, endovascular repair and ureteral drainage.
US09327055B2	Compositions for regenerating defective or absent myocardium Compositions of the invention for regenerating defective or absent myocardium comprise an emulsified or injectable extracellular matrix composition. The composition may also include an extracellular matrix scaffold component of any formulation, and further include added cells, proteins, or other components to optimize the regenerative process and restore cardiac function.
US09327052B2	Polyurethanes for osteoimplants Biological-based polyurethanes and methods of making the same. The polyurethanes are formed by reacting a biodegradable polyisocyanate (such as lysine diisocyanate) with an optionally hydroxylated biomolecule to form polyurethane. The polymers formed may be combined with ceramic and/or bone particles to form a composite, which may be used as an osteoimplant.
US09327049B2	Anti-adhesion polymer composition capable of supporting growth factor The present invention relates to an anti-adhesion polymer composition capable of supporting growth factor, which effectively exhibits anti-adhesion function and, at the same time, has an excellent adhesive property so as to be able to easily and continuously adhere to a wound site, has antibacterial and hemostatic properties, and is composed of an injectable formulation suitable for use in minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic surgery or the like. The anti-adhesion polymer composition capable of supporting growth factor comprises: 24-50 wt % of a polyethyleneglycol-polypropyleneglycol-polyethyleneglycol (PEG-PPG-PEG) block copolymer having a polyethyleneglycol (PEG) content of 65-85 wt % and a molecular weight of 6,000-20,000 Da; 0.03-5 wt % of gelatin; 0.03-5 wt % of chitosan; and distilled water.
US09327047B1	UVC air decontamination system A UVC radiation system for producing decontaminated air which flows into the surroundings of the system while blocking UVC radiation from entering the surrounding environment. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first housing forming a first air chamber and having multiple side walls each having one or more UVC lamps adjacent thereto. Each side wall has air vent openings in a pattern which confronts substantially the entire length of the one or more adjacent lamps. A second housing surrounds the first housing and lamps and forms a second air chamber having one or more walls containing an air filter to permit air to flow through the filter into the surrounding environment and to prevent UVC radiation from entering the environment.
US09327045B2	Air freshener with porous membrane with leak pad and adjustable opening An air freshener comprises a scent capsule carried by a housing. The scent capsule comprises a reservoir containing a fragrant material, and with an opening to a cavity therein and covered by a permeable membrane through which a fragrance can permeate, and a releasable seal sealed over the opening and the permeable membrane to resist fragrance release until removed. An absorptive pad is disposed behind the releasable seal between the scent capsule and the housing, and is capable of absorbing the fragrant material that permeates through the permeable membrane.
US09327044B2	Method for delivering a volatile fluid to the atmosphere A method for delivering a volatile fluid in a continuous manner, over a period of time and without leakage, to the atmosphere is disclosed. The method includes activating a device by breaching a semi-rigid sheet to release volatile fluid to the atmosphere. The device includes a flexible sheet and a semi-rigid sheet that are sealed along their edges to form a closed pocket or reservoir for containing a volatile fluid. The semi-rigid sheet is sealed on a first side to a flexible sheet and sealed on a second side to a vapor permeable membrane. The semi-rigid sheet contains a volatile fluid in the reservoir during storage, preventing contact of the volatile fluid with the vapor permeable membrane before the device is activated. The semi-rigid sheet has a differential score to guide the bounds of an opening that is formed upon activation. Once activated, the vapor permeable membrane provides continuous emission of a volatile fluid from the device.
US09327043B2	Device for delivering a volatile fluid to the atmosphere A device for delivering a volatile fluid in a continuous manner, over a period of time and without leakage, is disclosed. The device includes a flexible sheet and a semi-rigid sheet that are sealed along their edges to form a closed pocket or reservoir for containing a volatile fluid. The semi-rigid sheet is sealed on a first side to a flexible sheet and sealed on a second side to a vapor permeable membrane. The semi-rigid sheet contains a volatile fluid in the reservoir during storage, preventing contact of the volatile fluid with the vapor permeable membrane before the device is activated. The semi-rigid sheet has a differential score to guide the bounds of an opening that is formed upon activation. Once activated, the vapor permeable membrane provides continuous emission of a volatile fluid from the device.
US09327040B2	Ozone sanitizing system A device for sanitizing objects using ozone is disclosed having a container defining an enclosed space and a selectively closeable opening for enclosing the space, an ozone generator, an ozone converter, a controller, and a timer working together to generate a predetermined concentration of ozone within the enclosed space and maintain approximately the same concentration for a predetermined period of time. Also disclosed are assemblies and methods detecting and warning of entrapment within the enclosure and halting ozone production when it occurs. Further disclosed are devices and methods for coupling a maintenance device to the sanitizing system to perform various maintenance operations such as adjusting operational control parameters, and observing conditions within the enclosed chamber in real-time such as temperature, humidity, and ozone concentration.
US09327038B2	Stable activatable particles as radiotherapeutic agents for the treatment of disease The present invention provides radiotherapeutic agents and compositions and methods for making and using the same. In some embodiments, the radiotherapeutic agent is a nanoparticle comprising a radionuclide and a carrier moiety. In some embodiments, the radionuclide is produced by activating a stable activatable particle via neutron activation.
US09327033B2	Degradation-stabilised, biocompatible collagen matrices The present invention relates to degradation-stabilized, biocompatible collagen matrices which are distinguished in particular by the fact that they contain soluble collagen and peptide constituents, to processes for the preparation of such collagen matrices, which processes include in particular chemical crosslinking with an epoxy-functional crosslinking agent, and to the use of the collagen matrices according to the invention as a cosmetic or pharmaceutical agent, in particular for topical use, and as a wound treatment agent, as an implant or as a haemostatic agent in humans or animals, and as a scaffold for cell population in the biotechnology, basic research and tissue engineering field.
US09327029B2	Antimicrobial silver hydrogel composition for the treatment of burns and wounds An antimicrobial therapeutic hydrogel composition comprises a pharmaceutical and/or medical grade silver salt, and an Aloe vera gel or extract. The composition could also include stabilizing agents, a non-ionic surfactant, polyol, and hydrophilic hygroscopic polymers. The resulting product has potent antimicrobial activity against bacteria, protozoa, fungi and viruses. The antimicrobial therapeutic composition can serve as a treatment for burns and as a wound/lesion dressing that either donates or receives moisture to provide a physiologic environment for accelerated wound healing and the relief of pain.
US09327025B2	Enriched 10-boron composition for cancer therapy and a method of synthesizing the same The embodiments herein provide a method of synthesizing a novel enriched 10-boron drug for treatment of cancer by Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) method. In BNCT, drug containing enriched 10-Boron has the important role in final treatment efficiency. The composition is Enriched 10-Boron Calcium Fructo Borate (E10BCFB). The Calcium Fructo-Borate is found in some vegetables. E10BCFB is in fact an artificial Calcium Fructo-Borate which is synthesized chemically with enriched 10-Boron. E10BCFB becomes an important competitor drug in the fight against some cancerous cells. The composition is applied orally and parenterally.
US09327023B2	HER2 targeting agent treatment in non-HER2-amplified cancers having HER2 expressing cancer stem cells The present invention relates to compositions, methods, and kits for treating cancers with HER2 targeting agents and preventing resistance thereto. In particular embodiments, non-HER2-amplified cancers are treated with HER2 targeting agents, wherein the cancer stem cells in the cancer express HER2 and/or HER2 indicator marker. The present invention also relates to compositions, methods, and kits for detecting expression of HER2 and/or a HER2 indicator marker in non-HER2-amplified cancer samples from a subject, and identifying the subject as responsive to treatment with a HER2 targeting agent and/or treating the subject with a HER2 targeting agent.
US09327022B2	BSA-specific antibodies The invention relates to antibodies specific to serum albumins. More specifically, the invention relates to camelid single domain antibodies and pentabodies binding to serum albumins of various species with various affinities.
US09327019B2	Attenuated enterohemorrhagic E. coli-based vaccine vector and methods relating thereto An attenuated enterohemorrhagic E. coli-based vaccine vector is disclosed. Enterotoxigenic E. coli colonization factor antigen 1 and the B subunit of E. coli heat labile toxin have been expressed in the attenuated enterohemorrhagic E. coli vector strain. Immunized animals are further protected against lethal and non lethal challenges with the enterotoxigenic E. coli strain. Immunization of mice with the vaccine construct induces mucosal antibody against both antigens, establishing the attenuated E. coli vector strain as a generally useful vector for presenting one or more antigens to a subject in a vaccine.
US09327018B2	Recombinant baculovirus vaccine The present invention provides a novel transfer vector and a recombinant baculovirus; methods for the production thereof; pharmaceuticals containing the recombinant baculovirus as an active ingredient, which are useful as preventive or therapeutic drugs for infectious diseases such as malaria and influenza; and methods for preventing and treating infectious diseases such as malaria and influenza. More specifically, the invention provides a recombinant transfer vector capable of expressing a foreign gene fused to a virus gene under the control of a dual promoter; a recombinant baculovirus; methods for the production thereof; pharmaceuticals containing the recombinant baculovirus as an active ingredient; and methods for preventing and treating infectious diseases such as malaria and influenza comprising administrating the recombinant baculovirus to patients.
US09327015B2	Methods and devices for correcting spinal deformity with pharmaceutical-eluting pedicle screws A method of correcting spinal deformity, which includes locating pharmaceutical-loaded implants adjacent to targeted spinal growth plates, and then eluting the pharmaceutical onto the growth plates. Preferably, the method involves correcting spinal deformity by simply inserting a pharmaceutical-eluting pedicle screw onto the concave side of a scoliotic curve. In some embodiments, the screw has a cannulated internal reservoir that contains a growth-inhibiting pharmaceutical (such as a tetracycline) and at least one fenestration that allows the pharmaceutical to elute onto the vertebral body growth plate.
US09327012B2	Composition for treating, improving, or preventing pain In order to provide a composition for treating, improving, or preventing pain, it has been found out that a metallothionein protein is expressed in a normal peripheral nerve, and that the expression is not observed in a peripheral nerve producing pain. Moreover, it has been found out that administering metallothionein to rats having neuropathic pain suppresses the pain in the rats.
US09327007B2	Medicinal plants extract using processing of herbal medicine and composition of skin external application comprising the same The present invention relates to an extract of a processed herbal medicinal plant and a composition for skin external application which contains the extract. More specifically, the composition for skin external application contains an extract of processed herbal medicinal plant, prepared through a method comprising the steps of: (a) processing an herbal medicinal plant by a process of boiling, steaming, roasting, baking or heating the medicinal plant or a combination of two or more of these processes; (b) obtaining an extract of the processed medicinal plant. The composition shows an improved antioxidant effect.
US09327004B2	Topical compositions comprising fermented extracts of traditional chinese medicinal (TCM) ingredients, and methods of making and using same The present invention relates to topical compositions containing fermented extracts of Traditional Chinese Medicinal (TCM) ingredients for improving the appearance and skin condition of the user. The topical compositions of the present invention are tailored for different users of different skin compositions according to TCM principles. The fermented TCM extracts are characterized by reduced odor and/or color in comparison with unfermented TCM extracts and are therefore more suitable for use in cosmetic products.
US09326996B2	Use of xenon as neuroprotectant in a neonatal subject The present invention relates to the use of xenon in the preparation of a medicament for preventing and/or alleviating one or more anesthetic-induced neurological deficits in a neonatal subject.The present invention further relates to combinations of xenon and sevoflurane, and use thereof as preconditioning agents for administration prior to hypoxic-ischaemic injury.
US09326995B2	Oxides for wound healing and body repair The invention provides a homogeneous composition comprising a hemostatically effective amount of a charged oxide, wherein the composition has an isoelectric point, as measured in calcium chloride, below 7.3 or above 7.4. Typically, the charged oxide is selected from the group consisting of silaceous oxides, titanium oxides, aluminum oxides, calcium oxides, zinc oxides, nickel oxides and iron oxides. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a second oxide selected from the group consisting of calcium oxide, sodium oxide, magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, phosphorus oxide and alumina. In a typical embodiment of the invention, the charged oxide is silaceous oxide, the second oxide comprises calcium oxide and the ratio, by molar ratio, of silaceous oxide to calcium oxide is 0.25 to 15. Optionally, the composition further comprises phosphorous oxide. Also described are methods of making and using such compositions.
US09326994B2	Amine functional polyamides Amine functional polyamides comprise amine and ammonium groups along the polymer chain. Amine functional polyamides can be used as pharmaceutical agents and in pharmaceutical compositions. The amine functional polyamides are particularly useful in the treatment or prevention of mucositis and infection, specifically oral mucositis, surgical site infection, and lung infection associated with cystic fibrosis.
US09326993B2	Treatment of pulmonary and pleural fibrosis using HSP27 inhibitors Reduction of HSP27 expression is in beneficial in the treatment of pleural and pulmonary fibrosis and in particular subpleural fibrosis and IPF. Pharmaceutical compositions for this purpose contain an inhibitor of HSP27 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
US09326990B2	Heart failure suppressing agent Provided are a medicine and a food product that suppress a heart disease such as cardiomegaly and heart failure. Specifically provided is an agent for suppressing a heart disease selected from heart failure, cardiac fibrosis, ventricular wall thickening and cardiomegaly, which comprises luteolin or a derivative thereof as an active ingredient.
US09326987B2	Indazole derivatives for use in the treatment of influenza virus infection The present invention is directed to compounds for use in the treatment or prevention of influenza virus infection.
US09326981B2	Sublingual apomorphine The invention features methods involving the use of sublingual film formulations of apomorphine for treating Parkinson's disease. The methods involve providing the sublingual film formulation and administering the sublingual film formulation sublingually in the mouth of a subject by contacting sublingual mucosal tissue with the film.
US09326977B2	Anti-inflammatory compounds Compositions comprising isolated ido-BR1 are described for use in therapy or prophylaxis, including the treatment of inflammatory diseases (for example as anti-inflammatory drugs) and to reduce inflammation. Also described are methods for monitoring the quality of a Cucurbitaceae extract, to processes for producing a Cucurbitaceae extract as well as to Cucurbitaceae extracts obtainable by such processes.
US09326967B2	Vaporizable cannabinoid compositions A composition is provided that includes a cannabinoid capable of inducing a pharmacological effect, an ester, a condensation aerosol, and a carrier liquid solution of food grade materials. The cannabinoid may include a bio-active ingredient receivable by a cannabinoid receptor and/or an acetylcholine receptor. The pharmacological effect may be produced by reception of tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, or mixtures thereof. The composition may also include ethanol, flavoring agents, and aromatherapy agents. The composition is deliverable to a user via vaporization. A method is provided for creating a pharmacological effect using the composition.
US09326959B2	Opioid dosage forms having dose proportional steady state Cave and AUC and less than dose proportional single dose Cmax The present invention relates to, among other things, a kit comprising a plurality of dosage forms comprising a first dosage form and second dosage form each comprising a therapeutic agent, such as an opioid; wherein the dosage strength of the second dosage form is greater than that of the first dosage form; and wherein the steady state Cave and the steady state AUC of the first and second dosage forms are dose proportional and the single dose Cmax of the second dosage form is less than the minimum level for dose proportionality with respect to the first dosage form. The present invention also relates to methods of administering such plurality of dosage forms to a patient, comprising administering the first dosage form and thereafter administering the second dosage form.
US09326957B2	Methods for the treatment or prevention of diabetes mellitus and other metabolic imbalances The invention relates to methods for treatment and prevention of a metabolic imbalance, including diabetes mellitus and other related diseases or disorders, using an extract from a fruit of genus Elaeis.
US09326955B2	Combination pharmaceuticals and methods thereof using proteinacious channels as treatments for medical conditions Methods and combination pharmaceuticals for treating bronchospastic medical conditions by utilizing the electrophysiology of proteinacious channels in lipid membranes of mammalian cells. The combination pharmaceuticals include at least one β-adrenergic receptor agonist, and at least one composition adapted to effect the electrophysiology of Kv7 potassium channels of a lipid membrane of an airway smooth muscle cell. The pharmaceutical may be administered to a living body in a therapeutic amount sufficient to activate the Kv7 potassium channels of an airway smooth muscle cell.
US09326951B2	Cell-free tissue engineered vascular grafts A composition containing a macrophage inhibitor may be administered in an effective amount to prevent, inhibit or reduce restenosis, thrombus or aneurysm formation in implanted polymeric vascular grafts. The composition may be administered prior to vascular graft implantation, at the same time as vascular graft implantation, following vascular graft implantation, or any combination thereof. Exemplary macrophage inhibitors include bisphosphonates, anti-folate drugs and antibodies, preferably in a controlled release or liposomal formulation.
US09326948B2	Implants for “load bearing” bone substitutions having hierarchical organized architecture deriving from transformation of vegetal structures The present invention relates to a bone substitute comprising a core based on hydroxyapatite (HA), obtained from at least one porous wood, or based on collagen fibers and hydroxyapatite, and a shell, based on hydroxyapatite (HA) or silicon carbide (SiC), obtained from at least one wood having a lower porosity than the at least one wood of the core. The porous wood has a total porosity of between 60% and 95%, preferably between 65% and 85%, and it is selected from amongst the choices of rattan, pine, abachi and balsa wood. The wood of the shell has a porosity of between 20% and 60%, preferably between 30% and 50%. The bone substitute is utilized for the substitution and regeneration of bone, preferably for bones subjected to mechanical loads, such as long bones of the leg and arm, preferably the tibia, metatarsus, femur, humerus or radius.
US09326943B1	Biodegradable prosthesis A body compatible and resorbable prosthesis has a tubular body incorporating denatured gelatin sponge material, either as a unitary gelatin sponge or as fragmented or powdered sponge material dispersed throughout a structurally self supporting medium. One version of the prosthesis uses the fragmented or powdered form of the gelatin sponge and is substantially homogeneous. An alternative prosthesis employs an inner tubular layer of gelatin film. The gelatin film layer is surrounded by an outer tubular layer, formed either of the gelatin sponge or the fragmented medium incorporating the gelatin sponge dispersion.
US09326941B2	High-efficiency nanoparticle-type double-helical oligo-RNA structure and method for preparing same Provided are a double-stranded oligo RNA structure and a method of preparing the same, and more specifically, a double-stranded oligo RNA structure in which a polymer compound is covalently bound to a double-stranded oligo RNA in order to improve stability in vivo and a cell delivery efficiency of the double-stranded oligo RNA, and a method of preparing the same.The double-stranded oligo RNA structure having the optimized structure according to the present invention may not inhibit functions of the double-stranded oligo RNA, but effectively improve stability and cell membrane permeability of the double-stranded oligo RNA, such that the double-stranded oligo RNA may be delivered into the cell even at a low concentration dosage thereof to be significantly used as a tool for treatment of cancer, infectious diseases, and the like, as well as a new delivery system of the double-stranded oligo RNA.
US09326940B2	Asymmetric liposomes for the highly efficient encapsulation of nucleic acids and hydrophilic anionic compounds, and method for preparing same The present invention relates to asymmetric liposomes for high encapsulation efficiency of nucleic acids and hydrophilic anionic compounds, and to a method for preparing same, and specifically, to asymmetric liposomes consisting of a cationic lipid having a small head group as an internal lipid and a neutral or PEGylated lipid having a big head group as an external lipid, wherein nucleic acids and/or anionic compounds are encapsulated in the internal lipid. According to the present invention, asymmetric liposomes, in which nucleic acids and hydrophilic anionic compounds are encapsulated with high efficiency, may be prepared, and thus the same may be used for various purposes, such as gene therapy, and the delivery of hydrophilic anionic drugs which are difficult to prepare as prodrugs, and drug delivery, imaging, etc. can be carried out by encapsulating a fluorescent contrast agent in the liposome.
US09326935B2	Atomoxetine solution The present invention provides a novel palatable pharmaceutical composition in the form of aqueous solution of atomoxetine. The oral aqueous solution of this invention will significantly reduce the potently bitter taste of atomoxetine, and further avoid swallow issue for young and elderly patients.
US09326933B2	Oral care compositions In accordance with this invention, there is provided an oral care composition comprising a multimodal blend of copolymers of maleic acid or maleic anhydride and an alkyl vinyl ether and a non-cationic antibacterial agent. The compositions feature improved retention of the antibacterial agent on teeth.
US09326931B2	Use of porphyrin-type catalytic oxidation compounds as an anti-dandruff agent The present invention relates to the cosmetic use, as an antidandruff agent, of catalytic oxidation compounds chosen from porphyrins, or of a cosmetic composition comprising the same.
US09326930B2	Calcium sequestration compositions and methods of treating skin pigmentation disorders and conditions The present invention provides compositions containing one or more calcium sequestration agents and methods for topical application of such compositions to the skin to treat skin pigmentation disorders, such as melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, pigmentation changes due to skin aging, or any other skin conditions related with normal such as skin of color or abnormal pigmentation such as hypo- or hyper-pigmentation in humans.
US09326926B2	Keratin treatment formulations and methods Formulations, kits, and methods for rebuilding the disulfide bonds in keratin found in hair, skin, or nails. Hair that is damaged due to a hair coloring treatment and/or other reducing treatment, such as during a permanent wave, can be treated with the formulations containing one or more active agents. The formulations may be applied subsequent to a hair coloring treatment or simultaneously with a hair coloring treatment. Use of the active agent formulations during a permanent wave treatment prevents the reversion of the hair to its previous state, for at least one week, preferably at least three months, more preferably at least one year, most preferably greater than one year, after one or more than one application of the formulation. Application of the active agent formulation to skin or nails can help repair damaged disulfide bonds due to natural wear and tear or natural aging.
US09326923B2	Water-in-oil-type skin-whitening cosmetic Disclosed is a water-in-oil-type skin-whitening cosmetic, which has a moist feel without stickiness when used and has good emulsion stability over time even when accommodated in a glass container or a metal container. The water-in-oil-type skin-whitening cosmetic is characterized in that it contains an alkoxysalicylic acid or a salt thereof, an organic modified clay mineral, and a liquid fatty acid. It is preferable that the liquid fatty acid is selected from higher fatty acids having 12 to 22 carbon atoms and having a linear or branched alkyl chain, such as oleic acid, linolic acid, linolenic acid, and isostearic acid.
US09326920B2	Ultraviolet-shielding agent, method for producing the same, ultraviolet-shielding agent-containing dispersion liquid, and cosmetic preparation The invention provides an ultraviolet-shielding agent including resin particles formed by coating a core portion with a coating layer, wherein the core portion is made of any one resin of an organic ultraviolet absorbent-containing resin and an inorganic particle-containing resin, and the coating layer is made of the other resin or both resins, a method for producing the same, an ultraviolet-shielding agent-containing dispersion liquid, and a cosmetic preparation.
US09326919B2	Enamel bond for application in dental practice This patent application is for Enamel Bond, a chemical solution for creating tooth enamel that successfully bonds to the dentin layer and provides both structure and composition of true, natural enamel.
US09326918B2	Polymerizable dental components with improved usage properties, methods for adjusting the usage properties of polymerizable dental composites, and dental composites optimized according to said methods Method for adjusting or improving or optimizing the usage properties of filler(s)-containing, flowable dental material, which involves relating to at least one measuring value representing the tackiness to at least one measuring value representing the texturing or plasticity or consistency. Flowable, usage-optimized, usually non-polymerized dental composites contain, as fillers, at least one glass filler and at least one filler from the group of chipped polymers or pre-polymer fillers based on ground polymer that is pre-polymerized together with inorganic particles,and, as additive(s),at least one compound represented through formula H—Y—Z (I),where: Y=—O—, —S—, —CO—, —OSi(OR1)2—, —OE Z=H, OH, SH, NH2, COOH, COOR2 E=—CnHmOp- R1=H, C1-C4-Alkyl R2=C1-C15-Alkyl, interrupted by one or more O atoms. C2-C14-Alkyl, n=2 bis 5 m=4 bis 11 p=n.
US09326913B2	Child-resistant and senior-friendly eco-friendly pill dispenser blister package A blister and package system made of a blister card and an outer package with unique interacting locking mechanisms. The blister card or strip is inserted into the outer package or sleeve and locks immediately without having to further process the outer package or the blister card or strip. The user is able to expose the blisters from the outer package by disengaging the lock. The blister card or strip includes a formable, pliable sheet material, into which one or more individual cavities or blisters are formed. The separated cavities are loaded with product and sealed with one or more layers of puncturable or tearable sheet material, such as aluminum foil. The blister card or strip contains a plastic rivet assembly that forms an interference mechanism. The rivet is trapped by an internally formed panel and stopped by a catch flap included in the outer package.
US09326908B2	Body stretching assembly A body stretching assembly is provided. The assembly comprises a pulley, a plurality of body attachment straps, and a rope. The pulley comprises a securing end and a wheeled end, wherein the securing end includes a frame having a proximal aperture, a protrusion, and a pair of distal legs with fastening apertures. The proximal aperture is configured for connection with a pulley assembly supporting structure, such as a door jam or an exposed support such as a pole. A user threads a rope over the pulley wheel to begin treatment. One end of the rope comprises a hand attachment, whereas the opposing rope end includes one of a head, hand, or ankle attachment. The user pulls one end of the rope, thereby causing the opposing end to pull on the body of a user. Gradual actuation of the rope end provides a stretching exercise to a user.
US09326907B2	Patient positioning and support systems A patient positioning system employs an arm having a first portion and a second portion which is telescopic relative to the first portion. A first positioning device may be coupled to the first portion of the arm providing support for the arm. The first positioning device is rotatable on a first axis, allowing the arm to rotate with the first positioning device. The second positioning device is coupled to the second portion of the arm and movable with the second portion of the arm relative to the first portion of the arm. The second positioning device is operable to rotate a patient support at least on a second axis.
US09326896B2	Process for making an absorbent core with strain resistant core cover The present disclosure relates to a process for making an absorbent core comprising a nonwoven core cover that offers improved performance on holding back fine particulate material after having been exposed to external strain.
US09326895B1	Protective napkin A method of protecting an article of clothing with a napkin. The method includes the steps of (a) obtaining a napkin having (i) an area coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive on a first major surface of the napkin proximate the periphery of the napkin, (ii) a release liner overlaying the pressure sensitive adhesive, and (iii) an aperture through at least the pressure sensitive adhesive and the release liner configured and arranged to accommodate passage of a button therethrough, and (b) selectively securing the napkin to an article of clothing worn by a person by either (i) inserting a button affixed to the article of clothing through the aperture in the tab and through that area of the napkin overlying the aperture, or (ii) removing the release liner and adhesively securing the napkin to the article of clothing.
US09326893B2	Goggle structure A goggle structure includes a protective soft pad, a frame, and a subsidiary lens frame. Convex portions are formed on upper and lower sides of the subsidiary lens frame and inserted into slots disposed at the frame, respectively. Hook portions are formed on upper and lower sides of the frame and extend backward. By inserting the frame into a receiving space disposed at the protective soft pad, the hook portions press against the periphery of the receiving space. Pressing portions and carrying portions are formed on upper and lower portions at the middle segment of the frame and adapted to hold the protective soft pad. The bottom of the subsidiary lens frame straddles the pressing portions and carrying portions. Branch portions extend from two outer sides of the frame to press against a concave portion of the protective soft pad. Hence, related components are engaged with each other.
US09326892B2	Steerable laser probe A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, a housing sleeve disposed in an inner bore of the handle configured to project a distance from the handle distal end, an optic fiber disposed in the housing sleeve, a shape memory sleeve disposed over a distal end of the optic fiber, and a light source configured to connect to a proximal end of the optic fiber. The shape memory sleeve may be configured to curve the distal end of the optic fiber at an angle, e.g., 90 degrees, when the shape memory sleeve is not contained within the housing sleeve.
US09326891B2	Methods for deploying intraocular shunts The present invention generally relates to methods for deploying intraocular shunts without the use of an optical apparatus that contacts an eye, such as a goniolens. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve inserting into an eye a deployment device configured to hold an intraocular shunt, determining that a distal portion of the device is properly positioned within the eye without use of an optical apparatus that contacts the eye, and deploying the shunt from the device.
US09326888B2	System and method to regulate temperature A system and method for thermal regulation, the system comprising a bedding element that is configured to enclose at least a part of a living being or other object. The system further comprising a temperature regulation element that is included in the bedding element and that includes a phase change material which changes between a liquid phase and a solid phase within the desired temperature range.
US09326886B2	Fluid filled implants for treating obstructive sleep apnea An implant for treating obstructive sleep apnea includes a flexible chamber, a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the flexible chamber, and a fluid transfer assembly in communication with the fluid reservoir and the flexible chamber for transferring fluid therebetween for selectively modifying the rigidity of the flexible chamber. The flexible chamber is implantable within the soft tissue of an oropharyngeal airway of a patient, such as within the tongue, the soft palate, or the pharyngeal wall. The fluid reservoir and the fluid transfer assembly are implantable within the inframandibular region of the patient. The fluid transfer assembly is selectively engageable by the patient for transferring fluid between the two chambers for modifying the rigidity, flexibility, and/or shape of the flexible chamber with minimal or no change to the volume of the implant.
US09326882B2	Retaining fabric having pockets A support fabric with pockets for accommodating stiffener comprises two woven layers which are joined by stitch bonding and, during production, are separated from one another in areas so that they are not joined in these areas, thereby directly defining one or more profiled pockets to accommodate stiffener inserted in the pockets after production. The pockets are incorporated inside the body of the support fabric. Each pocket has an opening for inserting one of the stiffener.
US09326877B2	Apparatus and method for intragastric balloon with in situ adjustment means An intragastric balloon and method of adding and/or removing fluid therefrom are disclosed. The intragastric balloon includes a shell, a grasping tab, and a self-sealing portion. A gastroscopic instrument which includes a grasping tool is inserted into the stomach of a patient and used to grasp the grasping tab located on the surface of the shell. Using the grasping tool, the intragastric balloon is securely fastened to the gastroscopic instrument. A filling instrument, such as a needle, is advanced through the self-sealing portion of the shell for the filling or deflating of the intragastric balloon. After inflation or deflation is complete, the filling instrument is then withdrawn from the balloon and the gastroscopic instrument withdrawn from the stomach.
US09326875B2	Catheter having a movable tubular structure and method of making Catheter including an inner tubular member having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and an exterior surface. The inner tubular member further has a guidewire lumen defined therein. An outer tubular member is movable relative to the inner tubular member, the outer tubular member has a proximal end, a distal end and an interior surface directed toward the exterior surface of the inner tubular member. A movable tubular structure is disposed between the outer tubular member and the inner tubular member. The movable tubular structure includes a body member having an outer surface with a recess defined therein. The outer tubular member is received within the recess to form a trough along a portion of an exterior surface of the outer tubular member. The trough has a filler disposed therein to couple the outer tubular member to the body member of the movable tubular structure.
US09326874B2	Introducer apparatus A stent introducer apparatus comprises a sheath for surrounding a stent member, with the sheath having a longitudinal slit extending from one end along at least a substantial part of the length thereof, and a sheath withdrawal device comprising a reel for winding up the sheath. A second sheath may surround the slit portion of the sheath. An intermediate guide member can smooth the withdrawal procedure and flatten the sheath before it is wound on the reel. The intermediate guide member may include at least one of a second reel or a slot-defining member. The reel may be operated by means of a gear system. A method of deploying a stent member is also provided.
US09326872B2	Forced deployment sequence handle assembly with independent actuating mechanism A handle assembly for use in the deployment of a medical device via a plurality of deployment lines that extend through a catheter. The handle assembly includes a plurality of removable members for deployment or actuation of the medical device. The handle assembly also includes an actuating mechanism for displacing a wire extending through the catheter for actuating the medical device independently of the plurality of removable members.
US09326870B2	Biodegradable stent having non-biodegradable end portions and mechanisms for increased stent hoop strength A hybrid stent prosthesis including a biodegradable tubular body, a first non-biodegradable self-expanding ring coupled to a proximal end of the biodegradable body, and a second non-biodegradable self-expanding ring coupled to a distal end of the biodegradable body. The hybrid stent includes a mechanism for longitudinally compressing the tubular body to increase the radial or hoop strength thereof. The longitudinally compressing mechanism may be protruding elements coupled to and extending radially outward from the hybrid stent or elastomeric compression bands or tethers extending between the non-biodegradable rings. The compression bands may be pre-connected to both non-biodegradable rings prior to stent delivery, or may be connected to one non-biodegradable ring prior to insertion and connected to the other non-biodegradable ring in situ.
US09326869B2	Method for expansion and development of polymeric structures including stents The invention is to methods of deploying polymeric biodegradable or non biodegradable stents by use of stepwise creases in the pressure placed upon the inner diameter of the stent to slowly increase the stent diameter. In one embodiment, the pressure on the interior stent diameter is slowly increased. The stent is allowed to acclimate to this diameter for a set period of time, and then the pressure is again increased. This series of steps continues until the stent reaches its final diameter and a final period of acclimatization is maintained prior to the removal of the deployment/delivery device.
US09326856B2	Cuff configurations for prosthetic heart valve A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent having a proximal end, a distal end, an annulus section adjacent the proximal end and an aortic section adjacent the distal end. The stent is formed of a plurality of struts. A cuff is coupled to the stent. The cuff has one or more features configured to reduce abrasion and/or perivalvular leakage.
US09326851B2	Automatic suture fixation apparatus for minimally invasive surgery An apparatus for automatically fixing sutures used in the surgical replacement of a heart valve, including a first cylinder having a first end and a second end and an interior surface and an exterior surface, and first means for securing fixing suture formed on the exterior surface adjacent to the second end of the first cylinder. The apparatus also includes a second cylinder having second means for securing fixing suture formed on an interior surface of the second cylinder, such that the second means corresponds to and fixedly engages the first means for securing fixing suture, and the first means and the second means secure fixing sutures therebetween.
US09326850B2	Sutureless prosthetic device A prosthetic device for use in an anatomical orifice or lumen of a patient includes an expandable first stent structure coupled to a valve support structure having at least one leaflet. The stent structure includes a collar provided with at least one groove or opening adapted to engage a tab extending from the valve support structure. Rotation of the stent structure and valve support structure relative to one another assembles the prosthetic valve device. The prosthetic valve device may be used for sutureless treatment of various valvular conditions such as aorta stenosis and mitral valve replacement.
US09326849B2	Middle ear prosthesis having discrete projections for purposes of ossicular attachment A middle ear ossicle prosthesis in which the component for ossicular attachment comprises a surface bearing a plurality of discrete projections facing the ossicle to which it is attached which minimize total contact between the prosthesis and the ossicle. The prosthesis may comprise a loop forming a partial circle for encircling an ossicle, a piston for transmitting vibrations from the loop to the inner ear, and a rod solidly connecting the loop to the piston. The loop may have an upwardly turned end to facilitate placement of the loop over the ossicle. The projections may be provided in one row, two rows, or may be otherwise arrayed, and may be dissimilar from one another in configuration and dimensions.
US09326846B2	Accommodating intraocular lens An accommodating intraocular lens includes an optic and four haptics. the optic includes an outer wall, a solid posterior optic, an anterior fluid chamber, an anterior membrane and a fluid reservoir within the outer wall surrounding the anterior fluid chamber and the solid posterior optics. The four haptics are attached to the outer wall at four attachment points. Each of the four haptics includes an arc member extending between successive attachment points and contacting the outer wall only at the attachment points. Each of the arc members is configured to compress laterally under accommodative forces.
US09326840B2	Prosthetic device and method of manufacturing the same A biocompatible surgical silk mesh prosthetic device employs a knit pattern that substantially prevents unraveling and preserves the stability of the mesh device, especially when the mesh device is cut. An example prosthetic device employs a knitted mesh including at least two yarns laid in a knit direction and engaging each other to define a plurality of nodes. The at least two yarns include a first yarn and a second yarn extending between and forming loops about two nodes. The second yarn has a higher tension at the two nodes than the first yarn. the second yarn substantially prevents the first yarn from moving at the two nodes and substantially prevents the knitted mesh from unraveling at the nodes.
US09326837B2	Article and method for controlling oral-originated systemic disease Methods for treating systemic disease in oral biofilms having a facultative anaerobic bacteria pathogen present including providing a periodontal medicament delivery tray having a seal against a patient's adjacent gums containing the oral biofilms with the systemic disease, said seal formed so as to have no contact with teeth, applying to the gingival tissue (sulcus or periodontal pocket) a biofilm penetrating antimicrobial agent, removing the imbedded anaerobic bacteria from the gingival tissue following at least one applying of the antimicrobial agent to the gingival tissue; repeatedly administering colloidal hydrogen peroxide gel to the gingival tissue following the removing of imbedded anaerobic bacteria; and following each administering cleaning the gingival tissue with a cleaning agent directly following the administering of the colloidal hydrogen peroxide gel for modifying the environment from anaerobic to aerobic.
US09326833B2	Method and a system in the preparation of a dental restoration, a measuring element and use thereof A method in the preparation of a dental restoration, in which the dental restoration has an implant unit and a head structure interconnectible with one another, comprises the steps of providing an auxiliary material, providing a computerized head receiving surface representation (A′), manufacturing from the auxiliary material a measuring element having a measuring surface (M) and an implant unit coupling surface (X). The measuring surface (M) is adapted such that it can be captured by an optical measuring device, and the measuring element coupling surface (X) is adapted for mating with the head receiving surface (A). The method may help making the preparation of a dental restoration more time and cost efficient.
US09326832B2	Device for mounting an impression cap on a tooth implant Secondary part for securing an impression cap (72) releasably on a tooth implant (10). The secondary part (40) is secured on the latter by means of a screw connection. The secondary part (40) has elastically deformable spring fingers (44) that cooperate with a wall (76) of the impression cap (72). The wall (76) is dimensionally stable. With a good fit of the impression cap, the device can thus have a slender configuration, such that it is also suitable in particular for use in the front area of the lower jaw.
US09326828B2	Dental device A holder for dental workpieces that are associated in a one to one relationship with the canals of a tooth has receptacles for temporarily storing the workpieces while the workpieces are not in the tooth. The receptacles are sufficient in number to store the workpieces with a single workpiece in each receptacle. The receptacles are arranged in a pattern that corresponds to the canal pattern in the tooth.
US09326824B2	Surgical support device A surgical support device includes: a driving member which is moved to transmit a driving force to a target; a first position detection unit and a second position detection unit configured to detect a first and a second moving amounts of the driving member; a difference calculation portion configured to detect a difference in length between the first moving amount and the second moving amount, an operating force computing portion configured to compute a magnitude of a force transmitted to the target from the driving member based on the difference in length; and a breakdown detection portion configured to detect at least one of the first position detection unit and the second position detection unit which has broken down, by use of the first moving amount and the second moving amount.
US09326823B2	Real-time tracking and navigation system and method for minimally invasive surgical procedures Telemetrical control of a robotic interventional device for minimally invasive surgical procedure is based on an operative interaction between a tracking sub-system, MRI sub-system, navigation sub-system and the robotic interventional device. The tracking sensor sub-system is integrated with the interventional device to produce tracking information corresponding to the robotic interventional device location in the operative site. The navigation sub-system integrates the tracking information with the real-time images of the operative site produced by the MRI sub-system, and displays the integrated information to a user, to enable the telemetrical control of the interventional device for performing an intended procedure (biopsy, tissue resection, etc.). The navigation sub-system, based on the integrated real-time tracking information and real-time images, calculates and dynamically updates coordinates of subsequent imaging slices.
US09326822B2	Active drives for robotic catheter manipulators An instrument driver comprises a base and a jaw assembly coupled to the base. The jaw assembly includes a first jaw having a gripping surface and a second jaw having a gripping surface. The instrument driver further comprises a driver assembly operably coupled to the jaw assembly to advance an elongated member relative to the base by translating the first and second jaws toward each other, thereby closing the jaw assembly and gripping the member between the respective gripping surfaces of the first and second jaws, translating the jaw assembly in a first axial direction when the jaw assembly is closed, translating the first and second jaws away from each other, thereby opening the jaw assembly and releasing the member from between the respective gripping surfaces of the first and second jaws, and translating the jaw assembly in a second axial direction when the jaw assembly is opened.
US09326817B2	Methods for treating heart arrhythmia Methods and apparatus are provided for treatment of heart arrhythmia via renal neuromodulation. Such neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, ablation, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is achieved through application of an electric field. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is achieved through application of neuromodulatory agents, of thermal energy and/or of high intensity focused ultrasound. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is performed in a bilateral fashion.
US09326814B2	System and method for predicting lesion size shortly after onset of RF energy delivery Lesion size or volume prediction shortly after the onset of an ablation procedure can inform or control the ablation procedure. The prediction and/or control is made without regard to an actual detected temperature in the vicinity of the ablation electrodes. As a consequence, the system has utility with irrigated catheter constructions and other situations in which local irrigation in the vicinity of an ablation site would otherwise interfere with a prediction or control scheme that solely relies upon temperature measurements.
US09326813B2	Method for ablating with needle electrode A method for ablating tissue in or around the heart to create an enhanced lesion is provided. The distal end of a catheter including a needle electrode at its distal end is introduced into the heart. The distal end of the needle electrode is introduced into the tissue. An electrically-conductive fluid is infused through the needle electrode and into the tissue. The tissue is ablated after and/or during introduction of the fluid into the tissue. The fluid conducts ablation energy within the tissue to create a larger lesion than would be created without the introduction of the fluid.
US09326810B2	Multi-button electrosurgical apparatus A multi-button electrosurgical apparatus includes a housing having a passage extending therethough, a distal end configured to support an electrode; at least four switches disposed on a surface of the housing configured to be selectively activated by a user; and three wires connected between the housing and a connector, the connector configured to be operatively coupled to an electrosurgical generator, a first wire being coupled to the electrode and configured to receive electrosurgical energy from the electrosurgical generator, a second wire being coupled to a first switch and configured to generate a first activation signal and a third wire being coupled to a second switch and configured to generate a second activation signal, wherein a third and fourth switch are coupled to the first wire and the second or third wire via a respective reactive switching element configured to generate third and fourth activation signals.
US09326807B2	Peri-prosthetic fixation implant and method An apparatus for leading a cerclage member along a desired path through a portion of bone, comprises a guide strip extending from a proximal end to a sharpened distal end, at least a portion of the guide strip being biased to assume a shape corresponding to a portion of a desired path along which the cerclage member is to pass through a portion of bone and a delivery cannula including a lumen sized to slidably receive the guide strip therein, the cannula maintaining the guide strip in a substantially straight configuration until the guide strip is extended distally out of the lumen.
US09326804B2	Bone anchoring element A bone anchoring element comprising a shaft (2) for anchoring in a bone, with a plurality of barb elements (7) arranged in at least one helical line around the shaft axis (M) is described, wherein said barb elements are elastically movable relative to the shaft. The bone anchoring element (1) is easy to press into a core hole bore in a bone. The barb elements (7) act in a similar manner as do the threads on a conventional bone screw and thus provide for depth positioning. Moreover, the barb elements at the same time secure the bone anchoring element and prevent it from sliding-out.
US09326801B2	Fenestrated bone screw and method of injecting bone cement into bone structure A fenestrated bone screw and method of use is disclosed in which a bone cement injection tube may be readily and sealably connected to the head of the bone screw by means of a bayonet connector so that bone cement from a cement pump may be forced into a cannula of the bone screw and into the bone structure proximate the fenestrations of the bone screw. Upon completion of the injection of the bone cement, the cement tube may be readily disconnected from the bone screw in such manner that leakage of bone cement is minimized. A surgical method of injecting bone cement into bone structure using such a cannulated, fenestrated bone screw is also disclosed.
US09326793B2	Needle for physically separating and penetrating the pericardium A pericardial needle that punctures a pericardial membrane to attain access into a pericardial space of a heart by advancing a sharp tip until the sharp tip is adjacent to or in contact with a parietal pericardium of the heart such that the puncturing does not damage the heart muscle. The pericardial needle punctures the parietal pericardium when the heart muscle moves towards the pericardial needle, away from the pericardial needle, is at rest and/or is in synchronization with the systolic contraction period of the cardiac cycle of the heart. The synchronization may be provided based on a surface electrocardiogram, an arterial pressure, or a sensing pressure at the tip of the pericardial needle when the pericardial needle is adjacent into the parietal pericardium of the heart.
US09326791B2	Tissue repair with space-seeking spirals of filament The distal portion of a shape-memory filament extends from a needle containing at least one filament gripping element. To implant the shape-memory filament in tissue, the needle is inserted into a cannula with a flexible and removable hook. During partial withdrawal of the needle, the hook holds the distal portion of the filament stationary to deposit a section of filament in the distal portion of the cannula. The needle is re-advanced, pushing the section of the shape-memory filament to coil or fold within the tissue. Rotation of the needle with the filament gripping element further tightens the coiled or folded filament. Partial withdrawal, re-advancement, rotation and pushing of the needle are repeated to fill, pack, strengthen, enlarge or augment the tissue with the shape-memory filament.
US09326785B2	Connector for a laparoscopic surgical system A connector for connecting an instrument tip with a laparoscopic tube end, the connector including a base forming a body of the connector, the base having a lumen configured to accommodate an instrument tip actuator therein, and a seal permanently bonded to an inner surface of a proximal end of the base and configured to deform upon connection of the connector with the tube end.
US09326779B2	Soft tissue protector and drill guide for an implantation kit A drill guide for guiding elements, especially drill bits and implants of an implantation kit during a surgical intervention, has a main body having a gripping portion. The drill guide has an upper and a lower central opening along its longitudinal axis with a through going cavity for receiving the element to be guided. A lower contact surface is positioned on an object, such as a bone, on or into which the element is to be guided. The diameter of the through going cavity can be varied by a.) radial positioning of three or four jaws inside the cavity through a groove-slide block system and/or b.) against the force of a spring at the lower free end of guiding extensions. The spring is provided on the back side of the extensions which bear against the inner wall of the drill guide sleeve.
US09326778B2	Autografting osteotome A fluted osteotome is rotated in one direction to enlarge an osteotomy by burnishing, and by cutting/drilling when turned in an opposite direction. A conically tapered body has an apical end with lips. The lips are set to grind bone when rotated in the burnishing direction and cut bone when turned in the cutting/drilling direction. Helical flutes and interposed lands are disposed about the body. The flutes each have a working edge that burnishes bone when rotated in the burnishing direction and cuts bone when turned in the cutting/drilling direction. The lips and lands generate an opposing axial reaction force that improves surgical control. The osteotome auto-grafts bone by reapplying ground particles in a compacted manner along the entire depth of the osteotomy, particularly at the bottom.
US09326776B2	Manually actuated surgical clip applier A surgical clip applier is provided having a cartridge carrying multiple surgical clips with a manual graspable actuator configured to sequentially deliver clips to the jaws of the clip applier. Both the cartridge and the jaws are connectable to a scissors-like handle assembly arranged to translate motion from finger loops to the jaws to open and close the jaws and thus close or crimp a delivered clip between the jaws.
US09326772B2	Non-invasive surgical ligation clip system and method of using A surgical ligation clip capable of remote deployment through a cannula to engage an anatomical structure.
US09326769B2	Surgical instrument A surgical stapling system is disclosed. The surgical stapling system comprises a housing comprising a motor and a battery configured to supply power to the motor. The surgical stapling system further comprises a firing actuator operably coupled with the motor and a stapling assembly comprising a plurality of staples and a distal end. The surgical stapling system further comprises a shaft configured to support the stapling assembly, a firing member configured to transmit a firing motion from the motor to the stapling assembly, and a firing member sensor system configured to detect the position of the firing member within a detectable range of positions relative to the end of the stapling assembly.
US09326755B2	Biopsy device tissue sample holder with bulk chamber and pathology chamber A biopsy device includes a probe, a holster, and a tissue sample holder for collecting tissue samples. The probe includes a needle and a hollow cutter. The tissue sample holder includes a housing having one or more chambers that are configured to receive a removable tray including one or more prongs and a bulk chamber of a different volume than the one or more chambers. The housing is releasably engageable with the probe. Each tray prong is configured to receive a tissue sample communicated through the cutter lumen. The tray is removable from the housing, such as along an axial direction. The tissue sample holder is rotatable to successively index each chamber to the cutter lumen. The trays may be flexible, resilient, or rigid.
US09326751B2	Catheter guidance of external energy for renal denervation An in vivo apparatus includes a flexible shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a length sufficient to access a patient's renal artery relative to a percutaneous access location. An energy guide apparatus is provided at the distal end of the shaft and dimensioned for deployment within the renal artery. An ex vivo apparatus includes an arrangement configured to localize the energy guide apparatus within the renal artery, and an energy source configured to direct ablative energy to target tissue located a predetermined distance from the localized energy guide apparatus. The target tissue includes perivascular renal nerve tissue adjacent the renal artery.
US09326749B2	Ultrasound diagnosis apparatus and controlling method An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes: a scan controlling unit that exercises control to perform a first scanning process by transmitting an ultrasound wave in a first direction and a second scanning process by transmitting an ultrasound wave in each of a plurality of directions; an image generating unit that generates a first ultrasound image and second ultrasound images from the first and the second scanning processes, respectively; an image generation controlling unit that has a needle image generated, based on an analysis result on the brightness distribution of each member of a group of images based on the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound images or an analysis result on the brightness distribution of each of the second ultrasound images; an image synthesizing unit that generates a synthesized image from the first ultrasound image and the needle image; and a display controlling unit that displays the synthesized image.
US09326746B2	X-ray CT apparatus An X-ray CT apparatus includes a specifying unit, a setting unit, a controller, and a reconstruction unit. The specifying unit refers to exposure dose information to specify a high exposure area in an imaging area in a subject. The setting unit sets a scan condition under which a cross section of the imaging area can be imaged and under which X-rays are not directly applied to the high exposure area or another scan condition under which a cross section of the imaging area can be imaged and under which an X-ray radiation dose directly applied to the high exposure area is reduced relative to an area other than the high exposure area. The controller collects data of X-rays applied from an X-ray tube and detected by an X-ray detector under the set scan condition. The reconstruction unit reconstructs a tomographic image using the collected data of X-rays.
US09326745B2	Dynamic diagnosis support information generation system A dynamic diagnosis support information generation system includes: a radiation generator capable of irradiating a pulsed radiation; a radiation detector which is provided with a plurality of detecting elements arranged in two-dimension, detects the pulsed radiation irradiated from the radiation generator at each of the plurality of detecting elements and generates frame images successively; and an analysis section which calculates and outputs a feature value relating to a dynamic image of a subject based on a plurality of frame images generated by radiographing the subject by using the radiation generator and the radiation detector, wherein the analysis section calculates the feature value relating to the dynamic image of the subject by corresponding pixels to each others representing outputs of a detecting element at a same position in the radiation detector among the plurality of the frame images.
US09326740B2	Radiographic system A radiographic system is provided that can shorten the work time required for adjusting the initial values. The radiographic system comprises: an X-ray tube controller; an initial value calculator; and a storage. The X-ray tube controller is configured to control a filament current flowing through a filament of the X-ray tube for stabilizing the tube current at a desired value, the tube current otherwise tending to fluctuate at activation. The initial value calculator is configured to calculate an initial value for the filament current that is to be applied at next activation, based both on a stable value of the filament current while the tube current has been stable and on the image-capturing conditions at the time. The storage configured to store the calculated initial value, the image-capturing conditions, and a radiographic history that includes radiographed dates.
US09326739B2	Mammogram table A mammogram table for supporting a patient during a breast examination. The mammogram table includes a platform configured to support a patient while lying in a prone position during a breast examination and a pedestal configured to bear the platform and the patient during the breast examination. The mammogram table also includes a breast template configured to position the breasts of the patient during a breast examination and a mounting bracket configured to allow imaging equipment to be attached to the mammogram table. The mammogram table further includes a breast support configured to receive the breasts of the patient.
US09326736B2	Method and system for visualizing mechanical ventilation information Methods and systems for visualizing mechanical ventilation information are provided. One system includes a user interface for a medical system having a ventilator is provided. The user interface includes a memory storing one or more sensor measurements for a patient and a processor. The processor is programmed to display a visualization of a tidal volume determined from one of the sensor measurements of the patient and display a visualization of lung compliance for the patient, wherein the tidal volume visualization and the lung compliance visualization are displayed concurrently.
US09326733B2	System and method for acquisition of biopotential signals with motion artifact reduction in real time operation A biopotential signal acquisition system comprising an analog readout unit configured to receive an analog biopotential signal and to extract an analog measured biopotential signal and an analog reference signal, and an ADC unit configured to provide a digital version of the analog measured biopotential signal and the analog reference signal. The system also includes a first digital filter unit comprising a cascaded integrator-comb filter configured to provide a first digital filtered version of the digital measured biopotential signal and the reference signal, and a second digital filter unit configured to calculate a digital motion artifact estimate based on the first digital filtered version signals.
US09326732B2	Electrocardiogram sensor and method of processing signals using the same An electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor includes an analog front end device configured to remove a DC offset in a first ECG signal received from a measuring electrode, and adjust a gain amplification value based on the first ECG signal. The analog front end device is configured to output an adjusted first ECG signal, the adjusted first ECG signal being based on the adjusted gain amplification value and the removed DC offset in the first ECG signal. The ECG sensor includes a digital signal processor configured to analyze and process the adjusted first ECG signal based on an algorithm and to output information. The analog front end device is configured to remove the DC offset in the first ECG signal during a first period, and remove a DC offset in a second ECG signal and simultaneously adjust a gain amplification value for the second ECG signal during a second period.
US09326727B2	On-body medical device securement Devices and methods for maintaining a medical device on-body are provided. Embodiments include medical device securement systems having first and second on-body securement elements. Also provided are systems and kits for use maintaining a medical device on-body.
US09326724B2	Devices and methods for monitoring physiological information relating to sleep with an implantable device Described here are implantable devices and methods for monitoring physiological information relating to sleep. The implantable devices are generally designed to include at least one sensor for sensing physiological information, a processor for processing the physiological information using low computational power to detect a sleep stage, and a battery. The detected sleep stage information may then be used to indicate sleep quality, identify or monitor a medical condition, or guide treatment thereof.
US09326723B2	Method and apparatus of monitoring foot inflammation A method and apparatus for evaluating foot inflammation each uses at least one temperature detection modality to form a first thermogram and a second thermogram of the sole of at least one foot. Each thermogram forms a substantially continuous set of two-dimensional temperature values across the sole of the (at least one) foot. The thermograms have features; namely, the first thermogram has first features and the second thermogram has second features. The method and apparatus thus control a device to apply at least one transformation to the first and second thermograms to align the first features with corresponding second features, and determine, at any thermogram location, if at least one of the thermograms presents one of a plurality of patterns indicative of inflammation. Finally, the method and apparatus each produce output information indicating the result of the determination of whether the thermograms present one of the plurality of patterns.
US09326721B2	Labor management devices for pelvic floor support The present disclosure provides devices for decreasing the incidence of Cesarean childbirth by managing the labor process. In one aspect, a tactile feedback device is positioned adjacent the perianal tissues. A perianal support device includes a perianal support member having a pressure surface configured for engagement with tissue adjacent an anal orifice and a pressure detecting system associated with the perianal support member to detect pressure indicative of pressure on the perianal tissue of a patient.
US09326717B2	Adjustable connector and dead space reduction Methods and systems for determining the concentration of one or more analytes from a sample such as blood or plasma are described. The systems described herein can be configured to withdraw a certain volume of sample from a source of bodily fluid, direct a first portion of the withdrawn sample to an analyte monitoring system and return a second portion of the sample to the patient. The analyte monitoring system can be connected to the source of bodily fluid via a connector that is configured to maintain uniform velocity across the connector and reduce the dead space volume.
US09326716B2	Analyte monitoring device and methods of use In aspects of the present disclosure, a no coding blood glucose monitoring unit including a calibration unit is integrated with one or more components of an analyte monitoring system to provide compatibility with in vitro test strip that do not require a calibration code is provided. Also disclosed are methods, systems, devices and kits for providing the same.
US09326715B1	OxyVu-1 hyperspectral tissue oxygenation (HTO) measurement system The invention is directed to a hyperspectral/multispectral system referred to as the OxyVu-1 system. The hyperspectral imaging technology performs spectral analysis at each point in a two-dimensional scanned a producing an image displaying information derived from the analysis. For the OxyVu-1 system, the spectral analytical methods determined in superficial tissues approximate values of oxygen saturation (HT-Sat), oxyhemoglobin levels (HT-oxy), and deoxyhemoglobin levels (HT-deoxy). The OxyVu-1 system displays the tissue oxygenation in a two-dimensional, color-coded image. The system contains a system console, a cart, system electronics, CPU, monitor, keyboard, pointing device and printer. The hyperspectral instrument head with support arm contains broadband illuminator, camera and spectral filter for collecting hyperspectral imaging cube. The single use OxyVu Check Pads and Targets are used to perform an instrument check prior to patient measurements. The OxyVu Target is placed within the intended field of view and is used as a fiduciary mark for image registration and for focusing.
US09326708B2	Ambient temperature sensor systems and methods A first sensor may be configured to measure a sensed amount of a physiological parameter and to generate a first signal based on the sensed amount of the physiological parameter measured by the first sensor. A second sensor may be configured to measure a temperature and to generate a second signal based on the temperate measured by the second sensor. A housing may have heat-generating electronics including a processor that may be configured to determine an overall amount of the physiological parameter based on the first signal generated from the first sensor and the second signal generated from the second sensor. The second sensor may be thermally insulated from the heat-generating electronics.
US09326705B2	Method and system for monitoring physiological and athletic performance characteristics of a subject The present invention is directed to systems and methods for monitoring characteristics of a subject. A system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a sensor subsystem including at least one respiratory sensor disposed proximate to the subject and configured to detect a respiratory characteristic of the subject, wherein the sensor subsystem is configured to generate and transmit at least one respiratory signal representing the respiratory characteristic, and at least one physiological sensor disposed proximate to the subject and configured to detect a physiological characteristic of the subject, wherein the sensor subsystem is configured to generate and transmit at least one physiological signal representing the physiological characteristic, and a processor subsystem in communication with the sensor subsystem, the processor subsystem being configured to receive at least one of the at least one respiratory signal and the at least one physiological signal.
US09326701B2	Method and magnetic resonance system to automatically determine imaging planes In a method and imaging apparatus to automatically determine imaging planes for an imaging procedure to visualize a percutaneous intervention of a patient along a trajectory to a target point, data are obtained that represent a reference coordinate system with three orthogonal reference planes, and data also are acquired that represent the trajectory. One of the reference planes is determined as a selected reference plane based on the arrangement thereof relative to the trajectory. A first imaging plane is defined such that the trajectory lies therein, and such that it has a defined arrangement in relation to the selected reference plane. A second imaging plane is defined such that the trajectory lies therein, and such that it is orthogonal to the first imaging plane. A third imaging plane is defined such that it is orthogonal to the first imaging plane and second imaging plane, and includes the target point.
US09326699B2	Methods for using electrical impedance tomography Methods for use of EIT. Disclosed are: (1) EIT used to obtain a final solution to an EIT inverse problem for localizing tissues undergoing changes in impedance, which is used as a constraint on solving an EEG source localization inverse problem; (2) EIT used with MREIT, where the MREIT is used to constrain the solutions to the EIT inverse problem for the distribution of static tissue impedance; (3) EIT used with MREIT, where the MREIT is used to constrain the solutions to the EIT inverse problem for localizing tissues undergoing changes in impedance; and (4) EIT according to any of (1)-(3) as feedback for modifying at least one of the location, magnitude, and timing of currents injected for the purpose of neurostimulation.
US09326697B2	Long-term monitoring for discrimination of different heart rhythms A method, system, and device for detection of an arrhythmia, and discrimination between different types of arrhythmia, for example to determine whether to administer an electric shock to the heart, the device comprising a wearable monitor with electrodes that detect the electrical activity of a beating heart, attached to an embedded monitoring system having an amplifier, a microprocessor, a data storage device, and a power supply, all disposed on a substrate having large distal end portions that attach to the electrodes and a narrow intermediate portion that attaches to the monitoring system.
US09326695B1	Electrode harness and method of taking biopotential measurements The present invention relates to an electrode harness and more particularly to an electrode harness with various features, which enhance the use and performance of the electrode harness. The present invention further relates to a method of taking biopotential measurements. The electrode harness and methods of the present invention allow for use with most applications where biopotential measurements are taken. The electrode harness can be used in ECG (or EKG), EEG, EMG, and other such biopotential measurement applications. Because of the versatility of various embodiments of the present invention, preferably the electrode harness can be adjusted for different applications or for application to various sized and shaped subjects. The electrode harness is further preferably part of a system, which includes either wireless or tethered bridges between the electrode harness and a monitor, and preferably includes various forms of processors for analyzing the biopotential signal.
US09326691B1	Dispensable single-use protective film for a sphygmomanometer A pad of disposable protective barrier films for adhesive attached to a blood pressure cuff prior to its placement on a limb of a subject. The barrier film is a thin, non-permeable polymer, typically having a thickness of between approximately 1.0 and 3.0 mil. A portion of the side of the barrier adapted for attachment of the blood pressure cuff is coated with a low tack adhesive. The low tack adhesive holds the barrier in place during installation and use of the blood pressure but allows easy removal and disposal thereof upon completion of the blood pressure measurement. A unique packaging system is provided whereby no adhesive backing strips are required, successive barrier sheets are merely peeled from a stack. In still other embodiments, the barrier or the adhesive may include a germicidal material to further help protect the blood pressure cuff to from germs or other contamination.
US09326685B2	Device for evaluating condition of skin or hair The present invention relates to a device for evaluating condition on skin or hair. The device provides one extension supporting a hydration meter suitable for measuring hydration values in areas difficult to measure (e.g., skin in scalp area) and; a separate extension supporting a camera for capturing images of an area of skin or hair and transferring said image to computer. Data from these sources are evaluated and scored. The multiple data points are used to provide a highly targeted product best suited for each individual consumer.
US09326681B2	Non-contact tonometer, control method of the same, and program An excessive amount of pressurized air is inhibited from being blown to an eye of a patient during measurement of a corneal shape deformation amount. In a non-contact tonometer having a piston, a driving unit to drive the piston, a fluid ejection unit to blow air pressurized by driving the piston toward a cornea of an eye to be inspected, and an intraocular pressure measuring unit to detect a deformed state of the cornea and measure an intraocular pressure, there are provided a piston displacement restricting unit that restricts a displacement amount when the piston pressurizes the air, and a changing unit to change the displacement amount to be restricted by the piston displacement restricting unit.
US09326679B2	Medical system A medical system includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire a tomographic image of an object to be examined based on a combined beam generated by combining a return beam returning from the object to be examined illuminated with a measuring beam and a reference beam corresponding to the measuring beam, a focus position changing unit configured to change a focus position on the object to be examined;an optical-path-length difference changing unit configured to change a difference in optical path lengths between the measuring beam and the reference beam, and a control unit configured to control the optical-path-length difference changing unit so that the difference in the optical path length is within a predetermined range and then receive an instruction to the focus position changing unit to make a change.
US09326673B2	Diagnostic device for detecting a layer boundary in an eye and ring element for the diagnostic device A diagnostic device detects a layer boundary which facilitates the determination of layer thicknesses in the human eye. The device has a light source with a beam path which is designed to guide at least one measuring beam of the light source from the object plane of the light source into an intersecting region of the measuring beam with an optical axis in the eye, and an actuator designed to move the intersecting region along the optical axis. The beam path guides the measuring beam from a layer boundary into the sensor unit. An evaluation unit is designed to estimate and/or determine a layer thickness between a first and a second layer boundary.
US09326671B2	Advanced speculum It is described a surgical instrument such as a speculum comprising longitudinally extending cups-shaped pivotably mounted blades manufactured from a moldable material, such as plastic or metal. Each blade has an inwardly curved circumferential edge with an edge face which is provided with a parting line resulting from molding the blades. Negative effects such as possible injuries associated with parting lines or steps can be mitigated by inwardly relocating these lines on an edge face of the inwardly curved circumferential edge.
US09326666B2	Multi-channel medical imaging system A medical imaging system provides simultaneous rendering of visible light and fluorescent images. The system may employ dyes in a small-molecule form that remain in a subject's blood stream for several minutes, allowing real-time imaging of the subject's circulatory system superimposed upon a conventional, visible light image of the subject. The system may provide an excitation light source to excite the fluorescent substance and a visible light source for general illumination within the same optical guide used to capture images. The system may be configured for use in open surgical procedures by providing an operating area that is closed to ambient light. The systems described herein provide two or more diagnostic imaging channels for capture of multiple, concurrent diagnostic images and may be used where a visible light image may be usefully supplemented by two or more images that are independently marked for functional interest.
US09326664B2	Endoscope apparatus An endoscope apparatus includes an illuminating section capable of irradiating a subject with a light in a first wavelength band and light in a second wavelength band, an image processing section including a color filter configured by a plurality of filters, the image processing section generating, from two image pickup signals respectively generated in a first pixel and a second pixel that respectively receive light in a predetermined wavelength band and light in a wavelength band different from the predetermined wavelength band among return lights from the subject, first and second image signals, a control section that determines whether the two image pickup signals can be separated into the first and second image signals, and an illumination control section that performs irradiation in a time division manner or simultaneous irradiation according to a determination result whether the separation is possible or not.
US09326662B2	Probe and endoscope A probe is a probe insertable through a channel provided in an endoscope insertion portion. The probe is provided with a plurality of accommodation portions for accommodating a plurality of coil units having a predetermined length and a predetermined height, and a plurality of axial portions. Each accommodation portion includes a base portion having a length substantially equal to the predetermined length in a longitudinal direction of the probe, and two wall portions provided to stand upright at both ends of the base portion in the longitudinal direction at a height substantially equal to the predetermined height from the base portion, and the base portion and the wall portions are integrally formed. The plurality of axial portions extend from the wall portions in the longitudinal direction and connect between the plurality of accommodation portions.
US09326659B2	Low-capacity apparatus for washing objects An appliance such as a dishwasher comprises an upper region and a lower region forming an appliance footprint. Positioned in the upper region is a spray arm assembly and a wash tub forming a wash zone. The wash zone has a low or reduced capacity, thereby holding fewer objects than conventional dishwashers but maintaining the appliance footprint so that the dishwasher fits an appliance opening, e.g., in kitchen cabinetry, that has a standard width dimension and a standard height dimension. In one embodiment, the wash zone has an opening through is received a rack, which supports the objects in the wash zone. The rack is moveable between a first position and a second position, and in one example, the rack is configured to move between the first position and the second position relative to the wash zone and independent of the spray arm assembly.
US09326652B2	Surface cleaning apparatus A surface cleaning apparatus is provided wherein a uniflow cyclone comprises a cyclone chamber defined by a longitudinal axis, the cyclone chamber having a dirt outlet that has a variable length in the direction of the longitudinal axis. A cyclone chamber having a barrier wall facing the dirt outlet of the cyclone chamber is also provided.
US09326651B2	Vacuum cleaner with blower and flexible head for improved particulate removal A vacuum cleaner with a flexible head portion and combined suction and blowing mechanism to agitate debris. An external pressured air source is used to provide a source of pressured air for the blowing mechanism. The head portion has blowing and suction nozzles arranged such that the suction nozzles surround the blowing nozzles or vice versa. The blowing and suction nozzles may be in parallel rows and may have almost perpendicular trajectories. The blowing mechanism may be operated according to an alternating pulsing pattern corresponding to different blowing nozzle groups to create a repeating and bidirectional agitation effect onto stubborn debris in the area between the nozzle groups. The flexible head portion is formed by a grid of head portion units attached to each other by a joining mechanism. The flexible head portion has a concave shape in its relaxed state and can at least partially conform to irregular surfaces.
US09326641B2	Gated bath ring An assistive bath ring for use by a child or adult to provide support for the user to sit in a bathtub. The bath ring comprises an essentially cylindrically shaped framework comprising a circular solid base, a circularly shaped ring attached to the base by height adjusting telescoping leg components; wherein the ring has a front and a rear; and further comprising a hinge in the circular shaped arm rail creating a gate to allow the circularly shaped ring arm rail to open and close.
US09326639B2	Oven having a rotating door An oven comprising a housing, a cavity located within the housing, and a rotator having a first food loading section and a second food loading section is disclosed. The cavity includes a single opening for loading a food item into the cavity. If one of the first food loading section and the second food loading section is located outside of said cavity, then the other of the first food loading section and the second food loading section is located within said cavity. A first cook setting of the oven when the first food loading section is within the cavity and a second cook setting of the oven when the second food loading section is within the cavity are independently controllable. The first food loading section and the second food loading section may be separated by a divider, which prevents heat from escaping from the cavity through the opening.
US09326633B2	Steamer An improved steamer for heating food includes a base with a heating unit and a controlling switch, a plurality of pot units, a plurality of racks, and a lid. The pot units seat on top of the base, and the racks are placed on a bottom of each pot unit. Several steam ducts are arranged on ends of the pot units, and an opening is defined in the steam ducts. A cover is put on the opening. The lid is placed onto the upper pot unit. When the steamer with food is heated, the steam from the heating unit is introduced into the pot units from the openings of the steam ducts to heat the food. Each pot unit is isolated, and the steam introduced will not mix, and odors from the pot units will not interfere with other pot units.

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