Document | Document Title |
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US09359248B1 |
Low-temperature sealing glass frit and method for preparing composite filler in glass frit
The invention discloses a lower-temperature sealing glass frit and a method for preparing a composite filler in the glass frit. The lower-temperature sealing glass frit includes a glass powder and a negative thermal expansion composite filler with an adjustable thermal expansion coefficient. The thermal expansion coefficient of the low-temperature sealing glass frit into which the composite material and the glass powder is mixed can be adjustable so that the thermal expansion coefficient of the low-temperature sealing glass frit can match the thermal expansion coefficient of glass substrates packaging an OLED device to thereby improve the yield of the packaged OLED device. |
US09359247B2 |
Coefficient of thermal expansion filler for vanadium-based frit materials and/or methods of making and/or using the same
Certain example embodiments relate to seals for glass articles. Certain example embodiments relate to a composition used for sealing an insulted glass unit. In certain example embodiments the composition includes vanadium oxide, barium oxide, zinc oxide, and at least one additional additive. For instance, another additive that is a different metal oxide or different metal chloride may be provided. In certain example embodiments, a composition may be combined with a binder solution that substantially or completely burns out by the time the composition is melted. In certain example embodiments, a CTE filler is included with a frit material. In certain example embodiments, a vacuum insulated glass unit includes first and second glass substrates that are sealed together with a seal that includes the above-described composition. |
US09359246B2 |
Glass, optical glass, glass raw material for press molding, and optical element
A glass including at least one type of oxide selected from TiO2, Nb2O5, WO3, and Bi2O3 as a glass component therefor, having a total TiO2, Nb2O5, WO3, and Bi2O3 content of at least 20 mol %, and having a βOH value indicated in formula (1) that fulfills the relationship indicated in formula (2). βOH=−[ln(B/A)]/t (1); βOH≧0.4891×ln(1/HR)+2.48 (2). |
US09359245B2 |
Veneer ceramic for dental restorations and method for veneering dental restorations
The invention is directed to starting glass compositions for veneer ceramics for dental restorations of framework ceramics comprising yttrium-stabilized zirconium dioxide. It is the object of the invention to make possible a translucent veneer ceramic which has high flexural strength as well as excellent adhesion to the framework ceramic of yttrium-stabilized zirconium dioxide. According to the invention, this object is met in a starting glass for veneer ceramics for dental restorations made of yttrium-stabilized zirconium dioxide which is produced from the following components: a) SiO2 58.0-74.0 percent by weight b) Al2O3 4.0-19.0 percent by weight c) Li2O 5.0-17.0 percent by weight d) Na2O 4.0-12.0 percent by weight e) ZrO2 0.5-6.0 percent by weight. |
US09359243B2 |
Transparent glass-ceramic articles, glass-ceramic precursor glasses and methods for forming the same
Embodiments of glass ceramic articles and precursor glasses are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the glass-ceramic articles are transparent and include a nepheline phase and a phosphate phase. The glass-ceramic articles are colorless and exhibit a transmittance of about 70% or greater across the visible spectrum. The glass-ceramic articles may optionally include a lithium aluminosilicate phase. The crystals of the glass-ceramic articles may have a major cross-section of about 100 nm or less. |
US09359242B2 |
Glass-plate manufacturing method
A glass-plate manufacturing method employing a down-draw process includes: a forming step of forming a sheet glass by making a molten glass flow downward along opposite side surfaces of a forming member and merge at a lower section of the forming member; and a cooling step of cooling the sheet glass while drawing the sheet glass downward with rollers. In the cooling step, an above-glass-strain-point temperature control step is performed which is a step of performing a temperature control in the width direction of the sheet glass in a temperature region ranging from the lower section of the forming member to where the temperature of the sheet glass falls below a temperature region near the glass strain point, and includes: first, second and third temperature control steps as defined herein. |
US09359240B2 |
Method for desulphuration of the digestate and the biogas of a digester, and biogas production facility implementing said method
The invention relates to a method for desulphuration of the digestate and biogas in a digester (1) of urban and/or agricultural and/or industrial effluent, by biochemical and/or thermochemical processes, the digester consisting of an enclosure (2) which is closed at the top, in which anaerobic digestion of a mass of products to be treated making up the digestate (4) takes place, the digester comprising at least one loop (10) for external recirculation of the digestate; an oxidant is injected at least at one point (13, 14) of the loop (10), the injection conditions being as follows: the speed of circulation of the digestate in the loop (10) must be high enough to prevent the deposition of sulphur on the walls of the pipes; the contact time between the injected oxidant and the recirculated digestate recirculated from the injection point (13, 14) of the oxidant until the reinjection point (11b) of the digestate must be long enough for all the oxidant to be dissolved in the liquid phase of the digestate; the amount of oxygen in the oxidant injected into the recirculation loop must be low enough to avoid the presence of oxygen in the biogas, but high enough to eliminate the hydrogen sulphide from the biogas. |
US09359239B2 |
Hybrid aerobic and anaerobic wastewater and sludge treatment systems and methods
A hybrid method and system of treating wastewater with reduced energy usage is disclosed. The treatment system has a sorption system, an anaerobic digester that digests or converts at least a portion of the solids or sludge from the sorption system, and an aerobic treatment tank that partially reduces oxygen demand of a portion of the sludge from the sorption tank. |
US09359236B2 |
Enhanced biosorption of wastewater organics using dissolved air flotation with solids recycle
Systems and methods for treating wastewater including a dissolved air flotation operation performed upon a portion of a mixed liquor output from a contact tank prior to the mixed liquor entering a biological treatment tank. |
US09359234B2 |
Methods and systems for treating an aqueous effluent
Methods and systems for treating an aqueous effluent from a metathesis reactor, such as a metathesis-based biorefinery, are generally disclosed. In some embodiments, the aqueous effluent is generated from washing the metathesized product with an aqueous medium. In some embodiments, such wash streams are chemically treated to reduce their toxicity and to facilitate disposal. In some embodiments, such wash streams are treated to recover at least a portion of the catalyst residue, so as to facilitate catalyst recovery. |
US09359228B2 |
Iron-functionalized alginate for phosphate and other contaminant removal and recovery from aqueous solutions
A biodegradable iron-crosslinked alginate is useful as a remediation agent for environmental contaminants such as phosphate. When charged with phosphate, or other nutrients, the iron-functionalized alginate can be used as an agricultural fertilizer. |
US09359227B2 |
Porous formed article, and method for manufacturing the same
There is provided a porous formed article which can remove hazardous substances at a high speed, has a high adsorption capacity and has high durability to cleaning chemicals and further which is scarcely broken even if being repeatedly used, and which contains an organic polymeric resin and an inorganic ion-adsorbing material, wherein the organic polymeric resin is a polyether sulfone resin and/or a polysulfone resin, and is an organic polymeric resin having a hydroxyl group. |
US09359225B1 |
Water filter
A liquid filtration system, including an inclined filter support and a chimney, the chimney having an entrance adjacent an upper portion of the filter support; and a sheet filter supported in an inclined orientation by the inclined filter support. Air trapped by the sheet filter during use of the filtration system travels along a path corresponding to the inclined orientation sheet filter and into the entrance of the chimney for escape. |
US09359222B2 |
Methods for preparing Cu2ZnSnS4 nanoparticles for use in thin film photovoltaic cells
Materials and methods for preparing Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) layers for use in thin film photovoltaic (PV) cells are disclosed herein. The CZTS materials are nanoparticles prepared by a colloidal synthesis in the presence of a labile organothiol. The organothiol serves as both a sulphur source and as a capping ligand for the nanoparticles. |
US09359217B2 |
Molecular sieve SSZ-85 composition of matter and synthesis thereof
This disclosure is directed to a new cobalt aluminophosphate molecular sieve designated SSZ-85 and a method for preparing SSZ-85 using a 1,3-diisopropylimidazolium ionic liquid. |
US09359213B2 |
Plasma treatment to strengthen diamonds
The physical properties of a diamond are altered by: applying a cationic elemental plasma to a diamond at a plasma temperature of less than 300° C.; allowing the cationic plasma to chemically bond with atoms in defects within the diamond; and removing the plasma from the diamond. The cationic elemental plasma may exemplary be selected from the group consisting of as H+, Na+, Li+ and K+. It is preferred that no plasma is projected from a source at the diamond and that the plasma is provided as an environment surrounding the diamond. |
US09359212B2 |
Copper foil for producing graphene and method of producing graphene using the same
A copper foil for producing graphene including Cu having a purity of 99.95% by mass or more. |
US09359211B2 |
Methods of fabricating graphene using alloy catalyst
Methods of fabricating graphene using an alloy catalyst may include forming an alloy catalyst layer including nickel on a substrate and forming a graphene layer by supplying hydrocarbon gas onto the alloy catalyst layer. The alloy catalyst layer may include nickel and at least one selected from the group consisting of copper, platinum, iron and gold. When the graphene is fabricated, a catalyst metal that reduces solubility of carbon in Ni may be used together with Ni in the alloy catalyst layer. An amount of carbon that is dissolved may be adjusted and a uniform graphene monolayer may be fabricated. |
US09359208B2 |
Production process for highly conductive graphitic films
A process for producing a graphitic film comprising the steps of (a) mixing graphene platelets with a carbon precursor polymer and a liquid to form a slurry and forming the slurry into a wet film under the influence of an orientation-inducing stress field to align the graphene platelets on a solid substrate; (b) removing the liquid to form a precursor polymer composite film wherein the graphene platelets occupy a weight fraction of 1% to 99%; (c) carbonizing the precursor polymer composite film at a carbonization temperature of at least 300° C. to obtain a carbonized composite film; and (d) thermally treating the carbonized composite film at a final graphitization temperature higher than 1,500° C. to obtain the graphitic film. Preferably, the carbon precursor polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyimide, polyamide, polyoxadiazole, polybenzoxazole, polybenzobisoxazole, polythiazole, polybenzothiazole, polybenzobisthiazole, poly(p-phenylene vinylene), polybenzimidazole, polybenzobisimidazole, and combinations thereof. |
US09359206B2 |
Method for making carbon nanotube composite wire
A method for making carbon nanotube composite wire includes providing a carbon nanotube array. A carbon nanotube film is drawn from the carbon nanotube array using a tool. The carbon nanotube film is treated using a graphene solution to obtain a carbon nanotube composite wire. |
US09359205B2 |
Production of trisilylamine from monochlorosilane and ammonia by use of inert solvent
The present invention relates to a specific process for producing trisilylamine from monochlorosilane and ammonia in the liquid phase. The invention further relates to a plant wherein such a process can be carried out with advantage. |
US09359203B2 |
Method for producing nitrogen gas, method for separating gas and device for producing nitrogen gas
A method for producing nitrogen gas from a raw material gas using a PSA system, the method including using a second adsorbent, which is packed in an auxiliary adsorption tank provided in a line connecting two main adsorption tanks packed with a first adsorbent, to reduce the oxygen concentration within a recovered gas discharged from the main adsorption tank performing a depressurization equalization step, and then introducing the gas into the main adsorption tank performing a pressurization equalization step. |
US09359199B2 |
Apparatus for generating hydrogen gas using composition for generating hydrogen gas and composition for generating hydrogen gas
The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating hydrogen gas using a composition for generating hydrogen gas, which generates hydrogen gas (H2) from water (H2O) through spontaneous thermochemical reaction without supplying electricity using a composition for generating hydrogen gas which generates the hydrogen gas by spontaneous oxidation with water at room temperature. |
US09359195B2 |
Method of forming a nano-structure
Nano-structure includes a substrate and a non-oxidized portion of a metal layer (having an expansion coefficient, during oxidation, that is more than 1) on the substrate. An oxide layer is formed on the non-oxidized portion. A plurality of metal oxide nano-pillars is grown from the oxide layer. Each nano-pillar is grown through a plurality of pores defined in a template. A space is defined between adjacent nano-pillars. A continuous metal oxide cap layer is over the nano-pillars and over, but not in, the space between adjacent nano-pillars. The cap layer is formed from end portions of the nano-pillars that merge together over a template surface. The cap layer is in contact with all of the nano-pillars. The oxide layer, the nano-pillars, and the oxide cap layer are formed from anodization of portions of the metal layer. |
US09359194B2 |
MEMS devices, packaged MEMS devices, and methods of manufacture thereof
MEMS devices, packaged MEMS devices, and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. In one embodiment, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device includes a first MEMS functional structure and a second MEMS functional structure. An interior region of the second MEMS functional structure has a pressure that is different than a pressure of an interior region of the first MEMS functional structure. |
US09359193B2 |
Method for manufacturing an integrated MEMS device
An integrated MEMS device and its manufacturing method are provided. In the manufacturing method, the sacrificial layer is used to integrate the MEMS wafer and the circuit wafer. The advantage of the present invention comprises preventing films on the circuit wafer from being damaged during process. By the manufacturing method, a mechanically and thermally stable structure material, for example: monocrystalline silicon and polysilicon, can be used. The integrated MEMS device manufactured can also possess the merit of planar top-surface topography with high fill factor. The manufacturing method is especially suitable for manufacturing MEMS array device. |
US09359192B1 |
Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices with control circuits and methods of fabrication
The various embodiments described herein provide microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor devices and methods of forming the same. In general, the embodiments provide MEMS sensor devices formed with two semiconductor die that are bonded together. Specifically, a sensor die includes at least one MEMS sensor fabricated thereon, such as MEMS gyroscope or MEMS accelerometer. A control-circuit die includes at least one integrated MEMS control circuit formed on an active area of the die. The control-circuit die is bonded to the sensor die with the active area and the integrated MEMS control circuits on the exterior side. The bonding defines and seals a cavity between the two die that encompasses the MEMS sensor and can be used to seal the MEMS sensor in a vacuum. |
US09359188B1 |
MEMS microphone with tensioned membrane
A micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) microphone is provided. The MEMS microphone is configured to operate at a predetermined range of frequencies. The MEMS microphone has a tensioned membrane preset at a tension amount selected to cause the MEMS microphone to operate at a predetermined sensitivity level that is above a threshold sensitivity level. The tension amount is controlled based on a temperature applied to the tensioned membrane during a fabrication process. At least a portion of the tensioned membrane is sandwiched between a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer configured to equalize stress of the tensioned membrane. |
US09359187B2 |
Offshore fluid offloading systems and methods
A system for offloading a fluid from an offshore structure comprises an annular conduit support structure disposed about the offshore structure. The support structure is fixably coupled to the offshore structure. In addition, the system comprises an annular reel disposed about the offshore structure and rotatably coupled to the support structure. The reel includes a conduit fairlead configured to move relative to the support structure. Further, the system comprises a flexible conduit having a fluid inlet end and a fluid outlet end. The flexible conduit includes a first portion wrapped around the conduit support structure and a second portion extending from the conduit support structure through the fairlead. |
US09359186B2 |
Fueling device and manufacturing method of a fueling device
A fueling device includes a fuel passage-forming member and a flap valve mechanism. The flap valve mechanism includes an opening-forming member attached to one end of the fuel passage-forming member and an opening-closing mechanism to open and close a filler inlet of the opening-forming member. The fuel passage-forming member includes a pipe body containing a resin inner layer in a pipe shape made of a first resin material and a resin outer made of a second resin material, and a welding end formed on an opening end of the pipe body. The opening-forming member includes a cover member that covers the opening end of the pipe body and a welded end formed on an opening end of the cover member and welded to the welding end. The cover member is made of a third resin material welded to either one of the first resin material and the second resin material. |
US09359184B2 |
Fluid dispenser and method for dispensing fluids
A fluid dispenser comprising a fluid container and a metering unit is disclosed. The container comprises a fluid level sensor and the dispenser comprises a control unit configured to determine a parameter value representative for an amount of fluid in the container after refill on basis of a signal from the sensor. The sensor can for example be configured to generate a signal at a predefined fluid level (B, C), while the control unit is configured to calculate a fluid level on basis of an input value indicative of the fluid level (A) after refill, and a dispense value indicative of amounts of fluid dispensed since the latest refill. The control unit can be configured to compare the signalled predefined fluid level (B, C) with the calculated fluid level to generate a correction factor. |
US09359181B2 |
Filling method and device
A method and device for filling containers with a liquid product. The product is fed to the container by a filling valve and a filling nozzle. The product emerging from the filling nozzle is fed to a directing element. The directing element has a geometrical configuration such that an edge of the directing element runs along at a small distance from the inside walls of the container. |
US09359179B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for a small vehicle jack apparatus
An apparatus with a wheel engagement mechanism for operation with a jack assembly for engaging and elevating two wheels of a multi-wheeled vehicle relative to the ground is provided. The apparatus includes a base, a support member connected to the base, and a wheel support assembly. The wheel support assembly includes wheel supports connected at the ends of the wheel support assembly that extend outward from the wheel support assembly for supporting two wheels of the vehicle. The apparatus also includes an actuation mechanism for selectively raising and selectively lowering the wheel support assembly to raise and lower the vehicle. |
US09359178B2 |
Detector for electromagnetic brake
A detector for an electromagnetic brake, for example used in an elevator system, that, by quantitative judgment, determines whether the brake force of the electromagnetic brake is appropriate. Load cells for detecting the recovery forces of brake springs are arranged between brake springs, which energize brake arms with brake shooes installed on them toward the side of brake wheel, and spring sheets, which hold brake springs in a compressive deformed state, and, at the same time, judgment part judges whether the brake force of electromagnetic brake 4 is outside a prescribed normal range based on the outputs of load cells. If the brake force of electromagnetic brake is outside the normal range, judgment part sends a signal, for example to a monitoring center. |
US09359175B2 |
Soft-sided containers and systems and methods for using soft-sided containers
A system and method of packaging a bulk material is provided for scooping a quantity of the bulk material into a standard equipment bucket of an excavating or front loader equipment, covering the bucket with a single soft-sided container such that a bottom of the single soft-sided container spans and covers a mouth of the bucket, securing the single soft-sided container over the bucket to close the mouth of the bucket, and inverting the bucket such that the mouth of the bucket is oriented substantially downward to transfer the quantity of the bulk material from the bucket directly into the single soft-sided container. |
US09359173B2 |
Elevator governor having two tripping mechanisms on separate sheaves
An exemplary elevator system includes an elevator car. A first governor sheave is supported on the elevator car for movement with the elevator car. The first governor sheave is supported for rotational movement relative to the elevator car responsive to movement of the elevator car. A first governor tripping mechanism is supported on the first governor sheave. The first governor tripping mechanism provides an indication to perform a first governor function for controlling the speed of the elevator car responsive to the elevator car moving at a speed above a first threshold speed. A second governor sheave is supported on the elevator car for movement with the elevator car and for rotational movement relative to the elevator car responsive to movement of the elevator car. A second governor tripping mechanism is supported on the second governor sheave. The second governor tripping mechanism provides an indication to perform a second governor function for controlling a speed of the elevator car responsive to the elevator car moving at a speed above a second threshold speed. |
US09359172B2 |
Elevator rope sway detection and damping
An exemplary elevator system includes a first mass that is moveable within a hoistway. A second mass is moveable within the hoistway. A plurality of elongated members couple the first mass to the second mass. At least one damper is positioned to selectively contact at least one of the elongated members if sway occurs. A sensor is associated with the damper. The sensor detects contact between the damper and the at least one of the elongated members. A controller adjusts at least one aspect of elevator system operation responsive to the detected contact. |
US09359167B2 |
Sheet processing device, image forming system, and method of additionally folding sheet bundle
A sheet processing device comprising: a pressing unit that presses a fold line part of a folded sheet bundle; and a moving unit that moves a pressing position of the pressing unit in a fold direction of the folded sheet bundle, wherein the pressing unit includes a pair of pressing rollers that holds the folded sheet bundle therebetween, and the pair of pressing rollers changes an angle θ between a thickness direction of the folded sheet bundle and a line connecting the rotational centers of the pressing rollers in the middle of movement. |
US09359164B2 |
Mailpiece container for stacking mixed mail and method for stacking mail therein
A system is provided for stacking mail having an escort assembly for handling each mailpiece. The system comprises a containment device, a transport mechanism and a detachment mechanism. The containment device includes a base, vertical walls extending from the base and an open end for accepting the mailpieces therein. The containment device, furthermore, has a slot formed in at least one of the vertical walls thereof. The transport mechanism includes first and second transport segment, the first transport segment conveying escort assemblies and respective mailpieces over an open end of the containment device and the second transport segment lowering the escort assemblies and respective mailpieces into the open end of the containment device. The transport mechanism furthermore aligns the edges of the mailpieces along one of the vertical walls of the containment device and positions the escort assembly through the slot of the containment device. The detachment mechanism is operative to release the mailpieces from the respective escort assembly and move the escort assemblies through the slot of the containment device. |
US09359163B1 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet processing apparatus (3) includes a pressing lever (46) turnable between a first position where the pressing lever (46) abuts with the sheet bundle on a stacking tray (34) and a second position where the pressing lever (46) is displaced on a side of a discharging part (44) side from the first position. The discharging part (44) has an upper roller (56) and a lower roller (57). The lower roller (57) abuts with a lowermost sheet of the sheet bundle and an upper roller (56) is configured to separate upward from the lower roller (57) during the shifting and to be displaced in a direction approaching the lower roller (57) during the discharging. The pressing lever (46) is configured to project upward from above an apex portion of the lower roller (57) at the second position and to turn into the second position during the shifting. |
US09359150B2 |
Singulator
The problem of singulating products that are provided in a pallet layer is solved by breaking up the pallet layer so that each product can be handled separately by a robot tool and outputted in at least one line according to a predetermined orientation. The singulator includes a layer drop zone that receives a pallet layer of products, a break-up system that separates the products by creating gaps therebetween, yielding separated products, a vision system that determines characteristics and position of each separated product; and a robot equipped with a tool that receives information indicative of the characteristics and position of said each separated product to grip and position each separated product onto an output station within at least one line. |
US09359149B2 |
Conveyor work station
The invention relates to a conveyor work station comprising an endless conveyor chain adapted to carry product carriers in a hanging manner from a loading position to a release position, where the conveyor work station comprises an upper driven chain wheel positioned at the release position, and a loading arrangement at the loading position, wherein the conveyor work station further comprises a guide track arranged between the upper chain wheel and the loading arrangement, where the guide track is adapted to support the conveyor chain, thereby allowing the conveyor chain to be pushed from the upper chain wheel to the loading arrangement. The advantage of the invention is that a simple and reliable conveyor work station is provided, which only comprises one chain wheel. |
US09359142B2 |
Hygienic drum motor
A drum motor optimized for the hygienic requirements in the food industry; in particular the drum motor is used for driving conveyor belts. One embodiment of the invention discloses a drum motor comprising a drum shell accommodating a geared rim secured to the drum shell, a first inner end cap attached to the geared rim, a second inner end cap attached to a locking flange having an expanding element adapted to secure the second inner end cap to the drum shell when attaching the second inner end cap to the locking flange. |
US09359140B2 |
Component feed device and unit comprising such a device
The invention provides a component feed device (2) enabling metered delivery of components to a workstation, the device comprising a conveyor belt (6) having an upper strand (7) and a lower strand (8), drive means (9, 10, 13, 14, 16) for driving the conveyor belt (6) in a loop, and holder means configured to contain the components on the upper strand (7) of the conveyor belt (6). The upper strand (7) is configured to form a container, in particular a bowl-shaped container, having an upstream face (11a), a bottom (11b), and a downstream face (11c), said upstream and downstream faces being configured to encourage components to move down under gravity into the bottom. The conveyor belt (6) has an outside face (6a) and an inside face (6b), the outside face having component retaining means (19) configured to retain the components resting on said outside face (6a) at least when they are situated on the downstream face (11c). |
US09359139B1 |
Chute system
A chute system includes a pair of support rails, each having a bent reinforcement member secured to it. The chute is made up of multiple chute panels, which nest within one another for ease of storage and transportation. A spacer bar sets the system width and provides overall support. The system also includes a pair of hinged anchors for adjustably securing the system to the edge of a roof. There is also a roof eave debris stop for preventing debris from sliding off the roof onto landscaping, humans and animals below. |
US09359138B2 |
Assembly/transport apparatus
An assembly/transport apparatus includes: a carrier on which a transport object is mounted; a transport track; a return track that overlies the transport track in a top/bottom direction; a first transfer device that transfers the carrier between the transport track and the return track; a second transfer device that transfers the carrier between the transport track and the return track; and a frame that supports the transport track, the return track, the first transfer device and the second transfer device. The transport track includes transport driving devices that cause the carrier to travel and stop. The return track includes return driving devices that cause the carrier to travel and stop. The first transfer device includes first transfer driving devices that cause the carrier to travel and stop. The second transfer device includes second transfer driving devices that cause the carrier to travel and stop. |
US09359135B2 |
Storage shelf
A storage shelf reduces vibration while maintaining load-carrying capacity and includes placement units on which a FOUP is placed, and a frame unit that supports the placement units. The placement units include frames that are arranged on the frame unit with first elastic bodies interposed therebetween, and a shelf plate that is arranged on the frames with second elastic bodies interposed therebetween and is configured to place thereon the FOUP. |
US09359132B2 |
Liner sump dispensing system
A liner sump dispensing system (10) is disclosed which is used in conjunction with a liner (11) and an intermediate bulk container (12). The liner sump dispensing system includes a liner cassette (40) and a tilting device (41). The liner cassette is mounted to the bottom of the liner. The tilting device includes a tray (51) and a reciprocating pneumatic arm (52) having a pneumatic cylinder (63) and a piston rod (64) pivotally coupled to a rear end (54) of the tray. The tray has a trapezoidal shaped floor (58) and a pair of inclined wings (60) extending upwardly along an incline from the floor. A L-shaped mounting flange (65) adapted to be coupled to the top end of the container is coupled to the end of the pneumatic cylinder opposite from the tray. The actuation of the pneumatic cylinder tilts the tray to tilt the liner bottom end. |
US09359130B2 |
Sealed and thermally insulative tank integrated into a supporting structure
A sealed and thermally insulative tank includes thermal installation including a plurality of juxtaposed insulation blocks on the supporting structure and a seal including a plurality of sealing metal plates disposed on the insulation blocks and welded to each other. Mechanical coupling members extend through the thermal insulation at the level of the edges of the insulation blocks and hold the insulation blocks in bearing engagement on the supporting structure. The metal plates are disposed so that the edges of the metal plates are offset relative to the edges of the underlying insulation blocks. The metal plates are held in bearing engagement on the insulation blocks only by the coupling members. The mechanical coupling members are attached to the metal plates at the level of attachment points away from the edges of the metal plates. |
US09359124B2 |
Reclosable container
A reclosable container for consumer items includes a box, a lid hingedly connected to the box, an inner liner wrapped around the consumer items, the inner liner including a section defining an opening for allowing access to the consumer items, means to open and reclose the opening, and an inner frame attached to the box. The inner frame includes a free inner frame portion protruding from the box towards the opening in the inner liner. The free inner frame portion includes a cut out and the inner frame is attached to the inner liner proximate to the cut out. |
US09359123B2 |
Child resistant carton
The present invention relates to improved child resistant carton and methods for using the same. The improved child resistant carton comprises housing (1) and an insert (4). The housing comprises a locking mechanism (3). The housing (1) may be made from multiple panels. The panel may be of any shape and may be more than one. The housing (1) may be made of card board. The locking mechanism (3) is characterized in that the locking and releasing of the carton has improved child resistance characteristics. |
US09359116B2 |
Fluid dispenser member
A fluid dispenser member, including a chamber and an outlet valve having an actuator rod that is axially movable down and up, and on which a sleeve slides, under the effect of a pre-compression spring and the pressure of the fluid, over a maximum axial stroke. The effective axial stroke of the sleeve is dependent on the force of the spring and the pressure of the fluid in the chamber. The actuator rod includes side outlet mechanism that is suitable for being closed and uncovered selectively by the sleeve, the side outlet mechanism extending over an axial height that is greater than their radial width. |
US09359114B2 |
Detachable sealable lid, container comprising the same and sealing ring for use with the lid
The present invention relates to a lid for a container, which lid is capable of sealing and being removed from the container through simply rotating a handle mounted on the lid. The lid comprises two parts to provide the ease of cleaning of the lid. The two parts of the lid can be conveniently disassembled by pushing at least one locking plate provided on the lid, and can be easily re-assembled. The present invention also provides a sealing ring which provides better sealing effect and easier mounting. A container comprising the sealable lid and the sealing ring is also provided. |
US09359113B2 |
Tamper-proof and easy-open sealing type food container
A tamper-proof and easy-open sealing type food container includes a container body and a lid. A peripheral wall of the container body has at least one recessed wall portion disposed in one corner thereof and formed a retracted external space area and concave camber between the recessed wall portion and a hem. A pull tab extends from outside of a sealing rib that can be inserted into the concave camber. Moreover, there are two tamper-proof structures disposed on the lid. The first is that the first score line has to be poked through, and the second is the second score line needs to be torn off when opening the lid. When either structure is tampered, it could be easily distinguished, which ensures the integrity, safety, and qualities of the food inside the container. With these features plus its sealing effect, the present invention has dual function of tamper-proofing and easy-opening. |
US09359108B2 |
Can having an easy opening panel, an easy opening panel, and panel therefor
The invention relates to a can having an easy opening panel comprising a tab connected via a rivet structure to the panel, wherein the tab comprises a tab rear part for gripping and actuation, and a tab front part for opening the can upon tab actuation, wherein the panel comprises at least beneath the tab front part a panel structure deformable upon can internal pressure. |
US09359107B2 |
Card reader accessible multiple transaction card holder
A card holder assembly for holding multiple transaction cards, such as gift cards, to a common backer panel for presentation and sale. Cards mounted on the backer panel may be lifted for scanning by a card reader without necessitating removal of the cards from the assembly. |
US09359106B2 |
Product dispensing system with multiple dispensing decks
A product dispensing frame having a front end and a rear end, and including an upper support deck extending between the front end and the rear end, a lower support deck positioned below the upper support deck, the lower support deck extending between the front end and the rear end and defining a first product display area, and an intermediate support deck positioned between the upper support deck and the lower support deck, the intermediate support deck extending between the front end and the rear end and defining a second product display area. |
US09359100B2 |
Container with top and bottom chimes
A container such as a beer keg includes a container body 1 and top and bottom chimes 2, 3. The container body has a peripheral side wall 10 provided with a plurality of circumferentially-spaced projections which are formed with the container body by a simple pressing or molding operation. Each chime is formed with a peripheral skirt 23 which fits over the peripheral side wall and a co-operating inner lip which snap-engages over the circumferentially-spaced projections. In a plastics container, the contents of the container tend to press against the projections and resist any tendency to distortion in normal use and therefore increase the strength of the attachment. In the case of the top chime 2 the skirt 23 is joined to an inner hub 21 which is additionally fixed to the container neck 12 by means of a valve assembly 4 which is screwed onto the neck. A cap 6 prevents unscrewing of the valve assembly 4 and provides immediate evidence of tampering. |
US09359099B2 |
Plastic material container
A plastic material container, e.g. a beverage bottle, having a neck which requires the use of a smaller amount of plastic than the bottle necks of the prior art, and which is able to ensure a complete functionality for coupling the cap, ensuring at the same time the possibility of implementing the traditional supporting; sealing and handling operations of the bottle carried out during the various steps of manufacturing the same. |
US09359098B2 |
Fitting device and label opener
An opener mechanism in which a label folded in a sheet shape is opened and fitted to a target body is provided with first suction rods which suck one side of a label, second suction rods which are arranged to oppose the first suction rods and suck the other side of the label, and a drive mechanism which induces movement of the first and second suction rods toward or away from each other. Suction hole arrays in which a plurality of suction holes which suck the label are aligned in a line are formed on the surfaces facing one another of the first suction rods and the second suction rods. The suction holes are arranged in such a manner that the suction hole arrays of the first suction rods and the suction hole arrays formed in the second suction rods opposing the first suction rods are at least partially nonparallel. |
US09359097B2 |
Method and device for stripping of wrapping material
A method and device of stripping of wrapping material including a tool having a first tool portion, a second tool portion, and a third tool portion comprising ends and a casing on substantially cylindrical rolls of paper and the like, in which the end of the wrapping material is opened by engagement by means of a first tool portion from some position on the end surface for processing the end wrapping material by cutting, slicing, and/or sawing of the end wrapping material in a direction out towards the periphery of the end where the end connects to the casing, the end being separated from the casing by means of the first tool portion or a second tool portion by cutting, slicing, sawing during rotation of the roll and/or displacement of the first tool portion or the second tool portion around the periphery of the end. |
US09359095B2 |
Apparatus and method for inserting one or more goods into a moveable cover
An apparatus for inserting one or more goods into a moving cover includes a cover transport, and at least one separating device configured to engage with a first part of the cover and to maintain the first part of the cover separate from a second part of the cover during at least a part of the movement of the cover. |
US09359093B2 |
Package for containers
A package for holding a plurality of articles. The package has panels that cooperate to at least partially form an interior of the package. The panels comprise a top panel, at least one side panel foldably connected to the top panel, and at least one end panel foldably connected to the top panel. At least one opening is in the top panel for at least partially receiving at least a portion of one of the articles. At least one retention flap is foldably connected to the top panel adjacent the at least one opening. The at least one retention flap has a free edge for engaging at least one article of the plurality of articles. The at least one retention flap is at least partially defined by at least one J-shaped cut. |
US09359090B2 |
Method for producing an aircraft fuselage and aircraft fuselage
Disclosed is a method for the manufacture of an aircraft fuselage with at least two fuselage barrels wherein connecting segments are firstly prepared for the formation of a transverse joint region for a later transverse joint, and the fuselage barrels are then constructed around the connecting segments; also disclosed is an aircraft fuselage with ring-type connecting segments for the formation of such a transverse joint. |
US09359089B2 |
Anchoring harpoon and associated anchoring method
The harpoon comprises a bistable actuator (34) having a rod (56) for actuating the finger (32) the rod being movable between a retracted resting position and an extended position of deployment of the finger (32).The bistable actuator (34) comprises a tappet (52) that is movable during a first impulse comprising a stroke (34) in a first direction and then a stroke in a second direction opposite to the first direction in order to cause the switch of the rod (56) from its retracted position to its extended position.The tappet (52) is movable during a second impulse comprising a stroke in the first direction and then a stroke in the second direction in order to cause the switch of the rod (56) from its extended position to its retracted position.The actuator (34) is configured so as to allow the return of the rod (56) to its retracted position when the tappet (52) moves along the first stroke in the first direction during the second impulse. |
US09359086B2 |
Profiled strip as a fire indication device in an aircraft
A door for a storage compartment of an aircraft includes a door leaf and a profiled strip connected to an edge of the door leaf. The profiled strip includes openings that provide a path for gas exchange such that smoke from the storage compartment is detectable outside of the storage compartment by passing the profiled strip. |
US09359085B2 |
Aircraft with fuselage-mounted engines and an internal shield
Internal shield in the rear fuselage of an aircraft having a propulsion system formed by two engines mounted on each side of it; the rear fuselage having at least a vertical symmetry plane; the rear fuselage being made of a composite material; the internal shield being located in said vertical symmetry plane and extended in an area that covers the possible trajectories of a set of pre-defined fragments detached from one of said engines in a failure event that would impact on critical elements of the opposite engine; the internal shield having a flat shape and an energy absorption capability that allows stopping said fragments. The invention also refers to a method for determining the area of an internal shield and to an aircraft having said internal shield. |
US09359079B2 |
Slider seat for aircraft
An aircraft seat set is provided that allows for providing extra room for passengers and/or allow for selectively increasing the width of an aircraft aisle during enplaning and deplaning and/or increasing the width of some seats during flight. In one embodiment, the aisle seat of the seat set is movably connected to the seat frame of the seat set to allow the aisle seat to be disposed above and in front of the middle seat of the seat set for enplaning and deplaning. |
US09359077B2 |
Aircraft lavatory unit and structure for arranging same
Provided are an aircraft lavatory unit and a structure for arranging the same. A space section of a uniform width extends in a straight line from a rear wall to a front wall between a first side wall and a second side wall. A toilet bowl is disposed near the end in the extending direction of the space section on a side with the rear wall. A storage box is disposed above the toilet bowl between the toilet bowl and the rear wall. A wash basin is provided on a top surface of the storage box. The width of the body frame where the second side wall is located is formed at the minimum dimensions sufficient to ensure that the space section is wide enough that a person can come and go between the doorway and the toilet bowl and sit on the toilet bowl. |
US09359076B2 |
Compact aircraft galley and lavatory arrangement and articulating lavatory partition for an aircraft
A combination lavatory and galley arrangement for aircraft includes a lavatory portion having adjacent inboard and outboard lavatories, and a galley portion, and can be located aft of aft aircraft aft doors, and can at least partially rearwardly extend into the aircraft's aft pressure dome. The inboard and outboard lavatories can be separated by a movable wall or partition to provide access for persons with restricted mobility, and can be provided in a modular housing to facilitate retrofit assembly within an aircraft. The movable wall can be an articulating movable lavatory partition movable between a first, linearly extended configuration and a second, folded configuration in a stowed position to provide entry for persons with restricted mobility. |
US09359067B2 |
Method of flying an unmanned aerial vehicle
The invention relates to a method of flying an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in response to emergency conditions, the method including steps implemented using a controller forming part of the unmanned aerial vehicle, the steps comprising: defining a plurality of emergency conditions; associating each emergency condition with a priority level; associating each emergency condition with an objective; sensing a plurality of operating parameters of the unmanned aerial vehicle to detect whether one of the plurality of emergency conditions exists; when one or more emergency condition is detected: generating a trajectory for the detected emergency condition having a highest associated priority level, wherein the trajectory is generated in accordance with the objective associated with the emergency condition that has the highest associated priority level; and instructing the unmanned aerial vehicle to follow the generated trajectory. |
US09359064B2 |
Fan rotor blade and fan
A fan rotor blade has a rotor blade leading edge. On a hub side of the rotor blade leading edge, a vertical hub section is formed. From a top end of the vertical hub section to a mid-span side of the rotor blade leading edge, a backward tilt mid-span section is formed. From a top end of the backward tilt mid-span section to a tip end of the rotor blade leading edge, a forward tilt tip section is formed. From a hub end of the rotor blade leading edge to a base end of the vertical hub section, a backward tilt hub section is formed. The backward tilt hub section is backwardly tilted so that a top end thereof is positioned behind a base end thereof. |
US09359057B1 |
Systems and methods for controlling movement of drive units on a marine vessel
A system for controlling movement of a plurality of drive units on a marine vessel has a control circuit communicatively connected to each drive unit. When the marine vessel is turning, the control circuit defines one of the drive units as an inner drive unit and another of the drive units as an outer drive unit. The control circuit calculates an inner drive unit steering angle and an outer drive unit steering angle and sends control signals to actuate the inner and outer drive units to the inner and outer drive unit steering angles, respectively, so as to cause each of the inner and outer drive units to incur substantially the same hydrodynamic load while the marine vessel is turning. An absolute value of the outer drive unit steering angle is less than an absolute value of the inner drive unit steering angle. |
US09359056B2 |
Linear propulsion system for small watercraft
A foot-operated propulsion system for small watercraft, such as kayaks. The propulsion system includes a pedal assembly that controls motion of a fluke fin that is submerged beneath the waters surface. The pedal assembly is located in the bow of the watercraft and the paddler works the pedals with his feet. Operating the pedal assembly causes a force to be transmitted to a drive unit located in the stern of the craft, which then controls movement of linkages in the fluke assembly, to force the submerged fluke fin to swing upward and downward, emulating the motion of flukes on a whale, and thereby propelling the watercraft along the surface of the water. |
US09359054B2 |
Control mechanism
An auxiliary appendage attachable to the steerable nozzle of an existing water craft. A first and second rudder blade attach to steerable nozzle. The first rudder blade includes a torsion spring providing a downward torsion force. A detent attached to steerable nozzle prevents rudder blades from hyper-extending in the direction of the downward torsion force. Rudder blades are connected by a deflection bar. Deflection bar is angled towards rudder blades. Rudder blades pivot between a downward position to an upward position based on the forces created thereon from both the torsion spring and the movement of the water over the appendage. |
US09359053B2 |
Propeller cover
A cover for a propeller, such as a boat propeller, including a face having a topside and an underside, and a sidewall having a first edge and a second edge. The first edge is affixed to the face on substantially all edges of the face, and the second edge forms a channel for enclosing a cord. A stretchable and flexible mesh forms at least a portion of said sidewall that facilitates air flow in the cover. The second edge of the sidewall defines an opening into an interior cavity formed by the sidewall and the underside of the face, and the cord functions as a drawstring that enables a user to adjust a size of the opening during application and removal of the cover from the propeller. |
US09359052B2 |
Reversing propulsion device for watercraft
A human propelled watercraft having a pair of flexible fins extending into the water each adapted to oscillate through an arcuate path in a generally transverse direction with respect to the central longitudinal dimension of said watercraft. Pedals are provided for applying input force whereby as input force is applied, the flexible fins can twist to form an angle of attack for providing forward thrust with respect to the longitudinal dimension of the watercraft while moving in both directions along the arcuate path. The user can pull a lever and cause the fins to rotate 180° and produce thrust in the reverse direction. The fins are able to pivot and swing aft to avoid damage if there is a collision with a submerged object. The fins are more efficient, durable, and adjustable. Simple plastic roller bearings have been adapted to reduce mechanical friction without the need for oil seals. |
US09359041B1 |
Pedal-operated scooter
The pedal-operated scooter is a scooter with a plurality of wheels, which are further defined as including at least one rear wheel and at least one front wheel. The at least one rear wheel is in mechanical connection with a drive sprocket that is in mechanical connection with a pedal sprocket. The pedal sprocket is in mechanical connection with a pair of pedals provided on the scooter. The pair of pedals are able to be manipulated via a rider in order to propel the scooter. Moreover, rotation of the pair of pedals, rotates the pedal sprocket that is attached to the drive sprocket via a chain or belt. The drive sprocket in turn drives the at least one rear wheel. The scooter includes a handlebar, and a seat. |
US09359034B2 |
Cycle and associated components
A recumbent cycle includes a toothed belt drive system and rear suspension. It also includes a double A-arm suspension assembly and at least one transmission having a planetary gear arrangement. |
US09359033B2 |
Fuel tank for vehicle
In a fuel tank for a vehicle in which a lower opening part of a fuel supply guide tube is covered with a flame arrester, to enable a fuel to be extracted via a fuel supply port. In the fuel tank for a vehicle provided with a fuel supply port device, the fuel supply port device includes an insertion hole through which the inside of the fuel supply port device and the inside of a tank body communicate with each other and through which a tool for extracting the fuel is inserted, and an open-close lid for opening and closing the insertion hole. |
US09359030B2 |
Door hinge loading device for vehicle
A door hinge loading device for a vehicle includes a door hinge storage that is attached to an attachment frame, where one or more door hinges are loaded on the door hinge storage, a clamping unit that extracts the door hinges from the door hinge storage, and clamps the extracted door hinges while aligning bolts, and a moving unit that is provided at a position corresponding to the clamping unit to be connected to the clamping unit, and selectively moves the clamping unit toward the door hinge storages. |
US09359029B2 |
Weight transferring tow dolly
My weight transferring tow dolly is releasably attachable to a receiver hitch of a towing vehicle such as a pickup truck and generally provides a dolly frame formed of plural structurally interconnected box beams having a height adjustable suspension carrying an axle with wheels and tires at opposing end portions, and a support frame to partially support the weight of a carried load and to move the center of gravity of a loaded towing vehicle forwardly to increase the stability of the towing vehicle. |
US09359025B2 |
Track link assembly
A link assembly for an endless track may include a first track link with shoe-mounting structure configured to allow attachment of a track shoe, the first track link having substantially planar sides. The link assembly may also include a second track link with shoe-mounting structure configured to allow attachment of a track shoe, the second track link having substantially planar sides. Additionally, the link assembly may include a third track link with shoe-mounting structure configured to allow attachment of a track shoe, the third track link having substantially planar sides, the third track link being pivotally connected to the first track link at a first pivot joint, and the third track link being pivotally connected to the second track link at a second pivot joint. |
US09359022B2 |
Limiter strap adjustment system for a snowmobile suspension
A snowmobile rear suspension assembly has a pair of slide rails and at least one suspension arm pivotally connected thereto and adapted to be pivotally connected to a tunnel. A shock absorber is adapted to be pivotally connected between the tunnel and the slide rails. A limiter strap, adapted to extend between the tunnel and the slide rails, is substantially inextensible to limit separation therebetween. A strap holder, connected between an end of the limiter strap and the slide rails or the tunnel when the at least one suspension arm is connected to the tunnel, is moveable between a first and a second strap holder position. A position of the end of the limiter strap, relative to the slide rails or the tunnel, is different in the first strap holder position compared to the second strap holder position. A method of adjusting the limiter strap is also disclosed. |
US09359021B2 |
Configuration of a two-track tractor
An agricultural tractor includes a pair of track assemblies including rubber treads with track bars, a front wheel assembly and a controller. The track assemblies are interconnected by respective front and rear axles extending substantially perpendicular to a direction of travel. The controller automatically controls a load imposed on the front wheel assembly in order to control the load imposed at the front axle of the track assemblies to minimize rubber tread wear. |
US09359016B2 |
Cabin for work vehicles
A cabin frame structure that allows a roof to be tightly attached is provided. A work vehicle cabin includes lateral frame members extending laterally, each of the lateral frame members having an upper surface and an end; longitudinal frame members extending longitudinally, each of the longitudinal frame members having an upper surface and an end; connecting plates each having an upper surface, the connecting plates connecting the lateral frame members and the longitudinal frame members, the connecting plates straddling across the lateral frame members and the longitudinal frame members; pillars attached to the ends of the lateral frame members, the ends of the longitudinal frame members, and the connecting plates; a roof disposed over the lateral frame members, the longitudinal frame members, and the connecting plates; and a seal provided between the roof and the lateral frame members, the longitudinal frame members, and the connecting plates. |
US09359015B2 |
Hinged load panel for package delivery vehicles
An exemplary system for use in a package delivery vehicle is provided that may include a hinge member that includes a first opening and a hinge body that includes a second opening that is pivotally coupled to the first opening so that the hinge body can pivot with respect to the hinge member. The hinge body also includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion that extends from the first protrusion. The first and second protrusions are slideable within a key structure that extends at least partway along a longitudinal axis of an edge railing of the package delivery vehicle. |
US09359012B2 |
Tolerance compensator for a vehicle frame
A tolerance compensator for a vehicle frame includes a base member having an upper portion in keyed engagement with a roof structure. The tolerance compensator also has an extension member that is threadably coupled with a lower portion of the base member. A fastener extends up from a body-side structure to threadably engage and move the extension member down into contact with the body-side structure before threadably engaging the base member. |
US09359011B2 |
Attachment assembly
An attachment assembly is configured to couple a panel assembly to a support member. The attachment assembly includes a first attachment member and a second attachment member movably coupled to the first attachment member. As such, the second attachment member is configured to move relative to the first attachment member. The second attachment member defines a cavity portion. The attachment assembly further includes a locking member movably coupled to the first attachment member between an unlocked position and a locked position. When the locking member is in the unlocked position, the second attachment member is movable with respect to the first attachment member. In the locked position, the locking member is at least partially disposed in the cavity portion, thereby fixing the position of the second attachment member with respect to the first attachment member. |
US09359005B2 |
Drive mechanism for automated guided vehicle
A drive mechanism for an AGV that includes a drive unit for propelling the AGV and a steering unit for steering the AGV. The drive unit has a drive motor, drive transmission, and a drive wheel. The steering unit has a steering motor. Both motors are fixedly mounted on the AGV and remain stationary relative to each other while the drive motor rotates the drive wheel and the steering motor steers the drive wheel. The drive transmission couples the drive motor to the drive wheel and can be at least partially mounted within a gear housing that is rotatably mounted via a bearing so that the drive motor can be operated to move the AGV via power transferred to the drive wheel via the drive transmission, and the steering motor can be operated to steer the drive wheel by rotation of the gear housing and drive wheel via the bearing. |
US09358995B2 |
Specialty dolly
Systems and methods provide a specialized dolly that works with a hydraulic floor jack and together the assembly performs the lifting and moving of vehicles with ease and efficiency. The configuration and design of the dolly enables a standard hydraulic floor jack to be positioned within a frame of the dolly in a stationary position. A handle of a hydraulic floor jack can then be used to maneuver the combination dolly/floor jack assembly with ease on the floor of the repair shop. The combination dolly/floor jack assembly can then be positioned under the undercarriage of a disabled vehicle and used to move the vehicle to a desired location with greatly-reduced rolling resistance. The dolly may be designed an d configured to have stationary low resistance front rear wheel assemblies, both of which provide for convenient maneuvering and steering. The dolly's wheel tracks (distance between front wheels) and its wheelbase length (distance between front and rear wheels) allows the dolly to be stable and significantly maneuverable, especially over or around potholes, slopes, and ramps, and at the same time provides greater safety for the operating technician. |
US09358993B2 |
Method for optimized operation of an electrically driven rail vehicle on a predefined route
A method optimizes operation of an electrically driven rail vehicle on a predefined route. In order to optimize the known method even further, the costs of the electrical energy which is fed into the route and/or the environmental loading are sensed during the generation of the electrical energy which is fed into the route. The method of locomotion of the rail vehicle on the route is set taking into account the level of the costs of the electrical energy and/or the environmental loading in the generation of the electrical energy for the route. |
US09358990B2 |
Railcar damping device
A railcar damping device includes: a tank storing a liquid; a first opening/closing valve provided in a first passage connecting a rod side chamber to a piston side chamber, which are defined by a piston, to be capable of opening and closing the first passage; a second opening/closing valve provided in a second passage connecting the piston side chamber to the tank to be capable of opening and closing the second passage; and a pump that is driven to rotate at a predetermined normal rotation speed in order to supply the liquid from the tank to the rod side chamber, wherein a rotation speed of the pump is reduced when a thrust command value is smaller than a normal lower limit value, which is a lower limit value of a thrust that can be generated by the actuator when the pump is rotated at the normal rotation speed. |
US09358989B2 |
Railcar bogie
A railcar bogie includes: a cross beam supporting a carbody; a pair of front and rear axles sandwiching and arranged in front of and behind the cross beam in a railcar longitudinal direction to extend in a railcar width direction; bearings provided at both railcar width direction sides of each and rotatably supporting the axles; axle boxes accommodating the bearings; side members extending in the railcar longitudinal direction supporting both railcar width direction end portions of the cross beam and each including both railcar longitudinal direction end portions supported by the axle boxes; contact members provided at both railcar width direction end portions and disposed on railcar longitudinal direction middle portions of the side members so as not to be fixed to the side members in an upper-lower direction; and supporting members provided at the axle boxes and supporting the railcar longitudinal direction end portions of the side members. |
US09358986B2 |
Method and apparatus for changing either driver behavior or vehicle behavior based on current vehicle location and zone definitions created by a remote user
A remote user can define one or more zone based driver/vehicle behavior definitions. Current vehicle location is analyzed at the vehicle or remotely to determine if the vehicle is approaching or has arrived at a location for which a zone based driver/vehicle behavior has been defined. For zone based driver behavior definitions, a display in the vehicle automatically displays the zone based driver behavior definition to the driver. In some embodiments driver compliance is tracked and non-compliance is reported to the remote user. For zone based vehicle behavior definitions, a vehicle controller at the vehicle responsible for controlling the defined behavior is reprogrammed to impose the defined behavior (no regeneration at location, max speed at location, no idle over 2 minutes at location, etc.). Once the vehicle has left the zone, the controller programming reverts to its prior state, and/or zone based driver behavior definition is no longer displayed. |
US09358984B2 |
Driver intention estimation arrangement
A driver intention estimation arrangement is provided to estimate a level of overtaking intention of a driver of a vehicle hosting the arrangement. The arrangement includes a driver eye monitoring unit configured to monitor a gaze direction (g) of at least one eye of the driver, and a processing unit configured to analyze the gaze direction (g). The processing unit is configured to estimate the level of overtaking intention on the basis of the gaze direction (g). A forward collision warning system, an autonomous brake system, a vehicle, and a method of estimating a level of overtaking intention of a host vehicle driver are also provided. |
US09358974B2 |
Method and system for adjusting hybrid vehicle driveline torque
Methods and systems for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine torque estimate may be adapted in response to a torque converter impeller speed error. The methods and systems may reduce the possibility of driveline torque disturbances. |
US09358972B2 |
Methods and systems for operating a vehicle driveline
Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine is accelerated to a speed of a driveline integrated starter/generator before the engine is coupled to the driveline integrated starter/generator. Further, a driveline disconnect clutch application force is adjusted in response to torque of the driveline integrated starter/generator and a torque converter torque. |
US09358970B2 |
Vehicle
A vehicle comprises a rotary electric machine, an inverter and an electronic control unit. The inverter is configured to supply current to the rotary electric machine. The electronic control unit is configured to set a control mode of the inverter to a first mode on a condition that the electronic control unit determines that there is no possibility of occurrence of the electrolytic corrosion. The electronic control unit configured to set the control mode of the inverter to a second mode and maintain output of the rotary electric machine at user request output on a condition that the electronic control unit determines that there is a possibility of occurrence of the electrolytic corrosion. The second mode is a mode in which occurrence of the electrolytic corrosion is further suppressed compared to the first mode. |
US09358969B2 |
Load-based vehicle operating control
A hybrid vehicle includes an engine and an electric machine, both capable of propelling the vehicle. The electric machine is electrically connected to a high voltage traction battery. The state of charge of the battery can decrease if the battery is used to power the electric machine, and can increase if the electric machine supplies power to the battery via regenerative braking. Constraints are placed on the vehicle such that the battery operates within a preferred operating window, defined between minimum and maximum state of charge thresholds. At least one controller is programmed to alter the preferred operating window of the battery in response to various vehicular activities, such as when the vehicle is towing another object, or when the vehicle weighs above a certain threshold due to contents within the vehicle, for example. |
US09358968B2 |
Cold temperature engine start
A method of starting a vehicle may include providing power to a motor to spin the motor at a speed at least equal to a target engine cranking speed while a clutch configured to couple an engine and motor is open. The method may also include cutting power to the motor in response to the motor achieving the speed, and locking the clutch to couple the rotating inertias of the motor and a transmission with the engine to start the engine. |
US09358964B2 |
Brake device for vehicle
A brake device for a vehicle is provided in which when a slave cylinder generates a brake fluid pressure that is commensurate with the actual amount of operation of a brake pedal by a driver in a state in which a master cut valve is closed and a fluid path connecting a master cylinder to the slave cylinder is cut off, a wheel cylinder is actuated by the brake fluid pressure. Since deterioration determination means determines a leak in the downstream of the slave cylinder based on the actual amount of actuation of the slave cylinder detected by a slave cylinder stroke sensor and the actual brake fluid pressure generated by the slave cylinder and detected by a fluid pressure sensor, it is possible to rapidly determine a leak in the downstream of the slave cylinder. |
US09358962B2 |
Method and system for adaptively controlling distance and speed and for stopping a motor vehicle, and a motor vehicle which works with same
A method for stopping a motor vehicle, having an electronic environmental control device for evaluating the data of one or more environmental sensors, and an electronic braking control device for actuating a braking system, these exchanging information and/or instructions via a data bus. The method comprises: acquiring a distance to a vehicle travelling ahead; determining the motor vehicle travel speed; controlling the distance to the obstacle using the environmental control device if the travel speed exceeds a transfer threshold value; and stopping the motor vehicle using the braking control device if the travel speed is less than or equal to said transfer threshold value. Depending on the acquired distance, the environmental control device determines a target path for the braking control device at the end of which the motor vehicle should be stationary. The invention also relates to an electronic control device for a braking system, and a motor vehicle. |
US09358956B2 |
Enhanced vehicle wiper blade using active materials
A vehicle wiper assembly includes a wiper blade having a length, and an active material disposed along the length of the wiper blade and coupled thereto. The active material includes a shape memory alloy material with a crystallographic phase that is changeable between austenite and martensite, and is elastically deformable and operatively applies a spring force against a portion of the wiper blade when the crystallographic phase is martensite. |
US09358954B2 |
System and method for finding vehicle
A system for finding a vehicle includes a function controller, a key for matching with and controlling the function controller, and a portable device. The portable device can match with the key and transmit an instruction to the key. The key includes a first positioning module, and the function controller includes a second positioning module coupled to the first positioning module. The first positioning module and the second positioning module can receive data as to the distance between and respective locations of the chip key and the function controller. The present disclosure also discloses a method for finding vehicle. |
US09358949B2 |
Belt tensioner for a safety belt system
A belt tensioner for a seat belt system includes a belt shaft housing, a belt shaft pivoted about an axis in the belt shaft housing, a rope reel tightly connected to the belt shaft. A tensioner drive includes a tensioner tube, a deformable plastic element guided to be longitudinally movable in the tensioner tube, a drive pinion and a pull rope which is partly wound onto the rope reel. The plastic element is adapted to engage in the drive pinion and to drive the drive pinion in the tensioning direction. During rotation of the drive pinion the pull rope is wound onto a rope drum of the drive pinion, on the one hand, and is unwound from the rope reel, on the other hand, while the belt shaft rotates. |
US09358948B2 |
Buckle device for seat belt of vehicle
Provided is a buckle device that fixes a seat belt mounted on a 2nd-row seat or a 3rd-row seat to the vehicle body floor in a vehicle. The buckle device may include a buckle bracket having an upper end with a hole for connecting with a seat belt and a lower end connected to a rail on a vehicle body floor by a buckle connection bolt, and a wire fixing bracket connected between a side of the buckle bracket and a side of a seat frame and absorbing vibration of a seat. |
US09358936B2 |
Electrical conduction path structure and wiring harness incorporating the same
A wiring harness can include a plurality of high-voltage electrical conduction paths, a motor connector provided at one ends of the high-voltage electrical conduction paths, and an inverter connector provided at the other ends of the high-voltage electrical conduction paths. An extra-length portion can be provided at an intermediate portion of the conductor. The extra-length portion can be configured to absorb displacement caused by a force acting upon the wiring harness and forcing it to be extended. The extra-length portion can take a folded shape obtained by folding the conductor. |
US09358931B2 |
Adapter for vehicle mount and method of use thereof
An adapter for a vehicle mount having a base portion having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface having a high friction element, the high friction element reducing a lateral movement of the base portion when positioned on an exterior surface of vehicle, and a receiver disposed on the base portion, the receiver configured to receive a portion of a vehicle mount, wherein a load of the vehicle mount is distributed across the surface area of the base portion is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided. |
US09358924B1 |
System and method for modeling advanced automotive safety systems
A system and methods are disclosed for providing integrated software development environment for the design, verification and validation of advanced automotive safety systems. The system allows automotive software to be developed on a host computer using a collection of computer programs running simultaneously as processes and synchronized by a central process. The software disclosed uses separate synchronized processes, permitting signals from disparate sources to be generated by a simulation running on the host computer or from actual sensors and data bus signals coming from and going to actual vehicle hardware which is connected to their bus counterparts in the host computer on a real-time basis. The methods provide a data model that first extends the capabilities of the physical data model and then translates, gates, optimizes, fuses, filters and manages the physical representation of the logical model into a state estimation of the situation around the vehicle. |
US09358923B2 |
Dashboard and method for assembling a dashboard
A dashboard for automobiles includes at least one display area including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is located in a first extension plane while the second portion is located in a second extension plane. The second extension plane is parallel to the first extension plane and is offset relative to the first extension plane in the direction of the user of the dashboard such that the second portion forms a diaphragm opening at least partially around the first portion, and the first portion is located in a central area of the dashboard. The dashboard includes a light source, and the display area comprises a frame member for defining the first portion, wherein the light source comprises a first portion for backlighting the first portion, as well as a second portion in which the light source extends beyond the first portion of the display area. |
US09358917B2 |
Transport refrigeration system
A refrigeration system for trailer includes an engine, a generator driven by the engine to generate electric power, an inverter substrate, a temperature sensor that senses a temperature of the inverter circuit, and a heat carrying mechanism that heats the inverter substrate with waste heat of the engine when a sensed temperature by the temperature sensor is an operational temperature or lower. |
US09358915B2 |
Storage assembly for vehicle
A storage assembly for a vehicle includes a housing having an outlet formed at a rear end thereof, a cooling and heating cup holder installed in the housing and having a thermoelectric element attached to a side end surface thereof, a convenience device disposed to be adjacent to a side of the thermoelectric element in the housing and including a storage tray or an electrical control switch, a heat exchange pin and a blower disposed at the outlet side of the rear end of the housing, and a heat pipe having one end connected to the thermoelectric element and the other end extended to turn aside or traverse the convenience device and connected to the heat exchange pin. |
US09358912B2 |
Motorized vehicle saddle apparatus and method
A seating system for motorized vehicles is adapted to saddles on which riders travel for extended periods of time, such as motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and the like. The saddle includes an isolator with a disconnect for lateral vibrations, and a damper for lateral and vertical absorption and isolation of shocks and vibration. A decoupler includes layers separating or uncoupling lateral shear loading from vertical spring loading so vertical forces are not increased by the tension against nearby, laterally displaced material. Cradles provide bolsters to support soft tissue and distribute loads on skeletal structures more evenly at increased area and lower stress. Coverings may include integrating liners, moisture barriers, and an outer wrapper or skin, and may include localized padding. |
US09358898B2 |
Hybrid vehicle
In the present specification, degradation of a battery is suppressed in a hybrid vehicle having an EV mode in which the hybrid vehicle runs without using an engine and an HV mode in which the hybrid vehicle runs using both the engine and a motor. A controller of the hybrid vehicle is configured to limit a usage range of the battery in the EV mode with an execution request of the EV mode having been made by an information input from outside to the vehicle than in the EV mode with no execution request. The degradation of the battery is suppressed by limiting the usage range of the battery. |
US09358894B2 |
Methods and apparatus for reconciliation of a charging event
Methods and systems for reconciling a charging event are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method establishes an identity tag at a grid connection point that uniquely identifies the point and receives tag information to uniquely identify the point at a mobile charging device. The method monitors charge event information indicating attributes of the charging event, associates event information with the identity tag information, and sends the information for reconciliation of billing accounts associated with the point and the mobile device. In another embodiment, a method receives an energy storage device for powering a mobile asset, couples the storage device to an electric grid during a connection event, realizes energy services from the connected storage device to the grid, determines a quantity of energy services realized by the storage device during the connection event, and reports the quantity of energy services realized and a unique identifier of the energy storage device. |
US09358890B2 |
Hybrid vehicle braking system and method
A vehicle includes a powertrain having an electric machine, and friction brakes configured to resist rotation of a vehicle wheel. The further includes at least one controller programmed to (i) issue a command for the electric machine to apply a regenerative torque to decelerate the vehicle in response to driver braking demand, and (ii) cause both a decay in the regenerative torque and a countervailing increase in the resistance of the friction brakes when vehicle speed is reduced to less than a first threshold such that braking demand is substantially satisfied by only the friction brakes when the vehicle speed is less than a second threshold. |
US09358889B2 |
Power conversion apparatus and method
The power conversion apparatus converts power among a plurality of ports, and includes: a first voltage conversion unit that converts a voltage of a first port and outputs power having the converted voltage to a second port; and a second voltage conversion unit that performs a first operation of converting a voltage of one port of the second port and a third port and outputting power having the converted voltage to the other port, or a second operation of converting a voltage of the other port and outputting power having the converted voltage to the one port, and when performing the first operation the second voltage conversion unit switches from the first operation to the second operation when a vehicle condition where power of the one port is insufficient is detected. |
US09358887B2 |
User interface
A user interface is configured to control a vehicle control system. The user interface comprises a first touch pad on a back side of a steering wheel of a vehicle. The user interface further comprises a second touch pad arranged on the back side of the steering wheel. The user interface further comprises a processor which is configured to detect a first gesture on the first touch pad and a second gesture on the second touch pad in a correlated manner. The processor is further configured to generate at least one control message for the vehicle control system based on a first gesture and based on a second gesture. |
US09358883B2 |
Method for use with vehicle having selectable transfer case
A method for notifying, indicating or otherwise alerting a driver when it may be desirable to switch to a different transfer case mode. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method uses one or more environmental and/or vehicle conditions to evaluate a current transfer case mode and to determine if it is the most preferable or optimal mode. If the current transfer case mode is not optimal, then the method may recommend that the driver manually switch transfer case modes by notifying or alerting them through a visual and/or audio message. In one example, the method recommends a transition from a four-wheel mode to a two-wheel mode, or vice-versa, with a visual message on an instrument panel gauge. |
US09358879B1 |
Hydrostatic transaxle
A transaxle for a vehicle is provided, including a pump assembly having an input shaft extending from a housing and driven by a prime mover and a pump disposed on a first hydraulic mounting member attached to a pump housing. An attached motor assembly includes a tubular axle/motor housing, a motor disposed on a second hydraulic mounting member therein and openings in the axle/motor housing to receive hydraulic fluid from the first mounting member. The pump hydraulically drives the motor through porting formed in the first and second hydraulic mounting members via protrusions extending from the first mounting member to the second mounting member. A pair of dual planetary gear reduction mechanisms may be driven by the motor output shaft to power one of a pair of driven wheels of the vehicle. |
US09358878B2 |
Fluid energy reducing device
A fluid energy reducing device includes a body having multiple, oppositely directed flow restrictors extending away from opposite sides of the body. Each flow restrictor can have a geometric shape such as a pyramid, triangle, or a conical shape. Fluid such as a fuel traveling in a wave entering the flow restrictors accelerates as the flow area in a flow passage of the flow restrictors decreases. The work performed by accelerating the fluid flow through one or more apertures created in each flow restrictor reduces the energy of the wave, thereby reducing noise in the fluid tank having the fluid energy reducing device when the reduced size and velocity wave subsequently strikes tank structure or walls. |
US09358877B2 |
Methods and systems for compressed natural gas (CNG)
Provided is a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system that can include a frame and at least one container. The frame can include a first side and a second side, with each side being configured to partly define a portion of an interior space. The at least one container can be configured to house or contain CNG and can be engaged to and partly encased by the frame. The at least one container can be partly located within the interior space of at least one of the first side or the second side. The frame assembly can be engaged to a chassis of a vehicle such that the at least one container is located either at least partially underneath a cab of the vehicle or at least partially behind a cab of the vehicle. |
US09358875B2 |
Radiator shroud structure for saddle riding type vehicle
A saddle riding type vehicle, includes a frame including a head pipe and a pair of left and right main frames extending rearward and downward from the head pip, a fuel tank supported between the left and right main frames, a radiator; and a radiator shroud structure. The shroud structure includes shrouds covering lateral sides of the radiator and shroud fastening portions fixed to outer side walls of the left and right main frames so that upper portions of the shrouds are arranged in covering relation along outer faces of the outer side walls of the main frames, and lower portions of the shrouds extend downward from the upper portions of the shrouds and are connected to the radiator. |
US09358873B2 |
Vehicle transmission system and vehicle drive system comprising the same
A transmission system for a hybrid vehicle includes a primary input shaft for receiving drive from a primary vehicle drive motor, such as an internal combustion engine. A secondary input shaft receives drive from a secondary vehicle drive motor, such as an electric motor. An output shaft of the system is connected to drive a final drive unit. A multi-speed gearbox is provided to connect the primary input shaft to the output shaft at one of a plurality of gear ratios. An input selection mechanism, in a first mode, connects the secondary input shaft to drive the output shaft and, in a second mode, connects the secondary input shaft to drive the primary input shaft. A clutch may be provided that can selectively connect or disconnect drive between the primary drive motor and the gearbox. |
US09358869B2 |
Elements for reinforcement against external stresses for a power supply battery
An arrangement for a motor vehicle having an electric or hybrid engine includes a power supply battery and reinforcing elements to protect the battery from external stresses applied to the vehicle in a longitudinal and/or transverse direction of the vehicle, in particular in the event of an impact. The reinforcing elements are separate from the battery and separate from an enclosure of the battery in particular. The battery is attached to the reinforcing elements. First structural elements of the chassis of the vehicle are sandwiched and clamped between the battery and the reinforcing elements. |
US09358863B1 |
Protective cover for vehicle front ends
A protective cover for a vehicle front end is formed of a stretch-recovery fabric of mesh construction with mesh openings across the entire or substantially the entire fabric. The mesh openings are large enough such that vehicle front end components covered by the protective cover remain visible to view through the protective cover. For example, the mesh openings may have opening width or diameter of about 0.25 to about 1 mm when the protective cover is in an unstretched condition. The protective cover includes one or more fasteners to engage mating fastener stud(s) on the vehicle. A stretch-recovery reinforcing material is joined to at least portion of the outer periphery of the protective cover. |
US09358862B2 |
Weatherstrip for automotive vehicle
A weatherstrip includes a welt section in a substantially letter U shape cross section attached to a flange, and a trim lip formed on an outer surface of an inner side wall section to cover an end edge of a vehicular body trim. The flange is held from both sides by holding lips extending obliquely toward a summit section from the inner surfaces of the respective side wall sections. A projection section is projected on a back side of the outer holding lip. When the flange is fitted, the outer holding lip is struck on the projection section and positioned. |
US09358861B2 |
Roller blind arrangement for a motor vehicle
The invention concerns a shade system (10,40,50) for a motor vehicle, said system being adapted to obscure a transparent bodywork element. Said shade system comprises at least one shade guideway (12), a winding shaft and lateral guide elements (18, 20) wherein are guided the lateral edges of the shade guideway (12). The lateral edges of the shade guideway (12) have each a flat and flexible driving band (22A, 22B). In order to ensure that said driving bands (22A, 22b) are wound on the winding shaft (16) and are unwound therefrom in specific manner, a lateral winding guide (28A, 28B;42;52) is arranged at the winding shaft (16) for each driving band (22A, 22B), said winding guides (28A, 28B;42;52) preventing the driving bands (22A, 22B) from being laterally offset at the winding shaft. |
US09358860B2 |
Air vent for a vehicle
A vehicle air vent includes a plurality of vanes installed in an air discharge port in a body to be rotatable in a horizontal direction. By coupling the vanes to each other, when a knob provided on one vane is operated, all of the vanes are rotated together, and a hinge shaft provided at each of an upper end and a lower end of each vane is inserted into and connected to a hinge hole of a spacer provided at each of an upper end and a lower end of the air discharge port of the air vent body. A damper bushing connected to a front end portion of the vane hinge shaft passing through the hinge hole is installed below the hinge hole of a spacer to which each hinge shaft of the vane provided with the knob is connected. |
US09358857B2 |
Infrared sensor assembly for measuring temperature inside vehicle
The present invention relates to an infrared sensor assembly for measuring temperature in a vehicle, including: a support bracket 3 configured to be detachably coupled with an inner surface of a garnish on one side inside the vehicle to form a base; a casing 5 configured to be detachably coupled on the support bracket 3 and form an inner installation space between the support bracket 3 and the casing 5; a main PCB 7 configured to be inserted into a PCB housing 17 so as to be interposed between the support bracket 3 and the casing 5; and an infrared sensor 9 configured to be inclinedly bound with the main PCB 7 to measure the temperature in the vehicle. By this configuration, the overall size of the infrared sensor assembly may be compacted, the infrared sensor assembly may be easily commonly used in different types of vehicles, and the infrared sensor assembly may be embedded in a garnish of an interior material, such as an A-pillar to improve an aesthetic of the interior of the vehicle. |
US09358856B2 |
System off configuration for climate control system
A system off configuration for an automotive climate control system is provided. The climate control system includes a compressor having two downstream flow paths. The two downstream flow paths may be selectively used to provide multiple modes of operation. When the compressor moves to an off condition the valves found in each flow path immediately downstream from the compressor are closed so that a refrigerant oil blend is kept in the compressor. |
US09358853B2 |
Vehicle height adjusting device, control device for vehicle height adjusting device, and non-transitory computer readable medium
A vehicle height adjusting device includes a front fork and a rear suspension capable of changing a relative position between a vehicle body frame and wheels (front wheel, rear wheel) of a motorcycle, and a control device for controlling the front fork and the rear suspension. The control device includes a driving scene determination unit that determines a driving scene of the motorcycle on the basis of driving information, and a control unit that controls the front fork and the rear suspension in response to the determined driving scene. |
US09358847B2 |
Apparatus for transmitting tire information and including a communication hole providing communication between an internal space of the apparatus and a tire cavity, and tire air pressure information monitoring system using the same
A transmitter apparatus can detect and transmit tire information, such as tire air pressure information, even when a puncture in the tire is repaired by a repairing agent. The transmitter apparatus includes a sensor detecting the state of gas in a tire cavity region as tire information; a transmitter transmitting the detected tire information; and a wall covering the sensor and transmitter. The wall forms an internal space divided from the tire cavity region and includes a communicating hole providing communication between the internal space and tire cavity region. An inside opening part of the hole in a housing surface facing the internal space has a greater opening area than an outside opening part of the hole in the housing surface facing the tire cavity region. A wall surface facing the communicating hole includes a recessed part recessed toward the housing surface including the outside opening part. |
US09358845B2 |
Wheel apparatus
A wheel assembly for use on vehicles in rugged conditions including, without limitation, off-road and trail conditions. A rim assembly having a rim flange is supported by a central hub member. The rim flange has a bead seat and allows a tire—including an under inflated tire—to flex without chaffing or cutting of the tire. A sacrificial abrasion ring is mounted to the outer surface of the rim flange. An optional removable accessory cap can mount to the wheel assembly to prevent mud, snow and/or other debris from collecting in the center of the wheel assembly. |
US09358844B2 |
Tire with greater resistance to unseating
Tire comprising two beads and a carcass reinforcement anchored in each bead, each bead comprising a plurality of annular reinforcing structures forming at least one anchoring alignment, parallel to a portion of the carcass reinforcement, and an additional stiffening reinforcement formed by one single alignment of at least two annular reinforcing structures and extending between a first end situated a distance H1 from the tangent to the seat-forming bead portion being 20-70% of the anchoring alignment minimum distance H0, the first end lying an axial distance L1 from the interior surface of the tire being 50-85% of the maximum axial width L0 of the bead; and a second end, the second end being radially and axially at the same level as or on the outside of the first end such that the distance LA separating the first and second ends is ≧30% of the mean anchoring alignment length. |
US09358842B2 |
Tire
A pneumatic tire 1 which includes a plurality of rib-shaped land portions extending in a tire-circumferential-direction and in which a circumferential groove is formed extending in the tire-circumferential-direction between the land portions. The circumferential groove is provided with an intra-groove groove formed to recess inwardly in a tire-radial-direction from the circumferential groove while having its upper ends at a groove bottom of the circumferential groove. Paired inner wall surface and outer wall surface forming the intra-groove groove each continuously extend in tire-circumferential-direction while meandering in tread-width-direction. The intra-groove groove includes a wide groove portion in which a groove width of the intra-groove groove in tread-width-direction is a predetermined width; and a narrow groove portion which is continuous with the wide groove portion and which has a narrower width than the predetermined width. The wide groove portion and the narrow groove portion are alternately provided in tire-circumferential-direction. |
US09358839B2 |
Heavy duty pneumatic tire
A heavy duty pneumatic tire has a belt and a tread such that ratio of width of the belt to width of the tread is greater than or equal to 0.95 and is not greater than 1.0. The tread has shoulder land portions on outer sides in axial direction, each shoulder portion has a cap layer including a body portion and a pad, the pad has complex elastic modulus greater than complex elastic modulus of the body portion, the body portion has loss tangent less than loss tangent of the pad, and each shoulder portion has ground-contact surface which has outer and inner ground-contact surfaces separated by boundary between the body portion and pad such that ratio of average ground-contact pressure of the outer ground-contact surface relative to average ground-contact pressure of the inner ground contact surface is greater than or equal to 0.85 and is not greater than 0.95. |
US09358837B2 |
Pneumatic tire and method of designing tread pattern of the tire
A pneumatic tire reduces the columnar resonance noise of the tire while controlling the lowering of wet performances, wherein four circumferential grooves continuously extending in the circumferential direction of the tire are disposed in a treading face and a plurality of lateral grooves each having one end opened to the circumferential groove and terminated in a land portion are formed with respect to two circumferential grooves among the four circumferential grooves, and these lateral grooves and the respective circumferential grooves have such a groove width that both groove walls of the groove do not contact with each other in a ground contact face and one or more lateral groove are always completely included in the ground contact face, and an extending length of a portion of each lateral groove in the ground contact face having a groove width of the lateral groove corresponding to not less than 30% of a groove width of the circumferential groove is made not less than 40% of an extending length of the circumferential groove in the ground contact face. |
US09358835B2 |
Wheels for non-motorized vehicles
A wheel for a non-motorized vehicle (e.g., a shopping cart) can include a housing assembly and a tread assembly. The housing assembly can be configured to sealingly house electronics or other components. The tread assembly can removably mate with the housing assembly such that the electronics or other components remain closed and/or sealed within the housing assembly when the tread assembly is mated or unmated with the housing assembly. |
US09358826B2 |
Hole-less editable binding system
A system for externally binding flat media by hand for presentation purposes without a need for creating a spine, hole-punching paper, permanent covers or insertion into pre-constructed sleeves. It employs a slim, external bar, placed in the margin area on the front side of a flat media stack and a rigid backing board on the rear side. The entire assembly is held together firmly by threaded bolts and adjoining screw posts that are adjusted depending upon the quantity of sheets included and their thicknesses. The stack is compressed and decompressed by tightening or loosening the threaded bolts whenever sheets are added or removed. The low-profile system firmly grips sheets with unlikely slippage, requires no heat or adhesives, and provides the ease of turning the pages or sheets as typical in a perfect-bound book. It accommodates common lengths of paper stock and fabric swatches, and multiple thicknesses within the same stack. |
US09358823B2 |
Braille erasure mechanism
An improved Braille erasure mechanism may comprise a reverse-embosser or impressing mechanism to imprint a negative Braille cell. A negative Braille cell is the reverse of a normal Braille cell, with one or more dots lowered or pressed into the printing medium in an opposite direction to the raised dots of a normal Braille cell. Because the dots of a negative Braille cell are lowered past the surface of the printing medium, they may be ordinarily undetectable to the fingers of a Braille user. Accordingly, by imprinting a full negative Braille cell on top of a Braille cell to be erased, all of the previously raised dots of the Braille cell may be lowered beyond the surface of the printing medium. Any further Braille cell embossed over the erased cell will be free from corruption, because any dot not used by the new cell will remain lowered and undetectable. |
US09358819B1 |
Egg carton printer system and method of use
A printer system comprising a printer having a printhead operatively installed therein, the printer including a housing having opposing thumb screws extending outwardly therefrom, and a mount comprising a printer bracket having opposite printer bracket side members each terminating in a distally extending side member leg configured for attachment to the rail, the printer bracket side members each further having a mounting slot formed therein with a vertical slot portion and at least one horizontal slot portion and a rail bracket having a rail bracket top member with opposite substantially downwardly extending rail bracket side members terminating in outwardly extending side member legs configured for attachment to the rail, whereby the printer is received within the mount and selectively positioned therein as by engaging the thumb screws within the mounting slots so as to position the printhead as desired beneath the rail bracket top member. |
US09358818B2 |
Fluid ejection module mounting
A fluid ejection module mounting apparatus, including a module mount having a horizontal portion and a vertical portion, a fluid ejection module mounted to the module mount, and a clamp assembly including a recessed portion, a clamp along a wall of the recessed portion, and a lever coupled to the clamp and configured to move the clamp from an open position to a closed position. The horizontal portion has an opening configured to receive a fluid ejection module and the vertical portion has a protruding portion. The protruding portion of the module mount is configured to mate with the recessed portion of the clamp assembly. |
US09358811B1 |
Optical printing guides for manually-activated printers
A card printer is disclosed which uses shaped-illumination to illuminate the portion of a card upon which printing will occur. The shaped-illumination is produced by passing light from a light source through a light source shaping assembly. In an embodiment, the light source shaping assembly is composed of a plurality of baffles molded into the portion of the printer which defines the path of motion of the printer's print head. In this way, alignment between the shaped-illumination and the printing process is guaranteed with essentially no increase in the cost of printer and, in many cases, a reduction in cost. |
US09358805B1 |
Envelope printing mode switch
A laser printer fuser assembly in a laser printer includes a lever to control envelope mode printing. The lever may protrude from an external surface of the laser printer and may provide a first position for normal paper printing, a second position for envelope printing, and a third position for jam clearing in the laser printer. The first position may apply a maximum force between a fuser heat roll and a pressure roll in the laser fuser printer assembly. The second position may apply a reduced force instead of the maximum force, while the third position may apply zero force. The first and second position may be accessible without opening a cover panel of the laser printer. |
US09358792B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus, and method for controlling liquid ejecting apparatus
A first flushing pulse is a drive waveform for ejecting ink by displacing a meniscus onto a pressure chamber side and an ejecting side while interposing a standby position from the standby position, a second flushing pulse is a drive waveform for ejecting the ink by pushing out the meniscus onto the ejecting side, without substantially displacing the meniscus onto the pressure chamber side from the standby position, and in a flushing processing, after a first flushing processing is performed by ejecting the ink one or more times in accordance with the first flushing pulse, a second flushing processing is performed by ejecting the ink a plurality of times in accordance with the second flushing pulse. |
US09358790B2 |
Printing apparatus and landing position determination method
A printing apparatus which performs printing by using an ink jet method includes an ink jet head including nozzles which eject ink droplets on a medium, a landing position reading unit which reads a landing position which is a position on which ink droplets are landed on the medium, and a landing state determination unit which determines whether or not a landing position is deviated from a normal position which is set in advance based on a landing position which is read by using the landing position reading unit. |
US09358789B2 |
Method of manufacturing flexible circuit substracts
A method of manufacturing a flexible circuit, including forming a first set of traces, forming a second set of traces, and cutting a gap between the first and second set of traces. |
US09358787B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes a set portion on which a recording medium having a circumferential surface is able to be set; a recording portion having a plurality of nozzle rows that discharge ink; and a rotation mechanism that relatively rotates and moves the recording medium set on the set portion and the recording portion, in which the plurality of nozzle rows includes nozzle rows that discharge a relatively high visibility ink and nozzle rows that discharge a relatively low visibility ink, and are arranged in an intersection direction that intersects a rotation axis of the rotation movement, the nozzle rows that discharge the high visibility ink are arranged on the center side in the ink discharge surface in the intersection direction, and the nozzle rows that discharge the low visibility ink are arranged on the end side in the ink discharge surface in the intersection direction. |
US09358782B2 |
Liquid discharge apparatus
A liquid discharge apparatus includes: a drive signal generator that generates a drive signal; a piezoelectric element that is displaced in response to a voltage of the drive signal; a cavity which is filled with a liquid and of which an inside volume is expanded and contracted due to the displacement of the piezoelectric element; and a nozzle that communicates with the cavity and is capable of discharging the liquid by the expansion and contraction of the inside volume of the cavity. In the drive signal generator, a set of a first MOSFET and a second MOSFET which are electrically connected in series between a wire of a high potential and a wire of a low potential is arranged in plurality in series. A part or all of the first MOSFETs and the second MOSFETs in the plurality of sets have different sizes from each other. |
US09358777B2 |
Language and method for measuring the viscosity of printing ink during the printing and ink correction process
A system for measuring the viscosity of printing ink during a printing and ink correction process includes a printing press having an ink supply system, and an optical measuring device for measuring actual optical values of light that has interacted with at least parts of the printing picture. The printing press has an ink mass determination device to determine the weight of at least parts of the ink located in the ink supply system, and a control and evaluation device to receive measured values from the optical measuring device and from the ink mass determination device. The control and evaluation device determines an optical deviation, and, based on the optical deviation and the values from the weighing devices, an amount of corrective ink that is to be fed to the printing press in order to approximate the actual optical values to optical reference values. |
US09358776B2 |
Method for using a foil on a printing press and optimizing the maximum usage of the foil
A method for material deposition employs a printing press, such as those used in cold foil transfers, that permits a greater usage of the foil web than traditional methods. This is achieved by increasing the number of times the foil web is passed through the press, while simultaneously taking into account the area that has not been used and adjusting the impacted area of the foil web accordingly. The foil web is adjusted by using a series of adjustable rollers and angular bars to change the length of the circumferential path the foil takes through the press. By modifying the angle of these rollers and the distance between them, the path can be lengthened or shortened to correspond to the particular needs for a particular print job. This allows the press to use the foil in such a way that reduces foil waste and manufacturer and consumer costs. |
US09358771B2 |
Method for producing flexographic printing plate
A method is disclosed for producing a flexographic printing plate from a flexographic printing original plate provided with a photosensitive resin layer comprising a photosensitive resin composition containing at least (A) a hydrophobic polymer comprising a water-dispersible latex, (B) a photopolymerizable compound and (C) a photopolymerization initiator, wherein the method comprises a main exposure step, a development step and a post-exposure step, characterized in that a treatment solution containing a first amino-modified silicone having an amine equivalent of 1000 g/mol or less and a second amino-modified silicone having an amine equivalent of 3000 g/mol or more in a mass ratio of from 2.5:1 to 1:6 is contacted with the whole surface of the flexographic printing plate. |
US09358763B2 |
Method of manufacturing translucent rigid substrate laminate and translucent rigid substrate bonding apparatus
Provided is a method of manufacturing a translucent rigid substrate laminate, which method can improve position precision while increasing production efficiency. Further provided is a translucent rigid substrate bonding apparatus that contributes to improvement of the position precision while increasing production efficiency of a plate-shaped product. In the method of manufacturing a translucent rigid substrate laminate and the translucent rigid substrate bonding apparatus according to the present invention, when translucent rigid substrates are bonded in a predetermined positional relationship by interposing a photo-curable fixing agent including (A) polyfunctional (meth)acrylate, (B) monofunctional (meth)acrylate and (C) a photopolymerization initiator therebetween, only the fixing agent present in outer peripheral portions of both translucent rigid substrates is cured for provisional fastening. |
US09358762B2 |
Lamination apparatus with air pressure and method for non-contact lamination using lamination apparatus
A lamination apparatus, including: a substrate support; an adhesive film support that is disposed so as to be spaced from the substrate support; an air injection head that is disposed on a co-plane with the adhesive film support so as to be spaced apart from the substrate support or disposed so as to be further spaced apart from the substrate support than the adhesive film support; an air pump that supplies air to the air injection head; an air supply pipe that connects the air injection head with the air pump, wherein the air injection head includes an ion generation unit. |
US09358761B2 |
Multilayer paper system
A multilayer paper system that allows a user to write or fill in forms while non-users are unable to see what is written through the use of a first layer privacy screen with embedded micro-louvers, a second color change layer with microencapsulated dye, and a stylus type pen that causes color change to occur on the second layer while reducing the ability for those next to or around the person to discern what is written on the sheet. |
US09358757B2 |
Smart multi-layer composites
A smart multi-layer composite is disclosed. The smart multi-layer composite includes a plurality of layers stacked in sequence; and a graphene layer interposed between the plurality of layers. |
US09358756B2 |
Interlaminer reinforced composite structures
In an embodiment of the invention, a laminar composite has at least one interlaminar reinforced interface comprising a dispersion of binding-agent-treated low-dimensional nanoparticles with a large aspect ratio fixed between adjacent lamina by residues of the binding agents. In another embodiment of the invention, a method to prepare a laminar composite having reinforced interfaces involves the deposition of binding-agent-treated low-dimensional nanoparticles from a solution or suspension onto the surface or a prepreg sheet, where, optionally, after removal of the liquid that comprises the solution or suspension, sheets of the prepreg are layed-up and cured to form the laminar composite. |
US09358754B2 |
Dimensionally stable product and process of fabricating a dimensionally stable product
Disclosed is a product, a melt-processed layer, a flexible layer and a process of fabricating the product. The product includes a first layer and a second layer heat-adhered to the first layer. The first layer is a melt-processed layer, the second layer has greater flexibility than the first layer, and the product has dimensional stability. The process includes heat-adhering the first layer to the second layer. |
US09358752B2 |
In-line shear resistant nonwoven textiles comprised of selectively slit and embossed film
A nonwoven industrial textile for conveying in an industrial process, seaming elements and methods of manufacture. The textile comprises at least first and second layers of film. Each layer comprises protrusions separated by land areas and each defining an aperture for a flow path through the layer. For at least one of the layers, the protrusions comprise a first set having first and second ends integral with contiguous land areas, and at least a second set of protrusions each comprising a first end integral with a contiguous land area and an opposing second end having a configuration selected from a detached free end; and a weakened end portion integral with but detachable from a contiguous land area in response to strain. The construction allows for relative movement of the layers during travel over machine components such as rolls, reducing internal strain and risk of delamination. |
US09358751B2 |
Accessory member, and accessory comprising the same
There are provided an accessory member capable of suppression of adhesion of dirt to its surface, and easy removal of adherent dirt, as well as to provide an accessory comprising the accessory member. An accessory member includes a sintered ceramic body, a kurtosis Rku derived from a surface roughness curve of an outer surface of the sintered ceramic body falling in a range of 0.5 or more and 2.5 or less. In this case, since the sintered ceramic body has many rounded asperities at its outer surface, it is possible to suppress adhesion of dirt to the outer surface, as well as to remove adherent dirt with ease. |
US09358750B2 |
Nanopatterned articles produced using surface-reconstructed block copolymer films
Nanopatterned surfaces are prepared by a method that includes forming a block copolymer film on a substrate, annealing and surface reconstructing the block copolymer film to create an array of cylindrical voids, depositing a metal on the surface-reconstructed block copolymer film, and heating the metal-coated block copolymer film to redistribute at least some of the metal into the cylindrical voids. When very thin metal layers and low heating temperatures are used, metal nanodots can be formed. When thicker metal layers and higher heating temperatures are used, the resulting metal structure includes nanoring-shaped voids. The nanopatterned surfaces can be transferred to the underlying substrates via etching, or used to prepare nanodot- or nanoring-decorated substrate surfaces. |
US09358747B2 |
Hot isostatic pressing arrangement
In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a hot isostatic pressing arrangement for treatment of articles by hot isostatic pressing. The arrangement includes a pressure vessel including a furnace chamber including a heat insulated casing and a furnace for heating of a pressure medium during pressing, and a ‘heat exchanger unit’ or heat absorbing material located below the furnace chamber. In another aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for treatment of articles in a hot isostatic press. The press further includes a pressure vessel enclosing a furnace chamber and a ‘heat exchanger unit’. The method includes the steps of loading the articles into the furnace chamber, performing pressurized and heated treatment of the articles, cooling the articles and unloading of the articles. All the steps are performed while the ‘heat exchanger unit’ remains located inside the pressure vessel. Heat is transferred to and from the ‘heat exchanger unit’ at different portions of the hot isostatic pressing cycle. |
US09358745B2 |
Compactor
A compactor can include a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a bottom wall, which define a receptacle. The compactor can further include a ram assembly positioned with the receptacle and coupled to a drive assembly. The compactor can further include a frame having a lower longitudinal support member extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall and an upper longitudinal support member extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall at the top of the receptacle. A continuous, unobstructed opening is defined between the upper longitudinal support member and the lower longitudinal support member, and a removable cover can be fastened to the frame to overlap the continuous, unobstructed opening. |
US09358744B2 |
Product having a net structure, a process for realizing the product and use of the product for geotechnical applications
A reinforcing element for geo-technical applications may include a monolithic net structure made of a plastic material, having a plurality of first elements distanced from one another and having an elongate conformation in a respective prevalent development direction, a plurality of second elements distanced from one another and also having an elongate conformation, which develop substantially in a transversal direction to the first elements. The second elements are stretched along a development thereof, and the second elements are configured such that the net structure exhibits a substantially arched profile and forms a longitudinal seating having an axis of extension substantially parallel to the first elements. A process of manufacturing the reinforcing element and an artificial or partially artificial structure obtained by consolidating the terrain using the reinforcing element are also described. |
US09358743B2 |
Method and device for the butt-welding of pipes made of thermoplastic material
A method and a device for welding plastic pipes (1) made of thermoplastic material by a butt-welding method, wherein the pipes (1) are held in a coaxial position in relation to one another by clamping points (2), are trimmed by a trimmer (3), which can be brought between the clamping points (2), and are heated up by heated tools (6), which can be fitted in place of the trimmer (3), wherein the heating of the free pipe ends (8) to be welded has the effect of forming a melting region which forms a bead when pressing occurs, the pipe projection (5) of the pipes (1) being trimmed to a defined size. |
US09358734B2 |
Method for manufacturing a headlight lens for a vehicle headlight
The invention relates to a method for producing an optical lens element, more particularly for illumination purposes, more particularly for producing a headlamp lens for a vehicle headlamp, more particularly for a motor vehicle headlamp, according to which method liquid, transparent, more particularly amorphous, synthetic material is placed into a lower mold. The synthetic material is then pressed between the lower mold and an upper mold by putting the lower mold and the upper mold together. The lower mold and the upper mold are then separated. Further liquid, transparent, more particularly amorphous, synthetic material is then added to the pressed synthetic material and the synthetic material is then pressed, more particularly precision pressed, to form the lens element. |
US09358733B2 |
Method and a device for the manufacture of a fibre composite component, and a fibre composite component
A method for the manufacture of a fiber composite component with at least one opening, which is edged by an integral collar, a device for the execution of a method of this type with a mold core, which has at least one convexity for the formation of a component section in the form of a bulge, also a fiber composite component with a multiplicity of openings, each of which is edged by an integral collar. |
US09358727B2 |
Dual roll fabric welding machine and method of operation
A dual roll fabric welding or seaming machine is configured to seam pieces of sheet material to one another as the pieces move downstream. The machine includes modular gantries and various actor devices which may be readily mounted on any of the gantries to interact with the moving sheet material to achieve various functions, such as seaming pieces of sheet material together, forming hems, applying grommets to the sheet material, printing on the sheet material, connecting reinforcement strips or ropes to the sheet material and cutting the sheet material. |
US09358726B2 |
Labelling machine and a method for applying tubular labels to respective articles
A labeling machine for applying tubular labels to articles; the machine comprises a conveying device movable along a given path and at least one unit to receive and retain an article to be labelled, a feeder to feed a label to the unit, a former to bend the label in a vertical tubular configuration with opposite vertical edges overlapping one another, and at least one welding device arranged on the conveying device to weld the overlapped edges of the label; the welding device comprises an electrically heatable sealing element, provided with a striplike working surface having a height at least equal to the height of the label overlapped edges to be welded, electrical power supplying means selectively connectable to the sealing element and controlled for heating the sealing element along a given portion of the mentioned path and for cooling the sealing element along a subsequent portion of the path, and actuator displacing the sealing element to and from the overlapped edges of the label along a horizontal direction transverse to the path. |
US09358717B1 |
Lip adjustment system having rotating shaft
The invention comprises a die apparatus including a flexible lip for adjusting a gap between the flexible lip and a second lip. The apparatus includes a rotating shaft that cooperates to move the flexible lip. The rotating shaft may communicate with linear moving members to move the flexible lip. The apparatus may also include a cross-bar contacting the lip and extending substantially the length of the lip, where the cross-bar is connected to the linear moving members that are moved by the rotating shaft. As a result, the dimensions of the gap may be changed by moving the rotating shaft in a first direction or a second direction. |
US09358716B2 |
Systems and methods for manufacturing reinforced weatherstrip
Methods for manufacturing fabric-reinforced weatherstrip include incorporating a fabric application step into a process for making coated substrates. In one embodiment, a strip of the fabric from a roll of material may be applied directly onto a coating after it has been applied in a coat die to a foam profile, while the coating is still in the molten state. Alternatively, a fabric application plate may be attached to an upstream side of coating die with a fabric feed channel cut into the plate. The fabric follows the channel to contact and mate with the foam profile. The fabric applicator plate may be configured so as to exert pressure on only the part of the product where the fabric is being applied. Ultrasonic welding techniques may also be employed. |
US09358715B2 |
Mixer gun system and method
A mixer gun system includes a holder cap configured to separately store components in separate chambers. The components are selectively releasable through channels fluidly communicating with the separate chambers. The components are constituent materials for a bone cement mixture. A body forms a mixing chamber and is configured to receive the holder cap. The mixing chamber includes an opening corresponding with the channels for the separate chambers. A piston is disposed within the mixing chamber. A plunger is coupled to the piston and is configured to be biased toward the mixing chamber such that when the components are released into the mixing chamber a pressure developed by a biased motion of the plunger and piston infuses the components to form bone cement. Upon resetting the plunger and the piston, the bone cement is dispensed from the mixing chamber by the same biased motion. Methods of use are disclosed. |
US09358714B2 |
Structured film containing beta-nucleating agent and method of making the same
A structured film of a semi-crystalline polyolefin and a beta-nucleating agent is disclosed. The structured film has a backing and upstanding posts attached to the backing. At least a portion of the film typically includes beta-spherulites. In some embodiments, the backing is microporous while the upstanding posts have lower porosity. A method of making a structured film is also disclosed. The method includes extruding a melt of a polyolefin and a beta-nucleating agent in the presence of a tool to provide the structured film having upstanding posts on a backing and cooling at least a portion of the structured film to a temperature sufficient to form beta-spherulites. In some embodiments, the method further includes stretching the structured film containing beta-spherulites to provide micropores in the backing. |
US09358710B2 |
Preform and a mold stack for producing the preform
Disclosed is a preform (300) suitable for subsequent blow-molding into a final-shaped container. The preform comprises a neck portion (302); a gate portion (306); and a body portion (304) extending between said neck portion and said gate portion; the gate portion including an upwardly-bound region (324) defined between the inner and outer walls thereof, substantially whole of the upwardly-bound region extending in a direction towards the neck portion (302). |
US09358708B2 |
Method of manufacturing a terminal block
A method of manufacturing a terminal block for a telecommunication cable is disclosed, which includes: positioning at least one electrical connector in a mold, the at least one electrical connector comprising a first end adapted to receive a first electrical wire and a second end adapted to receive a second electrical wire; connecting at least one insulated electrical wire to the first end of each of the at least one electrical connectors; and injecting a dielectric material by a force of greater than 1 g into the mold containing the at least one electrical connector and the at least one electrical wire, wherein the dielectric material surrounds at least the first end of the electrical connector and the at least one electrical wire. |
US09358702B2 |
Temperature management of aluminium nitride electrostatic chuck
An unseasoned substrate support assembly includes a ceramic body and a thermally conductive base bonded to a lower surface of the ceramic body. The substrate support assembly further includes an upper surface of the ceramic body having a first portion proximate to a center of the upper surface of the ceramic body and having a first roughness profile and a second portion distal from the center of the upper surface of the ceramic body and having a second roughness profile with a lower roughness than the first roughness profile, wherein areas of the first and second portions are based on radial distances from the center of the ceramic body. |
US09358700B2 |
Stock guide assembly
A stock guide assembly for use with a work table to guide movement of stock along the work table in a feed direction includes a body. The body includes a portion lying in a plane parallel to the feed direction when used to guide movement of the stock. An adjustment mechanism is associated with the body for attaching the body to the work table and permitting the body to be adjusted on the table along an x-axis and a y-axis. A roller assembly is mounted on the body. The roller assembly includes a roller mounted for rotation relative to the body. The roller is positioned at a skew angle relative to the body portion plane and to the feed direction when used to guide movement of the stock. A second stock guide assembly substantially similar to the first stock guide assembly can be provided for use with the work table. |
US09358694B1 |
Hand guard
A hand guard strap which mounts to and is held onto the handle of a tool, such as a knife, by sliding onto the handle at distal and proximal ends, the hand guard being held in a secured position by means of spring tension in the strap. |
US09358693B1 |
Shears
Shears for cutting hair or other material can include a handle assembly. The handle assembly can have a first handle and a second handle. The handle assembly can be connected to a blade assembly via a joint assembly. The joint assembly can be configured to bias the blade assembly to an opened configuration. The joint assembly can connect the blades to the handle assembly such that, as the second handle is moved away from the first handle in a first direction, the second blade is moved away from the first blade in the same first direction. |
US09358689B2 |
Systems and methods for minimal haptic implementation
Systems and methods for minimal haptic implementation are disclosed. For example, one disclosed system includes: an actuator; and a control-circuit in communication with the actuator, the control circuit configured to: receive a 2-bit signal including a first bit indicating a power state and a second bit indicating an actuation state; and transmit a power signal based on the two bit signal, the power signal configured to cause the actuator to operate at the actuation state at a fixed power. |
US09358687B2 |
System, method and computer program for autonomously emulating robot manipulators of continuously-varying configurations
The invention is a modular and autonomously reconfigurable manipulator system, which introduces a new dimension to the versatility of robot manipulation for diverse tasks. The hardware component is a redundant mechanism which can lock any number of its joints at any relative position to form a particular configuration with a certain number of degrees of freedom and specific values for 5 kinematic, dynamic and control parameters, optimum for a given task to be performed. The process of identifying the optimum configuration for a given task and implementing it on the manipulator is done autonomously through the system software. Therefore, no manual interaction is required to form a new configuration most suitable for a given task. The kinematic, dynamic and control parameters of the system can vary continuously enabling the manipulator to form virtually an infinite number of configurations. |
US09358684B1 |
Wireless transmission device and robot arm using the same
A wireless transmission device for use in a robot arm is disclosed to include a rotating unit including a first winding and a second winding relatively rotatably arranged in a coaxial manner, and two receiver-transmitter units respectively electrically connected to the first winding and the first winding for receiving a composite signal and then generating a power signal and a control signal. Thus, the receiver-transmitter units can transmit power and data in two ways by means of an electromagnetic coupling between the first winding and the second winding, having the advantages of simple structure and no need for wiring, and allowing the robot arm using the wireless transmission device to be freely rotated through 360 degrees. |
US09358679B2 |
Mobile work station
An industrial grade, field-usable Mobile Work Station, comprising a rolling cabinet having lockable internal storage, which is fitted with precision-adjustable, tubular rails on one or more sides to which special compound clamp-vice assemblies may be mounted at a plurality of locations to engagingly retain work pieces and hand and power tools, and which includes tool holders and an under-chassis rack for retaining a battery to power tools. An exemplary MWS is shown in which the X, Y and Z axes of pipe rails may be micro-adjusted to be in precise orthogonal relationship so that precision work may be accomplished in the field, even where the surface is not level. Leveling jacks are provided at one end of the cabinet to permit precise horizontal leveling of the cabinet pipe rails in both X and Y axes. Power tools include saws, grinders, welding spinners, benders, vices, anvils, drills, and the like. |
US09358676B2 |
Pocket field tool
A foldable pocket field tool having a foldable pliers and a set of specialty field tool bits to enable the foldable pocket tool to be carried on a person and used on-the-go with the field tool having a set of tool bits tool bits extendable or retractable into a handle and with each of the tool bits operable for efficiently performing a unique service tasks that may occur when installing or servicing a field system such as an irrigation system. The tool bits may be arranged to provide a two-part handle for use in manipulating an adjacent tool bit about a central axis as the tool bit is supported by the foldable pocket tool. |
US09358673B2 |
Tool particularly for valve replacement
A tool having segments forming a triangle wherein a connecting bolt segment moves the other two segments together, thus rotating a valve nut, is disclosed. The tool can be attached and easily operated without the disadvantage of having to apply physical strength in an awkward position. Different embodiments are provided that are adaptable to various valve body types. |
US09358671B2 |
Hand tool with latch structure
A hand tool with a latch structure includes a main body (10) and a latch unit (20) coupled to the main body (10), and the latch unit (20) includes a rod body (21) and an elastic element (22). The rod body (21) has a center hole (211) formed in an axial direction parallel to the rod body (21) and a through hole (213) formed in an axial direction perpendicular to the rod body (21) and communicated with the center hole (211). The elastic element (22) has a circular plate (221) and a tongue (222) formed by bending from an end of circular plate (221), and the circular plate (221) is clamped outside the rod body (21), and the tongue (222) passes through the through hole (213) into the center hole (211) to achieve the effects of an easy installation and a secured latch. |
US09358669B2 |
High adhesion resin-mineral systems
A coated abrasive product that includes a polymer binder comprising a co-polyester having a bisphenol moiety in the backbone of the co-polyester. The coated abrasive product is capable of finishing coated surfaces and repairing defects in coated surfaces, including surfaces coated with automotive primers, paints, clear coats, and combinations thereof. |
US09358668B2 |
Fluid jet receiving receptacles and related fluid jet cutting systems
A jet receiving receptacle is provided which is coupleable to a high-pressure fluid jet system opposite a nozzle thereof to receive a fluid jet discharged from the nozzle after it acts on a workpiece. The jet receiving receptacle may include an elongated inlet alignable with a direction of travel of the nozzle to receive the fluid jet in a deflected state. The jet receiving receptacle may further include a jet deflection device positioned downstream of the elongated inlet to redirect at least a portion of the fluid jet and a jet rebound device located upstream of the jet deflection device to be impinged on by the redirected portion of the fluid jet. The jet deflection device and jet rebound device may form, in combination with a housing, a device to trap the fluid jet. Fluid jet cutting systems incorporating a jet receiving receptacle and related methods are also provided. |
US09358667B2 |
System and method for low pressure piercing using a waterjet cutter
A high-pressure waterjet cutting system includes a pump operable to produce a flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid, a piston receiving the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid and reciprocating in response to a pressure differential produced by the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid, and an intensifier connected to the piston and operable to produce a high-pressure flow of water in response to reciprocation of the piston. A valve is positioned to receive the flow of hydraulic fluid and is movable between a first position in which the pressure differential is a first value and a second position in which the pressure differential is a second value less than the first value. |
US09358662B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus, substrate processing method, substrate holding mechanism, and substrate holding method
An apparatus for processing a substrate is disclosed. The apparatus includes a polishing section configured to polish a substrate, a transfer mechanism configured to transfer the substrate, and a cleaning section configured to clean and dry the polished substrate. The cleaning section has plural cleaning lines for cleaning plural substrates. The plural cleaning lines have plural cleaning modules and plural transfer robots for transferring the substrates. |
US09358661B2 |
Polishing pad
A polishing pad capable of maintaining a high level of dimensional stability during absorption of moisture or water includes a polishing layer including a polyurethane foam having fine cells, wherein the polyurethane foam includes a cured product of a reaction of an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer (a), a polymerized diisocyanate, and a chain extender, and the isocyanate-terminated prepolymer (a) includes an isocyanate monomer, a high molecular weight polyol (a), and a low molecular weight polyol. A method for manufacturing such a polishing pad includes mixing a first component containing an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer with a second component containing a chain extender and curing the mixture to form a polyurethane foam. The pad so made is used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices. |
US09358659B2 |
Composition and method for polishing glass
The invention provides a chemical-mechanical polishing composition containing (a) abrasive particles, (b) a polymer, and (c) water, wherein (i) the polymer possesses an overall charge, (ii) the abrasive particles have a zeta potential Za measured in the absence of the polymer and the abrasive particles have a zeta potential Zb measured in the presence of the polymer, wherein the zeta potential Za is a numerical value that is the same sign as the overall charge of the polymer, and (iii) |zeta potential Zb|>|zeta potential Za|. The invention also provides a method of polishing a substrate with the polishing composition. |
US09358651B2 |
System and method for automatically adjusting a position of a panel on a chuck
The present disclosure provides a system and method for automatically adjusting a position of a panel on a chuck. The system includes: the chuck having a front end sensor and a rear end sensor arranged respectively on front and rear ends of the chuck in a direction of carrying the panel, and also having an adjustment unit arranged in a central area of the chuck; and a central control apparatus configured to receive a front end trigger signal transmitted by the front end sensor, and judge whether to enable the adjustment unit to adjust the position of the panel on the chuck based on whether a rear end trigger signal transmitted by the rear end sensor is received within a predetermined period of time after the front end trigger signal is received. In this way, the position of the panel with respect to the chuck can be adjusted efficiently, thereby accurately judging a condition of carrying the panel, and thus preventing a machine station from falsely generating an alarm and halt. |
US09358649B2 |
Silent apparatus for grabbing a knife from a turret
A silent knife-grabbing apparatus includes a stationary disc, a rotary bar, and two locking units each including a latch, a lever unit, and two pushers. The latch is movable between a releasing position to place a first end thereof substantially out of a space of a clasp of the rotary bar and a locking position to place the first end in the space. The lever unit is movable between a folded position to place the latch in the releasing position and an extended position to place the latch in the locking position. A first end of the first pusher normally contacts the stationary disc so that a second end of the first pusher places the lever unit in the folded position. An end of the second pusher places the lever unit in the extended position when the upper end of the first pusher enters a recess of the stationary disc. |
US09358646B2 |
Supporting structure for repositionable and reconfigurable manipulating arms
A supporting structure for positioning manipulating arms that may be fitted with tools. The manipulating arms are unblocked for their relocation and/or for relocation of tools or parts held by the manipulating arms. Relocation of the manipulating arms into a new position is by means of a robot. Once relocated, the manipulating arms are again blocked. A supporting frame is fitted with at least one sliding guide and/or spherical joint in which each manipulating arm is movably disposed. Blocking and unblocking of the manipulating arms is achieved through the use of pneumatic or electrical power. |
US09358641B2 |
Laser machining device
A laser machining device with a proximity-warning function in relation to a workpiece being machined includes a laser element and a position feedback unit. The laser element includes a laser head for emitting a focused laser beam and a movable member for moving the laser head. The position feedback unit is positioned on the movable member and connected to an alerting circuit. When an elastic contacting member in the position feedback unit is compressed because the distance between the laser head and the workpiece is less than a minimum permitted distance the alerting circuit issues an alert. |
US09358639B2 |
Connector for adjustable configurations
This specification describes connectors for tubes, pipes and poles, such as can be used in laser marking systems. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a body having a hole formed to receive a tube to connect an interior of the tube with an interior of the body, the tube having a circular groove formed in an exterior surface of the tube; and a clamp including a tab sized to fit within the circular groove of the tube; wherein the clamp is configured and arranged to attach to the body in a first state and in a second state, the first state being where the tube is held to the body axially by the tab and is freely rotatable, and the second state being where the tube is held in a fixed position relative to the body. |
US09358638B2 |
Movable vacuum welding device
A movable vacuum welding device (1) includes a vacuum chamber (7) having an edge section (12) opposite to a surface of a welding target (T) and forming a vacuum space between the surface of the welding target (T) and the vacuum chamber (7), a seal section (8) interposed between the edge section (12) and the welding target (T) throughout the entire circumference of the edge section (12), a welding head (9) configured to perform welding on the surface of the welding target (T) in the vacuum space, and a preload unit (10) configured to previously apply a load to the seal section (8). The seal section (8) includes a first seal member (27) formed of an elastic material and extending along the edge section (12), and a second seal member (28) disposed at least a rear side in a relative moving direction in which a welding bead (W) passes and having higher flexibility than the first seal member (27). |
US09358635B2 |
Rastered laser melting of a curved surface path with uniform power density distribution
A method of progressing a melt front (55) around a curved progression path (20) via a pattern (LP) of transverse laser scan lines (S1-S8) of differing lengths. Multiple area bands (B1-B8) conceptually divide a width of the curved path. The multiple transverse scan lines distribute the laser power among the bands with a predetermined uniformity that provides relatively consistent power density across the melt front. The scan lines may extend from a less curved side (24) of the curved path, through a band (B4 or B8) of largest area, toward a more curved side (22) of the path. At least one of the scan lines (S1, S8) may cross all bands. Other scan lines are shorter and extend by varying distances into the inner bands (B1-B3 or B1-B7), normalizing the power density across the bands. |
US09358622B2 |
Single sided indexable ramping milling insert and ramping milling tool
A single-sided ramping milling insert for ramping operations has top and bottom surfaces and a peripheral surface which extends therebetween. The peripheral surface meets the top and bottom surfaces at respective top and bottom edges. The top edge includes two opposite side cutting edges, two opposite ramping cutting edges, two diagonally opposite raised corner cutting edges and two diagonally opposite associated lowered corner cutting edges. The lowered corner cutting edges are closer to the bottom surface than the raised corner cutting edges. The bottom edge has two diagonally opposite bottom corner edges. The lowered corner cutting edges and the bottom corner edges are convexly curved and a depression is recessed into the peripheral surface between each lowered corner cutting edge and its associated bottom corner edge, the depression configured for providing relief from a convex workpiece surface cut by the lowered corner cutting edge during ramping operations. |
US09358615B2 |
Metal particle manufacturing system
A metal particle manufacturing system includes: a first airtight container, in which a metal film is placed and conveyed; a plasma melting chamber for heating and melting the metal film into ultrafine particle metal; a second airtight container for cooling and suspending the ultrafine particle metal for collection and being taken out; and a circulating conveyor belt for providing conveying channels between the first airtight container, the plasma melting chamber and the second airtight container. Airtight channels are provided to cover between the first airtight container, the plasma melting chamber and the second airtight container. With this implementation, the highly pure ultrafine particle metal with the purity reaching 99.99% can be obtained. |
US09358614B2 |
Slurry recycling method, producing method of rare earth sintered magnet and slurry recycling apparatus
The present invention provides a producing method of a rare earth sintered magnet which is suitable as a producing method of a high performance rare earth sintered magnet which can reduce the number of steps for reusing defective molded bodies generated in a wet molding step of the rare earth sintered magnet, and which has a small content amount of oxygen. The invention also provides a slurry recycling method used for the producing method, and a slurry recycling apparatus. Each of the methods includes a crushing step of crushing, in mineral oil and/or synthetic fluid, a molded body in which slurry formed from alloy powder for a rare earth sintered magnet and mineral oil and/or synthetic fluid is wet molded in magnetic field, and recycling the crushed molded body into slurry. |
US09358612B2 |
FePt-based sputtering target
An FePt-based sputtering target contains Fe, Pt, and a metal oxide, and further contains one or more kinds of metal elements other than Fe and Pt, wherein the FePt-based sputtering target has a structure in which an FePt-based alloy phase and a metal oxide phase containing unavoidable impurities are mutually dispersed, the FePt-based alloy phase containing Pt in an amount of 40 at % or more and less than 60 at % and the one or more kinds of metal elements in an amount of more than 0 at % and 20 at % or less with the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities and with the total amount of Pt and the one or more kinds of metal elements being 60 at % or less, and wherein the metal oxide is contained in an amount of 20 vol % or more and 40 vol % or less based on the total amount of the target. |
US09358611B2 |
Supporting plate for a laser sintering device and enhanced sintering method
Sintering device comprising a laser source, the light power of which is capable of selectively melting successive layers of metal powders, and a reference plate on which the first metal powder layer is deposited and which serves as a base for the construction of an object, characterized in that the said plate comprises one or more recesses, the shape of which is determined so as to make the said recesses capable of receiving inserts of a given shape. |
US09358609B2 |
Process for producing a turbine housing and turbine housing
A method is provided of producing a housing with two layers. The method includes casting an inner casting formed as an inner layer, and then casting an outer casting. The inner casting is used as a wall and the outer casting is formed as an outer layer. The inner layer is made of a more heat resistant material than the outer layer. Hooked formations are fitted on the inner casting in order to improve an integral bonding to the outer layer. |
US09358608B2 |
Bimetallic casting
A method of forming a casting includes providing a preform to a mold cavity. The preform is formed from one of a first metal and a second metal and defines an interface surface. A molten portion of the other of the first metal and the second metal is cast into the mold such that the molten portion proximately contacts the interface surface of the preform. An interface layer at the interface surface, a first portion defined by the mold cavity and the interface layer, and a second portion defined by the interface layer, are formed during casting. The interface layer may define a metallurgical bond between the first portion and the second portion. In the non-limiting example provided herein, the first portion is substantially comprised of aluminum and the second portion is substantially comprised of magnesium. In a non-limiting example, the casting may be configured as a vehicle wheel. |
US09358607B2 |
Method for manufacturing boron-containing aluminum plate material
A method for manufacturing a boron-containing aluminum plate material comprises: a spreading step for spreading boron-containing alloy particles (3) in the shape of a layer over a bottom plate (2) placed in a container (1); a preheating step for preheating both the container (1) and a tundish (6) mounted on the container (1); a casting step for enveloped-casting the layer of the boron-containing alloy particles (3) in the container (1) with molten aluminum (10) by pouring the molten aluminum (10) into the tundish (6) to manufacture an enveloped-cast plate (14) with a predetermined thickness; and a cutting step for cutting off shrinkage cavities (13) occurring in a feeder section (12) of the upper portion of the enveloped-cast plate (14). |
US09358602B2 |
Method for producing press-formed product
There is provided a useful method for producing a press-formed product without making the structure of a press tool complicated, which product has favorable formability in a level so as to be able to be produced by deep drawing, and which product is produced by press-forming a thin steel sheet with a punch and a die, in which the thin steel sheet is heated to a temperature not lower than an Ac3 transformation point thereof, and the press-forming is then started, wherein the forming is carried out so that a temperature difference in the thin steel sheet is adjusted to be not higher than 200° C. at a stage when the thin steel sheet has reached one third of a forming height. |
US09358596B2 |
Edge guide mechanism and panel forming machine incorporating the same
A forming machine for forming a longitudinal margin of a strip of material into a desired profile and methods encompassing the steps inherent in the described mechanical structures and operation thereof. The forming machine includes a frame, a drive mechanism, a plurality of forming elements, and an edge guide mechanism. The edge guide mechanism applies pressure along the edge margin in a lateral direction, thereby following the edge margin as the strip is advanced through the machine. The edge guide includes a carriage assembly attached to the frame that comprises a carriage support frame and a carriage movably disposed thereon. The edge guide mechanism includes an actuator connected to the carriage that is operative to urge the carriage toward edge margin. At least one guide roller is mounted to the carriage and adapted to receive the edge margin of the strip. |
US09358594B2 |
Manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method of hot-rolled steel sheet
Provided is a manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method of hot-rolled steel sheet which enables uniform cooling of a rolled material and improvement of the surface properties thereof. The manufacturing apparatus comprises: a rolling stand; a supplying device capable of supplying lubricant to work rolls and/or backup rolls; an online roll grinding device; and a removing device capable of removing at least part of the lubricant before the surface of the work rolls is ground by the grinding device. The manufacturing method comprises the steps of: removing at least part of the lubricant adhered to the work rolls, or to the work rolls and backup rolls using the lubricant removing device after completing rolling of a preceding material; grinding the work rolls using the online roll grinding device after the removing step; and supplying the lubricant to the work rolls and/or backup rolls from the lubricant supplying device. |
US09358593B1 |
Tube bender
An electrically powered apparatus for bending a length of stock includes a portable tube-bending component having a framework with two spaced-apart frame members and three rollers mounted rotatably on parallel horizontally disposed axles so that they occupy positions intermediate the two frame members. A first roller feeds stock longitudinally between the two frame members as it applies force downwardly on the length of stock, while the second and third rollers bear upwardly to produce the desired bending action. A power unit is provided on the framework in the form of a motor-and-reduction-gear assembly (MARG assembly) combined with a rotational-power-coupling-arm assembly (RPCA assembly). The power unit is mounted on the framework pivotally at a pivot position that is at least approximately directly beneath the center-of-gravity of the power unit in order to balance the power unit and thereby reduce transmission of linear forces to the first roller. |
US09358589B2 |
Dry type cleaning case and dry type cleaning device
A dry type cleaning case is for cleaning an object with a medium that flies by a revolving airflow. The dry type cleaning case includes a case unit and a leakage prevention unit. The case unit includes a space in which the medium flies, an opening that contacts the object so that the medium collides with the object, a ventilation path through which air flows into the space from outside, a suction opening that suctions the air that has been guided into the space through the ventilation path, to generate the revolving airflow in the space, and a porous unit through which a substance removed from the object is passed to the suction opening. The leakage prevention unit prevents the medium from leaking outside through the opening from the space, by causing outer air to flow in when the case unit is separated from the object. |
US09358586B2 |
Apparatus and method for separating plants
An apparatus and method is presented for separating healthy plants from agricultural material, such as harvested plants. The apparatus includes a conveyor to present the agricultural material to a mesh, which may be, for example bristles. A rotating drum with a plurality of protruding tines moves through the mesh and pulls individual plants from the agricultural material. A machine vision system may then sort the healthy, individual plants. The method includes presenting the agricultural material to the mesh, and then pulling individual plants through the mesh. |
US09358582B2 |
Sorting screen for sorting material and rotor body for such a sorting screen
A sorting screen for sorting material comprises a row of rotatable, driven shafts mutually spaced in a conveying direction. Each shaft extends transversally to said conveying direction and carries carrying a row of radially extending rotor bodies for intermittently urging material on the sorting screen upward and in conveying direction. The rotor bodies of each of said rows are mutually spaced in longitudinal direction of the respective shaft by spacers. Each spacer is a tubular spacer and each rotor body is provided with at least a recess or a number of projections retaining a respective end face of a respective tubular spacer. |
US09358581B2 |
Hot-dip galvanized steel sheet and method for producing the same
A method of producing a hot-dip galvanized steel sheet includes applying, to a hot-dip galvanized steel sheet having a Ra of 0.5 to 2.0 μm and a PPI of 150 or more, a predetermined surface treatment agent, i.e., a surface treatment agent containing a specified resin compound, a specified urethane resin having cationy, a specified silane coupling agent having a functional group, a specified organic Ti chelate compound, and a tetravalent vanadyl compound at a specified ratio; and drying the surface treatment agent at a ultimate sheet temperature of 50° C. to 180° C. to form a surface treatment coating film with a coating weight of 0.2 to 1.0 g/m2 on the surface of the steel sheet. |
US09358576B2 |
Packaging material having moisture barrier and methods for preparing same
An article in the form of a packaging material having a water vapor transportation rate of about 500 g/m2/day or less. The packaging material has a paper substrate and a print-receptive layer which is positioned over the outer surface of the paper substrate. The packaging material also has a moisture barrier layer positioned over the print-receptive layer. The moisture barrier layer is formed from one or more energy-cured polymers. Also, methods for preparing these packaging materials, including printed packaging materials. |
US09358573B2 |
Method of surface modification for analyzing phosphorylated peptides
A method of surface modification for analyzing of phosphorylated peptides. The surface of solid substrates is modified for efficient phosphorylated peptide preconcentration from complex peptide mixtures prior to detection based on desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. The method of surface functionalization is introduced by ambient ion landing. The approach is based on electronebulization, differently said electrospray, of solutions of organometallic compounds related to elements of 4B class of periodic table of elements, especially to zirconium, hafnium and titanium. The generated charged electrospray is dried on the fly by passing the heated compartment and focused to a surface for modification forming a stable oxide layer there. The surface modified this way has been used for phosphopeptide enrichment from peptide mixtures prior to desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. |
US09358570B2 |
Viscous material warming device
A viscous material warming device comprising a housing, where the housing is surrounded with an insulated wall; a lid atop the housing; an upper plate mounted within the housing, where the upper plate includes a plurality of upper receiving holes each to accept a material tube, and where the upper plate includes spacer holes; a lower plate mounted within the housing below the upper plate, where the lower plate includes a plurality of lower receiving holes each to accept a tip of the material tube, and where the lower plate includes spacer holes; at least three spacers positioned between the upper plate and the lower plate, where the spacers are positioned within the spacer holes of each the upper plate and the lower plate; and a heater positioned within the lower plate, where the heater includes a thermometer to maintain the housing at a constant temperature. |
US09358569B2 |
Ultrasonic surface treatment device and method
Disclosed are devices which generate a mist of a treatment composition, viz, an aerosolized treatment composition which imparts a technical benefit to surfaces, or airspaces, which come into contact with the said aerosolized treatment composition. Also disclosed are methods for the treatment of surfaces utilizing the devices of the invention. |
US09358568B2 |
Liquid spray apparatus
A liquid spray apparatus includes a liquid storage part storing a liquid, a vibratory source including a leading end, a recess being formed in a surface of the leading end, and a mesh member including a large number of micropores and arranged to abut on the surface of the leading end of the vibratory source. The liquid is supplied from the outside of the leading end to the surface and the recess of the leading end. The liquid supplied to the surface and the recess of the leading end is discharged in an atomized manner through the micropores by vibrations of the vibratory source. This liquid spray apparatus can stably spray the liquid with the vibratory source and the mesh member. |
US09358566B2 |
In-line pretreatment system for machine parts
An in-line parts washing system comprising concatenated modules of two discrete lengths where certain of the modules have a self-contained tank of parts cleaning chemical along with a motor-driven pump for forcing the cleaning chemical through spray heads enclosed in a shroud through which the parts to be cleaned are transported via a conveyor. Other modules disposed in-line with the wash modules provide zones where the cleaning chemical dripping from the parts is collected and redirected back into the tanks from which it originated. The ability to swap modules of differing length allows a user to easily alter the cleaning process. |
US09358565B1 |
Marking device
A marking device incorporates a pair of legs secured at one end to each other for pivotal movement with respect to each other and wherein one of the legs includes a pivot member for positioning at a pivot point located on a surface to be marked. A weight is secured to the other of said legs for contacting the surface and wherein a paint can retainer is positioned at that end of the leg for receiving a spray paint can. A hinge is secured between the paint can retainer and the leg to permit pivotal movement between the paint can retainer, the spray paint can contained therein, and a marking cane secured to said paint can retainer and paint can. A pivoting support rod is attached to the marking cane and one of the legs of the marking device and a spacer bar is pivotally secured between the two legs of the device wherein the two legs may be pivoted towards each other and the marking cane may be pivoted toward the legs to provide a collapsed marking device for convenient transportation and storage. |
US09358563B2 |
Backpack sprayer
A back pack sprayer apparatus for spraying liquids. The apparatus includes an integrally molded structure having an upper tank portion and a lower frame portion. A support stand can be connected to the molded structure, the support stand defining a supporting plane when the apparatus is in an upright position on the ground. The molded structure can have a front side defining a compound curve having an upper concave curve configured to receive an operator's back, and a lower convex curve terminating in a lowermost distal end forming a rearward angle of at least about 20 degrees with an axis normal to the supporting plane. The apparatus can include a pump, a hose, and a sprayer. A cover can be attached to the lower frame portion concealing the pump. The apparatus can include peripheral flanges and a lower drip rail which can help prevent liquid from contacting an operator. |
US09358562B2 |
Air supply device and related methods of manufacture
A pump device is provided including: a unitary pump frame; an electromagnet arrangement that includes a winding wrapped around a portion of the unitary pump frame; a diaphragm assembly coupled to the unitary pump frame, which includes a movable diaphragm and a manifold; and a pump arm having a proximal end coupled to the unitary pump frame and a distal end supporting a permanent magnet to interact with the electromagnet arrangement to cause the pump arm to swing back and forth during operation to displace the diaphragm and discharge an air stream from the pump device. Related methods of manufacture are also provided. |
US09358560B2 |
Spray gun
A spray gun including: a body having a gun barrel, a coating material nozzle disposed on a tip end side of the gun barrel; and an air cap disposed on the tip end side of the gun barrel to surround a tip end portion of the coating material nozzle, wherein the tip end portion of the coating material nozzle has on the tip end surface thereof a guide wall spreading and also has on the outer peripheral surface thereof a plurality of air grooves in a V shape channeled in a longitudinal direction, and wherein each of the air grooves has a bottom portion gradually increasing in depth in the longitudinal direction, the bottom portion having a curvature radius of 0.15 mm or less. |
US09358559B2 |
Spray gun
A spray gun including: a body having a gun barrel; a coating material nozzle disposed on a tip end side of the gun barrel, and an air cap disposed on the tip end side of the gun barrel to surround a tip end portion of the coating material nozzle, wherein the tip end portion of the coating material nozzle has on the tip end surface thereof a guide wall spreading, and also has on the outer peripheral surface thereof a plurality of V-shaped grooves channeled in a longitudinal direction, and wherein the V-shaped groove has, in a triangle shaped cross section defined by contours crossing the guide wall, a height in the range of 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm and an opening angle of a bottom vertex in the range of 20 degrees to 100 degrees. |
US09358556B2 |
Electrically-driven fluid flow and related systems and methods, including electrospinning and electrospraying systems and methods
Systems and methods in which the flow of fluid is electrically driven, including electrospinning and electrospraying systems and methods, are generally described. |
US09358553B2 |
Process for microalgae conditioning and concentration
Conditioning and concentration of microalgae are accomplished by the process steps of grinding a dilute aqueous dispersion of microalgae in the presence of grinding media and then applying adsorptive bubble separation. This process is amenable to the use of dilute feed microalgal dispersions such as are encountered in the production of algal biomass for biofuel applications. |
US09358549B2 |
Method for manufacturing carbide for reinforcing rubber articles
Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a carbide for reinforcing rubber articles that is capable of effectively utilizing polymer waste. The method includes the steps of mixing a carbide, obtained by thermal decomposition or incomplete combustion of polymer waste and pulverized by grinding, with carbon black to obtain a mixture of the carbide and the carbon black, and granulating the mixture using a granulating machine at a rotation speed of 70 rpm to 130 rpm. |
US09358548B2 |
Milling particles in drilling fluid
This disclosure is drawn to systems, devices, apparatuses, and/or methods, related to milling particles in drilling fluid. Specifically, the disclosed systems, devices, apparatuses, and/or methods relate to milling particles in drilling fluid using multiple milling techniques. Some example apparatuses may include a first mill to grind particles from the original diameter to a first reduced diameter, and a second mill to grind the particles from the first reduced diameter to a second reduced diameter, where the second reduced diameter is less than the first reduced diameter. |
US09358543B2 |
Vessel holder and cap assembly
A vessel holder assembly is provided. A vessel holder, for receiving one or more vessels, includes a first set of attachment features. A cap assembly, for covering the vessel(s) includes a second set of attachment features. Respective attachment features of the vessel holder and the cap assembly may be complementary, such that engagement between complementary attachment members results in an attachment between the cap assembly and the vessel holder. Such an attachment may be manually removable, or may be locked so as to require a tool, or other suitable method, for detaching the cap assembly from the vessel holder. |
US09358533B2 |
Hollow microsphere catalyst support and methods of making same
Hollow porous metal oxide microspheres are provided. The microspheres may be used as a support for a catalyst, particularly an exhaust treatment catalyst for an internal combustion engine. Also provided are methods of making the microspheres, methods of using the microspheres as catalyst supports, and methods of exhaust treatment using catalyst articles comprising the microspheres. |
US09358532B2 |
Catalyst for asymmetric hydrogenation of imine, synthesis method and application thereof
A chiral hydrogenated H8-BINOL bisphosphine compound is provided, with the structure shown as the following formula (I), wherein both R1 and R2 are halogen, H or C1-C10 aliphatic group; R3 is H or C1-C10 aliphatic group; R4 is halogen, amino, nitro, H, C1-C10 aliphatic group or C1-C10 aromatic group; and X is phenyl, substituted phenyl, cyclohexyl, substituted cyclohexyl, C6-C30 aromatic group, or C6-C30 heterocyclic aromatic group containing one or more heteroatoms selected from N, S, O. The present invention further provides a catalyst for an asymmetric catalytic hydrogenation reaction which contains the compound, wherein the catalyst can produce more than 90% of enantiomers and efficiency with the turnover number of greater than 100,000 in the asymmetric hydrogenation reaction of imines. |
US09358529B2 |
Porous material, honeycomb structure, and production method for porous material
There is disclosed a porous material containing aggregates; and a composite binding material which binds the aggregates to one another in a state where pores are formed and in which mullite particles that are reinforcing particles are dispersed in cordierite that is a binding material, and a content of metal silicon is smaller than 15 mass %. Preferably, to a total mass of the aggregates, the composite binding material and the metal silicon, a lower limit value of a content of the composite binding material is 12 mass %, and an upper limit value of the content of the composite binding material is 50 mass %. Preferably, to the total mass, a lower limit value of a content of the mullite particles is 0.5 mass %, and an upper limit value of the content of the mullite particles is 15 mass %. A porous material having a high thermal shock resistance is provided. |
US09358527B2 |
Exhaust gas purification catalyst and production method thereof
An exhaust gas purification catalyst of the present invention includes a catalyst support and a plurality of bimetallic particles supported thereon wherein the bimetallic particles consist of gold and cobalt and have an average particle size of greater than 0 nm but 100 nm or less. A method of the present invention includes heating a mixed solution containing a gold salt, a cobalt salt, a solvent and an inorganic reducing agent to a temperature sufficient to reduce gold and cobalt, thereby producing bimetallic particles consisting of gold and cobalt, and supporting the produced bimetallic particles on the catalyst support. |
US09358523B2 |
Self-ignition resistant thermally-activated carbon
Thermally-activated cellulosic-based carbon is rendered more thermally stable by exposure to a halogen and/or a halogen-containing compound. Such treated cellulosic-based carbon is suitable for use in mitigating the content of hazardous substances in flue gases, especially flue gases having a temperature within the range of from about 100° C. to about 420° C. |
US09358522B2 |
Composite medium for simultaneous removal of cationic and anionic heavy metals and method for manufacturing the same
A composite medium and method thereof for simultaneous removal of cationic and anionic heavy metals are provided to remove cationic and anionic heavy metals effectively. The method includes dissolving sodium alginate powder into deionized water to provide an alginate solution, and introducing amine group-supported mesoporous iron oxide and synthetic zeolite into the alginate solution and kneading the resultant mixture. The method also includes adding the alginate solution mixed with the mesoporous iron oxide and synthetic zeolite dropwise to an aqueous calcium chloride solution so that each drop of alginate solution is cured to form a bead-like composite medium, and vacuum drying the bead-like composite medium to remove water present in the composite medium, while the mesoporous iron oxide and synthetic zeolite are moved from the inside of the composite medium toward the surface of the composite medium. |
US09358517B2 |
Systems and methods of treating water used for hydraulic fracturing
A system and method of treating a fluid to be used for hydraulic fracturing adds an effective amount of chlorine dioxide to the fluid to act as a biocide that kills harmful bacteria. A system for adding chlorine dioxide to the fluid can continuously add chlorine dioxide to an incoming flow of the fluid to produce a continuous flow of treated fluid. |
US09358516B2 |
FCC reactor and riser design for short contact-time catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons
The present invention is an improved design and operation of a short contact time Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) Reactor wherein the upper internal riser and a lower internal riser are in fluid connection with one another and provide an improved disengaging zone for entraining the vapors from the dilute phase area of the FCC reactor. Detailed preferred embodiments include improvements over the prior art to the internal central riser, riser termination apparatus, cyclone separators, and a coke mitigation baffle system, as well as associated improved fluid catalytic cracking processes utilizing the novel reactor design. |
US09358511B2 |
Reagent vessel and kit thereof
The present invention is related to a reagent vessel, comprising: at least one first tube and at least one second tube, wherein second tube has a section area of the opening greater than one of the bottom. A kit for a reagent vessel is also provided herein, comprising: the reagent vessel and a stirrer jacket, wherein the section area ratio value for the bottom of the second tube to the stirrer jacket is 1.1 to 3.5. According to the present invention, an optimum efficiency for the stirrer jacket will be achieved, and a high capacity of the operational volume will be maintained thereby. |
US09358508B2 |
Dryer and water recovery/purification unit employing graphene oxide or perforated graphene monolayer membranes
Apparatuses and systems for removing water vapor from a gas stream and for providing water purification, recovery and/or concentration. The apparatuses and systems employ a graphene oxide or a perforated graphene monolayer membrane to separate liquid water molecules and/or water vapor molecules from gasses, liquids, and other substances such as a wet muck or an aqueous sample. In one embodiment, an apparatus for removing water from a gas or liquid stream includes a first lumen, a second lumen, and a graphene oxide membrane separating the first lumen from the second lumen. Water molecules within a humid gas or liquid stream introduced into the first lumen pass through the graphene oxide membrane into a dry gas stream introduced into the second lumen. |
US09358506B2 |
Hydrogen separation from synthesis gas near STP
A hydrogen separation system and membrane is described for extracting hydrogen from gasifier streams at near atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature conditions. The system can be inserted between a small gasifier and an internal combustion engine which runs a genset to optionally co-produce hydrogen and electricity. |
US09358504B2 |
Non-PGM catalyst for burning carbon soot, and filtration filter and exhaust gas post-processing apparatus using the same
The present invention provides a non-PGM catalyst for burning carbon soot without using a noble metal, the non-PGM catalyst comprising: a cerium-praseodymium complex oxide and an iron oxide, the cerium-praseodymium complex oxide impregnated with silver (Ag). The cerium-praseodymium complex oxide illustratively consists of 60 to 95 wt % of cerium oxide and 5 to 40 wt % of praseodymium oxide, and silver (Ag) impregnated in the complex oxide is 1.5 to 3.0 parts by weight of the total weight of the complex oxide. The iron oxide may be an oxide in a form of particles separate from the cerium-praseodymium complex oxide in which silver is impregnated, and may be 0.5 to 2 parts by weight of the total weight of the cerium praseodymium complex oxide. |
US09358502B2 |
Photocatalytic coating
De-polluting, self-cleaning coating compositions are disclosed which comprise an organic binder having dispersed therein photocatalytic titanium dioxide particles substantially in anatase form which have an average crystallite size between about 1 nm and about 150 nm and which preferably have photocatalytic activity in the presence of visible light. Advantageously, the coatings of the invention do not require pre-activation to achieve high initial photocatalytic activity against pollutants in the air, such as NOx compounds. |
US09358500B2 |
Dispensing cartridge
A dispensing cartridge may be improved by the inclusion of an actuator and an agitator. Specifically, activation of the actuator may move the agitator within the cartridge to agitate the items and to direct one of the items into a position for dispensing. Concurrently, activation of the actuator may move a cap of the cartridge to align a dispensing hole with the position for dispensing, thereby allowing for the dispensing of a single item. |
US09358498B2 |
Mixed air removal device and power generator including the same
A device for automatically detecting and removing air from a gas mixture of an organic gas and air includes calculating a saturation pressure value based on a temperature of the gas mixture in a reservoir 1, and obtaining a pressure threshold value by adding a margin value to the saturation pressure value. When the pressure value inside the reservoir 1 is higher than the pressure threshold value, air is detected to be in the gas mixture. After this detection, a controller 5 pressurizes and introduces the gas mixture into a pressure container 2 to condense the organic gas in the gas mixture, thus producing a diluted gas mixture. Subsequently, the diluted gas mixture is introduced to a supply side of a membrane unit 3, the organic gas in the diluted gas mixture is recovered at a permeation side thereof, and a residual gas is discharged outside of the device. |
US09358494B2 |
End of service life indicating systems for layered filter cartridges
Layered filtered cartridge systems with an End of Service Life Indicating system include a filter cartridge that includes filter media. The filter media includes a multi-layer construction, of a first sorbent layer, a second sorbent layer, and a sensing element adjacent to the first and second sorbent layers such that an indicating element of the sensing element is located at the interface between the first and second sorbent layers. The second sorbent layer has a higher adsorption capacity and/or higher adsorption rate than the first sorbent layer. The sensing element indicates the passage of an adsorption wavefront through the filter cartridge. |
US09358492B2 |
Carbon nano tube intelligent filter for adsorption of pollutants and hydrocarbons in environment and recovery to excellent industrial carbon
The various embodiments herein provide for an intelligent method and system with carbon nano tube filters for adsorbing and removing toxic and hydrocarbons in exhaust and in industrial soot. The carbon nano tube filter comprises two nano catalysts and monolith cylinders. The carbon nano tubes are single or multi walled. The nano catalysts are optimized carbon nano tubes coated with adhesive material, cobalt oxide and nano oxides of specific metals. The monolith cylinders are covered by palladium and rhodium oxides. The process of making the carbon nano tube based filter involves synthesis of highly purified carbon nano tube, surface modification of carbon nano tube with catalyst nano particle and optimization and deposition of nano metal oxides on the surface of nano catalyst. Further the nano-materials are coated on the internal surface of monoliths and the entire structure in subjected to sintering in a vacuum furnace. |
US09358487B2 |
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. |
US09358485B2 |
Hydraulic spin-on filter cartridge having base plate supporting radially directed seal
A filter element is provided. The filter element is removably engaged with a filter head having an inlet and an outlet. The filter element includes an outer housing, a filter cartridge, and a baseplate. The filter element further includes a plurality of seals adapted to seal between the baseplate and the filter head, and between the baseplate and the filter cartridge. |
US09358478B2 |
Spray-drying apparatus and methods of using the same
A spray-drying apparatus includes a drying chamber that has a first end, a second end, and at least one side wall extending between the first and second ends to define an interior of the drying chamber having a center axis. A nozzle can be positioned at the first end of the drying chamber and be configured to atomize liquid and spray the atomized liquid into the interior of the drying chamber at a maximum spray pattern angle relative to the center axis. A heating device can be provided to heat the liquid prior to introduction into the drying chamber. |
US09358476B2 |
Connectable block
To provide a block having a simple shape by itself with which various three-dimensional structures can be obtained by devising connection states, the invention is directed to a regular hexahedral block connectable with at least another block by fitting a protrusion provided on a surface of one of the blocks into a recessed portion provided in a surface of the other block, in which one protrusion having a square cross-sectional shape is formed at the center in one quarter section of a surface of the regular hexahedron, and in which a recessed portion into which the protrusion is fittable is formed at the center in each of two to four quarter sections of any other three surfaces of the regular hexahedron. |
US09358473B2 |
Interactive amusement attraction
An interactive amusement attraction includes a track arranged inside a building and a transportation system having ride vehicles configured to move along the track. There are screens secured inside the building and projectors configured to display video content along the track on the screens. There are also input devices associated with passenger seats of the ride vehicles, which are configured to receive visitor inputs. The attraction also includes a controlling system configured to determine a location of the ride vehicle or visitors on the track, receive the visitor inputs from the input devices, and cause modifying and displaying of the video content based on the visitor inputs and the location of ride vehicle or visitor. The controlling system further causes the transportation system to move the ride vehicle based on the visitor inputs and the location of ride vehicle or visitor. |
US09358472B2 |
Motion control system and method for an amusement ride
A amusement ride feature comprises a waterslide sliding surface, a vehicle having a vehicle bottom surface adapted to slide on said sliding surface and to convey at least one rider thereon, and at least one reaction plate and at least one permanent magnet each mounted to one of said vehicle and said sliding surface. The at least one reaction plate and the at least one permanent magnet are positioned to affect motion of the vehicle when the motion of the vehicle brings the reaction plate under the influence of the permanent magnet. |
US09358470B2 |
Television viewing on gaming consoles
An integrated gaming and media experience is disclosed, including television viewing on a gaming console. A client component is installed via a bootstrap process that uses authentication information to accomplish this task. Once installed, it integrates itself into a typical gaming display. Various console hardware details are used to enable communication between the client component and downstream servers providing the content. Once up and running, the client component allows users to watch television as if they were interacting with a set-top box. Users may switch between various applications on the gaming console, including but not limited to game titles, DVR, VOD, DVD programs, and so on. |
US09358468B2 |
Pattern detection of avatars in a virtual environment
Techniques are described for detecting script-controlled avatars in a virtual environment engaging in certain pattern formation behaviors. In particular, a virtual environment server may select a group of avatars and determine a pattern formed by the selected group. The virtual environment system may further search for a match of the pattern from a library of prohibited words or symbols. In the event the pattern formed by the selected avatars matches one of the prohibited patterns, some form of remedial action may be performed to disrupt the pattern. |
US09358466B2 |
Cache-influenced video games
Technologies related to cache-influenced video games are generally described. In some examples, the content of video game outputs as experienced by players of a video game may be adaptively modified to make more effective use of digital assets that are loaded in a computing system cache. Cache-influenced video games may increase cache use by increasing use, within a video game, of digital assets in a cache relative to assets not in the cache, e.g., assets that are on disk or in database storage. Cached digital assets can be retrieved more efficiently than assets stored elsewhere, and therefore video game performance may be improved. |
US09358463B2 |
Interactive gaming via mobile playmaker
A gaming system, comprising a site server configured to provide game instances to local gaming devices in communication with the site server, a monitor for displaying video information related to the game instances, a central server configured to provide information about the availability of a game to players using local gaming devices in proximity of the site server, provide information about the availability of the game to one of the mobile telephones over the wide-area wireless network, receive, from the one or more mobile telephones, an indication of a selected game offered by the central server, and relay game instances between the site server and the one or more mobile telephones as the selected game is being played by players using the local gaming devices and players using the one or more mobile telephones via the wide-area wireless network. |
US09358460B2 |
Adaptive cloud-based application streaming
Methods and systems for remotely provisioning immediately executable applications with license control in secure environments. Immediately initially executable portions of applications are pushed onto user desktops, and when applications are selected for use, additional components of selected applications are streamed to said desktops. |
US09358457B2 |
Game system, controller device, and game method
An example game system includes a home-console type game device and a terminal device. The terminal device includes a touch panel and an inertia sensor, and wirelessly transmits to the game device operation data including touch panel data and inertia sensor data. The game device receives the operation data from the terminal device, and performs game processes based on the operation data. Moreover, the game device generates first game images and second game images based on the game processes. The first game images are compressed, and the compressed image data is wirelessly transmitted to the terminal device. The second game image is output to, and displayed on, an external display device which is separate from the terminal device. The terminal device receives the compressed image data from the game device, expands the received compressed image data, and displays the first game images on a display section. |
US09358456B1 |
Dance competition game
Techniques for use with a game console and a camera system, the techniques include providing a first prompt to a first player to create and perform a dance move, receiving at the game console information from the camera system reflecting a position of the first player in response to the first prompt, generating, using the game console, a target frame using the received information relating to the first player, providing, using the audiovisual system connected to the game console, a second prompt to a second player to perform the dance move created by the first player, receiving at the game console information from the camera system reflecting a position of the second player in response to the second prompt, generating, using the game console, an input frame using the information relating to the second player, and comparing the input frame to the target frame to determine a comparison value. |
US09358454B2 |
Audio headset system and apparatus
According to one embodiment of the technology described herein, a audio headset system is provided, comprising: a speaker; a signal processor configured to process source audio received from an audio source, to produce processed audio from the source audio, and to output the processed audio to the speaker; and a control unit configured to control operation of the signal processor according to an audio profile, wherein the audio profile causes the signal processor to selectively mix, delay, phase shift, and equalize the source audio, thereby producing processed audio. |
US09358451B2 |
Personalized server-based system for building virtual environments
A system for creating and operating virtual environments includes an Internet-connected server, and software executing from the server from a non-transitory physical medium, the software providing a first function for providing computational resources for creating and operating the virtual environments upon consumer request, a second function for providing administrative control over the created virtual environments to individual ones of the creators of those virtual environments, and a third function for providing a secure interface for matching individual visitors to the created virtual worlds and granting access thereto according to the administrative policies of those individual virtual worlds born through operation of the second function. |
US09358446B2 |
Adjustable connecting element with clearance compensation for a gliding board
An adjustable connecting element (10) of a device for fixing a shoe to a gliding board, capable of a mobile connection with a second element (50) to enable movement thereof for adjusting the position of a shoe fixing device on the gliding board, characterized in that it includes a rod (12) comprising a locking element (13) capable of fixing the connecting element on the second element (50) and in that it includes at least one clearance compensation component (25), the rod (12) comprising an actuating element (15) cooperating with at least one clearance compensation component (25), so as to reduce or to eliminate remaining clearance when fixing the connecting element by means of the locking element (13). |
US09358444B2 |
Display system including DC locally synchronized power line communication
According to an example embodiment, a display system includes, among other things, a plurality of displays. A corresponding plurality of processors are associated with the displays. Each processor is configured to control a displayed image on one of the associated displays. A controller is configured to provide a control signal to each of the processors. The control signal indicates a desired image to be displayed on the displays. Each of the processors is configured to receive the control signal and determine whether the control signal satisfies at least one criterion. Each processor is configured to determine a portion of the desired image to be displayed on the associated display based on the control signal. Each controller is also configured to control the associated display to display the portion of the desired image at a time corresponding a timing indicator. |
US09358436B2 |
Golf club head
A wood-type golf club head comprises a body having one or more ribs extending across the internal surface of the sole. The plurality of ribs can include two or more ribs, such as three or four ribs, that converge at a convergence location, such as above a recessed pocket in the sole configured to receive an adjustable sole piece. At least one rib can extend along an internal surface of the recessed pocket and along an internal surface of a surrounding sole region. The ribs can extend from the convergence location to a toe weight port, to a heel weight port, to a rear portion of the body and/or toward the face. At least one rib can extend from a hosel, such as to the toe weight port. |
US09358434B2 |
Golf clubs
Golf clubs having improved features and a golf swing training device are disclosed. In one embodiment, the golf club has a club head made of at least one material having a first specific gravity, and at least one weighting portion that has a higher specific gravity than the first specific gravity of the material forming the main body of the club head. In another embodiment, the golf club has a club head of the “iron” type, and the club head has a sole that is provided with “bounce” thereon. In another embodiment, the golf club has a club head of the “iron” type that has a configuration that provides it with improved ability to cut through the “rough” on the golf course. In another embodiment, the golf club has a club head having a club face with at least one portion thereof that has a thickness that is modified to account for a groove in the striking surface of the club face. In another embodiment, correlated golf clubs are provided in which the club face is opened or closed relative to at least one other club within a set of golf clubs. The golf swing training device has a structure that is attached to the golf club and extends outward from the front of the golf club that makes the rotation of the golf club shaft and/or club face more visible to the golfer. |
US09358433B2 |
Club head with club head alignment aid and related method
A wood-type club head can include a front end having a front face, a toe end, a heel end opposite the toe end, a rear end opposite the front end, a crown surface having a front crown end and a rear crown end, and an alignment aid at the crown surface. The front crown end can be closer to the front end than to the rear end, and the rear crown end can be closer to the rear end than to the front end. The alignment aid can include four alignment aid stripes. The four alignment aid stripes can include a first toe alignment aid stripe, a first heel alignment aid stripe, a second toe alignment aid stripe, and a second heel alignment aid stripe. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
US09358431B2 |
Golf club head with removable weight
A head body h1 includes a recess part 14 for a socket. A socket 10 is attached to the recess part 14 for a socket. A weight body 12 is detachably attached to the socket 10. The weight body 12 can be secured by relative rotation of an angle +θ°. The weight body 12 can be detached by relative rotation of an angle−θ°. The weight body 12 includes an engaging part 32. The socket 10 includes a first hole part 18 and a second hole part 20. The engaging part 32 can take an engaging position EP and a non-engaging position NP at the second hole part 20 by the relative rotations. A sectional shape of the engaging part 32 has N-fold rotation symmetry. N is an integer of 1 or greater and 3 or less. |
US09358428B2 |
Racket with piezoelectric strings
A racket having a handle, a frame attached to the handle, and strings with two perpendicular strings stretched in the frame, running back and forth in the frame. The system also includes: for each string, a piezoelectric sheath coating said string along most of its length, said sheath being divided along its length into at least three piezoelectric areas capable of each generating an independent voltage according to mechanical stress exerted on the strings; and an electronic circuit connected to the piezoelectric areas of the strings to identify a portion of the strings submitted to the highest mechanical stress according to the voltages generated by the piezoelectric areas of the strings. |
US09358425B2 |
Motion detection system
A motion detection system (100) comprises a sensor (106) arranged to detect a movement pattern of a movement occasioned by a user, and a control device (108) arranged to receive movement data representative of the detected movement pattern. The control device (108) is further arranged to compare the detected movement pattern data with movement pattern data representative of a predetermined movement pattern and to determine a coherence parameter representative of the coherence between the detected and the predetermined movement pattern. The control device (108) controls a feedback device (110) for providing feedback to the user on the basis of the determined coherence parameter. |
US09358424B1 |
Lower back stretching device
A lower back stretching device which allows a user in a supine position with his buttocks supported by a cross-brace disposed between a pair of side panels and with his knees resting atop a height-adjustable knee support bar parallel to the cross-brace between the side panels to push and pull the forwardly angled handles of the device and rock the device back and forth on convex side panel bottom ends in order lift and stretch the user's lower back. |
US09358423B2 |
Abdomen exercise bench
An exercise machine applicable for strengthening a user's abdominal muscles is described. The exercise machine can include a base frame, a backrest assembly and a seat assembly. The base frame can have side members and a crossbar member to provide floor support. The backrest assembly may be rotablely coupled with the base frame to swivel with simultaneous rotational movements around two or more axes of rotations. The backrest assembly can include two or more pairs of pivot joints. Each pair of pivot joints may define one of the axes of rotation. Handle bars may be mounted substantially transverse to the axes of rotation. The seat assembly may be affixed to the base frame to allow a user sitting on a seat pad of the seat assembly to cause the swiveling of the backrest assembly via hand pushes on the handle bars. |
US09358417B2 |
Oscillating positive expiratory pressure device
A respiratory treatment device comprising at least one chamber, a chamber inlet configured to receive exhaled air into the at least one chamber, at least one chamber outlet configured to permit exhaled air to exit the at least one chamber, and an exhalation flow path defined between the chamber inlet and the at least one chamber outlet. A restrictor member positioned in the exhalation flow path is moveable between a closed position, where a flow of exhaled air along the exhalation flow path is restricted, and an open position, where the flow of exhaled air along the exhalation flow path is less restricted. A vane in fluid communication with the exhalation flow path is operatively connected to the restrictor member and is configured to reciprocate between a first position and a second position in response to the flow of exhaled air along the exhalation flow path. |
US09358416B1 |
Method to vary torque around a joint during a single repetition of an exercise
It is possible to change the torque produced by a force on a joint during a repetition of an exercise having a kinetic chain comprising one or more several successively arranged intermediary joints dispersed between the said force and the said joint by changing the angles of the said intermediary joints. |
US09358414B2 |
Rotator cuff therapy device
A rotator cuff therapy device assists a user in accomplishing orbital motion of the user's arm to provide a therapeutic effect that strengthens and rehabilitates the arms, shoulders, and related joints and tissues. The device may be adjustable so that an unevenly-weighted rotatable portion can be moved along a desired path with varying speed and effort according to a pre-selected friction setting, and while being held in different positions relative to the user's body. This allows the device to be used by people with varying degrees of dexterity, strength, or injury, while targeting different tissues for therapy. |
US09358409B2 |
Air filtration device
Air filtering devices may be helmet-mounted or belt-mounted. The air filtering devices include a filtering device shell and a filtering unit. The filtering unit includes a contaminated-air inlet, a filter assembly in fluid communication with the contaminated-air inlet, a blower assembly in fluid communication with the filter assembly via a duct, and containing a filtered-air outlet, and a filtered-air passageway in fluid communication with the blower assembly outlet and leading to breathing headgear. The blower assembly is vibrationally isolated from the filtering device shell by being only attached to the filtering device shell by the duct. The duct includes an elastomeric material. |
US09358406B2 |
Method and apparatus for particle beam range verification
The invention is related to a method and apparatus for verifying the beam range in a target irradiated with a charged hadron beam, such as a proton beam. The beam range is the location of the Bragg peak in the target, being the location where the largest portion of the dose is delivered. The method utilizes a prompt gamma camera provided with a slit-shaped opening, so as to be able to produced a 1-dimensional profile of the dose distribution along the beam line. The camera is mounted with the slit oriented perpendicularly to the beam line. The method comprises the steps of calculating a position of the camera with respect to a target, for a plurality of beam energies and spots to be irradiated. The method further comprises the steps of verifying the beam range for said plurality of spots, and delivering a value representative of the difference between the estimated beam range and the actual beam range. The apparatus of the invention is provided with a positioning module for positioning the camera. |
US09358405B2 |
Controlling access to radiotherapy systems
A system for identifying users and controlling access to a radiotherapy apparatus, comprising: a portable identification device, comprising a memory for storing identification information corresponding to a user of the device and an antenna; and a control mechanism for a radiotherapy apparatus, comprising: a wireless transceiver for communicating with the portable identification device and identifying the user of the portable identification device; and a display for displaying a user interface and receiving inputs for controlling the radiotherapy apparatus on the basis of the identified user when the portable identification device is placed on the display. |
US09358400B2 |
Leadless cardiac pacemaker
In a cardiac pacing system, a leadless cardiac pacemaker is configured for implantation in electrical contact with a cardiac chamber and configured for leadless pacing. |
US09358399B2 |
Efficient external charger for an implantable medical device optimized for fast charging and constrained by an implant power dissipation limit
An external charger for a battery in an implantable medical device and charging techniques are disclosed. Simulation data is used to model the power dissipation of the charging circuitry in the implant at varying levels of implant power. A power dissipation limit constrains the charging circuitry from producing an inordinate amount of heat to the tissue surrounding the implant, and duty cycles of a charging field are determined so as not to exceed that limit. A maximum simulated average battery current determines the optimal (i.e., quickest) battery charging current, and at least an optimal value for a parameter indicative of that current is determined and stored in the external charger. During charging, the actual value for that parameter is determined, and the intensity and/or duty cycle of the charging field are adjusted to ensure that charging is as fast as possible, while still not exceeding the power dissipation limit. |
US09358397B2 |
Devices, systems and methods for efficient identification of improved CRT parameters
Methods, systems and devices efficiently identify cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) pacing parameter set(s) that provide improved hemodynamic response relative to an initial CRT pacing parameter set, wherein each CRT pacing parameter set includes at least two CRT pacing parameters. User input(s) are accepted that specify a maximum amount of time and/or parameter sets that can be used to perform testing, and specify relative importance of parameters within the sets. Based on the accepted user input(s), there is a determination of how many different variations of each of the CRT pacing parameters can be tested, and based on this determination different CRT pacing parameter sets are selected and tested to obtain a hemodynamic response measure corresponding to each of the different sets tested. Additionally, one or more of the tested CRT pacing parameter sets, if any, that provide improved hemodynamic response relative to the initial CRT pacing parameter set is/are identified. |
US09358396B2 |
Systems and methods for delivering sub-threshold therapy to a patient at a physiological midline
A method of operating an implantable neuromodulator coupled to an electrode array implanted adjacent tissue of a patient includes conveying electrical modulation energy to the tissue per a series of modulation parameter sets, thereby displacing the locus of the resulting electrical field laterally relative to the tissue, associating a plurality of different loci with the modulation parameter sets, causing the patient to perceive paresthesia, identifying a modulation parameter set as creating an electrical field having a locus disposed on a physiological midline of the patient based on the perceived paresthesia, deriving another modulation parameter set from the identified modulation parameter set, conveying electrical modulation energy to the patient per the other modulation parameter set, thereby creating an electrical field having a locus relative to the tissue that is the same as the locus of the electrical field associated with the identified modulation parameter set, without causing paresthesia. |
US09358393B1 |
Stimulation methods and systems for treating an auditory dysfunction
Methods of treating auditory hallucinations, hyperacusis, schizophrenia, and/or phonophobia include applying at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within a patient with an implanted stimulator in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The stimulation site may include, for example, at least one or more of a cochlear nucleus, auditory striae, superior olivary complex, lateral lemniscus, inferior colliculus, brachium of the inferior colliculus, medial geniculate body, primary auditory cortex, secondary auditory cortical area, and auditory radiation. Systems for treating auditory hallucinations, hyperacusis, schizophrenia, and/or phonophobia include an implanted stimulator configured to apply at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within a patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The stimulation site may include, for example, at least one or more of a cochlear nucleus, auditory striae, superior olivary complex, lateral lemniscus, inferior colliculus, brachium of the inferior colliculus, medial geniculate body, primary auditory cortex, secondary auditory cortical area, and auditory radiation. |
US09358392B2 |
Electrode configuration for implantable modulator
A device according to some embodiments may include an implantable flexible carrier and a pair of electrodes located on the carrier. The electrodes may be spaced from each other by a distance greater than 3 mm, and may be configured to cause, when supplied with an electrical signal, a unidirectional electric field sufficient to modulate at least one nerve. |
US09358388B2 |
Systems and methods for detecting intrathecal penetration
Systems and methods for detecting intrathecal penetration are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment includes detecting a value corresponding to an impedance of an electrical circuit that in turn includes an electrical contact located within the patient, and patient tissue adjacent to the electrical contact. The method further includes comparing the detected value to a predetermined criterion, and, if the detected value meets the predetermined criterion, identifying penetration of the patient's dura based at least in part on the detected value. |
US09358383B2 |
Self contained device with treatment cycle for electrostimulation
An electro-stimulation device for the stimulation of the musculature of the pelvic floor complex e.g. for the treatment of anterior and posterior pelvic floor muscle dysfunction is fully self-contained. The device requires no external power sources or control and may be inserted into the vagina or anus through the use of an applicator. The device uses a pre-programmed treatment cycle of stimulating pulses. The cycle comprises either a waveform with an initial phase where the current of the device is ramped from an initial level to a higher level, a second phase where the current is ramped from the higher level from the first phase to a second higher level and a third phase where the current is maintained at the second higher level, or a waveform comprising two or more components each component being a train of regularly spaced pulses or a combination of these two waveforms. |
US09358381B2 |
Non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation to treat disorders
Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating a variety of diseases and disorders that are primarily or at least partially driven by an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain, such as asthma, COPD, depression, anxiety, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and the like. The invention involves the use of an energy source comprising magnetic and/or electrical energy that is transmitted non-invasively to, or in close proximity to, a selected nerve to temporarily stimulate, block and/or modulate the signals in the selected nerve such that neural pathways are activated to release inhibitory neurotransmitters in the patient's brain. |
US09358379B2 |
Medical connector with closeable male luer
A luer connector including a housing with first end including a male luer tip and a second end. The connector further includes a rigid valve member having a first opened end and a second closed end and a resilient member configured to couple the valve member and the housing. The housing further includes a rigid conduit positioned within the housing and in fluid communication with the second end of the housing, the rigid conduit adapted to engage the first opened end of the valve member. The housing defines a first internal volume when the valve member is in a first position and a second, smaller volume when the valve member is in a second position. |
US09358376B2 |
Microneedle roller
A micro-needle roller infusion system for transdermal or intradermal delivery of active agents, skin-care products, and other topical formulations is provided. The infusion system comprises a needle roller assembly with needles enclosed in a housing with a disposable cartridge having the active agent. The device offers the advantages of creating a path for the active agents to reach or be injected into the desired depth for an easier, more effective interaction with the target skin layer. Apart from the approximation of the agent to the target, the device also provides biological benefits of the needling therapy of collagen generation and skin rejuvenation coupled with superior convenience and ease of use. |
US09358375B2 |
Fluid transfer device and an active substance cartridge for the fluid transfer device, and a method for controlling the pressure at which an active substance is delivered to a subject from a fluid transfer device
A micro-needle device comprising an active substance layer (3) having a plurality of active substance chambers (4) formed therein, a drive substance layer (9) having a plurality of drive substance chambers (10) formed therein and a needle support layer (5) having a plurality of micro-needles (6) extending therefrom. An activation layer (12) comprising a plurality of heating elements (14) for heating an expandable drive substance (11) located in the drive substance chambers (10) for in turn urging the second membrane (16) into the active substance chamber (4) for pressurizing and urging an active substance (2) therefrom through the corresponding micro-needle (6). A plurality of membrane accommodating recesses (25) extend into the needle support layer (5) for accommodating the first membrane (15) as the active substance in the corresponding active substance chamber (10) is pressurized. A puncturing member (33) with a piercing point (35) extends into each membrane accommodating recess (25). A barrier grating (41) extends across each active substance chamber (4) for preventing contact between the second membrane (16) and the corresponding puncturing member (33). |
US09358374B2 |
Method and system for blocking nerve conduction
Methods and related systems for modulating neural activity by cyclical blocking of conduction in peripheral neural structures are disclosed. Neural activity may blocked cyclically by blocking stimuli delivered via various types of blocking stimulus sources. In an aspect, a conduction block is produced in a sensory nerve. Neural modulation may be used, for example, to modulate an undesired sensation, such as pain, or an immune or inflammatory response or process. Delivery of blocking stimuli may be controlled in part in response to an input from a user input device. |
US09358373B2 |
Transdermal patch incorporating active agent migration barrier layer
Devices for administration of one or more active agents to the skin or mucosa of a host are formed in the nature of a double-disk patch. One outer layer functions as the primary adhesive layer for adhering the patch to the host. The other inner layer contains at least one active agent to be administered to the host. The inner layer is bonded to the outer layer through an opening provided in an interposed active agent impermeable release layer. The release layer separates a circumferential portion of the active agent containing inner layer from the outer adhesive layer to inhibit migration of the active agent therebetween. |
US09358372B2 |
Apparatus and methods for accessing and dilating bone structures using a narrow gauge cannula
Systems, apparatus and methods are disclosed for medical treatment comprising bone access and dilatation and/or cavity creation or enlargement using a narrow gauge, preferably 11-gauge or smaller, cannula wherein a catheter/expandable element assembly meeting medical protocols is designed, adapted and fabricated to fit through the interior of the associated 11-gauge or smaller cannula. |
US09358370B2 |
Guidewire with integral radiopaque markers
Embodiments hereof relate to a guidewire formed from an elongated shaft, at least a portion of the shaft having an outer layer, a plurality of channels formed through the outer layer, and an inner core. The outer layer is formed from a material non susceptible to erosion by an erosion agent and the inner core is formed from a radiopaque material susceptible to erosion by the erosion agent. When exposed to the erosion agent, core material adjacent to the channels is removed to form a pattern of integral radiopaque segments or markers with a plurality of voids therebetween. By controlling the location of channels and the rate of erosion of the core material, the pattern of integral radiopaque segments and voids allow for in situ measurement when viewed under fluoroscopy. |
US09358366B2 |
Offset catheter securement device
A catheter securement device adapted to be adhesively mounted to the skin of a patient to secure a catheter in place, the device having a flexible, thin, sheet-like base member with a distal edge and a midportion, and a releasable, flexible, thin, sheet-like retention member comprising a fixed end, a releasable end, a and a distal edge, wherein the distal edge of the retention member is offset from the distal edge of the base member to define an uplift focus area in the midportion of the base member, such that upward pull on the catheter is transferred to the midportion of the base member to preclude the base member from being peeled from the patient's skin. |
US09358365B2 |
Precision electrode movement control for renal nerve ablation
A catheter is configured to access a renal artery. A lumen of the catheter's shaft is dimensioned to receive a flexible actuation member which extends between the shaft's proximal and distal ends. The actuation member is moveable within the lumen and subject to elastic deformation, friction, and/or whip along its length. A flexible support member is coupled to a distal end of the actuation member and extendible beyond a distal tip of the shaft. An RF ablation electrode at a distal end of the support member is configured to ablated perivascular renal nerve tissue. A position converter at the distal end of the shaft is configured to convert movement of the actuation member into one or both of controlled rotational and axial movement of the support member and electrode to one of a multiplicity of stable circumferential positions substantially free of elastic deformation, friction, and/or whip impacting actuation member movement. |
US09358361B2 |
Methods and systems for presenting a combination treatment
Methods, computer program products, and systems are described that include accepting an indication of a schedule for administration of a bioactive agent to an individual and presenting an indication of an artificial sensory experience at least partly based on the accepting an indication of the schedule for administration of the bioactive agent to the individual. |
US09358359B2 |
Breathable gas apparatus with humidifier
A CPAP device for delivering pressurized, humidified breathable gas for a patient includes a flow generator configured to pressurize a flow of breathable gas. The flow generator includes an air outlet and a removable water container configured to humidify the pressurized breathable gas received from the flow generator. The water container includes an air inlet and an air outlet. The CPAP device further includes a first elastomeric face seal configured to sealingly abut against a substantially flat portion of the water container surrounding the water container air inlet, the first elastomeric face seal being located at an intermediate position between the flow generator air outlet and the water container air inlet when the water container is placed into position to pneumatically communicate with the flow generator. In addition, the CPAP device includes a second elastomeric face seal, a portion of which is configured to sealingly abut against a substantially flat external surface portion of the water container surrounding the water container air outlet. |
US09358358B2 |
Methods, systems and devices for humidifying a respiratory tract
Systems and methods are provided for humidifying ventilation gas. Systems and methods may include a nasal interface apparatus for receiving ventilation gas from gas delivery tubing and for humidifying ventilation gas. The nasal interface apparatus may have one or more channels within the nasal interface to deliver gas from a gas delivery circuit to a patient's nose; one or more structures in fluid communication with the one or more channels to direct ventilation gas to the patient's nose; and a hygroscopic material within the nasal interface in the flow path of the ventilation gas. |
US09358353B2 |
Automated control for detection of flow limitation
A respiratory flow limitation detection device, which can include an airway pressure treatment generator, determines a flow limitation measure (506) based one or more shape indices for detecting partial obstruction and a measure of a patient's ventilation or respiratory duty cycle. The shape indices may be based on function(s) that ascertain the likelihood of the presence of M-shaped breathing patterns and/or chair-shaped breathing patterns. The measure of ventilation may be based on analysis of current and prior tidal volumes to detect a less than normal patient ventilation. The duty cycle measure may be a ratio of current and prior measures of inspiratory time to respiratory cycle time to detect an increase in the patient's inspiratory cycle time relative to the respiratory cycle time. A pressure setting based on the flow limitation may then be used to adjust the treatment pressure to ameliorate the patient's detected flow limitation condition. |
US09358351B2 |
Gearbox
The invention relates to a gearbox for converting a first translation into a second translation, the gearbox comprising a drive collar connectable to a translative drive means and prevented from rotating with respect to a ground of the drive means, a drive sleeve rotatably arranged at least partially inside the drive collar, engaged to the drive collar by a first screw thread and prevented from translating, wherein a plunger is arranged at least partially inside the drive sleeve, engaged to the drive sleeve by a second screw thread and prevented from rotating. |
US09358348B2 |
Safety shield for medical needles
A safety needle apparatus is provided. The safety needle apparatus includes a needle assembly including a needle mount and a needle cannula. The needle cannula defines a lumen and has a sharpened distal tip. The needle mount supports the proximal end of the needle cannula and is adapted to engage an intravenous line. The safety apparatus includes a shield positioned about the needle cannula. The needle cannula is movable in relation to the shield. The apparatus also includes a lock insert supported on the needle cannula and a locking member extending from an internal surface of the shield, wherein the locking insert and the locking member are configured to prevent movement of the needle cannula. A platform including a base member, which is configured to support the needle cannula at a substantially orthogonal orientation to the plane of a top surface of the platform and supports the shield, is included. |
US09358346B2 |
Needle assembly for a prefilled syringe system
A needle assembly (10; 210) for a prefilled injection syringe is described. A needle holder (12; 212) has a needle (14; 214) secured to it and is adapted to be secured to a syringe barrel of the injection syringe. A needle sheath (16; 216) has a distal end forming a releasable sterile seal with the needle holder (12; 212), and surrounds and shields the needle (14; 214). A needle seal (18; 218) surmounts the needle tip and is arranged at least in part in the proximal end of the needle sheath (16; 216) and closed off by a closure element (20; 220). A closure connection between the closure element (20; 220) and the needle sheath (16; 216) is configured as a non-releasable and sterile barrier (54; 254) produced by means of bonding or welding. |
US09358339B2 |
Particle based biologically active molecule delivery systems
Described here are devices and methods for the delivery of molecules, including biologically active molecules, into tissues. The devices and methods are generally particle based, and devised to deploy the molecules into a target tissue in a controlled manner to minimize tissue damage. The devices and methods may further be devised to tailor molecule delivery parameters to a variety of tissue types. Kits including various device components are also described. |
US09358337B2 |
Check valve arrangement
The invention is related to an apparatus comprising a valve body comprising at least two inlet channels and at least one outlet channel and forming a central cavity connecting the at least two inlet channels and the at least one outlet channel, wherein the central cavity encloses a blocking assembly arranged for closing each of the at least two inlet channels by default and for opening an inlet channel when fluid pressure is applied from that inlet channel; wherein each of the at least two inlet channels is configured for fluid communication with a respective reservoir of at least two reservoirs. The invention is further related to a medical device for delivering at least two drug agents from at least two separate reservoirs comprising an apparatus of the aforementioned kind. |
US09358336B2 |
Drug delivery device with piston proximity sensing
Drug delivery device with electronically controlled and axially displaceable piston drive member (10) adapted to engage a loaded cartridge piston. The piston drive member is moveable between a proximal loading position in which a cartridge can be received and a distal loaded position in engagement with the piston. A proximity sensor (11,12) provides a varying output indicative of a varying distance between the piston drive member and the piston. A controller (30) coupled to the proximity sensor is configured to control movement of the piston drive member from the loading position to the loaded position and stop movement when the controller based on input from the proximity sensor system determines that the loaded position has just been reached. By this arrangement it is prevented that a drug-filled cartridge is pressurized during the loading and initializing procedure. |
US09358331B2 |
Portable dialysis machine with improved reservoir heating system
The specification discloses a portable dialysis machine having a detachable controller unit and base unit with an improved reservoir heating system. The controller unit includes a door having an interior face, a housing with a panel, where the housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive the interior face of the door, and a manifold receiver fixedly attached to the panel. The base unit has a reservoir with an internal pan and external pan, separated by a space that holds a heating element. The heating element is electrically coupled to electrical contacts attached to the external surface of the external pan. |
US09358328B2 |
Suction device
A suction device includes an outer tube having an inlet at a first end and an inner suction tube located within the outer tube, the inner suction tube having an inlet at a first end corresponding to the first end of the outer tube. The inlet of the inner suction tube is offset by a distance from the inlet of the outer suction tube, such that the inlet of the inner suction tube is located within the outer suction tube. |
US09358327B1 |
Adipose tissue separation device and methods
A tissue separating device and a method of separating pure fat from a fatty liposuction aspirate are provided. The tissue separating device includes a canister device including canister body having a sidewall defining a volume. A tissue retrieval port can be arranged on the canister device and is capable of being arranged in fluid communication with a harvesting device for directing a fatty liposuction aspirate into the volume of the canister device. An adjustable height filtration mesh assembly can be arranged within the canister body and can include a filtering mesh separating the volume into an upper vacuum chamber and a lower vacuum chamber. A tissue harvesting port can be arranged in the sidewall of the canister body and can be capable of being arranged in communication with a collection device to allow the tissue harvesting port to atraumatically receive a filtered pure fat collected on the filtering mesh within the upper vacuum chamber. The filtration mesh assembly can be movably arranged within the canister body such that the filtering mesh is adjustable with respect to the tissue harvesting port. |
US09358324B2 |
Hydrophobic polymer for producing medical devices visible in MRI
The present invention relates to a hydrophobic polymer used in particular to produce and/or coat medical devices, in particular implantable medical devices, that are visible in magnetic resonance imaging, characterized in that it comprises at least one monomer unit on which is grafted a chelating ligand of a paramagnetic ion complexed with such a paramagnetic ion, said monomer unit having at least one carbonyl group, said monomer unit comprising, prior to grafting, at least one hydrogen atom in the α position of said at least one carbonyl group, and said grafting of the chelating ligand taking place in the area of said at least one hydrogen atom in the α position of said at least one carbonyl group. |
US09358319B2 |
Cement products and methods of making and using the same
Disclosed are cement products, methods of forming cement using the cement product, and methods of using the cement product in orthopedic and dental applications. Generally, the disclosed cement product includes a first component and a second component. The first component comprises a polymerizable resin comprising ethylenic unsaturated double bond, a suitable glycidyl group and/or a suitable isocyanate group. The second component includes a compound comprising more than one type of amine selected from the group consisting of primary amine, secondary amines, tertiary amines and quaternary amines. Alternatively, the second component includes a compound comprising a suitable mercapto (SH—) group, a hindered amine or a dimethylthiotoluenediamine (DMTDA). Optionally, the cement product includes a filler and/or a bioactive component to promote bone formation. |
US09358315B2 |
Sub-cycle based aerosol disinfection system
A method of sterilizing an object comprising the steps of i) placing an article to be sterilized in a sterilization chamber; ii) providing a sterilizing mist (for example hydrogen peroxide solution) to the sterilization chamber, thereby to contact said article for a first duration; iii) providing a gas flow to said chamber for a second duration, thereby to displace, where present, said sterilizing mist and to remove, where present, condensed mist from said article; wherein the total reduction in micro organisms over a time period encompassing the first duration and the second duration is less than log 6; and wherein steps ii) and iii) are repeated at least once to achieve a predetermined sterilization parameter such as a predetermined sum total of contact time between the sterilizing mist and the article, a predetermined sum total of sterilizing mist provided to the sterilization chamber or a predetermined level of sterilization. |
US09358311B2 |
Gas sterilization apparatus
A gas sterilization apparatus comprises a housing with a sterilizing unit and a power device. An ozone generator and an air purifying device are provided in the housing. The power device is operated to allow air to pass through the ozone generator and flow into the sterilizing unit so as to perform sterilization. After being sterilized, the air in the sterilizing unit can be drained via the purification of the air purifying device. The gas sterilization apparatus can sterilize the air by use of ozone, thus it is applicable for articles and materials which can be sufficiently soaked by ozone to achieve the sterilization effect, and it can reduce the denaturation of biological materials, so it has wide application. The gas sterilization apparatus can sterilize the articles and materials in simple and convenient ways for user, so it is beneficial to use in the industry. |
US09358308B2 |
Compositions of a peptide targeting system for treating cancer
This invention describes a protein nanoparticle system for targeting siRNA or other drugs into tumors. The basis of the protein system is elastin-like peptides that self-assemble once exposed to the nucleic acid of the siRNA. Specific targeting peptides are fused to the core ELP structure by standard genetic engineering techniques. These targeting peptides confer specific binding of the nanoparticle to receptors on the surface of tumor cells and allow for uptake of the nanoparticle into the tumor cells. |
US09358302B2 |
Glycoconjugate vaccines
Glycoconjugate vaccines and methods of preparing and using the same are described. |
US09358300B2 |
Transfection reagents
Disclosed are compounds capable of facilitating transport of biologically active agents or substances into cells having the general structure: wherein Q is selected from the group consisting of N, O and S; L is any bivalent organic radical capable of linking each Q, such as C, CH, (CH2)l, or {(CH2)i—Y—(CH2)j}k, wherein Y is selected from the group consisting of CH2, an ether, a polyether, an amide, a polyamide, an ester, a sulfide, a urea, a thiourea, a guanidyl, a carbamoyl, a carbonate, a phosphate, a sulfate, a sulfoxide, an imine, a carbonyl, and a secondary amino group and wherein Y is optionally substituted by —X1-L′-X2—Z or —Z; R1 R6, independently of one another, are selected from the group consisting of H, —(CH2)p-D-Z, an alkyl, an alkenyl, an aryl, and an alkyl or alkyl ether optionally substituted by one or more of an alcohol, an aminoalcohol, an amine, an amide, an ether, a polyether, a polyamide, an ester, a mercaptan, an alkylthio, a urea, a thiourea, a guanidyl, or a carbamoyl group, and wherein at least one of R1, R3, R4 and R6 is a straight chain or branched, cyclic, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl or aryl group; and anyone of R1, R3, R4 and/or R6 may optionally be covalently linked with each other, with Y or with L when L is C or CH to form a cyclic moiety; Z is selected from the group consisting of amine, spermiyl, carboxyspermiyl, guanidyl, spermidinyl, putricinyl, diaminoalkyl, pyridyl, piperidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, polyamine, amino acid, peptide, and protein; X1 and X2, independently of one another, are selected from the group consisting of NH, O, S, alkylene, and arylene; L′ is selected from the group consisting of alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, arylene, alkylene ether, and polyether; D is Q or a bond; A1 and A2, independently of one another, are selected from the group consisting of CH2O, CH2S, CH2NH, C(O), C(NH), C(S) and (CH2)t; X is a physiologically acceptable anion; m, n, r, s, u, v, w and y are 0 or 1, with the proviso that when both m and n are 0 at least one of r, s, u and y is other than 0; i, j, k, l, p and are integers from 0 to about 100; q is an integer from 1 to about 1000; and a is the number of positive charge divided by the valence of the anion. |
US09358299B2 |
17-hydroxyprogesterone ester-containing oral compositions and related methods
The present invention provides for bioavailable oral dosage forms containing esters of 17-hydroxyprogesterone as well as related methods. The oral dosage forms can be formulated for pregnancy support and can include a therapeutically effective amount of an ester of 17-hydroxyprogesterone and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In another embodiment, a pharmaceutically acceptable oral dosage form for pregnancy support is provided. The pharmaceutically acceptable oral dosage can include a therapeutically effective amount of an ester of 17-hydroxyprogesterone and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The oral dosage form can, when measured using a USP Type-II dissolution apparatus in 900 mL of deionized water with 0.5 (w/v) of sodium lauryl sulfate at 50 RPM at 37° C., release at least 20 wt % of the dose of the ester of 17-hydroxyprogesterone after 60 minutes, or in the alternative release at least 20 wt % more after 60 minutes than an equivalently dosed oral dosage form without the carrier. |
US09358295B2 |
Immediate release composition resistant to abuse by intake of alcohol
The present invention provides immediate release pharmaceutical compositions for oral administration that are resistant to abuse by intake of alcohol. |
US09358294B2 |
Method for formulating a vaccine containing at least two antigens capable of adsorbing onto aluminium oxyhydroxide
The subject matter of the invention is a method for preparing a vaccine composition comprising at least aluminum oxyhydroxide (AlOOH), and at least the hepatitis B surface antigen and the Haemophilus influenzae type b antigen. According to the invention, the hepatitis B surface antigen is kept adsorbed on the AlOOH, whereas the Hib antigen is kept nonadsorbed. To this end: the hepatitis B surface antigen is adsorbed onto AlOOH in order to obtain an AlOOH/HBsAg complex, then—said AlOOH/HBsAg complex is mixed with the Hib antigen in the presence of cationic amino acids at a concentration of at least 100 mg/l, and of phosphate ions at a concentration of 35 to 45 mMol/l. |
US09358292B2 |
Methods and systems for treating cell proliferation disorders
Methods for the treatment of a cell proliferation disorder in a subject, involving: (1) administering to the subject at least one activatable pharmaceutical agent that is capable of effecting a predetermined cellular change when activated, either alone or in combination with at least one energy modulation agent; and (2) applying an initiation energy from an initiation energy source to the subject, wherein the applying activates the activatable agent in situ, thus causing the predetermined cellular change to occur, wherein the predetermined cellular change treats the cell proliferation disorder, preferably by causing an increase or decrease in rate of cell proliferation, and a kit for performing the method, a computer implemented system for performing the method, a pharmaceutical composition useful in the method and a method for causing an autovaccine effect in a subject using the method. |
US09358276B2 |
Methods of diagnosing and treating small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and SIBO-related conditions
Disclosed is a method of treating small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or a SIBO-caused condition in a human subject. SIBO-caused conditions include irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, impaired mentation, impaired memory, halitosis, tinnitus, sugar craving, autism, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, drug sensitivity, an autoimmune disease, and Crohn's disease. Also disclosed are a method of screening for the abnormally likely presence of SIBO in a human subject and a method of detecting SIBO in a human subject. A method of determining the relative severity of SIBO or a SIBO-caused condition in a human subject, in whom small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) has been detected, is also disclosed. |
US09358271B2 |
Use of natriuretic peptide for treating heart failure
The present invention relates to the use of a natriurectic peptide, such as urodilatin, for treating a patient suffering from heart failure, such as acute decompensated heart failure. Preferably, a composition comprising an effective amount of urodilatin is intravenously administered to the patient continuously through a time period of at least 24 hours and up to 120 hours, preferably at least 48 hours. |
US09358268B2 |
Lipid therapy
A method including introducing into a blood stream a delipidated high density lipoprotein (HDL) and a bioactive agent. A composition including a delipidated high density lipoprotein (HDL) and an auxiliary agent in a form suitable for delivery into a blood vessel. A composition including Apo A1 comprising a hydrophobic ligand suitable to interact with cell surface binding sites. A composition including Apo A1 and an agent selected to one of increase the ATP-binding cassette protein 1 (ABCA1) transporter expression in macrophages and protect ABCA1 from thiol-mediated degradation. |
US09358263B2 |
Personal care composition comprising botanical extract
Personal care composition comprising at least one extract selected from the group consisting of extracts of Terminalia bellerica, Butea monosperma, Mallotus philippinensis, Anogeissus latifolia, Innula racemosa, Ficus benghalensis, Nerium indicum, Psoralea corylifolia, Acacia catechu, Abies pindrow, Cedrus deodara, Emblica officinalis, Moringa oleifera, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and mixtures thereof, and a dermatologically acceptable carrier. Additionally or alternatively, the composition may comprise 2-hexyldecanol. |
US09358260B2 |
Optimized extraction process for obtaining labisia pumila extract
The present invention relates to a process for obtaining a Labisia pumila water extract comprising the steps of: obtaining an extract from dried Labisia pumila plant material using water extraction, filtering the extract to obtain filtrate and Labisia pumila plant material residue, re-extracting the Labisia pumila residue using water extraction, centrifuging the Labisia pumila extracts to obtain a supernatant, characterized in that, the Labisia pumila plant material includes leaves and roots in a ratio of 3:2 by weight and ratio of the dried plant material to water used in the water extraction process is 1:10 by weight, wherein the yield obtained from initial extraction is 7% to 8% and the extra yield obtained from re-extraction is 33% to 38% and the total yield obtained from the extraction is 10% to 12%. |
US09358258B2 |
Isolated bacteriophage having E. coli-specific bactericidal activity and antibacterial composition comprising the same
The present invention relates to a novel bacteriophage having an E. coli-specific bactericidal activity, a composition for the prevention or treatment of infectious diseases caused by Enterotoxigenic E. coli comprising the bacteriophage as an active ingredient, an antibiotic comprising the bacteriophage as an active ingredient, a feed additive composition comprising the bacteriophage as an active ingredient, a sanitizer or cleaner comprising the bacteriophage as an active ingredient, and a method for treating colibacillosis using the bacteriophage. The novel bacteriophage of the present invention has a specific bactericidal activity against pathogenic E. coli, and excellent acid- and heat-resistance. Therefore, the novel bacteriophage can be used for the prevention or treatment of swine colibacillosis, which is an infectious disease caused by pathogenic E. coli, and can also be widely used in animal feed additive compositions, sanitizers, and cleaners. |
US09358251B2 |
Dissolution and processing of cellulose
The invention relates to a method for dissolving the components of gel forming materials suitable for use in wound care comprising the steps of admixing said components with an ionic liquid. The ionic liquid may be selected from the group of tertiary amine N-oxides, N,N-dimethyl formamide/nitrogen tetroxide mixtures, dimethyl sulphoxide/paraformaldehyde mixtures and solutions of limium chloride in N,N-dimethyl acetamide or N-methyl pyrrolidone. |
US09358248B2 |
Oligonucleotide analogues incorporating 5-aza-cytosine therein
Oligonucleotide analogs are provided that incorporate 5-aza-cytosine in the oligonucleotide sequence, e.g., in the form of 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (decitabine) or 5-aza-cytidine. In particular, oligonucleotide analogs rich in decitabine-deoxyguanosine islets (DpG and GpD) are provided to target the CpG islets in the human genome, especially in the promoter regions of genes susceptible to aberrant hypermethylation. Such analogs can be used for modulation of DNA methylation, such as effective inhibition of methylation of cytosine at the C-5 position. Methods for synthesizing these oligonucleotide analogs and for modulating nucleic acid methylation are provided. Also provided are phosphoramidite building blocks for synthesizing the oligonucleotide analogs, methods for synthesizing, formulating and administering these compounds or compositions to treat conditions, such as cancer and hematological disorders. |
US09358247B2 |
Methods and compositions for promoting activity of anti-cancer therapies
The present invention relates to a method of inhibiting growth of a cancerous cell. The method includes the step of exposing the cancerous cell to an anti-cancer therapy and an effective amount of a steroid saponin. |
US09358245B2 |
Method of treating constipation
Disclosed is a method of manipulating the rate of gastrointestinal transit in a mammalian subject. Also disclosed is the use, in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of constipation, of a selective inhibitor of methanogensis, a methanogen-displacing probiotic agent, or a prebiotic agent that inhibits the growth of methanogenic bacteria or promotes the growth of competing non-methanogenic intestinal flora. Alternatively, in accordance with the invention, is disclosed the use in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of diarrhea, of methane or a methane precursor, a methanogenic or other methane-enhancing probiotic agent, or a methanogenesis-enhancing prebiotic agent. |
US09358237B2 |
Noribogaine compositions
Disclosed are noribogaine compositions comprising a very high level of the 2(R), 4(S), 5(S), 6(S) and 18(R) enantiomer and not more than 0.5 wt % of ibogaine relative to the total amount of noribogaine. |
US09358236B2 |
Combinations of therapeutic agents for use in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases
The present invention relates to a combination of an allosteric mTOR inhibitor and a catalytic mTOR inhibitor for use in the prevention or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, for example Huntington's Disease, and products and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such a combination for use in the prevention or treatment of such neurodegenerative diseases. |
US09358234B2 |
Mammalian multipotent stem cells and compositions, methods of preparation and methods of administration thereof
This invention provides methods for preparing novel mammalian multipotent stem cells (MSCs), compositions thereof, and methods of preparing and administering the cells. |
US09358231B2 |
Type II RAF kinase inhibitors
The present invention relates to novel compounds which are able to modulate b-raf kinases, and the use of such compounds in the treatment of various diseases, disorders or conditions. |
US09358228B2 |
Therapeutic combinations of netupitant and palonosetron
Combinations of netupitant and palonosetron, and methods of using such combinations to treat various pain states and irritable bowel syndrome, are provided. |
US09358226B2 |
Triarylmethane analogs and their use in treating cancers
Compounds, pharmaceutical compositions including the compounds, and methods of preparation and use thereof are disclosed. The compounds are triphenyl methane analogs. The compounds and compositions can be used to treat and/or prevent a wide variety of cancers, including drug resistant cancers, inflammatory, degenerative and vascular diseases, including various ocular diseases, and parasitic infections. Representative triphenyl methane analogs include triphenyl methane analogs of various dyes, hormones, sugars, peptides, oligonucleotides, amino acids, nucleotides, nucleosides, and polyols. The compounds are believed to function by inhibiting tNOX expression, the effects of ROS, and/or the production of HIF2. Thus, the compounds are novel therapeutic agents for a variety of cancers and other diseases. |
US09358225B2 |
Method for treating neurodegeneration using a p38MAPK inhibitor
Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is a progressive degenerative disorder that results in major neurological disability. In A-T patients, necropsy has revealed atrophy of all cerebellar cortical layers with extensive Purkinje and granular cell loss. We have previously identified an increase in phospho-p38MAPK levels, which was accompanied by downregulation of Bmi-1 and upregulation of p21, as key components of the mechanism causing defective proliferation of neural stem cells (NSCs) isolated from subventricular zone (SVZ) of Atm-null mice. Our results demonstrate that restoration of NSCs by pharmacologic inhibition of p38MAPK signaling has the potential to treat neurological defects of A-T. This study provides new insights into the therapeutic strategy targeting NSCs rather than replacing impaired neurons not only for A-T, but for other neurodegenerative disorders as well. |
US09358224B2 |
Pharmaceutical formulation comprising a phosphodiesterase inhibitor
Pharmaceutical formulations to be administered by pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs), comprising a compound of general formula (I) may be used for the treatment and/or prevention of inflammatory or obstructive airway diseases. |
US09358221B2 |
Method for manufacturing composition for lowering blood lipid and elevating high-density lipoprotein
The present invention discloses a composition for lowering blood lipid and elevating high-density lipoprotein and a method for manufacturing the same; the composition comprises monascin or ankaflavin, or a combination thereof; the manufacturing method comprises the steps of: treating a Monascus fermented product with acetone for three times; elevating the concentration of the Monascus fermented product by a process of decompress concentration; and extracting the monascin and the ankaflavin from the Monascus fermented product with a silica gel column chromatography, a Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, the silica gel column chromatography, and a preparative high performance liquid chromatography sequentially. |
US09358216B2 |
Tincture for infusing resveratrol and methods of use
Methods and formulations for infusing bioavailable resveratrol tinctures into food, beverage, cosmetic or drug products with minimal effect on the alcohol by volume of the product is provided. A resveratrol tincture includes an amount of trans-resveratrol mixed with a solvent of pure, or majority by weight, ethanol. The tincture is added to various food and beverages to make a bioavailable amount of trans-resveratrol to be absorbed and metabolized by the body providing demonstrated health benefits. |
US09358210B2 |
Sustained-release pellets containing tacrolimus as an active ingredient
The present invention relates to sustained-release pellets containing tacrolimus as an active ingredient. The sustained-release pellets of the present invention have multiple layers of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and may control the release of drugs by specific contents of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and Surelease™, thus rendering the dissolution rate thereof uniform and stable, and enabling the dissolution rate to be adjusted as desired. The entire process for preparing the pellets of the present invention is carried out in a single fluidized-bed granulator, and therefore the preparation process is simplified and the time required for preparation is shortened while obtaining sustained-release pellets having uniform particle size distribution and contents. The sustained-release pellets of the present invention may have medicinal effects that last up to 24 hours, and therefore may be administered just once a day, thus improving patient compliance. Therefore, the pellets of the present invention may be effectively used in an orally administered pellet formulation containing tacrolimus as an active ingredient. |
US09358207B2 |
Flashmelt oral dosage formulation
There is provided granules for the production of flash-melt pharmaceutical oral dosage forms. In addition to one or more medicaments, the granules are composed of an excipient combination consisting of a superdisintegrant, a dispersing agent, a distributing agent, and a binder and may also include other conventional ingredients such as sweetening and flavoring agents. The subject granules are advantageous in that they are stable and can be prepared without the aid of solvents and without the need for special environments or handling. Dosage forms, especially tablets, prepared therefrom on conventional equipment disintegrate in the mouth in under about twenty five seconds. |
US09358206B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition and methods for peptide treatment
Disclosed are compositions and methods for treating a patient with a pharmaceutically active agent other than insulin selected from the group consisting of peptides, peptidomimetics, and proteins, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is in the form of an emulsified nasal spray comprising: a macrocyclic permeation enhancer, a liquid carrier comprising water, and a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutically active agent other than insulin selected from the group consisting of peptides, peptidomimetics, and proteins; wherein the macrocyclic permeation enhancer is a Hsieh enhancer emulsified in the liquid carrier. |
US09358196B2 |
Sprayable depilatory composition and a method of use
A sprayable depilatory composition including a depilatory agent; a surfactant present in the range 0.1% to 5.0% by weight of the composition, wherein the composition has an initial viscosity substantially less than about 7.00 Pas. |
US09358194B2 |
Succinic acid esters of resveratrol and cosmetic compositions
Succinic acid esters of resveratrol and topical compositions containing the esters. |
US09358189B2 |
Stable formaldehyde-free microcapsules
The present invention relates to water-dispersible core-shell microcapsules essentially free of formaldehyde. In particular it concerns core-shell microcapsules having a shell obtained by reacting polyisocyanates or polyoxirans cross-linkers and oligomeric compositions which are the reaction products between a polyamine component and a particular mixture of glyoxal and a C4-6 2,2-dialkoxy-ethanal. The present invention comprises also the invention's core-shell microcapsules as part of a perfuming composition or of a perfuming consumer product. |
US09358186B2 |
Foamed personal care composition obtainable by aerating and heating a base composition
Foamed personal care composition obtainable by aerating a base composition and heating at from 30 to 100° C. for from 10 minutes to 100 hours. The composition comprises a proteinaceous material and is suitable for use in care of the hair. |
US09358184B2 |
Composition comprising a nonionic surfactant, a polycondensate of ethylene oxide and of propylene oxide and a monoalcohol
The present invention relates to a composition comprising: (i) at least 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one C2-C4 monoalcohol; (ii) at least one polycondensate of ethylene oxide and of propylene oxide; and (iii) at least one nonionic surfactant other than the polycondensates (ii). The invention also relates to the use of this composition for cleansing the hair, and to a process for cleansing the hair using this composition. |
US09358179B2 |
Mobile massage and spa units
A mobile massage and spa unit includes a body, a lighting system and a massage table. The body includes a front, rear, and side walls and a divider extending between the side walls to divide the body into a front section and a rear section. A perimeter of the rear section is defined at least partially by a surface of the divider, a surface of the rear wall, and surfaces of the side walls. Such surfaces are coated with a reflective material. The lighting system includes one or more controllable RGB fixture mounted within the rear section and configured to emit a selected color light. The emitted light is reflected via the coated surfaces to illuminate the rear section with the selected color light. The massage table is disposed within the rear section and centered between the side walls thereof. A working area is defined completely around the massage table. |
US09358178B1 |
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation device
A cardiopulmonary resuscitation device includes a case having an extension portion extending therefrom. In operation, the user places the case across the chest of a person being given CPR, and presses the case into the person's chest, applying uniform force in according to a rhythm guided by audible and/or visual feedback. The cardiopulmonary resuscitation device includes a control circuit having a display screen, and a distance sensor apparatus operatively coupled to the control circuit. The distance sensor apparatus is carried by the extension portion which can be situated over the edge of the person, and provides a sensor signal to the control circuit in response to movement of the case. The display screen displays a distance and rate that the case has been moved during CPR, and both an audible sound and visual light are emitted each time the device is applied properly to the person receiving CPR. The device is automatically activated once a certain amount force is applied to the case. |
US09358176B1 |
Crutch underarm support
The invention relates to improvements in walking crutches that have an underarm support mounted on one end of a longitudinally extending leg. The improvements include providing the underarm support with symmetrical side portions having symmetrical concave, curved, smooth surfaces, and an upper concave, curved, smooth surface to provide less discomfort when contacting the user's side, more comfortable support of the user's underarm and greater ease of use of the crutch by compression of the underarm support between the user's side, arm and underarm. |
US09358175B2 |
Assistive walking device with adjustable dimensions
An adjustable walker includes a tubular frame construction having front and lateral telescoping tubes defining a walker space for a user. The lateral tubes have handgrips suitable for being grasped by a user. The front telescoping tubes are adjustable in length to adjust the width of the walker space for the user and the lateral telescoping tubes are adjustable in length to adjust the height of the handgrips. Locking mechanisms are provided for locking the front telescoping tubes and the lateral telescoping tubes. Actuators on the handgrips selectively unlock the locking mechanisms to allow a user to adjust the width of the walker space and for selectively unlocking the second locking to allow a user to adjust the height of said handgrips to adjust the height and/or width of the walker by use of said actuators on said handgrips without bending or letting go of the walker. |
US09358173B2 |
Rehabilitation and training apparatus and method of controlling the same
A rehabilitation and training apparatus is built based on the empirical law by introducing physical therapists' experiences into the apparatus to simulate therapy with hands in the course of rehabilitation. The apparatus includes a multi-axis robotic arm having first to eighth arm segments, and a high-precision control system for controlling movements of the multi-axis robotic arm. The control system provides an active, a passive and an auxiliary mode; receives and computes information about a patient's movements and muscle force detected by potentiometers and force sensors provided in the multi-axis robotic arm; and accordingly, drives actuators to apply an aiding force or a resisting force to assist the patient in completing rehabilitation exercises. The apparatus also includes a humanized operating interface, via which a doctor or a physical therapist may obtain related rehabilitation data for assessment and adjustment of rehabilitation therapeutic courses. A method of controlling the apparatus is introduced. |
US09358172B2 |
Knitted compression garment and knitted fabric
A therapeutic medical garment having a variable pressure profile along its length and includes a knitted tubular body and a knitted anti-slip portion formed proximate one end of the tubular body with an inner surface adapted for residing against a wearer's skin. The knitted anti-slip portion includes at least first and second high friction yarns simultaneously knitted to form a repeat having a raised surface texture on the inner surface of the anti-slip portion. One of the first and second high friction yarns is a low-elasticity yarn, and at least one of the first and second high-friction yarns is knitted to reside on and form the raised surface texture on the inner face of the anti-slip portion. |
US09358171B1 |
Personalized decorative urn for pets
A personalized decorative urn for retaining the ashes of a loved one, such as a deceased pet, in a decorative container suitable to be personalized in a way to honor the loved one interred therein includes a container body which defines a rigid receptacle with integral side photo slots and a top neck sized to receive a removable lid. Each photo slot defines a three closed side, one open side enclosure which is sized to receive and securely hold a conventional printed photograph. The top neck is configured to allow an attachable card to be coupled with the container body through a decorative ribbon. In operation, the personalized decorative urn allows a loved ones ashes to be held in a container which has been decorated by an end user with photographs and other written indicia placed in the photo slots or in the attachable card. |
US09358170B2 |
Surgery table apparatus
A surgery table utilizing first and second sections which are hingedly attached to one another. First and second sections are also connected to supports apart from the hinged portion. An elevator moves one of the sections upwardly and downwardly at the support. The resultant position of the frame formed by the first and second sections may take the configuration of a flat surface or an upwardly or downwardly oriented “vee”. |
US09358168B2 |
Patient position detection for patient support surface
A patient support apparatus includes a patient support surface to support a patient. The patient support surface has at least one air bladder that is inflated and/or deflated to achieve a turn assist function and/or a therapy function of the patient support surface. A graphical user interface (GUI) is configured to receive user inputs from a caregiver to initiate the turn assist or therapy functions. The patient support apparatus has control circuitry coupled to the GUI. The GUI is controlled by the control circuitry to display information indicating that the patient is improperly positioned on the patient support surface for either the turn assist function or the therapy function. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuitry indicates that the patient is improperly positioned for raising a head section of a bed frame. |
US09358167B2 |
Furniture member power mechanism with selectable lift movement and zero gravity position
A furniture member has a base frame including first and second frame members each having a first or second frame support tube. A mechanism includes a motor connected to the base frame and a torque tube connected to first and second support brackets and the motor. A stiffening tube assembly has first and second side stiffening tubes, the first frame support tube connected to the first side stiffening tube and the second frame support tube connected to the second side stiffening tube. Multiple rotation links include a first set connected to the first frame support tube and the first side stiffening tube, and a second set connected to the second frame support tube and the second side stiffening tube. The rotation links allow mechanism rotation to a forward lift position by motor operation displacing the torque tube and thereby forwardly rotating and lifting the side stiffening tubes. |
US09358166B2 |
Transport chairs
In some embodiments, a transport chair includes a base frame, a seat assembly pivotally mounted to the base, and a footrest assembly pivotally mounted to the base frame, the footrest assembly being associated with the seat assembly so as to pivot in unison with the seat assembly until the seat assembly is pivoted forward to an extent at which the footrest assembly contacts the floor or ground, at which point the footrest assembly does not pivot further upon further forward pivoting of the seat assembly. |
US09358165B2 |
Front suspension system for an electric wheelchair
A front suspension system for an electric wheelchair includes front pivot shaft, a front wheel retainer, an elasticity resistance member, and a front shock absorber. The front shock absorber is disposed on a horizontal first section of the front wheel retainer so as to improve climbing capability of the wheelchair. The elasticity resistance member is disposed between the frame and the front wheel retainer and has two ends connected to the front wheel retainer and the abutting member of the frame, respectively. When the front wheels encounters bumpy road and makes the front wheel retainer pivot, the elasticity resistance member will be compressed to produce a reaction force toward the front wheel retainer and the abutting member of the frame, respectively, so that the front wheel retainer is pressed down to keep pressing against the flat bearing surface, and the frame is also pressed downward to prevent tipping backward. |
US09358164B2 |
Easily dissociable wheelchair
A wheelchair (10) comprising:—a seat module (10) including a seat frame (11) supporting a seat (12);—a backrest module (20) including a backrest frame (21) connected to said seat frame (11) and supporting a backrest (22);—a front frame module (30) including a front frame (31), said front frame (31) including left and right bended legs (31a, 31b) removably connected at their upper end to said seat frame (11) and at their lower end to a footrest (32), said bended legs (31a, 31b) being supported by caster wheel assemblies (35, 36) via caster support (34);—a rear wheel module (40) including left and right rear wheels (41a, 41b) pivotally connected to an axle (42), said rear wheel module (40) being removably connected to said seat module (10) through left and right connecting elements (43a, 43b); wherein said seat frame (11) consists in left and right longitudinal profiles (11a, 11b) extending in the same plane. |
US09358158B2 |
Patterned neo-epithelialization dressings, systems, and methods
Systems, methods, and apparatuses are presented that involve forming patterns on neo-epithelium that allow increased functionality and may more nearly resemble the original epithelium. In one instance, a patterned neo-epithelium dressing for treating a tissue site having granulation tissue includes an interface member for placing proximate the granulation tissue and a plurality of three-dimensional features formed on a second, patient-facing side of the interface member. Other systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed. |
US09358155B2 |
Dual blade ophthalmologic surgery device
A dual blade device comprising an elongate probe having first and lateral second cutting edges and a blunt protruding distal tip, useable for performing an ab interno procedure to remove a strip of trabecular meshwork tissue from a human eye. |
US09358154B2 |
Presbyopia correction through negative spherical aberration
Devices, systems, and methods for treating and/or determining appropriate prescriptions for one or both eyes of a patient are particularly well-suited for addressing presbyopia, often in combination with concurrent treatments of other vision defects. High-order spherical aberration may be imposed in one or both of a patient's eyes, often as a controlled amount of negative spherical aberration extending across a pupil. A desired presbyopia-mitigating quantity of high-order spherical aberration may be defined by one or more spherical Zernike coefficients, which may be combined with Zernike coefficients generated from a wavefront aberrometer. The resulting prescription can be imposed using refractive surgical techniques such as laser eye surgery, using intraocular lenses and other implanted structures, using contact lenses, using temporary or permanent corneal reshaping techniques, and/or the like. |
US09358153B2 |
Inhibition of platelet activation, aggregation and/or adhesion by hypothermia
A method for treating acute coronary syndromes (i.e., unstable angina or non-Q-wave MI) or transient ischemic attacks in a human or animal patient by placing a heat exchange apparatus in the patient's vasculature and using that heat exchange apparatus to cool the patient to a temperature (e.g. 30-36 degrees C.) at which platelet inhibition (i.e., inhibition of platelet activation and/or aggregation and/or adhesion) occurs. Anti-shivering drugs or anesthesia may be administered to patients whose body temperature is cooled below that patient's shivering threshold (typically approximately 35.5 degrees C.). If it is determined that platelet inhibition is no longer desirable, such as when the patient is about to undergo a surgical or interventional procedure wherein bleeding could be problematic, the hypothermia-induced platelet inhibition may be rapidly reversed by using the intravascular heat exchange apparatus to re-warm the patient's body to normothermia or near normothermia. |
US09358152B2 |
Device and method for the reduction of pain associated with needle sticks
A device that is used to reduce the pain of a needle stick to a person, the device having a casing containing a vibratory device and a temperature reducing device, and a method for using the device to reduce the pain of a needle stick by applying both thermal and vibration analgesia to a subject during a needle stick. |
US09358151B2 |
Therapeutic cooling pillow
An apparatus and method of relieving hot flashes or body overheating or insomnia by applying to the body of a person in need of relief therefrom a cooled elongate flexible pillow filled with pellets having sufficient weight and flow properties to provide a comforting wrapping effect on the back of the neck. A preferred filler is wheat berries. In a particular embodiment, the pillow is draped over the stellate-ganglion area of the neck. |
US09358150B2 |
Methods and devices for non-invasive cerebral and systemic cooling alternating liquid mist/gas for induction and gas for maintenance
Methods for cerebral and systemic cooling via a patient's nasopharyngeal cavity are described. In one method, a cooling assembly is inserted into a nasal cavity through a patient's nostril. A substantially dry gas is delivered through a lumen of the catheter onto the surface of the patient's nasal cavity. Evaporative heat loss cools the patient's nasal cavity. If additional cooling is needed, a liquid coolant is delivered through a separated lumen of the catheter. The liquid coolant is nebulized at a plurality of delivery ports on the distal end of the catheter and is delivered onto the surface of the patient's nasal cavity in combination with the dry gas. The dry gas enhances evaporation of the nebulized coolant and additional cooling is provided from the evaporative heat loss of the liquid coolant. |
US09358144B2 |
Gastrointestinal implants
A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis positionable at the gastro-esophageal junction region, preferably below the z-line. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed such that an opening at its proximal end receives masticated food from the esophagus, and such that the masticated food passes through the pouch and into the stomach via an opening in its distal end. |
US09358141B2 |
Stent deployment device
A stent deployment device (110) is provided for deploying a stent in a lumen of a patient. The device can include a catheter (112), a first balloon (122) positioned near a distal end of the catheter and a second balloon (123) adjacent to the first balloon. Alternatively, the second balloon can be positioned over the first balloon. The device also includes an expandable stent (210) positioned over the first balloon and the second balloon. The first balloon comprises a semi-compliant material, a noncompliant material or a compliant material. Similarly, the second balloon comprises a semi-compliant material, a noncompliant material or a compliant material. The first balloon is expandable to a first diameter, while the second balloon can be expandable to a second diameter. |
US09358130B2 |
Surgical instrument and method of positioning an acetabular prosthetic component
An orthopaedic surgical instrument for positioning an acetabular prosthetic component in a patient's surgically-prepared acetabulum includes a surgical tool configured to be coupled to the acetabular prosthetic component, and a gravity-based position indicator removably coupled to the surgical tool. The position indicator includes a first marking indicating a first position of the acetabular prosthetic component, and a second marking indicating a second position. |
US09358128B2 |
Expandable fusion device and method of installation thereof
The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations. |
US09358125B2 |
Coaxial screw gear sleeve mechanism
An improved mechanism for expanding or lifting a device in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention is a coaxial screw gear sleeve mechanism. In various embodiments, coaxial screw gear sleeve mechanisms includes a post with a threaded exterior surface and a corresponding sleeve configured to surround the post, the corresponding sleeve having a threaded interior surface configured to interface with the threaded exterior surface of the post and a geared exterior surface. A drive mechanism can be configured to interface with the geared exterior surface of the sleeve, causing a device utilizing such a mechanism to expand or lift between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. |
US09358123B2 |
Bone fusion device, apparatus and method
A bone fusion method, apparatus and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together and/or in place of one or more of the bones, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable plates having a central rib. The bone fusion device includes one or more support channels configured to receive an insertion instrument that is then secured to the bone fusion device via a coupling mechanism. As a result, the coupled device is able to be securely positioned between vertebrae using the insertion instrument with minimal risk of slippage. |
US09358120B2 |
Expandable coil spinal implant
Coiled spinal implants for disc, vertebral body, and spinal motion segment replacement or reconstruction comprise a plurality of loops and spaces between the loops, with the loops formed of a hollow material and having a plurality of apertures or a longitudinal gap that extend(s) through the sidewalls of the loops and into the hollow center. The coiled implants include one or more balloons within the hollow center, the spaces between the coil loops, and/or within the central void that the coil surrounds. Filling the balloon expands the loops and thereby increases the height of the coil. Bone graft material or bone cement may be deployed from the apertures or gap. |
US09358113B2 |
Delivery system
A covering for delivering a substance or material to a surgical site is provided. The covering, with substance provided therein, may be referred to as a delivery system. Generally, the covering may be a single or multi-compartment structure capable of at least partially retaining a substance provided therein until the covering is placed at a surgical site. Upon placement, the covering may facilitate transfer of the substance or surrounding materials. For example, the substance may be released (actively or passively) to the surgical site. The covering may participate in, control, or otherwise adjust, the release of the substance. |
US09358105B2 |
Support device for heart valve prostheses
A support device for implanting a stentless heart valve prosthesis having three leaflets adapted for coapting and defining three corresponding commissures is disclosed. The support device includes a shaft defining a manipulation axis, the shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and three support formations integrally formed and extending from the proximal end of the shaft, the support formations angularly distributed about the manipulation axis of the shaft, such that each of the support formations correspond to locations of each of the commissures of the stentless heart valve prosthesis. The shaft includes a connection portion flexibly connecting the shaft and the support formations to permit a displacement of the manipulation axis with respect to the support formations. The shaft, the plurality of support formations and the connection portion are integrally formed from a single tubular element. |
US09358100B2 |
Hair transplant material
A hair transplantation material prepared by a process comprising: refrigerating a hair portion comprising a hair shaft, a hair root, and a cell-collagen layer; and sterilizing the refrigerated hair. |
US09358099B2 |
Method of implanting a stent graft and creating a fenestration therein
A stent graft provides for a fenestration to be created by a side branch fenestration creation device. A kit comprises a side branch fenestration creation device and a stent graft in which a fenestration may be created thereby. |
US09358096B2 |
Methods of treatment with drug eluting stents with prolonged local elution profiles with high local concentrations and low systemic concentrations
A drug eluting stent can include a stent body having a polymeric coating with a lipophilic and/or hydrophilic element. A drug that has a bioactivity that inhibits cell proliferation can be disposed in the polymeric coating. The drug can be present in the polymer at an amount greater than or equal to about 150 μg/cm2. The polymeric coating and drug are configured to cooperate so as to form a diffusion pathway with tissue when the stent is disposed in a body lumen such that the drug preferentially diffuses into the tissue over a body fluid passing through the body lumen such that a maximum systemic blood concentration of the drug is less than about 40 ng/ml. |
US09358094B2 |
Retrieval systems and methods for use thereof
The devices and methods described herein relate to improved structures for removing obstructions from body lumens. Such devices have applicability in through-out the body, including clearing of blockages within the vasculature, by addressing the frictional resistance on the obstruction prior to attempting to translate and/or mobilize the obstruction within the body lumen. |
US09358093B2 |
Bio-implantable devices having super-hydrophobic surface and method for manufacturing thereof
The present disclosure relates to a bioimplantable device having a superhydrophobic surface and a method for manufacturing the same. The bioimplantable device, which includes a biocompatible substrate and a superhydrophobic nanostructure formed on the surface of the biocompatible substrate, is capable of preventing blood clot formation by blocking contact with proteins, water, blood platelets, etc. when used for blood vessels. |
US09358088B2 |
Oral hygiene implement and oral hygiene device
An oral hygiene implement attachable to a handle of an oral hygiene device is provided. The implement includes a housing; a functional element movably mounted at the housing such that it can be driven into a motion; a motion transmitter element coupled with the functional element; and an adhesive layer provided at the motion transmitter element for adhesively coupling the motion transmitter element with a drive shaft of the handle when being attached. |
US09358083B2 |
Method of composing and designing a set of teeth
Disclosed is a computer-implemented method of designing a number of dental restorations for a patient, wherein the method includes: selecting a composed set of teeth including a number of teeth, where the number of teeth are arranged spatially relative to each other forming a high aesthetic composition; applying the composed set of teeth to a virtual three dimensional representation of the patient's present oral situation to obtain an initial set of teeth; optionally modifying one or more parameters of one or more of the teeth in the initial set of teeth to obtain a finalized set of teeth. |
US09358081B2 |
Lingual bracket
A lingual bracket has a bracket body (1) and a movable wing (2). The bracket body (1) includes a bracket seat (11) with non-skid pattern on its lower surface and a stationary wing (12) integrally and protrudingly provided onto an end of the bracket seat. A through hole (13) is arranged along the central axis of the stationary wing (12). A movable wing (2) has an arch wire hook (21) at an end and a fixed portion (22) at the other end. The fixed portion end of the movable wing passes through the through hole in the stationary wing, and a spring (3) is sleeved on the section of the movable wing passing through the through hole. One end of the spring (3) is engaged against the stationary wing (12), and the other end is retained on the fixed portion of the movable wing. The arch wire hook (21) of the movable wing (2) can hook an arch wire (4) by constant orthodontic force provided by the spring (3). |
US09358069B2 |
Surgical forceps
A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members movable relative to one another between a spaced-apart position, a first approximated position, and a second approximated position. One or both of the jaw members including a first stop member coupled thereto and disposed between the jaw members. The first stop member is longitudinally translatable along a surface of the at least one jaw member from a first position, wherein the first stop member inhibits approximation of the jaw members beyond the first approximated position, and a second position, wherein the first stop member inhibits approximation of the jaw members beyond the second approximated position. |
US09358068B2 |
Devices for the treatment of biological tissue
An apparatus for treating a subcutaneous fat region is provided. The apparatus includes a housing that has a skin contacting portion defining a chamber. The apparatus also includes a first spaced region in the housing through which a coolant passes and a second spaced region in the housing that is at least partially evacuated of air. The apparatus further includes a source of electromagnetic radiation, a source of vacuum in fluid communication with the chamber, and a source for the coolant. |
US09358066B2 |
Flexible microwave catheters for natural or artificial lumens
A microwave delivery device, including a coaxial feedline having an inner conductor, an inner dielectric insulator coaxially disposed about, the inner conductor, and an outer conductor coaxially disposed about, the inner dielectric, and a radiating portion operably coupled to a distal end. The radiating portion includes a radiating portion inner conductor operable coupled to and extending from a distal end of the coaxial feedline inner conductor, a shielding outer conductor helically wrapped about the radiating portion inner conductor and operably coupled to the coaxial feedline outer conductor; and a shielding dielectric positioned between the radiating portion inner conductor and the shielding outer conductor wherein the width of the shielding outer conductor varies according to the longitudinal position thereof along the coaxial feedline inner conductor, and a cap operably coupled to a distal end of the radiating portion inner conductor and the shielding outer conductor to provide an electrical connection therebetween. |
US09358060B2 |
Self-retaining driver for a bone screw
A driver instrument for engaging and transferring rotational torque to a bone anchor already screwed into a bony structure. The driver instrument may be advanced through an incision while disengaged from the bone anchor and thereafter engaged in a driver socket of the bone anchor. The driver instrument includes an elongate shaft extending distally from a handle, a tapered distal tip, and a driver engagement feature located proximally of the tapered distal tip. The tapered distal tip and the driver engagement feature are configured such that the longitudinal rotational axis of the driver instrument automatically moves into parallel alignment with the longitudinal rotational axis of the bone anchor as the driver engagement feature of the driver instrument is advanced into the driver socket of the bone anchor. |
US09358058B2 |
Methods and apparatus for treating vertebral fractures
Methods and apparatus for treating bones, including, in one or more embodiments, methods and apparatus for treatment of vertebral fractures that include a containment assembly for cement containment and/or a balloon assembly for maintaining vertebral height. A containment assembly comprising a containment jacket adapted to be deployed inside bone; and a dividing wall that separates the interior of the containment jacket into a proximal region and a distal region, the dividing wall having an opening for providing access to the distal region from the proximal region. |
US09358052B2 |
Method for fixation of bone fragments at bone fractures
The present invention relates to a device for fixation of bone fragments at bone fractures. The device comprises at least two fixation means (5, 6) and a securing plate (4). With the object of preventing or counteracting re-dislocation, the respective fixation means (5, 6) each have a first fixing portion (19) for fixing the fixation gleans in an inner bone fragment (3), a second fixing portion (21) for locking the fixation means to the securing plate (4) which is disposed on the outside of an outer bone fragment (2) and allows movement of the outer bone fragment relative to it, so that the fixation means are prevented from changing their angular position relative to the securing plate and relative to one another, and a middle portion (22) which is situated between the fixing portions and runs through the outer bone fragment, along which middle portion the outer bone fragment can slide inwards towards the inner bone fragment in which the fixation means is fixed. |
US09358046B2 |
Rod coupling system and devices and methods of making and using the same
Provided are rod coupler devices, systems, kits and methods, which include at least one saddle having a concave configuration that either abuts a bone fastener and/or a locking cap and is shaped so as to contact the rod in two or more lines of contact, which reduces pressure on the rod, and therefore permits use of a rod having various materials, such as PEEK, without significant deformation of the rod. Also provided is the saddle itself and integrated locking caps that include a saddle, the locking cap and a set screw. Also provided are elongate rods having advantageous shapes, configurations, and/or compositions for rod coupler devices, systems and methods. Further provided are screw and cap devices and systems that themselves include a concave configuration so as to contact a rod in two or more lines of contact, which reduces pressure on the rod. |
US09358043B2 |
Distraction membrane
The present invention relates to an arched membrane and/or a membrane having rounded edges for regenerating a bone, in particular a distraction membrane, suitable for callus distraction, notably in the jaw region, to the use of the membrane for callus distraction, and to methods for callus distraction. |
US09358041B2 |
Wicking fluid management in a surgical access device
The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of an absorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument. |
US09358040B2 |
First-entry trocar system
A surgical access system comprises a trocar, an insufflating optical obturator slidably insertable into the trocar, and a laparoscope slidably insertable into the obturator. A distal end of the obturator comprises a tip, at least a portion of which comprises a wall with a generally uniform thickness comprising a transparent material. At least one vent hole disposed at the obturator tip is fluidly connected to a gas flow channel defined by an interior surface of the obturator and the laparoscope, which is fluidly connected to an insufflation gas inlet disposed at a proximal end of the trocar. Improved optical characteristics of the trocar system permit precise and accurate visual placement thereof into a body cavity. Accordingly the access system is suitable as a first entry surgical access system. Embodiments of the trocar access are also useful for drug delivery, and/or for fluid and/or tissue aspiration. |
US09358039B2 |
Transseptal needle apparatus
In various examples, an apparatus includes a needle assembly including an outer cannula including a tubular sidewall disposed around a lumen. At least a portion of the sidewall includes an exterior including a polymeric material configured to inhibit skiving of an interior of a dilator with movement of the outer cannula within the dilator. An inner cannula is disposed within the lumen and is selectively slidable with respect to the outer cannula. A handle is disposed at a proximal portion of the needle assembly. The handle includes a first handle portion coupled to and movable with the outer cannula. A second handle portion is coupled to and movable with the inner cannula, wherein the first handle portion is selectively movable with respect to the second handle portion to extend a distal end of the inner cannula from within the lumen of the outer cannula. |
US09358038B2 |
Spinal canal access and probe positioning, devices and methods
Methods and devices for detecting positioning of a probe in a tissue of a patient. A method can include providing a detection device; advancing a device coupled probe through the tissue of the patient and toward the patient's spinal canal; detecting a change in pressure about the distal portion of the coupled probe during advancing, where the detected pressure change indicates probe positioning in the patient's spinal canal; outputting the detected pressure change or indication of probe positioning to a visual display. |
US09358037B2 |
Method and apparatus for centering a microcatheter within a vasculature
The invention is directed to methods and apparatus for centering a microcatheter within a vasculature. In one aspect, the methods and apparatus can be used to support centering and to facilitate a guidewire to cross through a chronic total occlusion. In one embodiment, the catheter apparatus includes: a microcatheter having a lumen, a distal opening and a distal end; one or more guidewires for passing through the lumen of the microcatheter; an inner shaft having a lumen, a distal opening and a distal end for passing the inner shaft over the microcatheter; an outer shaft having a lumen, a distal opening and a distal end for passing the outer shaft over the inner shaft; and a self-expandable scaffold structure disposed towards the distal end of the inner shaft. The self-expandable scaffold structure is preferably non-occluding thereby allowing blood to flow through the scaffold. Preferably, the inner shaft and microcatheter are capable of being independently operable. |
US09358031B2 |
Wristed robotic tool with replaceable end-effector cartridges
In one embodiment of the invention, a replaceable electrosurgical end effector cartridge is provided to couple to a mechanical wrist of a surgical instrument for a robotic surgical system. The replaceable electrosurgical end effector cartridge includes two end effectors, a fastener to rotatably couple the two end effectors together, and a cam mechanism. At least one of the two end effectors is a moveable end effector having a jaw portion, an off-center portion, and a base portion. The cam mechanism is coupled to the base portion of the at least one moveable end effector to pivot it about the fastener to open and close the jaw portion of the at least one moveable end effector with respect to the other. |
US09358030B2 |
Ultrasonic surgical tool
The shaped output is for use with an ultrasonic surgical tool vibratable in torsional mode. The output has a generally cylindrical first waveguide (1) with, at a distal end a second waveguide extension member (3) of reduced diameter. The second waveguide (3) is curved in one plane from the axis of the first waveguide. It has at least two blade faces (4) extending radially outwardly from its distal end. |
US09358027B2 |
Thoracoscopic instrument
Various embodiments relate to a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes a first handle member having a first handle portion and a first shaft portion; a first end member connected to the first handle member having a first instrument portion and a tab; a second end member connected to the tab of the first end member having a second instrument portion and a shaft portion; a second handle member connected to the shaft portion of the second end member; and a lock that releasably connects the second handle member to the shaft portion of the first handle member. |
US09358024B2 |
Methods for treating airways
This relates to treating an asthmatic lung and more particularly, relates to advancing a treatment device into the lung and treating the lung with the device. This also includes additional steps of treating the airway wall, applying energy or heat to the airway wall in an asthmatic lung. |
US09358023B2 |
Systems and methods for opening of a tissue barrier
Systems and methods for opening a tissue to a target value using microbubbles are disclosed herein. In an embodiment of a method for opening a tissue to a target value using microbubbles, a region of the tissue is targeted for opening, an acoustic parameter corresponding to the target value is determined, and an ultrasound beam is applied to the target region at the acoustic parameter such that the tissue at the target region is opened to the target value with the microbubbles. The acoustic parameter can be selected to control an acoustic cavitation event and, in some embodiments, controlling an acoustic cavitation event can include controlling a location, number and/or magnitude of acoustic cavitation events. |
US09358017B2 |
Sonotrode
A sonotrode for an ultrasonic surgical instrument has a shaft and an instrument head at a distal end of the shaft. The instrument head is equipped with a cutting structure for the treatment of bones. The shaft has a helical cut-out. The helical cut-out is provided with a transversely running shoulder. A method produces a sonotrode and a surgical instrument having such a sonotrode. As a result of the shoulder in the helical cut-out, the torsional vibration of the instrument head is amplified such that bone material can be ablated in a particularly effective fashion. |
US09358016B2 |
Drill with depth measurement system
A measurement system and method for determining a depth of penetration of a working portion of a surgical instrument (e.g., a rotating drill bit in a bore). A first sensor outputs a first signal representative of a displacement of the leading edge of the drill bit in the bore. A second sensor outputs a second signal representative of a force applied to the leading edge of the drill bit. A processor outputs a third signal representative of the depth of penetration of the leading edge of the drill bit when the leading edge of the drill bit passes from a first medium having a first density to a second medium having a second density. The third signal is based on the first and second signals. |
US09358015B2 |
Endoscopic surgical clip applier with wedge plate
An apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue is provided and includes a handle assembly; a shaft assembly including a housing extending distally from the handle assembly and defining a longitudinal axis; a plurality of surgical clips disposed within the shaft assembly; a jaw mounted adjacent a distal end portion of the shaft assembly, the jaw being movable between an open spaced-apart condition and a closed approximated condition; and a pusher bar reciprocally disposed within the housing of the shaft assembly and being detachably connectable to the housing of the shaft assembly, the pusher bar being configured to load a distal-most surgical clip into the jaws during distal movement and remain connected to the housing of the shaft assembly and in a distally advanced position during an approximation of the jaws. |
US09358008B2 |
Surgical device
A wound closure device for closing a surgical wound includes at least one compressive clip for applying pressure to a patient's tissue. The clip includes a first clamping arm, a second clamping arm, and a flexible pin maintained between the first and second clamping arms in a press-fit relationship. Each of the first and second clamping arms has a proximal first end, an opposing distal second end and a sidewall extending therebetween. The clip has a first position in which the proximal first ends of the first and second clamping arms partially engage or do not engage each other and a second position in which the proximal first ends of the first and second clamping arms pivotally engage each other. In the second position of the clip, a compressive force generated at the proximal first ends is transferred through the first and second clamping arms to the distal second ends. |
US09358005B2 |
End effector layer including holding features
An end effector is disclosed which comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, a staple cartridge, an anvil, and at least one layer positioned intermediate the first jaw and the second jaw. The layer may include a pattern of holding features defined on a tissue contacting surface of the layer. The pattern of holding features can extend between a proximal end of the layer and a distal end of the layer. The pattern of holding features may be defined by a network of interconnected channels skew to a longitudinal axis of the layer. The network of interconnected channels may be configured to mitigate and/or control the flow of patient tissue relative to the layer. |
US09358004B2 |
Articulating apparatus for endoscopic procedures
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an endoscopic surgical device is provided. The surgical device includes a handle assembly including a drive mechanism actuatable by a trigger; and an endoscopic assembly including a proximal end portion extending from the handle assembly; a distal end portion pivotably connected to the proximal end portion of the endoscopic assembly; and a rotatable inner actuation shaft extending from the handle assembly and into the distal end portion of the endoscopic assembly, the inner actuation shaft including a flexible portion extending across the pivot connection. The surgical device includes an end effector selectively connectable to the distal end portion of the endoscopic assembly and to a distal portion of the rotatable inner actuation shaft. The end effector includes a splined inner tube rotatably supported in an outer tube; and a plurality of surgical anchors loaded in the inner tube of the end effector. |
US09358000B2 |
Tungsten alloy suture needles
A method for making a curved tungsten alloy suture needle comprising the step of heating tungsten alloy needle blanks or a tungsten alloy suture needle to a temperature below the recrystallization temperature of the alloy. The tungsten alloy suture needles described herein have a desirable combination of stiffness, strength, ductility, and surface color. |
US09357991B2 |
Method and apparatus for stitching tendons
Methods and apparatuses for repairing a tear in soft tissue are disclosed. A method according to the principles of the present disclosure includes connecting an intermediate member to a bone anchor and placing the intermediate member on the soft tissue. The method further includes inserting a first suture through the intermediate member and the soft tissue to attach the intermediate member to the soft tissue and fixing the bone anchor to bone to secure the soft tissue to the bone. |
US09357983B2 |
Method of making reduced backlash joint
A joint and a corresponding method of creating a precision-fit joint, including creating a mating surface on a first joint component so that the mating surface includes one or more interfering features, connecting a second joint component with the mating surface such that the interfering feature is compressed, and heating the mating surface above a glass transition temperature or melting temperature of the mating surface, or otherwise treating the surface, so as to induce flow of material from the interfering feature to a area of relatively low pressure between the first joint component and the second joint component. |
US09357982B2 |
Tampon assembly
A tampon assembly includes a flexible and relatively thin impermeable portion having two opposite side faces and an outer edge which is oval in shape so that the oval shape of the impermeable portion has a largest dimension as measured through the center of the impermeable portion and a smallest dimension as measured through the center of the impermeable portion, and the largest dimension is at least about 1.5 times the size of the smallest dimension. The assembly further includes an absorbent pad portion which is secured to one side face of the impermeable portion so that when the assembly is positioned within a user, the absorbent pad portion is positioned in a condition for absorbing fluids and the outer edge of the impermeable portion sealingly engages the walls of the vaginal canal. |
US09357980B2 |
Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and method for identifying blood vessel
An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus which detects a target blood vessel of a subject based on reflected ultrasound waves obtained, using an ultrasound probe, from the subject, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus including: a B-mode image generation unit which generates a tomographic image of the subject, based on the reflected ultrasound waves; a blood flow image generation unit which generates blood flow information indicating a blood flow region of the subject in the tomographic image, based on the reflected ultrasound waves; and a blood flow region determination unit which determines whether or not the blood flow region corresponds to the target blood vessel, by analyzing the blood flow information generated by the blood flow image generation unit. |
US09357978B2 |
Three dimensional fetal heart imaging by non-ECG physiological gated acquisition
An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system acquires 3D data sets of the fetal heart by use of a gating signal synthesized from detected motion of the fetal heart. A sequence of temporally different echo signals are acquired from a location in the anatomy where motion representative of the heart cycle is to be estimated, such as a sample volume in the fetal carotid artery or an M line through the fetal myocardium. A heart cycle signal is synthesized from the detected motion and used to gate the acquisition of fetal heart image data at one or more desired phases of the fetal heart cycle. In an illustrated embodiment 3D data sets are acquired from multiple subvolumes, each over the full fetal heart cycle, then combined to produce a live 3D loop of the beating fetal heart. |
US09357976B2 |
System and method of noise deletion in computed tomography
An imaging system includes a computer programmed to reconstruct original CT projection data, estimate noise in image space, forward project the image noise estimate to generate an initial projection noise estimate, modify the initial projection noise estimate using a statistical property of noise in projection space, remove noise in the original CT projection data by subtracting the modified noise estimate therefrom to generate noise-removed projection data, and reconstruct a final image based on the noise-removed projection data. |
US09357974B2 |
Integrated portable digital X-ray imaging system
A method for processing a radiographic image of a patient, executed at least in part on a host processor, initiates exposure in response to an instruction entered from an operator console and obtains radiographic image data from a digital detector that is subjected to the exposure. The obtained radiographic image data is analyzed according to a set of predefined criteria for diagnostic suitability of the image. One or more results of the diagnostic suitability analysis at the operator console is indicated and a listing of one or more corrective actions at the operator console according to the indicated results is provided. |
US09357972B2 |
Intraoral radiographic sensors with cables having increased user comfort and methods of using the same
A radiological image sensor has an electronic substrate and an imaging chip held within a housing, the imaging chip having electronics that create a dead space, with a cable attached to the housing at a cable button connector, the dead space being at a short distal side of the generally rectangular sensor opposite the short mesial side at which the cable exits the cable button connector. The mesial side of the sensor either does not have a dead space created by electronics of the imaging chip or the dead space found on the mesial side of the sensor is less than approximately 4 mm, and, preferably, approximately 2 mm or less. The cable can be a flat cable with a length of approximately one meter or less that can be connected to a round cable. |
US09357971B2 |
X-ray CT photographic apparatus
An X-ray CT photographic apparatus including: a beam shaping mechanism that regulates an irradiation range of an X-ray generated from an X-ray generator and shapes the X-ray into an X-ray cone beam; and a main body controller that changes a read region, where an X-ray detection signal is read in the X-ray detector, according to the irradiation range of the X-ray cone beam. The main body controller changes the irradiation range of the X-ray cone beam to an x-axis direction during an X-ray CT photography such that only a set CT photographic region is irradiated with the X-ray cone beam according to the set CT photographic region input through a CT photographic region setting unit. The main body controller changes a read region in an X-ray detector with respect to the x-axis direction in a detection surface of the X-ray detector during the X-ray CT photography. |
US09357968B2 |
Self-cleaning sensor surfaces for implantable sensor systems
Implantable sensor system including a sensor which is situated in a housing, the housing having a measurement region which is permeable for the parameters to be detected by the sensor, wherein the measurement region has an erodible protective coating which is permeable for the parameters to be detected by the sensor. |
US09357961B2 |
Device for enabling patient self testing and treatment self- administration and system using the device for managing the patient's health care
A portable unit comprises a sampling mechanism used by a patient to take a sample of a bodily fluid or tissue that can be tested for any property indicative of a medical condition of the patient, a microprocessor for determining a treatment for the condition based on a test of the sample, and an administration mechanism for administering the treatment based on the determination by the microprocessor. Operationally, the unit samples a bodily function, evaluates the sample, determines from stored protocols and criteria if treatment is required, and administers treatment. Two-way wireless communication between the unit and one or more remote networks enables numerous functionalities, including (i) collection and collation of medical information and records relating to multiple users of information stored by their units for access by healthcare providers, regulatory agencies, insurance carriers, pharmaceutical companies, and others, (ii) unit maintenance and resupply of consumables, and (iii) direct user-to-user communication. |
US09357959B2 |
Method and system for dynamically updating calibration parameters for an analyte sensor
Methods and apparatuses including determining a calibration parameter associated with a detected analyte value, calibrating the analyte value based on the calibration parameter, and dynamically updating the calibration parameter are disclosed. Also provided are systems, kits, and computer program products. |
US09357955B2 |
Portable analytical device and system
A portable analytical device including at least one optical unit and optionally an adapting device are provided. The optical unit includes a light beam receiving area, a sample holder, a light beam exiting area, and a lens component. The adapting device holds the optical unit and an external hand-held computing device (EHCD), such that the optical unit is coupled to the EHCD. |
US09357954B2 |
Simultaneous measurement of pulse and regional blood oxygen saturation
Methods and systems are provided that allow for the simultaneous calculation of pulse and regional blood oxygen saturation. An oximeter system that includes a sensor with a plurality of emitters and detectors may be used to calculate a pulse and/or regional blood oxygen saturation. A plurality of light signals may be emitted from light emitters. A first light signal may be received at a first light detector and a second light signal may be received at a second light detector. A pulse and/or regional blood oxygen saturation value may be calculated based on the received first and/or second light signals. The pulse and regional blood oxygen saturation values may be calculated substantially simultaneously. The calculated pulse and regional blood oxygen saturation values as well as other blood oxygen saturation values may be displayed simultaneously in a preconfigured portion of a display. |
US09357953B2 |
System and method for diagnosing sleep apnea
Various embodiments may provide methods and systems capable of evaluating physiological parameter data. The methods and systems may include monitoring a patient to produce a signal comprising a sequence of numerical values for blood oxygen saturation over a time period. The signal may be analyzed to identify two or more desaturation patterns within the time period, and at least two numerical differences are calculated between the desaturation patterns. A saturation pattern detection index may be calculated using the numerical differences between the desaturation patterns. The saturation pattern detection index may be used to provide an indication of a physiological condition. Other embodiments may provide a medical device that may be used to evaluate physical parameter data according to the techniques described. |
US09357952B2 |
Implantable biosensor and methods of use thereof
Provided herein is a stabilized oxygen transport matrix that includes a reversible oxygen binding protein, such as hemoglobin, immobilized throughout the stabilized oxygen transport matrix. The stabilized oxygen transport matrix is used to transport oxygen and can be used as an oxygen transport region and a reaction region of an analyte sensor, such as an implantable glucose sensor. The reversible binding protein can also function as an oxygen probe within the analyte sensor. |
US09357950B2 |
Apparatus and method of fluid aspiration
An in-line sampling system that includes a sampling valve and a syringe for selectively introducing a fluid to and aspirating a fluid from a downstream fluid conduit connected to a catheterized patient. The syringe has a fluid chamber into which fluid is aspirated, a volume regulator for adjusting the volume, a fluid line through which fluid flows through the syringe to a downstream fluid conduit. The syringe also has a valve mechanism for selectively controlling fluid flow along the fluid line and selectively shifting the volume regulator to adjust the volume of the fluid chamber. A housing provides for the fluid chamber and mounts the fluid line, valve mechanism and volume regulator. |
US09357948B2 |
Method and system for determining the values of parameters representative of a movement of at least two limbs of an entity represented in the form of an articulated line
A method determining values of parameters representing a movement of an entity represented by an articulated chain, by a sensor assembly including at least one sensor for a parameter representing an orientation of a first segment of the articulated chain, the method including: reception of an orientation value measured and supplied by the orientation sensor; estimation of a value of at least one first parameter representing a movement of the first segment by processing the orientation value; and, based on a predetermined movement model of the articulated chain, as a time change model, including at least one relationship of time dependency between the at least one first parameter and at least one other parameter representing a movement of another segment of the articulated chain: estimation of a value of the at least one other parameter by application of the time change model to the estimated value of the at least one first parameter. |
US09357946B2 |
Breath condensate sampler and detector and breath/breath condensate sampler and detector
The present invention provides a direct sampler and detector for analytes found in exhaled breath condensate. Analytes in the breath condensate are detected instantaneously as they condense prior to reaching the sensor surface or condense directly on the sensor surface. Because the analysis or assay is performed immediately after patient exhalation, analyte stability is significantly improved providing accurate, reliable, consistent, and clinically applicable results. In certain embodiments, combined breath condensate/breath samplers and detectors are provided, enabling multiplexed analysis of condensed and vapor-phase analytes provided in a single sampling session. Breath is collected and directed to one or more subsystems. Within each subsystem, the breath portion is either condensed or prevented from condensing. The technique also allows real-time continuous monitoring, thus allowing immediate feedback to both medical professionals and additional hardware such as ventilators, anesthesia machines, drug infusion systems and cardiac pacemakers. |
US09357944B2 |
Impedance measurement and demodulation using implantable device
An implantable medical device performs impedance measurement and demodulation, such as for obtaining lead impedance measurements, or thoracic impedance measurements, such as for extracting respiration, cardiac stroke, or fluid status information. A 4-point FIR filter demodulator can be used to demodulate a two-phase current excitation waveform. The demodulator can also be used to measure noise for triggering a noise response. Among other things, an increased excitation current level can be used when noise is deemed to be present. |
US09357941B2 |
Brain-computer interface test battery for the physiological assessment of nervous system health
A battery of three or more sensory and cognitive challenge tasks actively or dynamically challenge the brain to monitor its state for assessment of injury, disease, or compound effect, among others. The system analyzes and assesses a personalized biometric brain health signature by integrating the use of electroencephalography (EEG), somato-sensory, neuropsychological, and/or cognitive stimulation, and novel signal processing and display. The system also provides for early detection of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VAD), mixed dementia (AD and VAD), MCI, and other dementia-type disorders, as well as brain injury states such as mild Traumatic Brain Injury and can provide some or all of the following improvements over conventional systems and methods, including: (1) Increased sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy; (2) early detection of disease and injury; and (3) enhanced portability with remote data acquisition capability. |
US09357935B2 |
Systems and methods to identify cardiac dysynchrony
The current technology is relevant to a system having an implantable medical device, where the system is configured to identify a patient condition comprising cardiac dysynchrony, configured to notify a clinical user of the identified condition and configured to identify a therapy appropriate for the identified condition. |
US09357931B2 |
Medical systems and methods
This disclosure generally relates to medical systems and methods. In one aspect of the invention, a method includes determining a fluorescent light intensity at one or more points on each of multiple recorded images, and producing an image based on the determined fluorescent light intensity at the one or more points. |
US09357924B2 |
Composition, method, system and kit for optical electrophysiology
The present invention provides a method of optical electrophysiological probing, including: providing a fluorescing chemical probe; contacting a thick portion of tissue with the fluorescing chemical probe to create a thick portion of treated tissue; applying a first range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation to the treated portion of tissue; and detecting a plurality of depth-specific emission wavelengths emitted from the thick portion of treated tissue. |
US09357918B1 |
System and method for drug screening and monitoring pupil reactivity and voluntary and involuntary eye muscle function
A system and method for drug screening for testing an iris for use of a chemical known to have a neurological effect that interferes with normal functioning of the iris and the voluntary muscles of the eye. The system and the method involve testing and documenting reactivity of the iris under known light conditions and can test for the presence of horizontal nystagmus. The identity of a subject can be confirmed by applying an iris pattern recognition model of a captured image of an iris of the eye compared with an image of an iris stored in a library of baseline color or a library of infrared eye images. The system and the method involves providing alarms when one eye pupil diameter exceeds or falls below the opposite eye pupil diameter and when horizontal gaze nystagmus has been determined to be present. |
US09357916B2 |
Analysis and visualization of OCT angiography data
Methods for analyzing and visualizing OCT angiography data are presented. In one embodiment, an automated method for identifying the foveal avascular zone in a two dimensional en face image generated from motion contrast data is presented. Several 3D visualization techniques are presented including one in which a particular vessel is selected in a motion contrast image and all connected vessels are highlighted. A further embodiment includes a stereoscopic visualization method. In addition, a variety of metrics for characterizing OCT angiography image data are described. |
US09357908B2 |
Retractor blade extender tower
A blade extending tower is provided for setting blade depth on retractors having telescoping or extending blades. The blade extending tower features a base, a column extending from the base, and mating features on the column configured to engage the blades of a retractor to extend the blades to a desired blade depth. Blade depth of the retractor is set buy sliding the retractor onto the blade extending tower such that the mating features of the blade extending tower engage the blades or the retractor, stopping the blades progression while the rest of the retractor continues along the length of the column. Thus the blades of the retractor are extended from the retractor to a depth determined by the configuration of the blade extending tower. |
US09357907B2 |
Device for performing examination through the uterine cavity
A device for performing examination through the uterine cavity, preferably to carry out a computed tomography virtual hysterosalpingography, by the use of a speculum and a cannula or probe, wherein the device comprises a support for centering in the speculum and the probe is retained in a central end of the support to guarantee the centering of the probe within the cervix and the holding of the probe in the desired position during the test. |
US09357906B2 |
Surgical illumination devices and methods therefor
A surgical illumination device includes a LED with a positive terminal, a negative terminal, and a heat transfer pad. A flexible circuit has first and second electrically conductive traces extending from a proximal end to a distal end thereof. The first conductive trace is electrically interconnected with the positive terminal, the second conductive trace is electrically interconnected with the negative terminal, and a heat transfer window on the flexible circuit is aligned with the heat transfer pad. The illumination device includes a heat sink having a distal end with a distal end face. A thermally conductive adhesive pad is disposed between the LED and the distal end face of the heat sink. The thermally conductive adhesive pad is aligned with the heat transfer window of the flexible circuit and the heat transfer pad of the LED base. |
US09357905B2 |
Airway device, airway assist device and the method of using same
An airway device is provided for opening a patient's airway. The airway device provides dual tubes which allow the patient to breathe on his/her own, to be ventilated, or to be intubated. The airway device includes a camera which provides constant visualization of the patient's tissues during insertion of the airway device and during the entire medical procedure. A transmission lumen monitors heart and breath sounds. Information from the camera and the transmission lumen is relayed to a microprocessor to allow for monitoring which may be remote. An airway assist device may be used with the airway device for properly positioning the patient's tongue is also disclosed. The airway assist device is inserted into the patient's vallecula to manipulate the patient's tongue. |
US09357902B2 |
Updateable endoscopic video imaging system with unified electro-optic cable
A control unit is detachably coupled to a camera and receptive of the imaging data with a plurality of data processing instructions being stored on the camera and/or the control unit such that when the camera is coupled to the control unit, the plurality of data processing instructions transfer the imaging data from the camera to the control unit. The data processing instructions being field upgradeable with a portable upgrading module which may couple directly to either the camera and/or the control unit. |
US09357900B2 |
Combined assembly for dispensing washing agents and ozone for a washing machine, in particular a dishwashing machine
An assembly including an integrated device for dispensing washing agents, having a body intended to be mounted in an opening of a sheet-like wall which delimits the washing chamber and which has a peripheral formation which protrudes towards the outside and is intended to abut against the surface of the wall surrounding the opening, on the side of the wall which faces the washing machine; and an ozone-generating device, with a housing which has an outlet opening and contains electric ozone-flow generating means suitable for emitting a flow of ozone towards the outlet opening, so as to introduce it into the washing chamber of the machines. |
US09357899B2 |
Dishwasher support structures
Support structures for dishwashers are disclosed. An example dishwasher for treating dishes according to a cycle of operation includes a tub defining a treating chamber with an opening, a frame coupled to and structurally supporting at least a portion of the tub, a dish rack mount coupled to the frame, and a dish rack coupled to the dish rack mount, wherein the weight of the dish rack is substantially borne by the frame. |
US09357898B2 |
Method of separating chemistries in a door-type dishmachine
The present disclosure relates to a dishmachine that includes at least two tanks and methods of using the tanks to isolate, substantially isolate, or incrementally isolate different chemistries from each other during a cycle. The disclosed dishmachine design and method allows for the use of two different, and potentially incompatible, reactive, or offsetting chemistries to be used in the same dishmachine cycle. |
US09357897B2 |
Hands-free pot scrubber
A portable, hands-free device for cleaning a cooking utensil includes a motor, a source of electrical power electrically coupled to the motor, and scrub brushes mechanically coupled to the motor. |
US09357896B2 |
Cleaning element and cleaning tool
It is an object of the present invention to provide effective technique for a higher cleaning effect and higher operability of a cleaning element. According to the representative cleaning element 110, a distance d1 between adjacent ones of the fusion bonded parts 114 is longer than a length d2 or d3 formed on both of the pair adjacent fusion bonded parts 114 and 116 in the respective longitudinal end regions of the cleaning element 110. |
US09357895B2 |
Gravity feed solution distribution system
A gravity feed solution distribution system for use with surface maintenance and conditioning machines includes front and rear counter-rotating brush rollers within a shroud, a manifold having delivery ports and disposed within the shroud above the counter-rotating brush rollers, an agitating blade extending from an inner surface of the shroud and underneath the manifold to contact the front counter-rotating brush roller, and a baffle extending downward from an inner surface of the shroud above the front counter-rotating brush roller to contact the front counter-rotating brush roller. |
US09357893B2 |
Mobile device generating map information to an electronic device
A mobile device moving in a specific area including a driving unit, an environment sensing unit, a control unit and a transmittal unit is disclosed. The driving unit moves according to a first driving signal. The environment sensing unit detects an outline of the specific area to generate detection information. The control unit processes the detection information to generate first map information and position information. The transmittal unit transmits the first map information to an electronic device. The electronic device generates second map information according to the first map information, and the control unit generates the first driving signal according to the first map information, the second map information and the position information. |
US09357892B2 |
Vortex-flow vacuum suction nozzle
A vacuum suction nozzle comprises a nozzle body comprising a first end and a second end, a nozzle passage extending through the nozzle body from the first end to the second end, and a plurality of channels traversing the first end. The channels enter the nozzle passage tangentially. Each channel may be wider proximate an outer surface of the nozzle body than proximate the nozzle passage. A vacuum system comprises the nozzle and a vacuum generator coupled to the nozzle. A method for vacuum cleaning comprises inducing a vortex flow proximate the nozzle with a vacuum generator, and translating the nozzle generally parallel to a surface to remove particulates from the surface. |
US09357885B2 |
Bathing vessel and method therefor
A bathing vessel includes a base support having a base board that extends between a top, a bottom, first and second side edges, and first and second ends. Two legs are attached on the bottom of the base board, inboard from the respective first and second side edges. The base board is at least partially encapsulated in a polyurethane material. |
US09357881B2 |
Oil level detection system for deep fat fryer
A detector configured to indirectly monitor a level of liquid within a container is provided. The detector includes a temperature sensor and a heat producing element proximate to the temperature sensor. A shell is disposed around the temperature sensor and heat producing element, the shell is configured to be disposed within a container and to provide a barrier between liquid disposed within the container and each of the temperature sensor and heat producing element. The heat producing element is configured to transfer heat generated therein to the shell, and the sensor is configured to measure a surface temperature of the heat producing element. |
US09357877B2 |
Cookware and cook-packs for narrowband irradiation cooking and systems and methods thereof
A methodology and product or system configurations are provided which allow food to be directly irradiated for cooking applications which involve the impingement of direct radiant energy on food or comestible items. Cooking vessels or cook-packs are used that are optically transmissive in visible or infrared narrow wavelength bands emitted in suitable narrowband cooking or heating systems. |
US09357874B2 |
Hot and cold beverage maker and method of use
A beverage maker to selectively brew hot or cold beverages employs both a heating unit and a cooling unit. The heating unit heats a liquid, typically water, and uses the heated liquid to hot brew a beverage. Using any of a number of touch sensitive buttons, a coolant can enter a cold brewing unit which subjects the hot brewed beverage to cooling via a helical structure. Further, there may be a resting plate for the container to receive the beverage that can be selectively cooled or heated. The end result is a quick and efficient way to brew either a hot or cold beverage. |
US09357871B2 |
Coffee machine with dispensing regulation and a method relating thereto
The present invention relates to a coffee machine for producing and dispensing coffee-based beverages comprising a hydraulic pump (35), at least one dispensing device (13) comprising a filter unit (31) apt to contain ground coffee and a supply unit (14) apt to supply water to the filter unit when the filter unit is engaged with the supply unit and a hydraulic circuit which brings the hydraulic pump into fluid communication with the supply unit of the dispensing device, the hydraulic circuit comprising a supply duct (11) which supplies hot water under pressure to the supply unit, characterized in that it further comprises a system for controlling the dispensing pressure which comprises a control unit (22), a pressure sensor (21) disposed along the hydraulic circuit and apt to generate a control signal representative of the pressure detected, the pressure sensor being electronically connected to a control unit to detect the dispensing pressure, and a hydraulic variable-flow valve (36) disposed along the hydraulic circuit and apt to supply variable quantities of water to at least one dispensing device, the variable-flow valve being actuated by an electronic drive controlled electronically by the control unit in order to regulate the flow rate of water output as a function of a detected dispensing pressure value.The invention relates, moreover, to a method for controlling the dispensing pressure in a coffee machine. |
US09357868B2 |
Skew adjustment mechanism for a window covering
A skew adjustment method and apparatus for adjusting the skewed condition of a movable rail of a window covering in which the movable rail is supported by lift cords wrapped around spools. A drive train disconnecting mechanism is used to disconnect a first spool from a second spool, the first spool is rotated relative to the second spool, thereby changing the length of the first lift cord relative to the second lift cord until the movable rail is in the desired position; and then the first and second spools are reconnected so the first and second spools rotate together. An end cap may be used to enable multiple disassemblies and reassemblies of the end cap to access the skew adjustment mechanism. In one embodiment, there are two movable rails, and the lift cords for both movable rails extend through the same rout holes in the covering. Disconnecting the first spool from the second spool may activate a mechanism that prevents the second spool from rotating. |
US09357867B2 |
Remotely controlled adjustable mailbox support
A remotely controlled adjustable mailbox support uses a stepping motor, controlled by a microprocessor/CPU, to raise a mailbox platform above a level where the mailbox can be damaged by a passing snow plow. Based on remote command signals received by a internal communications module, the time and duration when the mailbox is raised can be controlled, as well as the height to which it is raised. An optional temporary rf-signal over-ride capability for mail carriers and/or snow plow operators is also provided, as well as control application software for wireless mobile devices. |
US09357863B1 |
Mattress cover and bed skirt system
A mattress cover and skirt system includes a skirt configured to be secured to the mattress. The skirt includes a flexible skirt panel defining an upper edge, a lower edge, and an elastic element disposed along at least a portion of the lower edge. The mattress cover system includes a mattress cover panel configured to be removably attached to the skirt. The mattress cover panel includes an upper layer, a lower layer, and a cushioning member disposed between the upper and lower layers. A connector system includes at least one first connector member disposed along the upper edge of the skirt and at least one second connector member disposed proximate the outermost edge of the mattress cover panel. The second connector member is configured to engage the first connector member so as to removably attach the mattress cover panel to the skirt. |
US09357860B1 |
Shower caddy with detachable parts
A hanging shower caddy has detachable shelves which engage brackets that extend from the front of the legs of the caddy back; preferably a stringer on the shelf interacts with a tie that connects the legs, to inhibit vertical lifting of the shelf from the bracket. Alternatively, the top rear rail of a shelf engages notches at the front of the legs. A pole caddy has a removable shelf with tangs that engage holes or other features in a collar that is clamped to the pole. The legs of the back of a hanging caddy are hinged so the top of the back folds for compact shipment. |
US09357854B2 |
Juvenile walker
A juvenile walker includes a seat supported for movement on a movable base. The elevation of the seat can be changed by a caregiver. |
US09357850B2 |
Seating unit convertible to bed
A seating unit having a foldable bed includes: a base with an internal cavity and a rear wall; a foldable bed that includes separate and distinct head, intermediate and seat sections, wherein in a folded position, the intermediate and seat sections are generally horizontally disposed and positioned in vertically stacked relationship, and the head section is generally vertically disposed and positioned adjacent the rear wall of the base, and in an unfolded position, the head, intermediate and seat sections are generally horizontally disposed and in serial alignment with each other; and a bed folding mechanism that is attached to the base and the head, intermediate and seat sections that controls the movement of the bed between the folded and unfolded positions. |
US09357847B2 |
Reclining seating unit with power actuators
A reclining seating unit includes: a base; an arm frame; a seat having a seat frame; a backrest mounted and pivotally interconnected to the seat frame; a footrest unit; a reclining mechanism attached to the seat and the backrest, the reclining mechanism configured to control relative movement of the seat and backrest between upright and reclined positions; a footrest mechanism attached to the seat, the footrest unit, and the arm frame, the footrest mechanism configured to control relative movement of the footrest unit and the seat between retracted and extended positions; a first linear actuator attached to the reclining mechanism and to the seat configured to move the seat and backrest between the upright and reclined positions; and a second linear actuator attached to the footrest mechanism and to the seat configured to move the footrest unit between the retracted and extended positions. |
US09357846B2 |
Supporting apparatus for suspending two displays
A supporting apparatus for suspending two displays includes: a base seat unit including a fixing bracket and a pillar that is connected to the fixing bracket; two suspending arms, each having a first end portion that is movably connected to the pillar unit such that each of the suspending arms is movable along the pillar, and a second end portion that is opposite to the first end portion; two slide track units respectively connected to the second end portions of the suspending arms; and two display-supporting bracket units movably connected to the slide track units for mounting the displays. Through operation of the suspending arms, the sliding track units and the display-supporting bracket units, the displays can be moved to juxtapose and contact each other. |
US09357844B2 |
Hanging corner shelf assembly
A hanging corner shelf assembly is provided which includes a first member and a second member, which diverge from one another. Each member includes a first side and a second side, an inner side and an outer side. The first and second members are configured for attachment to one another. The hanging corner shelf assembly further includes at least one shelf member extending from the first member and the second member, wherein a longitudinal axis of the at least one shelf member is generally perpendicularly oriented relative to a longitudinal axis of each of the first and second members and at least one hanging member is included, wherein the at least one hanging member is engageable to the first and/or second member. |
US09357840B2 |
Supporting consumer products
A shelving apparatus includes a frame structure formed with vertical members and horizontal members and a shelf adjustable between positions and supported, at each position, by the vertical members. The vertical members and horizontal members define a volume therebetween, and each of the vertical members include notches formed on a vertical surface of the vertical member. The shelf includes a frame; a product surface coupled with the frame; a first rod coupled to the frame and insertable into at least a portion of a respective notch of one of the vertical members; and a second rod coupled to the frame and insertable into at least a portion of a respective notch of another of the vertical members. The second rod is forcibly biased, by a biasing member coupled with the frame, against at least one of the vertical members. |
US09357835B2 |
Transversal cleaning apparatus
Apparatuses and methods of using and making apparatuses that may clean concave and convex surfaces are discussed. The apparatus may be capable of substantially contacting and cleaning concave, convex, planar, and non-planar surfaces. |
US09357833B2 |
Brush with replaceable twisted-in-wire bristle assembly
A brush for cleaning a grill or other surface having a bristle assembly of twisted-in-wire material that is removable and replaceable. |
US09357830B2 |
Belt hanger for handheld device
A belt hanger detachably supports the handheld device, whether or not carried in a pouch or holster, to a wearer's waist belt to comfortably and securely carry the device while preventing the device from sagging and hanging outward from the wearer's body. The belt hanger includes a rigid hanger body, a flexible strap cover and a quick connector part, which couples directly to the handheld device or its carry pouch or holster. The hanger body has a rectangular shape and a central belt channel for receiving the user's waist belt. The cover strap is bonded to the hanger body and wraps over the hanger body so that one end covers one its faces and the opposite loose end extends over the belt channel and its other face to act as the closure strap for belt hanger. The opposite loose end of the cover strap is secured to the hanger body by a pair of snaps. |
US09357828B2 |
Bag that distributes weight over the back of a person
An apparatus includes a bag to carry one or more objects on the back of a person, and a cushion for connection to a surface of the bag. The cushion is used for making substantially continuous contact with the back when the bag is carried on the back. The apparatus may be a backpack or any other type of bag. |
US09357823B2 |
Luggage frame structure
Frame structures (106a, 106b, 206) for luggage pieces (100) formed of one or more frame supports (110, 210) and one or more frame elements (108) may be assembled with the luggage piece. Luggage pieces may include an outer layer (102), an inner layer (104), and at least one frame structure (106a, 106b, 206) with one or more frame elements (108) and one or more frame supports (110, 210). The frame elements (108) may be joined to the inner layer (104), the outer layer (102), or both, and may be arranged between the outer layer (102) and the inner layer (104). The frame supports (110, 210) may be joined to the outer layer (104), and one or more frame elements (108) may be joined to the frame supports (110, 210). The frame structures (106a, 106b, 206) may provide support and/or reinforcement to the luggage piece (100). |
US09357817B2 |
Reversible wrist strap insert and curved cutout for centering wrist strap
A device is disclosed for wearing on a wrist or other body part including a central piece held on the body part by a pair of straps. The proximal end of a strap includes a mounting pin for sliding into and out of a slot on the central piece. The proximal end of the strap further includes a positioning curve which mates with a correspondingly shaped receiving curve on the central piece when the strap is properly affixed and centered on the central piece. When properly affixed and centered on the central piece, the positioning curve on the strap aligns with the receiving curve of the central piece, so that the positioning and receiving curves are at their lowest energy state, resisting lateral movement out of a centered position. |
US09357816B2 |
Slider for slide fastener and the slide fastener comprising the same
There is provided a slider for slide fastener, including a slider body and a pull tab. A pair of supporting parts rotatably supporting the pull tab are provided on an upper surface of the slider body, and a claw for snapping elements of the slide fastener is provided on the pull tab. The pull tab is rotatable between a first posture in which the pull tab is placed down on the slider body and a second posture in which the pull tab is erected from the slider body. A stop member is provided on at least one of the slider body and the pull tab. The stop member limits the pull tab in an erect position of the second posture such that a front end of the claw is located within a protection space. |
US09357808B2 |
U-form hat bracket
Disclosed is a cap shaping and forming insert device having a U-shaped structure that is placed in the front interior sweatband portion of a billed cap to prevent collapse and deformation thereof. The cap insert comprises a structure having at least two opposing vertically oriented arm members perpendicular to an elongated member disposed thereinbetween. The elongated member remains along the sweatband portion of the cap while the vertical arm members extend upward and into the interior crown of the cap. The cap insert is flexible and yet maintains a user-formed shape that can be used to maintain a desired shape of a billed cap once deployed therein. Moreover, a billed cap can be worn simultaneously with the cap insert therein. The cap insert can be washed and dried using standard methods while the cap insert is disposed therein in order to further preserve the structural integrity of the billed cap. |
US09357807B2 |
Size adjustment arrangement for a garment
A size adjustment arrangement for a garment comprises a base member, a ratchet member, a line, a spool, and an actuator. The base member is coupled to the garment and the ratchet member and spool are rotatably coupled to the base member. The line is wound on the spool with the line extending through at least one channel in the garment. The actuator is selectively rotatable in a first direction and a second direction without activation of any release mechanism. When a first force is applied to rotate the actuator in the first direction, the line is wound upon the spool. When a second force is applied to rotate the actuator in the second direction, the line is unwound upon the spool. The ratchet member and the spool are blocked from rotation when neither the first force nor the second force is applied to the actuator. |
US09357804B2 |
Proprioceptive topical ankle gear and methods of use
The present invention is directed to topical ankle gear for enhancing performance and reducing the risk of injury. The topical ankle gear and kits preferably comprise a flexible sleeve and a lateral foot-ankle buttress, Achilles buttresses, and/or an extendable strap. The topical ankle gear of the present invention is designed to be worn during periods of physical activity to reduce injury and to train and strengthen the athletes muscles against injury, advantageously increasing proprioception by stimulating critical sensory and tactile receptors in the foot and ankle. |
US09357800B2 |
Edibles comprising a high resolution image
Disclosed are methods of printing high resolution images on edible substrates with dispersed pigmented inks using a drop-on-demand ink-jet printer. Dispersed pigmented white inks useful with the inventive methods are also disclosed. White images having a resolution greater than 200 dpi can be printed on chocolate using the methods and inks disclosed herein. The inventive methods and inks may also be integrated with a consumer-driven site vending or e-commerce application in which the consumer provides the image to be printed and edibles bearing the printed image are prepared for rapid turnaround. |
US09357797B2 |
Dietary supplement containing alkaline electrolyte buffers
An improved dietary and/or therapeutic supplement composition comprising a quantity of a dietary and/or therapeutic supplement agent having a pH that upon ingestion with food or a beverage would limit the effectiveness of the agent and a sufficient amount of an alkaline electrolyte additive is provided in combination with the agent to raise the pH of the composition to a level of from about 8 to about 12.5 to increase the effectiveness and functional utilization of the agent while the composition is in the person's stomach. |
US09357796B2 |
Carotenoid-containing aqueous suspensions and powders, methods of producing the same and uses thereof
Aqueous suspensions comprising: (a) at least one carotenoid, (b) at least one modified starch, and (c) sucrose; wherein the at least one carotenoid is present in the suspension in an amount of 1 to 25% by weight, based on the dry matter of the aqueous suspension; and wherein the at least one carotenoid and the sucrose are present in the suspension in a ratio by weight of 1:2 to 1:80; powders comprising: (a) at least one carotenoid, (b) at least one modified starch, and (c) sucrose; wherein the at least one carotenoid is present in the powder in an amount of 1 to 25% by weight, based on the weight of the powder; and wherein the at least one carotenoid and the sucrose are present in the powder in a ratio by weight of 1:2 to 1:80; and processes of producing such suspensions and powders along with uses thereof. |
US09357790B2 |
Processes for removing waxes and phospholipids from vegetable oils and increasing production of food grade lecithin therefrom
A process for removing impurities from a crude vegetable oil. The process involves mixing the crude vegetable oil with removal reagents and pumping the mixture through a multi-stage, hydrodynamic cavitation device. The mixture is subjected to hydrodynamic cavitation processes, which result in the repeated generation and collapsing of vapor bubbles of volatile components in the process fluid, leading to the formation of an emulsion of vegetable oil and a water-phase from the process fluid into an emulsion. The water-phase contains the impurities. The vegetable oil and water-phase are then separated. Lecithin may be made from the phospholipids in the water-phase after appropriate drying processes. |
US09357787B2 |
Forced moisture evacuation for rapid baking
A baking device is provided. The baking device includes a housing enclosing a baking compartment and an air handling compartment, the air handling compartment and the baking compartment being separated by a pressure panel that defines a rear wall of the baking compartment, the pressure panel including an aperture allowing fluid communication between the baking and air handling compartments. A blower wheel is mounted in conjunction with the aperture, such that rotation of the blower wheel urges air movement from the baking compartment and into the air handling compartment. A secondary blower is arranged in fluid communication with the air handling compartment, wherein operation of the secondary blower urges ambient air into the air handling compartment. |
US09357785B2 |
Method for treatment and control of plant disease
The present invention provides methods for development of a virulent bacteriophage-based treatment for the control of plant diseases caused by Xylella fastidiosa. The invention further provides methods of isolating and propagating bacteriophage virulent to X. fastidiosa in a Xanthomonas bacterial host and for treating or reducing symptoms of X. fastidiosa infection in a plant. The invention further provides methods of isolating and propagating bacteriophage virulent to Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri and for treating or reducing symptoms of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri infection in a plant. |
US09357784B2 |
Method for physical plant treatment
The present invention relates to a method for physical plant treatment by means of electrostatic charge, wherein a transfer of the electrostatic charge takes place via water treated by way of an influence process, wherein the water comprises water clusters having an electron deficit due to the treatment by means of an influence process, wherein the water treated by means of an influence process can be obtained by the following process steps: Introducing the water to be treated into a galvanic element, Aligning the charges and free electrons in the electric field, Separating the charges by motion and by the influence resulting therefrom and Collecting and discharging the de-electronized positively-charged fraction. The method for physical plant treatment allows comprehensive and effective control of fungal diseases, simultaneously avoiding toxicological impact on the environment. |
US09357782B2 |
Substituted azines as pesticides
The invention relates to compounds of the general formula (I), wherein the variable have the meanings as indicated in the claims, or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof. The active ingredients have advantageous pesticidal properties. They are especially suitable for controlling endoparasites in warm-blooded animals. |
US09357772B2 |
Antimicrobial cationic polycarbonates
Antimicrobial cationic polymers having one or two cationic polycarbonate chains were prepared by organocatalyzed ring opening polymerization. One antimicrobial cationic polymer has a polymer chain consisting essentially of cationic carbonate repeat units linked to one or two end groups. The end groups can comprise a covalently bound form of biologically active compound such as cholesterol. Other antimicrobial cationic polymers have a random copolycarbonate chain comprising a minor mole fraction of hydrophobic repeat units bearing a covalently bound form of a vitamin E and/or vitamin D2. The cationic polymers exhibit high activity and selectivity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive microbes and fungi. |
US09357769B2 |
Polyacrylamide based agricultural compositions
A polyacrylamide based agricultural composition as a microemulsion is provided in form of a water-in-oil microemulsion with polyacrylamide dissolved in the water phase where the polyacrylamide solids content is from about two up to about 15 percent by weight, which is then further diluted in water at the time of use to impart the desired characteristics of the polymer to the water phase or to the material to which the water phase is applied. |
US09357767B2 |
Organ transporter
A perfusion apparatus includes a coolant container having a basin-receiving recess that is at least partly surrounded by an inner chamber; a basin that is shaped to fit within the basin-receiving recess of the coolant container; and a cradle that is shaped to accept an organ and fit within the basin. The basin-receiving recess of the coolant container, the basin and the cradle each have positioning elements that are oriented such that the cradle is keyed to fit within the basin and the basin is keyed to fit within the coolant container, each in a single predetermined orientation. The plurality of positioning elements on the basin may include a plurality of protrusions on an outer surface of the basin. |
US09357753B1 |
Aquarium and pond filter suction barrier
A filter intake suction guard for an aquarium or fish pond filter having a tubular filter intake tube. The suction guard having a substantially enclosed hollow housing with an outlet opening defined therein for receipt of a filter intake tube therein with a first open end of the filter intake tube in fluid communication within the housing interior. The housing also having a first wall which is spaced apart from the first open end of the filter intake tube, and having a plurality of intake openings defined therein and which are configured and dimensioned to prevent fish from entering the housing interior but allow water to enter the housing interior and exit the housing interior via the first open end of the filter intake tube. |
US09357750B2 |
Pet chew toy
A pet chew toy comprises a layer of animal product about a core. |
US09357748B2 |
Animal enclosure with dual door assembly
The present disclosure provides an animal enclosure including a plurality of members defining an interior of the enclosure. One of the plurality of members includes a first member having a frame structure and door assembly formed by a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires. At least two of the horizontal wires of the frame structure form a hook positioned inside the defined opening. The door assembly is coupled to the frame and moves between an open and close positions. The door assembly includes a first door and a second door removably coupled to one another. The enclosure also includes a latch assembly for releasing the door assembly from the frame structure. In the close position, at least one horizontal wire of the first door and at least one horizontal wire of the second door are coupled to the hooks formed by the at least two horizontal wires of the frame structure. |
US09357747B1 |
Switchgrass cat litter
A cat litter product is provided and includes manufacture primarily from a pelletized Switchgrass. The litter product is pelletized via an extrusion technology process so as to form particles the size of wheat grain. The litter product provides, collectively, a non-toxic and naturally safe, biodegradable, odor-eliminating, scented, anti-bacterial litter that clumps in a convenient size for easy disposal and which has little dust and reduces tracking by cats. |
US09357745B2 |
Crowd gate control system and method
A method for controlling a crowd gate comprises operating a milking parlor for a plurality of dairy livestock. The milking parlor comprises an entrance located adjacent to a holding pen, and a crowd gate that forms a side of the holding pen and moves toward and away from the entrance to the milking parlor. The method further comprises determining that dairy livestock should enter the milking parlor, and operating the crowd gate in response to determining that dairy livestock should enter the milking parlor. Operating the crowd gate comprises moving the crowd gate away from the entrance to the milking parlor prior to initiating movement towards the entrance, pausing the movement of the crowd gate, and moving the crowd gate towards the entrance of the milking parlor. |
US09357740B2 |
Hybrid spinach variety 51-333 RZ
The present invention relates to a Spinacia oleracea seed designated 51-333 RZ, which exhibits medium bolting, an erect plant habit, ovate first foliage leaves, semi-savoy mature leaves and resistance to downy mildew (Peronospora farinosa f. sp. spinaciae) races Pfs1 to Pfs13 and strain UA4410. The present invention also relates to a Spinacia oleracea plant produced by growing the 51-333 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the spinach cultivar, represented by spinach variety 51-333 RZ. |
US09357735B2 |
Soybean variety XB22C14
A novel soybean variety, designated XB22C14 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB22C14, cells from soybean variety XB22C14, plants of soybean XB22C14, and plant parts of soybean variety XB22C14. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB22C14 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB22C14, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB22C14, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB22C14. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB22C14 are further provided. |
US09357732B2 |
Soybean variety 01046898
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01046898. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01046898. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01046898 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01046898 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
US09357731B2 |
Soybean variety 01046948
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01046948. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01046948. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01046948 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01046948 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
US09357723B1 |
Soybean variety XB73D14
A novel soybean variety, designated XB73D14 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB73D14, cells from soybean variety XB73D14, plants of soybean XB73D14, and plant parts of soybean variety XB73D14. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB73D14 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB73D14, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB73D14, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB73D14. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB73D14 are further provided. |
US09357716B1 |
Method and apparatus for primocane management
The primocane management apparatus enables an operator to manipulate primocane-fruiting blackberries so that the primocanes are periodically bent into a horizontal configuration. The primocanes of the primocane-fruiting blackberries are managed so that the horizontally-grown primocanes produce an increased amount of fruit relative to conventionally-grown vertical primocanes. |
US09357715B2 |
Vertical planter
A self contained decorative planter for cultivating and displaying plants that comprises; a power supply, a hollow structure for accepting plants oriented with the root or base of the plant facing the inside of the structure, a reservoir in contact with an ultrasonic transducer for producing a water or nutrient vapor to distribute throughout the inside of the hollow structure, and a lighting system in which light is directed towards the outside surface of the structure. The hollow structure may take on wide range of decorative shapes with plants artistically arranged throughout with the leaf or flower portions oriented outward. |