| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09372083B2 |
Device and method for determining position information using accelerometers on a rotating component
An exemplary device for determining a position of a component moved by operation of a motor includes a rotating member that rotates responsive to operation of the motor. At least one accelerometer is supported on the rotating member. The accelerometer provides at least one of an indication of a tangential force that is tangential to a direction of rotation of the rotating member and a radial force that is perpendicular to the tangential force. A controller determines the position of the component based upon the force indication from the accelerometer. |
| US09372074B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device includes a projection unit and a detection unit. The projection unit is configured to project light in a projection region on a projection surface. The detection unit is disposed away from the projection unit. The detection unit includes a photodetector and a notification light emitter. The photodetector is configured to detect reflected light of the light from the projection unit within a detection region. The notification light emitter is configured to emit to the projection surface notification light for setting a position of the projection region within the detection region of the photodetector. |
| US09372069B2 |
Method for measuring the length of an electric cable that uses an optical fibre element as a sensor
A method of measuring the length of an electric cable, includes providing an electric cable having a cable length and including a cable neutral axis, and a fiber unit longitudinally extending along the cable and including an optical fiber arranged substantially along the neutral axis, wherein the optical fiber is mechanically coupled with the cable; injecting an optical signal into the optical fiber; detecting back-scattered light from the optical fiber responsive to the injected optical signal; analyzing the detected back-scattered light as a function of time so as to determine the length of the optical fiber, and deriving the cable length from the length of the optical fiber. |
| US09372062B2 |
Techniques for calibrating a linear position sensor
Techniques are described for sensing a position of an object located within an enclosure over a position range. The techniques include generating an expected output signal of each of a plurality of magnetic field sensors disposed along an outer surface of the enclosure, receiving actual output signals from the sensors, wherein each actual output signal indicates a relative proximity of a magnetic target coupled to the object to the corresponding sensor. The techniques further include superimposing the expected output signal over the actual output signals, and iteratively shifting the expected output signal over position relative to the actual output signals and comparing the shifted expected output signal to the actual output signals, until the expected output signal compared to the actual output signals corresponds to a substantially minimized error parameter. The position of the object may then be determined based at least in part on the shifted expected output signal. |
| US09372055B2 |
Passive control fin stops for air launched boosted (two stage) high speed vehicles
A temporary control fin stop system employs a housing coupled to a vehicle. At least one tang is coupled to the housing and positioned to engage a trailing edge of a fin. The tang is ablatively erodible at a predetermined temperature induced by a flight profile of the vehicle to allow unconstrained motion of the fin. |
| US09372048B1 |
Ballistic system and method for cutting a multi-link metal chain
A system and method for ballistically cutting a multi-link metal chain comprises a chain alignment module that comprises three pins and attaches to the barrel of a firearm. A first pin and a second pin of the module fit on opposite sides of a target link of the chain. A third pin of the alignment module goes through a link adjacent to the target link of the chain. The three pins align the target link so that a bullet exiting the barrel of a firearm impacts a semicircular region of the target link to cause the target link to open. |
| US09372047B2 |
Air gun firing control device
Pressurized air from an air pressure bottle creates the firing motive force for game firearms. After accumulating sufficient pressure, the pressurized air is channeled to the gun chamber to achieve a firing objective. Using an application system for single firing, a purely mechanical firing control device is formed as an integral body to achieve single firing and continuous firing, and which is simply fitted with an auxiliary component to assist in achieving continuous firing. The auxiliary component is located in the swinging path of a cocking trigger. The select continuous firing clasp is pushed upward by the trigger and supports a jumping bar, which causes the jumping bar to lose its clasping retaining capacity on a firing tube to achieve a continuous firing operation. |
| US09372046B2 |
Accessory for an archery bow
An accessory for an archery bow and bow string that are centered on a bow plane. The accessory has a support that is attached to forearm brace and is adapted to be supported by the bow. The forearm brace extends around a forearm axis at least 90° and is sized to at least partially encompass a forearm. The brace has an opening for inserting a forearm. This opening is oriented in a direction that points outwardly without tilting toward the bow plane. The support is adapted to position at least a portion of the brace forward of the bow string when in its neutral position. An archer can grasp the bow and insert into the brace a forearm that is encompassed by the brace for at least 90°. The archer can draw and release the bow string, allowing the brace to stabilize the angle of elevation of the bow. |
| US09372038B1 |
Adjustable carrier
Disclosed herein is a modified rifle bolt carrier allowing a selectively openable vent/valve at the location where exhaust gas is pressurizing the bolt carrier 80 to control carrier speed under suppressed fire in a first valve position or unsuppressed fire in a second valve position. A valve core is disclosed which may be rotated 180° to an “open” setting for non-suppressed fire from its position in a “closed” position for suppressed fire. The modified bolt carrier will allow an operator of the firearm to adjust for a suppressor without changing the gas block or having to modify or adapt the front end of the firearm. |
| US09372037B2 |
Method and apparatus for cleaning elongated tubes
A system and method for cleaning elongated tubes is presented. An apparatus for cleaning elongated tubes includes a cart, a lance, a pressure sensing device and a propulsion device. The lance sprays material into elongated tubes to clean the elongated tubes. The cart supports the lance while the cart is moves in a rail in a forward direction and in a reverse direction. The pressure sensing device is located in the cart detects a pressure exerted on the cart as the cart moves in a forward direction in the rail. The propulsion device, upon the pressure sensing device detecting a pressure crossing a threshold value, propels the cart in the reverse direction for predetermined distance or time before again propelling the first cart in the forward direction. |
| US09372036B2 |
Automated condensate drain line cleaning system, method, and kit
Automated condensate drain line cleaning apparatus are disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus may include a controller, a fluid supply line, and at least one fluid flow regulation device. The at least one fluid flow regulation device may be electrically coupled with the controller to receive at least one control signal from the controller. The at least one fluid flow regulation device may cause a fluid to flow into a condensate drain line through the fluid supply line responsive to the at least one control signal. Other apparatus as well as methods and kits are also disclosed. |
| US09372034B2 |
Cool-storage type heat exchanger
An object of the invention is to provide an effective cooling-energy storing performance and a stable cooling-energy radiating performance and to realize a high productivity. An evaporator has a plurality of refrigerant tubes arranged at almost equal intervals to form therebetween accommodating spaces. A plurality of cooling-storage containers are arranged in some of the accommodating spaces and fins are arranged in the remaining accommodating spaces. A cooling-storage unit is formed by one cooling-storage container and two refrigerant tubes arranged at both sides of the cooling-storage container. Each of the cooling-storage container has projections extending from one wall portion to the other wall portion to form heat exchange portions. The cooling-storage container is connected to the refrigerant tubes by soldering material. |
| US09372031B2 |
Appliance for drying laundry
An appliance for drying laundry includes a drying-air moisture-condensing system including a heat pump system with a variable-output compressor, and at least one drying air variable-speed fan for promoting the recirculation of the drying air. The appliance is adapted to perform at least one laundry drying cycle in: at least a first drying mode wherein the compressor is driven to a first compressor mode having a compressor power consumption course and/or a compressor rotational speed course and/or a frequency course of the supply current/voltage of the compressor motor and the fan is driven to a first fan mode having a speed course, and at least a second drying mode wherein the compressor is driven to a second compressor mode comprising a compressor power consumption course and/or a compressor rotational speed course and/or a frequency course of the supply current/voltage of the compressor motor and the fan is driven to a second fan mode having a speed course. For at least a portion of the drying cycle, a compressor power consumption and/or a compressor rotational speed and/or a frequency of the supply current/voltage of the compressor of the second compressor mode is/are higher than the one/s of the first compressor mode and the speed of the second fan mode is higher than the speed of the first fan mode. |
| US09372029B2 |
Low temperature storage apparatus and a method of operating the same
A low temperature storage apparatus may include a main body, a door opening and closing a storage chamber formed in the main body, a tray including storage slots receiving items to be stored, a light emitting device, a light sensing device including light receiving sensors sensing light incident on the storage slots from the light emitting device, and a controller controlling the light emitting device, receiving sensing signals, and providing status information related to the items received in the storage slots. The controller may switch the light emitting device on when the door is opened, and may sense whether or not a sensing signal is changed when the door is closed. The controller may count time from a point of change of the sensing signal if the sensing signal is changed from a signal indicating absence of a storage item to presence of a storage item, and may switch the light emitting device off when a predetermined time from closing of the door has elapsed. |
| US09372028B2 |
Refrigerator
Provided is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a main body, a door, a shelf, a light source unit, and a light-guiding member. The main body includes a storage compartment. The door opens and closes the storage compartment. The shelf is detachably coupled to the storage compartment to partition the storage compartment into a plurality of spaces. The light source unit illuminates the storage compartment. The light-guiding member is disposed on at least one end of the shelf. Here, the light source unit is disposed such that a portion of light generated in the light source unit enters the light-guiding member. |
| US09372023B2 |
Ice crushing system
An ice crushing system includes multiple sets of interleaved blades with some of the blades being provided with a series of raised protrusions on one or more faces. With this arrangement, the spacing between the interleaved blades is reduced and a finer crushed ice consistency is established. In accordance with aspects of the invention, the raised protrusions are staggered along each side of a set of fixed blades, with the raised protrusions on one side of a fixed blade overlapping the raised protrusions on the opposing side. |
| US09372021B2 |
Air-conditioning apparatus
While a compressor is stopped, a change rate of a refrigerant temperature per predetermined time is calculated on the basis of a value detected by a refrigerant temperature sensor, and a heating amount from a compressor heating unit to the compressor is made proportional to the change rate of the refrigerant temperature. |
| US09372019B2 |
Dual circuit refrigerant condenser
A dual circuit condenser for a cooling system is configured to cool refrigerant passing through the condenser. Operation of a first circuit of the system establishes a first temperature at a first area of the condenser, and operation of a second circuit of the system establishes a second temperature at a second area of the condenser. The condenser includes a manifold. The manifold is configured to receive a plurality of tubes. The manifold is further configured to define a first volume that is part of the first circuit and a second volume that is part of the second circuit. The manifold includes three or more separators interposed between the first volume and the second volume to segregate refrigerant in the first circuit from refrigerant in the second circuit. |
| US09372017B2 |
Energy efficient cooling and heating system
A cooling and heating system with a first heat exchange loop and a second heat exchange loop. The first heat exchange loop uses a first heat transfer fluid that is passed through a compression/evaporation refrigeration cycle to cool a refrigerated space and to collect waste heat, and then pumps that heat transfer fluid to a remote heat pump in the winter where the waste heat is used to provide warm air. The first heat exchange system may also pump some or all of the first heat transfer fluid to a remote water heater where the waste heat is used to heat water. The second heat exchange loop uses a second heat transfer fluid to cool the heat pump in the summer, and may pump that second heat transfer fluid to a remote water heater where waste heat is used to heat water. |
| US09372009B2 |
Pressure control with coarse and fine adjustment
A pressurization control system configured to regulate air pressure within a space includes a first damper fluidly coupled to an air supply, the first damper configured to control delivery of an air flow, and a second damper having an operating range, the second damper fluidly coupled to the air supply and the first damper, the second damper configured to supplement delivery of the air flow. The pressurization control system further includes a room controller configured to provide a control signal to the first and second dampers, wherein the control signal drives the first damper to direct the air flow towards the operating range, and wherein the control signal drives the second damper to direct the air flow towards a set point. |
| US09372008B2 |
Combination warm and cool mist humidifier
A humidifier includes a housing with a substantially open top portion. Water can be added to the humidifier by pouring the water into a water reservoir through an open top. The water is pumped from the water reservoir to an upper portion of the humidifier where it is dispersed into the environment by a flow of air. The humidifier may include both an ultrasonic nebulizer and a heater to provide a warm mix of cool mist and hot vapor. Alternatively, a warm mist can be provided by dispersed water from an ultrasonic nebulizer in combination with warm air. The humidifier may also solely provide a cool mist from an ultrasonic element, or the water can be dispersed using a wicking filter. |
| US09372005B2 |
Heat exchanger for oven
An oven includes a heat exchanger with flattened segments providing low thermal resistance between flue gases being conveyed through the heat exchanger and a peripheral wall of the heat exchanger to increase the efficiency of heating of the peripheral wall of the heat exchanger to facilitate increasing a temperature of heated air that is delivered by a fan, across an outer surface of the peripheral wall of the heat exchanger, and through a cooking volume of the oven. |
| US09372003B2 |
Spring clip attachment for a surface cooking module of a household cooking appliance
A surface cooking module for a household cooking appliance is provided in which the surface cooking module includes a frame having a front end and a rear end, a front fixation bracket on the front end of the frame, the front fixation bracket for engaging a corresponding first fixation element in a chassis of the household cooking appliance and enabling the frame to pivot about the front end of the frame when engaged with the first fixation element, and a spring clip coupled to the rear end of the frame, the rear end of the frame being opposite the front end of the frame, the spring clip for engaging a second fixation element in the chassis of the household cooking appliance when the cooking module is pivoted downward about the front end of the frame into a mounted position on the household cooking appliance. |
| US09372002B2 |
Household appliance having an oven door with an integral drip tray
A household cooking appliance includes a housing having an oven chamber accessible through an opening, the opening having a seal surrounding a perimeter thereof. An oven door covering the opening and being moveable about a hinge between an open position and a closed position. The oven door includes an outer door skin having an outer glass panel, a full glass inner panel having an inner surface that abuts the seal when the oven door is in a closed position, the full glass inner panel closing an inner side of the outer door skin, and an integrated drip tray assembly that collects condensation from the full glass inner panel. The integrated drip tray assembly is sealed to the full glass inner panel. |
| US09371992B2 |
Low NOx burner with low pressure drop
A burner includes a cylindrical tube that terminates in a burner discharge end. An annular disk, affixed to the discharge end, defines a hole. An oxidizer intake delivers oxidizer into the tube. A fuel nozzle delivers fuel into the tube. A cylindrical slotted member has an interrupted outer surface and is disposed within a portion of the tube. The slotted member is affixed to the annular disk and defines an interior void that opens to the hole. The tube and the slotted member define an annular passage therebetween. Elongated slots pass through the outer surface of the slotted member, each directed along a different non-diametrical chord of the slotted member. The elongated slots direct a gaseous stream into the interior void so as to impart both an inwardly-directed radial velocity component and a tangential velocity component to the gaseous stream. |
| US09371986B2 |
Flexible LED light arrays
Flexible LED light arrays particularly suitable for use in clothing and other articles are disclosed. The light arrays are disposed on flexible printed circuit boards (PCBs). The flexible PCBs include substantially sinusoidal metal contact traces, along which the LEDs are attached at an angle preselected to minimize stresses in the expected directions of bending. The flexible PCBs may have control electronics provided on separate, attachable control boards, which may be either flexible or rigid. The flexible LED light arrays may also be arranged in master-slave configurations with a number of arrays, in which one master control array or board is attached to a number of slave arrays and handles external communication for the slave arrays. |
| US09371983B2 |
Retractable lighting fixture
Disclosed is a retractable lighting fixture having a retractable LED lighting layer. One or more optical layers (40, 240A/B, 340A/B, 440) may optionally be provided over the LED lighting layer (30, 230, 330, 430). The optical layer(s) and the LED lighting layer may optionally be movable relative to one another between at least being in an expanded spaced relation to one another and a compressed relation to one another. One or more LEDs (34, 134, 234A/B, 334A/B, 434) on the LED lighting layer may be individually controllable and such LEDs (34, 134, 234A/B, 334A/B, 434) may be selectively extinguished when they are in a retracted position. |
| US09371982B2 |
Glass based multichip package
In implementations, a glass-based multichip package includes a photodefinable glass-based substrate, at least one electronic component disposed on the photodefinable glass-based substrate, and a portion of the photodefinable glass-based substrate that has been exposed to ultraviolet light, where the portion of the photodefinable glass-based substrate includes ceramic. Additionally, the sensor package may include additional electronic components, a glass touch panel, and/or a printed circuit board. In implementations, fabricating the sensor package device includes receiving a photodefinable glass-based substrate, etching the photodefinable glass-based substrate, and forming a ceramic portion of the photodefinable glass-based substrate. |
| US09371980B2 |
Illumination device, display device, and television receiver device
The backlight device 12 of the present embodiment includes: a plurality of LEDs 17; a chassis 14 that is a plate-shaped member and on which the LEDs 17 are arranged; a plurality of diffusion lenses 40 that are fixed to the chassis 14, that individually cover the LEDs 17 from the side opposite to the chassis 14, and that exert optical effects on the light from the LEDs 17; a reflective sheet 21 that covers the plate surface of the chassis 14, that exposes the LEDs 17, and that has the lens insertion holes 21 through which the diffusion lenses 40 are respectively inserted; and reflective sheet holding members 30 that hold the reflective sheet 21 from the side opposite to the chassis 14, that engage the adjacent diffusion lenses 40 and 40, and that extend on the sheet surface of the reflective sheet 21 between the adjacent diffusion lenses 40 and 40. |
| US09371975B2 |
Light source device
A light source device including a light emitting diode (LED) chip and a molding lens is provided. The molding lens is directly formed on the LED chip and includes a center of a bottom where the LED chip located at and a light exiting surface formed corresponding to the center. The light exiting surface comprises a concave portion, a first light exiting region surrounding the concave portion and a second light exiting region surrounding the first light exiting region. The first light exiting region connects between the concave portion and the second light exiting region. |
| US09371973B2 |
Electronic lighting device and method for manufacturing same
An electronic lighting device and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The electronic lighting device may comprise a core, which may comprises an enclosure, a light-emitting element, a flame sheet and a swing mechanism. The flame sheet is movably supported or suspended on the enclosure, and may comprise an upper sheet which is of a flame-like shape. The upper sheet is configured to expose above the top of the enclosure. The light-emitting element may be installed on the enclosure. A light outgoing direction of the light-emitting element may be intersected with the surface of the upper sheet so that the light of the light-emitting element is projected on the surface of the upper sheet. The swing mechanism is disposed beneath the flame sheet and can apply a force on the flame sheet to actuate the flame sheet to sway or swing. By the present application, a visual experience of true fire can be achieved and an interestedness and appreciation can be improved. |
| US09371972B2 |
Electronic flameless candle
An electronic flameless candle including a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a sidewall between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a cavity defined by the top surface, the bottom surface and the sidewall, the body configured in shape and size to simulate a true flame candle. The candle may also include a light source operably connected to the body, the light source electrically operated to illuminate in a way that simulates a natural flicker of a real candle flame. The candle may also include a scent component, operably connected to the body, the scent component configured to emit a scent when heated and/or a sensor component, operably connected to the body, the sensor component configured to sense an environmental condition and affect a mode of the light source upon the sensing of the environmental condition. |
| US09371966B2 |
Lighting fixture
The present disclosure relates to a lighting fixture that is configured to transfer heat that is generated by a light source and any associated electronics toward the front of the lighting fixture. The lighting fixture includes a heat spreading cup that is formed from a material that efficiently conducts heat and a light source that is coupled inside the heat spreading cup. The heat spreading cup has a bottom panel, a rim, and at least one sidewall extending between the bottom panel and the rim. The light source is coupled inside the heat spreading cup to the bottom panel and configured to emit light in a forward direction through an opening formed by the rim. Heat generated by the light source during operation is transferred radially outward along the bottom panel and in a forward direction along the at least one sidewall toward the rim of the heat spreading cup. |
| US09371965B2 |
Method and systems for microfluidic logic devices
A microfluidic device includes an input source characterized by a source pressure and an input channel in fluid communication with the input source. The microfluidic device also includes an output channel and a valve having an open state and a closed state. The valve is disposed between the input channel and the output channel and is characterized by a static pressure. The microfluidic device further includes a control channel coupled to the valve and characterized by a control pressure. In the closed state, the control pressure is greater than atmospheric pressure. |
| US09371962B2 |
Swivel cover assembly
A swivel cover assembly includes a mounting plate with an opening and a door closing the opening for supporting a swivel hanger. The mounting plate forms a socket for suspending the swivel hanger. The door is hinged to the mounting plate to pivot downwardly from the mounting plate about an axis parallel to the plane of the mounting plate. A hinge member is integrally formed with the mounting plate and door. A fastening member latches the door in the closed position. The fastener can be a screw or a bendable tab that is manually bent to hold the door closed. |
| US09371960B2 |
Apparatus for use on a cable; and a system for and method of inspecting a cable
The invention relates to an apparatus for use on a cable, particularly to a power line or cable inspection and/or monitoring apparatus or robot. The apparatus typically comprises a power module to power the apparatus, a pair of links serially coupled via at least one joint, a gripper arrangement coupled to each link for attaching the apparatus to the cable, wherein each gripper arrangement is controllable to grip and/or release the cable as an end effector, and grip the cable as a base in a serial manipulator fashion; and a control arrangement configured at least to control displacement of the links and the gripper arrangements to grip and/or release the cable. The invention also extends to a method of inspecting and/or monitoring a cable; an inspection and/or monitoring system for inspecting a cable; and to a method of operating an apparatus on an elongate cable to avoid an obstacle. |
| US09371958B2 |
Adjustable equipment support
A support for supporting equipment includes at least one elongate leg element at least partially supporting an apex selectively, detachably mountable to equipment, where the leg includes a first end proximate the apex and a second end distal the apex, and where the leg is pivotal about an axis proximate the first end throughout a limited arc. A securement assembly pivotably interconnects the first end of the leg with the apex. The securement assembly has selectable resistance to movement along the arc as a result of selectively increasing or decreasing the resistance between at least three friction plates having surfaces in face-to-face engagement with one another. |
| US09371953B2 |
Base for a generator
A base made of a composite material supports a generator assembly. The base may support a number of components of the generator assembly, including an alternator, an engine, a control panel, a fuel tank, and a lifting frame. The base may include first and second tiers that are in two different horizontal planes for mounting of the alternator on one tier and the engine on the second tier, with a drive shaft of the alternator being aligned with a drive shaft of the engine. The base may include ribs extending from an under side of a support surface of the base in order to distribute loads and withstand stresses that result from the weight of the generator assembly. |
| US09371952B2 |
Portable organizer system
A portable organizer system, comprising a base, a column coupled to the base, a plurality of receivers coupled to the column, wherein each receiver in the plurality of receivers includes a back element adapted to couple to the column and having a lower edge, and an angled planar element sharing the lower edge of the back element. |
| US09371949B2 |
Locking mechanism for unisex ball valve coupling
A hydraulic valve coupling has an interlock mechanism that includes at least one blocking member within an interlock passage of a body of the valve coupling. The interlock passage has a first end opening to the valve shaft and a second end opening to an interface groove of the valve coupling. The at least one blocking member can be retracted within the interlock passage such that the valve coupling can be rotated and disengaged from a mating coupling. When the valve is in the open position, the at least one blocking member is positioned within the interlock passage such that it contacts the mating coupling and prevents rotation of the valve coupling relative to the mating coupling. The second end of the at least one blocking member can be shaped such that it is retracted as a result of contact with the mating coupling without assistance from a biasing mechanism. |
| US09371947B2 |
Branch pipe
The manifold type pipe structure according to the present invention is characterized in that at least branch pipe is formed at a pipe passage having a flow hole through which fluid flows, and an input coupling part is formed at an end of the pipe passage, and a joint coupler forming an output coupling part at the other end is prepared, and an output coupling part of a joint coupler of the other places is joint-connected with a limited rotation angle at an input coupling part of at least one joint coupler. |
| US09371946B2 |
Pipe joint
A pipe joint includes first and second joint members having fluid channels communicating with each other, an annular gasket to be interposed between abutting end surfaces of the both joint members, and a nut configured to couple the joint members. The nut is provided with an inner surface treated layer. The inner surface treated layer includes a Co (cobalt)-P (phosphorous) alloy metal coating provided on an inner surface of the nut and a fluorine coating provided on the surface of the alloy metal coating. |
| US09371945B2 |
Corrugated tube connector
A connector for a length of corrugated tubing. The connector includes a fitting including a passage therethrough, a clamping surface, a seal, and a nut operably connected to the fitting. The tubing is in fluid communication with the passage through the fitting. Axial movement of the nut towards the clamping surface-urges the tubing against the seal wherein the tubing is thereby sealingly restrained to the fitting and a clamping surface is formed capable of causing an end portion of the corrugated tube to form a flare by the end portion of the corrugated tube being compressed against the clamping surface and the seal and sealed thereagainst by the action of the nut. |
| US09371944B2 |
Multi-layer pressure actuated extendable hose
A self-actuated linearly retractable and extendible hose for use in transporting fluids (liquids, gases, solid particles, and combinations of these) between a source location and an output location can be implemented as an extendible hose comprising a biasing element, a sealing layer, and a reinforced cover layer. The sealing layer forms a sealed conduit for transporting the fluids, and the reinforced cover layer on the outside provides radial and longitudinal strength for the sealing layer. The hose can be operated by increasing internal pressure within the hose relative to ambient pressure. When the hose is pressurized by a fluid source, the internal pressure of the hose overcomes the retracting force of the biasing element and the hose extends. When the fluid source is turned off or disconnected from the hose, internal pressure is reduced and the biasing element exerts a tension force on the hose causing the hose to retract. |
| US09371943B2 |
Process for lining metal pipelines
A process for lining a metal pipeline, which process generally utilizes thermoplastic fluoropolymer pipe liner Also, a pipeline system that includes at least two coaxial pipes, an outer metal pipe and inner thermoplastic fluoropolymer pipe. The thermoplastic fluoropolymer pipe/pipe liner is made from a composition that generally includes from 10% to 60% by weight of at least one vinylidene fluoride (VDF) homopolymer, from 40% to 90% by weight of at least one VDF copolymer comprising from 2% to 15% by moles of recurring units derived from at least one other fluorinated comonomer (F), and optionally at least one plasticizer. |
| US09371942B2 |
Tubing for a liquid medium that is to be conditioned
Tubing for a liquid medium that is to be conditioned, including an inner tube for the liquid-medium that is to be conditioned encompassed by an outer tube, parallel to the inner tube. An outermost tube surrounds the outer tube. At least one duct for the liquid conditioning medium, is disposed between the inner tube and the outer tube and at least one duct for the liquid conditioning medium is disposed between the outer tube and the outermost tube. A redirecting region connects the ducts between the inner tube and outer tube and the outer tube and the outermost tube. The inner tube and the outer tube consist of thermoplastic plastics, and the unit, consisting of the inner tube and the outer tube, is produced by co-extrusion. |
| US09371933B2 |
Flow regulator
A flow regulator which is capable of suppressing hysteresis and includes a housing which includes a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port and a valve seat positioned in a communication channel, through which the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port are communicatively connected; a plunger guide cylinder coupled to the housing; a plunger provided at an end thereof with a valve body which moves toward and away from the valve seat, the plunger being inserted into the plunger guide cylinder to be freely movable in an axial direction; a spring which biases the plunger in a direction to bring the valve body into contact with the valve seat; and an electromagnetic device which moves the plunger in a valve opening direction against the spring. A clearance exists between an outer periphery of the plunger and an inner periphery of the plunger guide cylinder, the clearance being sufficient for the outer periphery of the plunger and the inner periphery of the plunger guide cylinder to be completely in noncontact with each other, to thereby make a sliding resistance therebetween zero in a state where axes of the plunger and the plunger guide cylinder are aligned. The valve body is formed as a ball, and one and the other of the valve body and the valve seat are made of a rigid body and an elastic material, respectively. The spring is a compression coil spring which is concentric with the plunger and is provided in an extended state between a fixed portion of the plunger guide cylinder and a movable portion on the plunger side. |
| US09371932B2 |
Solenoid device
A solenoid device includes a plunger driven in an axial direction, a wall portion arranged to oppose the plunger in the axial direction, and a respiratory pore cover covering an opening of a respiratory pore of the wall portion. A volume variable chamber is defined between the plunger and the wall portion. The respiratory pore cover defines a communication space communicated to the respiratory pore, and an opening which causes the communication space to communicate with an exterior space. A volume of the communication space is larger than a predetermined volume of fluid that flows through the respiratory pore from or into the volume variable chamber by a predetermined movement of the plunger. |
| US09371931B2 |
Gas control valve
The invention relates to a gas control valve for the control of a quantity of gas to be supplied to a gas burner, having a direct pressure regulator which has a valve body that can be moved by an electronically controlled stepper motor. |
| US09371929B2 |
Valved, microwell cell-culture device and method
A valved microfluidics device, microfluidics cell-culture device and system incorporating the devices are disclosed. The valved microfluidics device includes a substrate, a microchannel through which liquid can be moved from one station to another within the device, and a pneumatic microvalve adapted to be switched between open and closed states to control the flow of fluid through a microchannel. The microvalve is formed of three flexible membranes, one of which is responsive to pneumatic pressure applied to the valve and the other two of which deform to produce a more sealable channel cross-section. The cell culture device provides valving to allow controlled loading of cells into the individual well of the device, and exchange of cell-culture components in the wells. |
| US09371925B2 |
Fluid regulators having corrugated diaphragms
Corrugated diaphragm apparatus for improved cycle life of a diaphragm are described herein. One described example apparatus includes a valve body having an inlet and an outlet to allow fluid to flow therethrough, a backing plate disposed within a bonnet and coupled to the valve body, and first and second diaphragms. Each diaphragm has a corrugated profile and is in a stacked configuration. The diaphragms are operatively coupled to the backing plate and each of the diaphragms is clamped between the valve body and the bonnet proximate a peripheral edge of the diaphragm. |
| US09371924B2 |
One-piece flap device, injection-moulded from elastic material
A one-piece flap device made of elastic material, which separates two distinct volume spaces. The one-piece flap device includes: a) a substantially cylindrical body including a through conduit, b) a flap that seals an aperture of the through conduit of the body when the flap is in a closed position and is within said body, and c) an arm connecting the body of the device to the flap. The arm is in an elastic stress position regardless of the position of the flap when inside said body. |
| US09371922B2 |
Valve having a rotatable stopper, and water treatment plant comprising such a valve
The invention relates to a valve (24) comprising: a body (40) defining a cavity and provided with a first opening (60) that makes it possible to feed water into the cavity, a second opening that makes it possible to discharge water from the cavity, and a third opening that makes it possible to connect the cavity (41) with a chamber; a stopper (49) that is rotatable inside the cavity, the stopper comprising a depression (77) on the outer surface (90) thereof that contributes to the definition of a passage enabling the flow of water between the first and third openings in first angular positions of the stopper and moreover enabling the flow of water between the second and third openings in second angular positions of the stopper, a sealing device that makes it possible to ensure a sealed stopping of the first opening (60) by means of the stopper in said second angular positions of the stopper; and a second sealing device that makes it possible to ensure a sealed stopping of the second opening by means of a stopper in said first angular positions of the stopper. |
| US09371921B2 |
Multi-port valve
A multi-port valve has a valve body, a directional component, and an elastomeric seal. The valve body is formed as an annular cylinder with plurality of ports extending from an outer circumferential surface and in inner circumferential surface further defines a cavity. The directional component is positioned in the cavity and defines a channel in an outer circumferential wall that provides fluid communication between combinations of two or more of the plurality of ports depending upon an angular orientation of the directional within the cavity. The elastomeric seal is positioned between the directional component and the inner circumferential surface of the valve body and defines a plurality of apertures aligned with the ports to provide fluid communication between the channel and the plurality of ports. The elastomeric seal provides a fluid seal and a low-friction interface between the directional component and the inner circumferential surface of the valve body. |
| US09371918B2 |
Ball valve float equipment
A ball valve for use in a cementing operation includes a housing; a spherical body disposed within the housing; and an actuating member movable relative to the housing. The actuating member is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the movement of the actuating member causes the spherical body to rotate within the housing. |
| US09371917B2 |
Fuel conditioning system
The present application provides a fuel conditioning system for delivering a flow of fuel to a nozzle in a gas turbine engine. The fuel conditioning system may include a fuel compressor to increase the pressure of the flow of fuel, a pressure reduction valve to decrease the pressure of the flow of fuel, and a heater downstream of the pressure reduction valve. The pressure reduction valve may include a rotary control valve. |
| US09371909B2 |
Method of controlling a transmission park system of a vehicle equipped with an electronic transmission range select system
A method of controlling a transmission of a vehicle equipped with an electronic transmission range select system includes receiving an electronic request to actuate a transmission park system. A speed of the vehicle is sensed with each of a plurality of different speed sensors to define a plurality of different sensed vehicle speeds. Each of the plurality of different speed sensors provides a sensed vehicle speed that is independent and separate from the sensed vehicle speed from all of the other speed sensors. All of the different sensed vehicle speeds from the plurality of speed sensors is compared to each other to determine the lowest sensed vehicle speed. When the lowest sensed vehicle speed is equal to or less than a maximum allowable actuation speed, an electronic signal is sent from the transmission control unit to the transmission park system to actuate the transmission park system. |
| US09371902B2 |
Belt-and-pulley-type continuously variable transmission
Continuously variable transmission with a drive belt (3) and with two pulleys (1, 2) that are each provided with two pulley discs (4, 5) with a running surface (8) for arriving in friction contact with a side face (35) of the drive belt (3), wherein both the running surfaces (8) of the pulleys (1, 2) and the side face (35) of the drive belt (3) are made of steel and wherein during operation of the transmission the friction contact is cooled by lubrication oil. At least one of the running surfaces (8) is provided with a multitude of (micron-scale) dimples (11, 13) and/or of grooves (12, 14, 15) arranged in a specific pattern for taking up lubrication oil. |
| US09371898B2 |
Control system for a machine with a dual path electronically controlled hydrostatic transmission
A control system for a machine with a dual path electronically controlled hydrostatic transmission is used to achieve a desired performance and a desired operator feel while performing all of the machine operations. The control system includes pump and motor displacement resolvers, command resolver, ramping blocks, pump and motor steering resolvers, engine load management and a straight tracking subsystem. |
| US09371875B2 |
Ventilated brake rotors
A brake rotor for attachment to a wheel of a vehicle may include an outer friction member and an inner friction member. The brake rotor may further include a plurality of fin elements connecting the outer friction member to the inner friction member. Each fin element may include first and second pillars that are connected by a bridge portion to define an opening in the fin element. The opening is configured to allow air to pass through the fin element. |
| US09371873B2 |
Permanent magnet centering system for brake
A brake assembly for an elevator traction machine is disclosed. The brake assembly may include a rotating element, a fixed element mounted in operational association with the rotating element and a positioning device connected to the fixed element. The positioning device may additionally magnetically interface with the rotating element to facilitate centering of the fixed element relative to the rotating element. |
| US09371869B2 |
Power transmission apparatus
A power transmission apparatus is provided with a first rotational member, a second rotational member, a clutch device for coupling a power transmission between the first rotational member and the second rotational member, and a ring shape actuator of the clutch device. A rotational axis of one of the first rotational member and the second rotational member penetrates through a radially internal space of the ring shape actuator. |
| US09371866B2 |
Wet clutch for a motorcycle
A wet clutch for a motorcycle having an outer basket having a first toothing as the input side of the wet clutch, an inner basket which is coaxial to the outer basket having a second toothing as the output side of the wet clutch, first frictional elements which are torsionally connected to the outer basket, second frictional elements which are torsionally connected to the inner basket, the first and second frictional elements being situated axially alternating between the inner basket and the outer basket, and a clamping element to compress the first and second frictional elements axially in order to produce a torsional connection between the input side and the output side. The inner basket and/or the outer basket can essentially be produced from one or more sheet metal parts. |
| US09371863B2 |
Turbine engine coupling stack
An example coupling stack includes a first rotating member and a second rotating member. A plurality of aligned slots is defined in the first rotating member and the second rotating member. A tab lock is provided having an annular body with an axial front side, an axial back side, and a radial inner periphery. Tabs are formed on the axial back side and inserted into the plurality of aligned slots. The annular body of the tab lock also includes a plurality of openings extending into the radial inner periphery. A plurality of flanges is provided on the axial back side of the annular body adjacent to the plurality of openings. |
| US09371861B2 |
Swaged bearing assembly with a flange mounted thereon
A swaged bearing assembly includes a flange mounted thereon. A bearing inner member has an outer surface at least a portion of which defines an outer engagement surface. A bearing outer member is swaged around the inner member and the inner member is misalignable and rotatable in relation to the outer member. The outer member has an outer surface and an inner surface at least a portion of which defines an inner engagement surface. An area of engagement is defined by an interface of the inner engagement surface of the outer member and the outer engagement surface of the inner member. A flange is mounted on the outer surface of the outer member. |
| US09371859B2 |
Motor including reservoir and hub cap
Provided herein is an apparatus, including a stationary component; a rotatable component; a fluid dynamic bearing defined by the stationary component and the rotatable component; a first channel substantially parallel to the fluid dynamic bearing; a second channel substantially perpendicular to the first channel; and a fluid reservoir substantially parallel to the first channel, wherein the second channel fluidly connects the fluid reservoir to the first channel. |
| US09371857B2 |
Tilting pad bearing device
An object is to provide a tilting-pad bearing device whereby it is possible to levitate a rotation shaft with a low supply-oil pressure. A tilting-pad bearing device includes a plurality of bearing pads disposed around a rotation shaft so as to support the rotation shaft rotatably, a support member interposed between the plurality of bearing pads and a bearing housing supporting the plurality of bearing pads, the support member supporting each of the plurality of bearing pads pivotably, and an oil-supply mechanism configured to supply a lubricant oil to at least one oil groove formed on a bearing surface of at least one of the plurality of bearing pads. The at least one oil groove is disposed inside and outside a contact area of the bearing surface which is in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the rotation shaft when the rotation shaft is stopped. |
| US09371856B2 |
Non-contact thrust bearing using permanent magnets
A magnetic thrust bearing for use in a device for relatively free rotational movement of a first part relative to a second part includes axial and laterally spaced magnets. Each magnet has a magnetic field of force with opposing poles and a transition section which converges to a transition line. Axial magnets are spaced on an axis of the first part of the device and lateral magnets are arranged on the second part of the device. The lateral magnets operating in units, having paired lateral magnets positioned on opposite sides of the axis with each of the paired magnets having an equal length and equal gap or space from the axis. Axial magnets have an alternating polar orientation such that the nearest magnetic poles of adjacent axial magnets are repelling, and the distance between transition lines of the axial magnets is substantially equal to the length of the lateral magnets. Accordingly, the magnetic field of force of each lateral magnetic unit is perpendicular and attracting to the repelling fields of force between adjacent axial magnets for lateral displacement of the first part relative to the second part by a fixed gap, so that, with this arrangement, the permanent-magnet bearing enables non-contact, relative motion between the two parts of the device using both attractive and repelling forces generated by magnets. |
| US09371855B2 |
Flexure based linear and rotary bearings
A flexure based linear bearing includes top and bottom parallel rigid plates; first and second flexures connecting the top and bottom plates and constraining exactly four degrees of freedom of relative motion of the plates, the four degrees of freedom being X and Y axis translation and rotation about the X and Y axes; and a strut connecting the top and bottom plates and further constraining exactly one degree of freedom of the plates, the one degree of freedom being one of Z axis translation and rotation about the Z axis. |
| US09371854B2 |
Radial roller bearing arrangement, in particular for a needle bushing
A radial roller bearing arrangement in which at least one retaining projection is provided as an anti-rotation feature of an outer ring. The projection is located on an inner diameter of a fixed rim formed on one axial side of the outer ring, so that the outer ring can be implemented with a radially inward-pointing flanged rim on its other axial side that can be formed after insertion of a needle roller and cage assembly to act for holding the needle roller and cage assembly in the outer ring. |
| US09371853B2 |
Jet pump and bolt fixing device of jet pump beam
A bolt fixing device is configured so that a lock cap is pushed up by elastic force of an elastic member and engages upper surface teeth with lower surface teeth, the upper surface teeth being formed on the upper surface of a flange of a lock cap, the lower surface teeth being formed on the lower surface of an engagement flange of a body housing. Thus, the head bolt of a jet pump beam is fixed. With the configuration, when installing an inlet mixer, the head bolt of the jet pump beam is simply and reliably locked against rotation. |
| US09371850B2 |
Anchor head and anchor nut for a tension anchor
The invention relates to an anchor head (1) for anchoring a tension anchor (2) on the air side of an anchor bore (5), comprising an anchor nut (3) with a threaded bore (17) for screwing onto an anchor thread (19) of a tension anchor (2) and comprising an anchor plate (4) which interacts with the anchor nut (3) and comprises an anchor plate opening (8), said anchor plate being designed to transmit the tensile forces which can be exerted onto the anchor nut (3) by a screwed-in tension anchor (2) to a sub-surface (6) surrounding the anchor bore (5). The anchor nut (3) has a conical bearing region (7) which engages into the opening (8) of the anchor plate (4) in the assembled state and rests against a complementary inner cone (9) in the anchor plate opening, said anchor plate (4) having the inner cone at least in the region of the anchor plate opening (8). The anchor nut (3) has at least one slot (12) which runs preferably in an axially parallel manner and interrupts the nut wall over a sub-region of the axial extension of the wall. The at least one slot (12) opens into the air-side end (13) of the anchor nut (3) and from there extends over a length which equals between 25% and 90% of the total axial length of the anchor nut (3). The invention further relates to anchor nut (3) for such an anchor head (1). |
| US09371849B2 |
Corner connector for hollow profiles
A corner connector for hollow profiles is provided, including a base element having a first and a second wall section connected at a right angle and in one piece to each other on one respective lateral edge that forms a connecting edge, a first guide and connection groove extends from a lateral edge that is adjacent and in parallel to the connecting edge, and at least one essentially plate-shaped, rectangular additional element, wherein two guide and connection projections protrude from its inner side complementary to the first guide and connection grooves which can be inserted into the first guide and connection grooves in a direction parallel to the connecting edge and, in the fully inserted position, secure the additional element flush on the base element in order to form a third wall section arranged at a right angle to the first and the second wall section. |
| US09371848B2 |
Buckling mechanism and article having the same
A buckling mechanism includes a first member, a second member and a locking assembly. The first member has a pair of locking-arm guiding portions formed thereon and gradually approaching each other inward from an outside of the first member. The second member has a latching member. The locking assembly has a connection element, a first resilient element, a interfering member and a second resilient element. The connection element has a main body disposed on the first member, and a pair of flexible locking arms. The locking arms are slidably disposed on the first member along the pair of locking-arm guiding portions respectively. The connection element is pushed by the latching member to a locked position from an unlocked position. The pair of locking arms contracts along the two mutually approaching locking-arm guiding portions, and the interfering member blocks the sliding blocker. |
| US09371847B2 |
Distance measuring device and method for determining a distance, and a suitable reflective member
A distance measuring device and a method for determining a distance are provided. The distance measuring device includes a reflective member, evaluation electronics and a sensor device having at least one coupling probe for feeding a transmission signal into a line structure with the reflective member. The reflective member includes a base plate with an attached collar for forming a cup-shaped element. |
| US09371846B2 |
Telescopic hydraulic cylinder
A telescopic hydraulic cylinder includes an inner cylindrical tube and an outer cylindrical tube located concentrically about the inner cylindrical tube, and a guide ring for guiding the inner and outer cylindrical tubes. The guide ring has a cylindrical support surface with a center line and a guide surface and is mounted in a cylindrical groove. The guide surface slides along the inner surface of the outer cylindrical tube or the outer surface of the inner cylindrical tube. The guide surface has a curved surface with a curve radius and a tangent and the tangent to the curved surface and the center line form an inclination angle between zero and five degrees, and the curve radius is larger than the radius of the guide ring in the plane perpendicular to the center line. |
| US09371844B2 |
Hydraulic brake system with controlled boost
The brake system includes a pedal, a pedal simulator, and a brake pedal unit. The brake pedal unit includes an input piston connected to the brake pedal for operating the pedal simulator during a normal braking mode. The brake pedal unit further includes first and second output pistons actuated by the input piston during a manual push through mode such that the first output piston generates brake actuating pressure at a first output of the brake pedal unit, and the second output piston generates actuating pressure at a second output of the brake pedal unit. The brake system further includes a hydraulic pressure source for supplying fluid at a controlled boost pressure, and a hydraulic control unit adapted to be hydraulically connected to the brake pedal unit and the hydraulic pressure source. The hydraulic control unit includes a slip control valve arrangement and a switching base brake valve arrangement for switching the brake system between the normal braking mode, wherein boost pressure from the hydraulic pressure source is supplied to first and second vehicle brakes, and the manual push through mode wherein the brake actuating pressure from the first and second output pistons is supplied to the first and second vehicle brakes, respectively. |
| US09371843B2 |
Failsafe pilot supply selector valve
A failsafe pilot selector valve may include at least one inlet port, a first outlet port, a second outlet port, and a biasing element. The failsafe pilot selector valve may have a first end position with the at least one inlet port in fluid communication with the first outlet port, a second end position with the at least one inlet port in fluid communication with the first outlet port, and an intermediate position between the first end position and the second end position with the at least one inlet port in fluid communication with the second outlet port. The biasing element may provide a biasing force to move the failsafe pilot selector valve to the first end position. The pilot selector valve can alternately provide pilot fluid to primary and redundant control elements of a redundantly controlled system in fluid communication with the outlet ports. |
| US09371840B2 |
Centrifugal blowing fan
A centrifugal blowing fan includes a back yoke made from metal, having a substantially bottomed cylindrical portion around a rotating shaft of a motor, an inner surface attached with a magnet of the motor mounted thereon and a flange portion disposed around a periphery of an opening of the cylindrical portion; and a cylindrical impeller made from resin, having a plurality of blades circumferentially arranged, an annular collar portion joined with first ends of the plurality of blades and a doughnut-shaped disk portion joined with second ends of the plurality of blades, wherein the disk portion has at least one fitting, and the flange portion has at least one fitted space receiving the at least one fitting so as to concentrically and fixedly connect the impeller and the back yoke. |
| US09371837B2 |
Air pump with internal automatic controller
An air pump with internal automatic controller has a housing, and a low-pressure blower, a high-pressure blower, a first auto-stop controller and a second auto-stop controller mounted in the housing. The first auto-stop controller has a first casing, a first air pressure sensing film, a pushing element, a swing rod, a connecting rod, a rotation restricting element, a first micro switch, a rotational pressing rod, and a first turning button. With the low-pressure blower inflating an inflatable article with low pressure air, and with the first auto-stop controller stably and reliably controlling the low-pressure blower, the low-pressure blower stops working automatically. The first auto-stop controller has simplified structure and inflates the inflatable article without manual work, which is a great convenience to users. |
| US09371833B2 |
Variable turbine/compressor geometry
A variable turbine geometry may have a blade bearing ring and guide blades, each rotatably mounted therein via one of a plurality of respective blade bearing pins. An adjusting ring for adjusting the rotary position of the guide blades may be arranged on a side of the blade bearing ring facing away from the guide blades. The cover disc may define through-openings aligned with the blade bearing pins of the guide blades. The blade bearing ring may define at least one channel configured to create a pressure equalization between the control space and the flow space. |
| US09371819B2 |
Method and system to actively pitch to reduce extreme loads on wind turbine
The present invention relates to a method of controlling an idling wind turbine in which wind condition data and wind turbine position data are collected by a sensor system, a control system computes an optimal pitch angle for a rotor blade of the wind turbine, and a pitching system continuously turns the rotor blades in the same direction in multiples of 360 degrees. The present invention further relates to a wind turbine with a sensor system including a wind sensor that measures wind condition data in the vicinity of the wind turbine, and a control system including a computer that executes a control algorithm and processes sensor input from the sensor system to compute an optimal pitch angle value for a rotor blade on the hub. This allows pitching the rotor blade into angle in which the mechanical loads of that rotor blade are reduced to a minimum when idling. |
| US09371812B2 |
Adaptation of the clutch torque of a clutch of a parallel-hybrid drive train of a vehicle
The invention relates to a method for permitting adaptation of the clutch torque of a proportional clutch in parallel hybrid vehicles, wherein given certain peripheral conditions the method is triggered automatically by a control device and the internal combustion engine rotates but is not ignited (phantom start). |
| US09371808B2 |
Fuel injection valve
In a fuel injection valve, a thin portion that is formed so as to make a downstream hollow in an upstream end surface of a first spraying aperture plate is disposed on the first spraying aperture plate. First spraying apertures that are disposed on the thin portion are perpendicular to the first spraying aperture plate. L/d of the first spraying apertures is less than 1, where L is axial length, and d is diameter. Second spraying apertures on a second spraying aperture plate are inclined relative to an axis that is perpendicular to the second spraying aperture plate. An aperture area of an outlet portion of the first spraying apertures is smaller than an aperture area of the inlet portion of the second spraying apertures. An entire outlet opening of the first spraying apertures is disposed inside an inlet opening of the second spraying apertures. |
| US09371806B2 |
Spark plug for internal combustion engine
A spark plug 1 includes a housing 2, an insulator 3, a center electrode 4 held inside the insulator 3 such that a distal end portion 41 protrudes, a ground electrode 5 including a standing portion 51 and an opposing portion 52, and a guide member 22 that has a guide surface 221 facing the standing portion 51 of the ground electrode 5 and functions to guide a flow of an air-fuel mixture in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine to a spark discharge gap G formed between the center electrode 4 and the opposing portion 52 of the ground electrode 5. The opposing portion 52 of the ground electrode 5 has an opposing surface 521 that opposes the center electrode 4, a back surface 522 on the opposite axial side to the opposing surface 521, and a pair of side surfaces 523 and 524 that connect the opposing surface 521 and the back surface 522. Of the pair of side surfaces 523 and 524, at least the side surface 523 on the guide member 22 side is formed so as to make an obtuse angle with the opposing surface 521. |
| US09371805B2 |
Support structure for fuel injection valve
In a fuel injection valve support structure which can apply a substantially constant set load, the fuel injection valve has first and second load receiving portions, the first load receiving portion being supported on the engine, the second load receiving portion being supported on an elastic support member which receives a set load from a fuel supply cap. The elastic support member includes a base plate placed on the second load receiving portion, and an elastic piece curving rearward from one end toward the other end of the base plate, with an apex portion in pressure contact with the cap, the base plate has a portion overhanging from the second load receiving portion and supporting a tip end portion of the elastic piece. The overhang portion starts bending when a load the overhang portion receives from the cap through the elastic piece reaches or exceeds a predetermined value. |
| US09371802B2 |
Exhaust gas recirculation apparatus of engine with supercharger
In an engine provided with a supercharger and a low pressure loop EGR apparatus, an ECU controls an EGR valve to fully close when a detected operating condition is a predetermined operating condition. An outlet of an EGR passage is located at a higher position than an inlet in a vertical direction to allow condensed water to flow downward from downstream to upstream of the EGR valve and flow downward through the EGR passage to an exhaust passage. When the EGR valve has to be controlled to fully close, the ECU forcibly opens the EGR valve when a predetermined discharge condition is established to discharge the condensed water from a downstream side of the EGR valve. |
| US09371801B2 |
Ignition device for two-pulse rocket motor with thermal barrier membrane
In a two-pulse rocket motor provided with a pressure vessel, a first propellant placed within the pressure vessel that burns during a first pulse stage, a second propellant placed within the pressure vessel that burns during a second pulse stage following the first pulse stage, and a barrier membrane placed so as to cover the entire initial burning surface of the second propellant, wherein the barrier membrane is provided with an inner barrier membrane that covers the inner peripheral surface of the second propellant and an aft barrier membrane that covers the rear surface of the second propellant, and an end portion where the aft barrier membrane and the inner barrier membrane meet is joined over the entire circumference thereof. The ignition device includes an energy supply unit, an energy transfer unit connected at one end to the energy supply unit, and an ignition unit. |
| US09371799B2 |
Thrust-reverser assemblies that utilize active flow-control and systems and methods including the same
Thrust-reverser assemblies that utilize active flow-control and systems and methods including the same are disclosed herein. The thrust-reverser assemblies define a forward-thrust configuration and a reverse-thrust configuration. The thrust-reverser assemblies include a bullnose fairing that defines a portion of a reverser duct and an active flow-control device. The active flow-control device is located to energize a boundary layer fluid flow within a boundary layer that is adjacent to the bullnose fairing to resist separation of the boundary layer from the bullnose fairing when the thrust-reverser assembly is in the reverse-thrust configuration. The methods include flowing a thrust-reverser fluid stream through the reverser duct to generate the boundary layer and energizing a boundary layer fluid flow within the boundary layer with an active flow-control device to resist separation of the boundary layer from the bullnose fairing. |
| US09371798B2 |
Free-piston type stirling engine
A free-piston type stirling engine 1 includes a power piston 30 which partitions the inside of a case 2 into a work space 80 and a bounce space 90, a displacer 40, a communication hole 32 provided in the power piston 30, a displacer rod 41 extending from the displacer 40 and passing through the communication hole 32, a first displacer supporting spring 50 elastically supporting the displacer rod 41 at its proximal end, and a second displacer supporting spring 60 elastically supporting the displacer rod 41 at its distal end. The power piston 30 and the displacer 40 reciprocate along a central axis X of the case 2 with a phase difference therebetween by expansion and compression of a working gas in the work space 80, and bias forces of the first displacer supporting spring 50 and the second displacer supporting spring 60 restrict tilting of the displacer 40 and the displacer rod 41 with respect to the central axis X. |
| US09371791B2 |
Combustion state control device for vehicular internal combustion engine
A combustion state control device for an internal combustion engine includes an abnormal combustion detecting unit for detecting abnormal combustion of the internal combustion engine, a fuel supply cut-off unit for cutting off a fuel supply to a cylinder where the abnormal combustion is detected during a cycle from an intake stroke of the cylinder to a next intake stroke thereof, when the abnormal combustion detecting unit detects the abnormal combustion of a cylinder, a vehicle vibration detecting unit for detecting vibration of a vehicle, and a fuel supply cut-off ending unit for ending cutting off of the fuel supply when the vehicle vibration detecting unit detects the vibration of the vehicle while the fuel supply is being cut off. |
| US09371787B2 |
Adaptive control system for fuel injectors and igniters
The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for adjusting the operation of a gasoline-fueled engine based on monitored conditions within a combustion chamber of the engine. In some cases, the system monitors regions within the combustion chamber, identifies or determines a satisfactory condition, and applies an ionization voltage to a fuel injector to initiate a combustion event during the satisfactory condition. In some cases, the system monitors the conditions within the combustion chamber, determines a monitored condition is associated with an adjustment, and adjusts a parameters of a combustion event in order to adjust ionization levels within a combustion chamber. |
| US09371783B2 |
Method and system for improved dilution tolerance
Methods and systems are provided for expediting purging of LP-EGR from an air intake system during conditions of decreasing engine load. During a tip-out, an EGR valve is closed while the engine is shifted to a VDE mode of operation to improve engine tolerance to EGR at lower engine loads and until the EGR is sufficiently purged. A non-VDE mode is resumed if higher engine loads are restored, else, a deceleration fuel shut-off mode is selected if the tip-out continues to zero load. |
| US09371782B2 |
Control apparatus for internal combustion engine
When a working angle of an intake valve is increased in accordance with a deficiency in a working fluid pressure of a VVT mechanism, an electronic control unit corrects an opening degree of a throttle valve so as to increase an intake air amount, and thereby restraining the intake air amount from decreasing in accordance with the increase in the working angle with a valve timing of the intake valve retarded, and hence suppressing a fall in an engine rotational speed. |
| US09371780B2 |
Four-stroke internal combustion engine comprising an engine brake
A four-stroke internal combustion engine having an engine brake, at least one exhaust valve per cylinder, each valve actuated by a camshaft and at least one first valve lever arrangement, and a device which advances the exhaust control, with the valve lever arrangement having an exhaust lever actuated by an exhaust cam and a brake lever actuated by a brake cam. The brake lever has a first brake lever part on the side of the camshaft and a second brake lever part on the side of the exhaust valve, with the two brake lever parts being rotatably mounted independent of each other about a lever axis and being rotationally connectable with each other in engine braking operation by a locking element which is adjustable between two positions. |
| US09371779B2 |
Method and a device for adjusting a setpoint value of a parameter that influences thrust from a gas turbine engine
A method of adjusting a setpoint value of at least one parameter that has an influence on thrust of a gas turbine engine propelling an aircraft during a stage of flight of the aircraft, the method including: obtaining a current value of at least one operating variable of the engine; extracting from a pre-established table a decrement value for the at least one parameter associated with the current value of the at least one operating variable of the engine; and adjusting the setpoint value of the at least one parameter by applying thereto the decrement value extracted from the table. |
| US09371776B2 |
Dual flow air injection intraturbine engine and method of operating same
A jet engine having an air intake and a compression section having first and second separate flow paths coupled to the air intake, the second flow path containing a fuel rich, fuel air mixture having an equivalence rate above the mixture flammability limit, the first flow path containing only air, a burner turbine section, the compression section being coupled directly to the burner turbine section, and means for injecting air from the first flow path into the fuel rich fuel air mixture of the said flow path in the burner turbine section to generate intraturbine diffusion layer burning of said fuel air mixture. |
| US09371775B2 |
One-stroke internal combustion engine
One-stroke internal combustion engines may comprise reciprocating pistons which are either straight or rotary. Three principles are required to make one-stroke engines work: create four dedicated chambers, assign the chambers with coordinated functions, and make pistons move in unison. The functions will be assigned only to a single stroke but an Otto cycle produces a repeating four stroke cycle. Since four functions are performed simultaneously during one stroke, every stroke becomes a power stroke. In reality, 1-stroke engines are physically rearranged 4-stroke engines. Both straight and rotary 1-stroke engines can be modified to comprise opposed piston opposed cylinder (OPOC) engines. The reciprocating piston output of 1-stroke pistons may be converted to continuously rotating output by using crankshafts with split bushings or newly developed Crankgears with conventional bearings. A 1-stroke engine may require only one crankshaft and thus may reduce the number of parts and increase the specific power ratio. Outputs of two 1-stroke engines may be combined using a spur/helical gear assembly to increase power output. |
| US09371774B2 |
Fully automated emergency generator fuel oil system and method for operation thereof
A fully automated emergency generator fuel oil system comprises a plurality of emergency generator fuel oil system components, a plurality of sensors for continuously monitoring the physical status of the system components, and a master control panel in communication with the plurality of sensors, wherein a master control panel in operative communication with the system components interprets signals received from the plurality of sensors to determine if an event has occurred, an event indicating the physical status of one or more of the system components, and when an event has occurred, the master control panel issues one or more instructions responsive to the event that control the function of one or more of the system components. |
| US09371770B2 |
Leaschauer engine
Disclosed herein is an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) termed the Leaschauer Engine (LE). The Leaschauer Engine (LE) is a single or multiple step compression cycle ICE machine, employing the Pressure/Heat Detonation Principle (Diesel Principle). The Leaschauer Engine employs extreme combustion pressure to achieve high combustion efficiency operation without risking a pre-detonation condition. |
| US09371767B2 |
Soot load determination system
An aftertreatment system for treating exhaust gas discharged from a combustion engine may include a particulate filter, a reductant-injection system, an ammonia sensor and a control module. The particulate filter may be configured to filter exhaust gas discharged from the combustion engine. The reductant-injection system may be configured to inject a reductant into a stream of the exhaust gas upstream of the particulate filter. The ammonia sensor may be configured to sense a concentration of ammonia in the stream of exhaust gas downstream of the particulate filter. The control module may be in communication with the ammonia sensor and may determine a soot load of the particulate filter based on data received from the ammonia sensor. |
| US09371765B2 |
Metal filter for purifying exhaust gas from ship, and preparation method thereof
The present invention relates to a metal filter for purifying the exhaust gas from a ship, and a preparation method thereof. The purpose of the present invention is to provide: a metal filter for purifying the exhaust gas from a ship, capable of reducing nitrogen oxide by 85% or more at 250-300° C.; and a preparation method thereof. The metal filter for removing nitrogen oxide contained in the exhaust gas from a ship of the present invention comprises an integrated catalyst, wherein a metal substrate comprising irregularities is coated with a low temperature active catalyst in which vanadium (V), tungsten (W) and alumina sol are supported in a Ti-pillared clay (Ti-PILC) powdered support. |
| US09371762B2 |
Catalyst protection device and catalyst protection method for internal combustion engine
A catalyst protection device includes: a catalyst provided in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine and purifying exhaust gas; a bed temperature acquisition unit acquiring a current bed temperature of the catalyst; a base increase value calculation unit calculating a base increase value that is a base value of an increase value of a fuel injection amount injected by a fuel injection valve included in the internal combustion engine in order to cool the catalyst when the current bed temperature exceeds a predetermined determination value; a compensator acquiring a corrected increase value by correcting the base increase value using a reduction coefficient that is calculated by incorporating a value of a target bed temperature set to a value strictly lower than the determination value; and an injection amount increasing unit selecting any one of the base increase value and the corrected increase value. When catalyst protection is required, the fuel increase value is therefore optimized to reasonable values, while not being reduced too much. |
| US09371757B2 |
Catalytic converter of internal combustion engine and apparatus for purifying exhaust gas provided with the same
A catalytic converter of an internal combustion engine may include: at least one inlet channel having an end through which an exhaust gas is flowed into and the other end which is blocked; at least one outlet channel having an end which is blocked and the other end through which the exhaust gas is discharged; and a wall defining a boundary between neighboring inlet channel and outlet channel, and adapted to flow the exhaust gas from the inlet channel to the outlet channel, wherein the wall includes a single-layered portion formed at an end portion and having a three-way catalyst layer, and a multi-layered portion being the portion other than the single-layered portion and having a three-way catalyst layer, a hydrocarbon trap layer and an insulating layer. An apparatus of purifying an exhaust gas is also provided. |
| US09371756B2 |
Exhaust gas purification device for internal combustion engine
There is provided an exhaust purifying system for an internal combustion engine comprising a fuel supply valve for supplying fuel to an exhaust passage for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, an ignition device for igniting the fuel supplied from the fuel supply valve, and a controller for heating the ignition device to selectively realize at least an ignition temperature Ti in which the fuel can be ignited and a waiting temperature Ts in which the fuel cannot be ignited. The controller controls the waiting temperature Ts to be the lower as a predicted deceleration time tp that is the time for which a decelerating state of the vehicle lasts is larger. |
| US09371753B2 |
System of controlling exhaust sound of vehicle automatically and method of the same
A system and method automatically controls exhaust sound of a vehicle according to music chosen by a driver for the pleasure of driving. The system may include a media reproducing device which plays music and outputs a music playback signal, a control unit which analyzes a frequency of the music playback signal output from the media reproducing device and generates a drive signal according to the frequency, and a variable valve of a muffler installed in the muffler which adjusts the exhaust sound according to the drive signal output from the control unit. |
| US09371749B2 |
Hybrid valve stem seal retainer assembly
A valve stem seal assembly has a metal retainer, an elastomeric seal, and a metal valve guide. The metal retainer and the elastomeric seal are attached to each other, and the elastomeric seal is in sealable contact with the metal valve guide, while the metal retainer is in metal-to-metal gripping contact with the metal valve guide. A stop may be formed in the metal retainer that cooperates with a shoulder formed in the metal valve guide in order to prevent over-installation of the assembly of the elastomeric seal with attached metal retainer, when this assembly is installed over the metal valve guide. |
| US09371748B2 |
Holding structure of oil control valve
A holding structure of an oil control valve includes an oil control valve, a cam holder, and a head cover. A valve portion is provided on a second end side of the oil control valve opposite to a first end side in a longitudinal direction. The valve portion is configured to switch oil passages by driving a solenoid portion and has a drain hole at a shaft end portion of the valve portion. The cam holder is attached to a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine and rotatably supports a camshaft of the internal combustion engine. A valve portion side of the oil control valve is embedded in the cam holder and supported by the cam holder. An axis of the oil control valve in the longitudinal direction is oriented towards the camshaft. The head cover is provided on an upper portion of the cylinder head. |
| US09371745B2 |
Vaporization method and vaporization apparatus used for vaporization method, and vaporization system provided with vaporization apparatus
A vaporization method includes a preparing step of preparing a vaporizing tube that covers at least a part of a heat exchange unit for cold energy of a Stirling engine and is capable of forming an ascending flow of the liquid flowing from a bottom to a top of the heat exchange unit for cold energy, and a vaporizing step of feeding the liquid in the vaporizing tube to thereby form the ascending flow and bringing the liquid into contact with the Stirling engine to vaporize the liquid. In the preparing step, a flowing direction of the ascending flow is adjusted to suppress occurrence of separated flows of the liquid and gas in the vaporizing tube. In the vaporizing step, the liquid is fed at a flow velocity at which a gas-liquid two-phase flow in which the liquid and the gas are mixed is formed in the vaporizing tube. |
| US09371744B2 |
Heat engine
A heat engine is provided which includes: a boiler unit including an evaporation chamber and a fluid-pool chamber, the evaporation chamber heating a working fluid by supplied heat and generating vapor of the fluid, and the fluid-pool chamber collecting the fluid supplied to the evaporation chamber; an output unit through which the vapor flows, and which converts energy of the vapor to mechanical energy; a condensation unit which condenses the vapor that has passed through the output unit, and refluxes the condensed fluid to the fluid-pool chamber; and a working fluid guide member which is disposed in the boiler unit, and which sucks the fluid in the fluid-pool chamber by using capillary force and supplies the fluid to the evaporation chamber. The evaporation chamber is separated from the fluid-pool chamber. Pressure in the evaporation chamber is higher than pressure in the fluid-pool chamber. The working fluid guide member satisfies (2σ/r)·cos θ>PH−PL. |
| US09371739B2 |
Power producing device with control mechanism
A power-producing device, such as a ram air turbine, includes a controller that is used to control operation of a turbine of the power-producing device. The controller uses an input based on an airspeed of the aircraft as part of a control mechanism in the controller for controlling the turbine. For example controller may be used to control backpressure of the turbine, for example by controlling the angle of doors of that are used to adjust backpressure of the turbine. The control mechanism may include a PID controller, with the gain of one or more of the values of the PID controller being a function of the airspeed of the aircraft. In addition the control mechanism may include manipulating a setpoint as a function of load on the power-producing device. The power-producing device may be part of a detachable pod that is installed on the aircraft. |
| US09371737B2 |
Gas turbine
A gas turbine includes: a cooling air pipe disposed at a downstream side of a rotor main body without contacting with the rotor main body and configured to feed cooling air into a cooling air main passage of the rotor main body; a bearing downstream end shaft seal annularly disposed at an outer circumferential side of the rotor main body and at a downstream side of a bearing which rotatably supports the rotor main body; and a collecting flow passage member having a leaked air collecting flow passage that guides the cooling air, which is leaked from the bearing downstream end shaft seal to the bearing side, into an exhaust flow passage through which a combustion gas passing through a final blade stage flows. |
| US09371733B2 |
Rotor blade arrangement for a turbo machine
In a moving blade system for a turbomachine, in particular a gas turbine, having at least one moving blade (1), the moving blade system having at least one cavity (3) in which at least one tuning mass (2) is movably situated, the tuning mass and/or the cavity is/are adapted in such a way that the tuning mass rests against an inner wall (3.1) of the cavity in a predefined first operating state of the turbomachine and at least temporarily moves away from the inner wall in a second predefined operating state of the turbomachine. |
| US09371730B2 |
System and method related to a sampling packer
A technique involves collecting formation fluids through a single packer. The single packer comprises an outer bladder with drains positioned in the outer bladder to obtain formation fluid samples. Features also may be incorporated into the single packer to limit sealing in the circumferential spaces between the drains and to provide a larger sampling surface than provided simply via the drain surface area. |
| US09371722B2 |
Enhancing production of clathrates by use of thermosyphons
A method and system for initiating hydrocarbon production from a reservoir are provided. This method and system utilize thermosyphons. The system and method utilize one or more sealed, elongated, hollow tubular containers supported in earth in a geothermal heat zone below the reservoir and extending upwardly therefrom into the reservoir. The containers comprise (a) a bottom portion in the geothermal heat zone below the reservoir; (b) a top portion within the reservoir; and (c) being partially filled with a liquid that evaporates in the bottom portion forming a vapor and transferring heat via convective flow of the vapor to the top portion, the heat being dissipated at the top portion into the surrounding reservoir as the vapor condenses back into liquid and flows downward to the bottom portion. The reservoir can be a natural gas hydrate reservoir. |
| US09371720B2 |
Autonomous inflow control device having a surface coating
An autonomous inflow control system for use downhole comprises a flow ratio control system comprising one or more fluid inlets, and a pathway dependent resistance system comprising a vortex chamber. The one or more fluid inlets provide fluid communication between the flow ratio control system and the pathway dependent resistance system, and at least one of the one or more fluid inlets comprises a super hydrophobic surface. |
| US09371719B2 |
Controlling pressure during perforating operations
A method for controlling pressure in a wellbore during a perforating operation can include positioning a perforating tool within the wellbore, where the perforating tool comprises a gun and an energetic chamber. The method can also include igniting an energetic within the energetic chamber to generate a propellant. The method can further include igniting at least one charge within the gun, where the at least one charge is ignited toward a wall of the wellbore adjacent to the gun. The method can also include directing the propellant from the energetic chamber into the gun. |
| US09371700B2 |
Superabrasive cutting elements with cutting edge geometry having enhanced durability and cutting efficiency and drill bits so equipped
A superabrasive cutting element including a diamond or other superabrasive material table having a peripheral cutting edge defined by at least one chamfer between a cutting face and a side surface of the table, an arcuate surface extending between the cutting face and an innermost chamfer of the at least one chamfer and a sharp, angular transition between an outermost chamfer of the at least one chamfer and the side surface. Methods of producing such superabrasive cutting elements and drill bits equipped with such superabrasive cutting elements are also disclosed. |
| US09371699B2 |
Plow-shaped cutting elements for earth-boring tools, earth-boring tools including such cutting elements, and related methods
A cutting element for an earth-boring tool includes at least one volume of superabrasive material on a substrate. The volume of superabrasive material includes a first planar surface and a second planar surface oriented at an angle relative to the first planar surface and intersecting the first planar surface along an apex. The first planar surface has a circular or oval shape having a first maximum diameter, and the second planar surface has a circular or oval shape having a second maximum diameter. The apex has a length less than the first maximum diameter and the second maximum diameter. Earth-boring tools includes such a cutting element attached to a body. Methods of forming earth-boring tools include the attachment of such a cutting element to a body of an earth-boring tool. |
| US09371694B2 |
Permanent bypass whipstock assembly for drilling and completing a sidetrack well and preserving access to the original wellbore
The present invention relates to drilling lateral wells or sidetrack wells from a primary wellbore to enhance the efficiency and productivity of oil and gas wells. |
| US09371693B2 |
Drill with remotely controlled operating modes and system and method for providing the same
The present invention relates to a drilling system with a multi-function drill head used in, among other applications, oil and gas drilling. The system is used to enhance the effective permeability of an oil and/or gas reservoir by drilling or cutting new structures into the reservoir. The system is capable of cutting straight bores, radius bores, or side panels, by water jets alone or in combination with lasers. In various embodiments, a device for remotely controlling the mode of the system by variations in the pressure of a drilling fluid is also provided, allowing an operator to switch between various modes (straight drilling, radius bore drilling, panel cutting, etc.) without withdrawing the drill string from underground. |
| US09371692B2 |
Downhole tool
A downhole tool including a fluid-actuated piston and a motor-driven valve. The fluid-actuated piston is operatively associated with a reciprocating mass. The motor-driven valve is configured to supply actuating fluid sequentially to drive the piston downwards and upwards.A method of reciprocating a mass in a downhole tool. The method including cycling a motor-driven valve between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration actuating fluid pressure drives a piston associated with the mass downwards. In the second configuration actuating fluid pressure drives the piston upwards. |
| US09371691B2 |
Motorized window shade
A motorized window shade includes a head rail, a bottom part suspended from the head rail, and a covering structure arranged between the head rail and the bottom part. An electric motor is arranged in the head rail and is operable to drive a vertical displacement of the bottom part. The window shade further includes a control interface electrically connected with the electric motor, and suspended outward from the head rail. The control interface is operable to control rotation of the electric motor for raising and lowering the bottom part. An elongated tube may further be disposed outside the head rail. The elongated tube has an upper end connected with the head rail, and the control interface is assembled adjacent to a lower end of the elongated tube. |
| US09371690B2 |
Mechanism for controlling the rotation of a roller blind winding roller having a spring drive
One embodiment of a mechanism for controlling the rotation of a roller blind winding roller having a spring drive and immovably fixed to a roller blind holder and its winding roller is constructed of an inner shaft (1), on which a sleeve (2) is rotationally seated. In the sleeve (2) there is rotationally seated an inner roller (4), and between the sleeve (2) and the inner roller (4) there is an annular slot (5) filled with a braking layer (26) formed from high viscosity medium. The inner roller (4) contains a formed driver (6) and in the sleeve (2), between the inner roller (4) and the inner shaft (1) there is a brake shoe (3) seated with its pin (9) in the opening (7) of the inner shaft (1), and a relief (8) where the driver (6) of the inner roller (4) is seated. |
| US09371683B2 |
Method and apparatus for making vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit including pump-out tube
A vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window assembly and method for making same is provided in which dimensions of a hole and/or pump-out tube inserted therein are selected to provide sufficient clearance for efficient insertion and accommodate sufficient adhesive material, while at the same time providing sufficient support to resist substantial tilting/tipping of the pump-out tube. A length of the pump-out tube may be selected so that a distance between a top of the pump-out tube (which is subjected to heat sealing) and an interface between the tube and frit material proximate the hole reduces the likelihood of tube cracking at the tube/frit interface. |
| US09371682B2 |
Door entryway system
A door entryway system is disclosed. The door entryway system may have a door sweep capable of attachment to a bottom of a door panel and a threshold assembly. The threshold assembly may include a threshold substrate, an upwardly open sill channel on the substrate and a substantially rigid threshold cap biased upwardly, and vertically adjustable by rotating during interaction with the door sweep. The threshold cap and door sweep contact to form a sealing barrier when the door panel is in a closed position. The threshold assembly may also include a cap base formed separate from the threshold cap, the cap base at least partially positioned within the sill channel, the cap base supporting the threshold cap. |
| US09371680B2 |
Sliding door system comprising a locking unit displaceably supported in a transom
A sliding door system including a transom; at least one door leaf movable along the transom; an endless traction mechanism traction-resistantly connected to the at least one door leaf; a drive device for driving the endless traction mechanism, the drive device comprising a driven pulley guiding the endless traction mechanism; a rotational body torsion-resistantly connected to the driven pulley and rotatably supported by the transom, the rotational body comprises a coupling member; a locking bolt displaceably supported by the transom; and an electromechanical actuation device. The electromechanical actuation device is operable to cause the locking bolt to interlock with the coupling member of the rotational body to lock the at least one door leaf relative to the transom. |
| US09371677B1 |
Brake shoe with contact posts that increase brake strength and improve the interconnection between the brake shoe and a counterbalance spring of a tilt-in window
A counterbalance system that is set into the guide track of a tilt-in window. A brake shoe housing is provided that has a first arm element. The brake shoe housing is connected to a coil spring within the guide track of the tilt-in window. At least one post is set into the first arm element. Each post has a free end that extends away from the first arm element. One post passes through a hole in the coil spring and forms part of the mechanical interconnection between the brake shoe housing and the coil spring. A cam is disposed within the brake shoe housing. When turned, the cam moves the first arm element, therein causing each post to be biased against the guide track. The contact between each post and the guide track inhibits movement of the brake shoe housing. |
| US09371676B2 |
360 degree hinge assembly for electronic devices
In one example a hinge assembly for an electronic device comprises a linkage comprising a first bushing disposed at a first end of the linkage and a second bushing disposed at a second end of the bushing, a first shaft rotatable within the first bushing about a first axis, a second shaft rotatable within the second bushing about a second axis, and at least one compression element disposed on the first shaft, wherein the first shaft and the first bushing are threaded such that rotation of the first shaft within the first bushing induces lateral translation of the first shaft along the first axis. Other examples may be described. |
| US09371674B2 |
Rotary hydraulic damper for pivoting stowage bin
A damping assembly for a pivoting stowage bin includes a rotary hydraulic damper that is mounted on the pivot axis of the stowage bin. The rotary hydraulic damper includes a damper body that receives a rotor having at least one vane moved through contained hydraulic fluid. Preferably, an exterior bearing surface on the damper precludes the active damping elements from radial loads, while a distributed attachment of the rotor to the pivoting bin enables reduced torque loads. The damper can include an integrated flow-control valve for controlling the opening rate of the pivoting bin as well as an integrated mechanical stop for the bin. |
| US09371672B2 |
Safety braking device for doors
A safety braking device (1) for doors, which is arranged between a door board (21) and a permanent seat (22) of the door board, comprises a seat body (11) and a one-way locking mechanism. The seat body (11) is arranged in the door board (21). The one-way locking mechanism comprises a lock position element (12) and a connecting rod element (13). The lock position element (12) is arranged in the seat body (11) and can be switched between a locked position and an unlocked position. One end of the connecting rod element (13) is fixed onto the permanent seat (22) of the door board, and the other end thereof extends into the seat body (11) and corresponds to the lock position element (12). When at the locked position, the lock position element (12) as well as the seat body (11) cannot move in a first direction (91) with respect to the connecting rod element (13), and thereof the door board (21) cannot be opened and can only be closed; and only when the lock position element (12) is at the unlocked position can the door board (21) be opened or closed. |
| US09371665B2 |
Article of the tent or shelter type
The present invention relates to an article (1) of the tent or shelter type including a roof element (2) at least partially covering a shelter area (3), said roof element including a main flexible panel (4) having opposite outer (4a) and inner (4b) faces, the inner face (4b) being intended during operation to be oriented across from said shelter area (3). Characteristically, the inner face (4b) has an emissivity rate (%) of far infrared rays lower than the emissivity rate (%) of far infrared rays of the outer face (4a). |
| US09371664B2 |
Tent and an awning assembly
A tent and an awning assembly, the awning assembly including an awning casing, a leading edge and an awning extending between the awning casing and the leading edge, the tent being arranged under the awning assembly. The awning casing and the leading edge each includes a channel for receiving a tent enabling a double roof configuration. |
| US09371656B2 |
Tile spacer dispensers
In one implementation, a handheld device for placing tile spacers includes a body that is sized and shaped for a user to hold; a cartridge enclosed within the body that stores a plurality of tile spacers; an input mechanism affixed to the body that is moveable based on application of force by the user; an opening in the body that is sized and shaped for tile spacers; and a dispensing mechanism contained within the body that, in response to an application of force to the input mechanism by the user, causes a particular tile spacer from the plurality of tile spacers to be moved from the cartridge and out of the opening. |
| US09371655B1 |
Dolly apparatus for door installation
A dolly apparatus for door installation transports and facilitates the installation of multiple doors. The apparatus includes a frame. A plurality of wheels is coupled to and extends rearwardly from the frame. A support bracket is coupled to the frame and is configured to support a door thereon. A first guide member is coupled to and extends forwardly from the frame. The first guide member forms a first slot configured to receive a non-hinged side of the door therein. A pair of arms is coupled to the frame. The arms are positioned in spaced parallel relationship relative to each other and extend forwardly from the frame. A plurality of casters is provided and each is configured to contact a ground surface. One of the casters is coupled a first one of the arms. One of the casters is coupled to a second one of the arms. |
| US09371654B2 |
Floor panel
Floor panel, with a horizontally and vertically active locking system allowing that two of such floor panels can be connected to each other at said sides by providing one of these floor panels, by means of a downward movement, in the other floor panel; wherein the vertically active locking system comprises a locking element in the form of an insert; wherein this locking element comprises at least a pivotable lock-up body; characterized in that the pivotable lock-up body comprises a support portion which is rotatable against a support surface pertaining to the floor panel concerned, and more particularly in a seat. |
| US09371653B2 |
Joint structure for assembling floorboards
A joint structure for a floorboard, including: at least one first beveled tenon, the first beveled tenon including a tenon face facing upwards; a first beveled mortise, the first beveled mortise including a mortise face facing upwards; at least one second beveled tenon, the second beveled tenon including a tenon face facing downwards; and a second beveled mortise, the second beveled mortise including a mortise face facing downwards. The first beveled tenon is disposed in parallel to a surface of the floorboard at a right edge approximately half a height of the floorboard; the first beveled mortise is disposed at an inner side of the first beveled tenon. The second beveled tenon is disposed at a left edge approximately half the height of the floorboard. The second beveled mortise is disposed at an inner side of the second beveled tenon. |
| US09371649B2 |
Support metal structure of a false ceiling
A metal profile for a false ceiling and support structure for a false ceiling including at least one pair of metal profiles is described. The metal profile includes a main portion and an integral engaging member connected as a single body, or as one piece, to at least one end of the main portion, wherein said integral engaging member includes a plate-like portion and an engaging tongue or fin connected as one piece to the plate-like portion, wherein said engaging tongue or fin is detached or separated from said plate-like portion on at least two sides of the engaging tongue so as to define a cut profile shaped like a “7”. The engaging tongue or fin is displaceable by means of elastic deformation between a first position in which the engaging tongue is located protruding from a plane of the plate-like portion, and a second position in which said engaging tongue is displaced towards the plane of the plate-like portion. |
| US09371648B1 |
Concrete building structure and method for modular construction of same
A concrete building structure and method for constructing a building structure which includes a first cross-brace section, including a plurality of pre-cast concrete blocks connected in series by at least one rebar; a second cross-brace section, including a plurality of pre-cast concrete blocks connected in series by at least one rebar, extending generally perpendicularly to the first cross-brace section such that the first and second cross-brace sections form a grid understructure; a plurality of channels encapsulating adjacent blocks from the first and second cross-brace sections, whereby the grid understructure includes channels into which concrete may be poured at a building site; each of the plurality of blocks positioned within respective channels; a plurality of pre-cast concrete slabs resting atop the blocks in the grid understructure; and poured concrete filling each of the channels and a space between adjacent concrete slabs to complete a generally flat floor of the building structure. |
| US09371644B2 |
Wall gap fire block device, system and method
Fire block devices for application to a wall component. The fire-block device can be a wall component that includes a fire-resistant material strip that expands in response to sufficient heat to create a fire-resistant barrier. In some applications, the fire-block wall component is positioned to extend lengthwise along and across a gap between wallboard members. The fire-block wall component may have a U-shaped central portion and a pair of side portions extending in opposite directions from the central portion. The fire-resistant material may be positioned on the central portion of the fire-block device. The central portion may be positioned within the gap such that the fire-resistant material expands in response to sufficient heat to create a fire-resistant barrier. |
| US09371640B2 |
Fence valve with indicator
A fence valve to catch material introduced into a pipe includes a housing defining a chamber and a catch plate disposed within the chamber that is movable with respect to the housing. The catch plate includes at least one magnetic region. The valve further includes a magnetic body in communication with at least a portion of the chamber, an indicator in communication with the catch plate, and a cable having a first end secured to the catch plate and a second end secured to a hook. The catch plate is transitionable from a first position in which the catch plate is disposed at a first location within the chamber, to a second position in which the catch plate is displaced from the first location. The catch plate is detachably held in the first position by interaction between the at least one magnetic region and the magnetic body. |
| US09371637B1 |
Powered drain unclogging attachment device
A disclosed powered drain unclogging device, system and method comprises a rotational power source and an attachment having a first end detachably coupled to the rotational power source and a second end comprising a plurality of protrusions disposed laterally from a tip thereof in a spiral tip pattern and a helical body pattern configured to drive the rotating tip into a drain and grab and retain debris therefrom. The disclosed method comprises driving the rotating tip into a drain based on an interaction of the spiral arrangement of the protrusions proximal the tip with an inside of the drain walls. The method further includes unclogging debris from the drain via a grabbing and retaining action of the debris by the sharp barbs of the attachment and the driving action thereof. The protrusions comprise bristles and barbs which sway and adjust to varying drain diameters. A splash guard protects the user. |
| US09371633B2 |
Apparatus and method of freeze protection in fluid systems
A freeze protection material consisting of a closed-cell polymeric material that can be used to protect a variety of fluid systems from the damaging effects of thermal expansion of aqueous fluids container or transported therein. A method of protecting various fluid systems from freeze damage by applying a specialized freeze protection material therein. |
| US09371632B2 |
Non-invasive thermal dispersion flow meter with chronometric monitor for fluid leak detection
A non-invasive thermal dispersion flow meter with chronometric monitor for fluid leak detection includes a heater, an ambient temperature sensor and a flow rate sensor which are configured to sense the temperature of a fluid in a conduit, and then monitor the flow of that fluid through the conduit. The fluid flow sensor is incorporated into a Wheatstone bridge circuit which is used to provide increased sensitivity to the outputs of the sensors. Based upon the ambient temperature sensor readings, the flow rate sensor and heater may be adjusted to optimize the operation of the system to detect leaks. An alternative embodiment utilizes a single sensor and separate heater which work together to determine heat propagation times which in turn is used to calculate flow rate. |
| US09371625B2 |
Modified spudcan with optimal peripheral skirt for enhanced performance of jackup operations
A modified spudcan with optimal peripheral skirt for enhanced performance of jackup operations comprises a spudcan top part, a spudcan bottom part, wherein the spudcan bottom has a central tip protruding from the central part of the spudcan bottom; wherein the top and bottom parts are coupled at their peripherals or through a spudcan side wall to form a hull structure, and a peripheral skirt having an upper end being coupled to the spudcan bottom part and a lower end extending downwardly, wherein the tip of the lower end of the peripheral skirt is higher than the distal end of the central tip. |
| US09371620B2 |
Method and device for braking a vehicle which has gone out of control
Method for braking a vehicle which has gone out of control, in which vehicle parts come into operative connection with an impact body which can be moved in the deceleration direction, wherein the impact body is connected to a controllable hydromechanical force converter and the vehicle is braked with a constantly controlled deceleration force until it reaches a standstill, wherein a measuring and control device provided in the region of the impact body controls the deceleration force of the force converter, independently of the impact mass of the respective vehicle. |
| US09371619B2 |
Self-righting flexible delineator with protective collar
A delineator system includes an anchor having an end portion and a post extending along a longitudinal direction and having an end portion overlapping with the end portion of the anchor. The overlapping end portions are coupled together with an engagement member. A protective collar is moveable relative to the post and the anchor along the longitudinal direction from a non-installed position to an installed position. The protective collar is disposed over and covers the overlapping end portions and the engagement member when in the installed position. Methods of manufacturing and installing a post, and other delineator systems and delineator posts are also provided. |
| US09371616B2 |
Laminate and production method thereof
The laminate has a resin substrate and a composite layer thereon. The composite layer contains an inorganic compound and a cellulose fiber exhibiting an average fiber diameter of not less than 2 nm and not more than 200 nm. The laminate has a flexible substrate which exhibits superior gas-barrier capability as well as enhanced mechanical strength and heat-resistance and is suitably applicable to a variety of display substrates. |
| US09371611B2 |
Mixtures of reactive dyes and their use
Provided are processes for dyeing or printing fibre materials using reactive dye mixtures. The reactive dyes mixtures have been found to be suitable for dyeing or printing hydroxyl-group containing fibre materials or nitrogen-containing fibre materials. The dyeings or prints obtained according to such processes exhibit good all around fastness properties. |
| US09371609B2 |
Dryer appliances and methods for operating same
Dryer appliances and methods for operating dryer appliances are provided. A method includes flowing internal air from a drum chamber through a vent duct of the dryer appliance, selectively actuating a valve to flow external air through the vent duct from external to a cabinet of the dryer appliance, and alternately sensing humidity values of the internal air and the external air. |
| US09371607B2 |
Method for adjusting a spinning speed of a drum of a household appliance for caring for laundry items
In a method for setting a spin speed of a drum of a household laundry care appliance, which is installed on a base, a gradient of an actual speed of the drum is detected during a spin operation and a determination is made as to whether the speed gradient is rising or falling. Vibrations caused by the household appliance during a spin operation as a function of the base in respect of frequency and/or amplitude are detected and compared with reference values. The spin speed is then changed as a function of the determined speed gradient if parameter values characterizing the vibrations deviate from the reference values. |
| US09371606B2 |
Embroidery data generator, sewing machine, and non-transitory computer readable storing medium
An embroidery data generator is configured to generate embroidery data and is provided with a pattern storing unit and a control device. The pattern storing unit is configured to store plural types of pattern data configured for sewing one or more sub-patterns according to a predetermined stitch pattern. The one or more sub-patterns constitutes an embroidery pattern. The control device is configured to randomly extract pattern data configured for sewing the one or more sub-patterns from the plural types of pattern data stored in the pattern storing unit and to assign extracted pattern data to the one or more sub-patterns. |
| US09371602B2 |
Industrial two-layer fabric
An industrial two-layer fabric of 16 or more shafts consists of an upper side fabric having upper side warps and upper side wefts and a lower side fabric having lower side warps and lower side wefts, the upper side fabric and the lower side fabric are bound by binding yarns. A first warp pair consists of a binding yarn and one of an adjacent upper side warp, an adjacent lower side warp and an adjacent binding yarn. A second warp pair consists of an upper side warp and an adjacent lower side warp. In a complete design, two or more of the first warp pairs are placed adjacent to each other, and two or more of the second warp pairs are placed adjacent to each other. |
| US09371590B2 |
Method for operating a high-temperature electrolyzer comprising a step of reducing the material of the cathodes
A method for operating an installation for producing hydrogen including at least one high temperature electrolyzer for producing hydrogen, the electrolyzer including a plurality of elementary cells, each including a cathode and an anode separated by an electrolyte, the elementary cells being separated by an interconnection plate, each interconnection plate defining with an adjacent cathode a cathode compartment and with an adjacent anode an anode compartment, the cathodes being made from a cermet containing nickel, the method including: a) raising a temperature of the cells up to an operating temperature of the electrolyzer comprised between 650° C. and 950° C.; b) applying a potential difference on terminals of the elementary cells at least equal to 0.62 V. |
| US09371588B2 |
Procedure summary of water-based polymer resin doped titanium dioxide nanotubes as application corrosion coating
The present invention relates to the application of polymeric resins and TiO2 doped with polymeric resins as coatings for external metal surfaces for industrial use, by selecting the following metals: stainless steel, carbon steel and copper. Focuses specifically on the synthesis of a polymeric resin waterborne corrosion consisting of nano-structured polymer particles formed with two or more acrylic monomers, vinyl or styrenic a functionalizing agent and a crosslinking agent from 1.0 to 20% w each. Doping addition is made of the same polymeric resins, which are incorporated in nanotubes of titanium dioxide in concentrations ranging from 50 to 10,000 ppm. The polymeric resin is water based corrosion synthesized by emulsion polymerization techniques and is during the synthesis process is introduced nanotube loading of titanium dioxide, which allowing the dispersion in the polymer matrix. Polymer dispersions obtained in this way are used as anti-corrosion coatings 100% water based. |
| US09371585B2 |
Method and device for plasma-treating workpieces
The method and device are used to plasma-treat workpieces. The workpiece is inserted into a chamber of a treatment station that can be at least partially evacuated. The plasma chamber is bounded by a chamber bottom, a chamber cover, and a lateral chamber wall. The method process is optically monitored at least at times. In the optical monitoring, spectral lines of the radiation of the plasma above 500 nanometers are evaluated. Preferably, the evaluation is performed for frequencies above 700 nanometers. |
| US09371583B2 |
Plasma processing member, deposition apparatus including the same, and depositing method using the same
A deposition apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of reaction spaces, a plurality of plasma electrodes respectively disposed in the reaction spaces, a first plasma processor connected to at least two plasma electrodes, and a first plasma power source connected to the first plasma processor. The first plasma processor may include a plasma distributor or a plasma splitter. |
| US09371581B2 |
Apparatus for treating a gas stream
In an apparatus for treating a gas stream, a plasma generator comprises an electrode for energizing a source gas to generate a plasma flare by application of a high voltage. An inlet allows the gas stream into the apparatus and directs it into the generated plasma. A scraper is fitted for reciprocating movement from a first position to a second position for scraping a surface to remove solid deposits accumulated on the surface. |
| US09371575B2 |
Method for manufacturing a metal assembly
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing an aluminum/metal assembly consisting of a metal layer made of a first metal on the surface of a metal object made of a second metal, the first or second metal being aluminum, wherein said method includes the following steps: placing a metal foam having an open porosity on a surface of the metal object, and applying mechanical stress to the metal foam in such a manner that said foam becomes embedded in the surface of the object. |
| US09371573B2 |
Grain refinement, aluminium foundry alloys
The present invention describes an effective grain refining practice for aluminum foundry alloys. The method described herein relies on the control of the Titanium level of the alloy to be grain refined and the addition of boron once it is melted. Boron addition can be made via Al—B master alloys as well as with boron compounds such as KBF4 salt. The boron added into the melt dissolves first and then forms the AlB2 particles that act as potent substrates for the nucleation of aluminum once solidification process starts. The Ti concentration of the alloy must be controlled below 100 ppm for this method to offer effective grain refinement. The boron becomes ineffective when the Ti concentration in the alloy is higher. |
| US09371566B2 |
Diagnostic method
The present invention concerns a method for the detection or monitoring of cancer using a biological sample selected from blood, plasma, serum, saliva, urine from an individual, said method comprising: (a) obtaining DNA from the said biological sample; (b) digesting the DNA sample with one or more methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes; (c) quantifying or detecting a DNA sequence of interest after step (b), wherein the target sequence of interest contains at least two methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme recognition sites; and (d) comparing the level of the DNA sequence from the individual to a normal standard, to detect, prognosticate or monitor cancer. |
| US09371565B2 |
Genetic polymorphisms associated with psoriasis, methods of detection and uses thereof
The present invention is based on the discovery of genetic polymorphisms that are associated with psoriasis and related pathologies. In particular, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules containing the polymorphisms, including groups of nucleic acid molecules that may be used as a signature marker set, such as a haplotype, a diplotype, variant proteins encoded by such nucleic acid molecules, reagents for detecting the polymorphic nucleic acid molecules and proteins, and methods of using the nucleic acid and proteins as well as methods of using reagents for their detection. |
| US09371562B2 |
Methods and compositions for genetically detecting improved milk production traits in cattle
An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a polymorphic site selected from the group consisting of positions 164, 269, 284, 407 and 989 of SEQ ID NO: 1, an array or a kit comprising the same. Also provided are a method for detecting single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in bovine proteinase inhibitor (PI) gene, a method for haplotyping a bovine cell, a method for progeny testing of cattle based on said haplotyping, a method for selectively breeding of cattle based on haplotyping a parent animal. The present invention further provides a method for testing a dairy cattle for its milk production trait, comprising haplotyping its cells, wherein a cattle having haplotypes 1, 3, 4 or 5 indicates that the cattle has desirable milk production trait. Haplotype 1 indicates that the cattle has the most desirable milk production trait. |
| US09371559B2 |
Compositions for detection and analysis of polynucleotides using light harvesting multichromophores
Methods, compositions and articles of manufacture for assaying a sample for a target polynucleotide are provided. A sample suspected of containing the target polynucleotide is contacted with a polycationic multichromophore and a sensor PNA complementary to the target polynucleotide. The sensor PNA comprises a signaling chromophore to absorb energy from the excited multichromophore and emit light in the presence of the target polynucleotide. The methods can be used in multiplex form. Kits comprising reagents for performing such methods are also provided. |
| US09371557B2 |
Nucleic acid amplification
In some embodiments, the present teachings provide methods for nucleic acid amplification, comprising forming a reaction mixture, and subjecting the reaction mixture to conditions suitable for nucleic acid amplification. In some embodiments, methods for nucleic acid amplification include subjecting the nucleic acid to be amplified to partially denaturing conditions. In some embodiments, methods for nucleic acid amplification include amplifying without fully denaturing the nucleic acid that is amplified. In some embodiments, the methods for nucleic acid amplification employ an enzyme that catalyzes homologous recombination and a polymerase. In some embodiments, methods for nucleic acid amplification can be conducted in a single reaction vessel. In some embodiments, methods for nucleic acid amplification can be conducted in a single continuous liquid phase of a reaction mixture, without need for compartmentalization of the reaction mixture or immobilization of reaction components. In some embodiments, methods for nucleic acid amplification comprise a amplifying at least one polynucleotide onto a surface under isothermal amplification conditions, optionally in the presence of a polymer. The polymer can include a sieving agent and/or a diffusion-reducing agent. |
| US09371552B2 |
Nucleic acid nanotube liquid crystals
Compositions and methods for preparing nucleic acid nanotubes using DNA origami techniques are described, which provide for nanotubes of predictable and uniform length. The nucleic acid nanotubes thus formed are suitable as liquid crystal preparations enabling liquid-crystal NMR spectroscopy of proteins solubilized in detergent. |
| US09371551B2 |
Methods for enhancing the degradation of cellulosic material with chitin binding proteins
The present invention relates to methods for degrading or converting a cellulosic material and for producing substances from the cellulosic material. |
| US09371548B2 |
Method for producing butyric acid, butanol and butyrate ester
The present disclosure is directed to methods for producing butyric acid comprising fermenting a feedstock using a bacterium. The feedstock comprises lactic acid, or the feedstock comprises lactic acid and at least one carbohydrate. |
| US09371547B2 |
Extraction solvents derived from oil for alcohol removal in extractive fermentation
In an alcohol fermentation process, oil derived from biomass is hydrolyzed into an extractant available for in situ removal of a product alcohol such as butanol from a fermentation broth. The glycerides in the oil can be catalytically (e.g., enzymatically) hydrolyzed into free fatty acids, which form a fermentation product extractant having a partition coefficient for a product alcohol greater than a partition coefficient of the oil of the biomass for the product alcohol. Oil derived from a feedstock of an alcohol fermentation process can be hydrolyzed by contacting the feedstock including the oil with one or more enzymes whereby at least a portion of the oil is hydrolyzed into free fatty acids forming a fermentation product extractant, or the oil can be separated from the feedstock prior to the feedstock being fed to a fermentation vessel, and the separated oil can be contacted with the enzymes to form the fermentation product extractant. The fermentation product extractant can be contacted with a fermentation broth for in situ removal of a product alcohol. |
| US09371544B2 |
Compositions and methods for reprogramming eukaryotic cells
The present invention relates to methods for changing the state of differentiation of a eukaryotic cell, the methods comprising introducing mRNA encoding one or more reprogramming factors into a cell and maintaining the cell under conditions wherein the cell is viable and the mRNA that is introduced into the cell is expressed in sufficient amount and for sufficient time to generate a cell that exhibits a changed state of differentiation compared to the cell into which the mRNA was introduced, and compositions therefor. For example, the present invention provides mRNA molecules and methods for their use to reprogram human somatic cells into pluripotent stem cells. |
| US09371542B1 |
Inbred corn line WUC22
An inbred corn line, designated WUC22, the plants and seeds of the inbred corn line WUC22, methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred corn line WUC22 with itself or with another corn plant, and hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line WUC22 with another corn line or plant and to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic corn plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line WUC22, to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line WUC22 and to the inbred corn lines derived by the use of those methods. |
| US09371541B2 |
Genes implicated in resistance to soybean cyst nematode infection and methods of their use
Genes whose expressions are up-regulated or down-regulated in plant roots in response to nematode infection are disclosed. These genes may play an important role in plant defense against SCN infection. Several nematode-inducible promoters have also been identified in plants, which may be used in nematode inducible gene expression construct. Expression of these SCN responsive genes may be manipulated to obtain SCN resistant lines. |
| US09371535B2 |
Bacterial xylose isomerases active in yeast cells
Specific polypeptides were identified as bacterial xylose isomerases that are able to provide xylose isomerase activity in yeast cells. The xylose isomerase activity can complete a xylose utilization pathway so that yeast can use xylose in fermentation, such as xylose in biomass hydrolysate. |
| US09371533B2 |
Protein expression system
Disclosed is a DNA polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence having promoter activity in a Drosophila S2 cell, where said nucleic acid sequence is selected from (i) a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:33, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO: 37, or SEQ ID NO: 68 with or without flanking restriction site sequences at either terminus; (ii) a functional nucleotide sequence with a sequence identity of at least 80% to any one sequence of (i); (iii) a nucleotide which is a functional fragment of at least 6 contiguous nucleotides of any one sequence of (i) or (ii); (iv) a functional nucleotide sequence with a sequence identity of at least 80% to said functional fragment of (iii); (v) a first chimeric nucleotide sequence comprising two or more sequences of any one sequence of (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv), and (vi) a second chimeric nucleotide sequence, comprising at least 6 nucleotides and including consecutive nucleotide stretches from at least 2 nucleotide sequences of (iii) and/or (iv), where each of said consecutive stretches alone does not have promoter activity in a Drosophila S2 cell. Also disclosed are vectors and cells comprising the polynucleotide and a method for producing a polypeptide of interest by use of the polynucleotide. |
| US09371532B2 |
Plasmids and phages for homologous recombination and methods of use
Lambda phages that can be used to introduce recombineering functions into host cells are disclosed. Also disclosed are plasmids that can be used to confer recombineering functions to a variety of strains of E. coli and to other bacteria, including Salmonella, Pseudomonas, Cyanobacteria, Spirochaetes. These plasmids and phages can be isolated in vitro and can be used to transform bacterial cells, such as gram negative bacteria. |
| US09371528B2 |
Methods for treating polyps
The invention relates generally to methods and compositions for treating sinusitis, asthma, or polyps. The invention also relates to methods and compositions for treating nasal polyps. |
| US09371522B2 |
Compositions and methods for modulating hemostasis
Factor X/Xa variants and methods of use thereof are disclosed. |
| US09371517B2 |
Modified forms of Pseudomonas exotoxin A
Pseudomonas exotoxin A or “PE” is a 66 kD, highly potent, cytotoxic protein secreted by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Various forms of PE have been coupled to other proteins, such as antibodies, to generate therapeutically useful cytotoxin conjugates that selectively target cells of a desired phenotype (such as tumor cells). In the present invention, peptides spanning the sequence of an approximately 38kD form of Pseudomonas exotoxin A protein were analyzed for the presence of immunogenic CD4+ T cell epitopes. Six immunogenic T cell epitopes were identified. Residues were identified within each epitope for introduction of targeted amino acid substitutions to reduce or prevent immunogenic T-cell responses in PE molecules which may be administered to a heterologous host. |
| US09371508B2 |
Clamping insert for cell culture
A clamping insert for cell culture having a lower support with a hollow member engagable in a well of a microplate, the hollow member being open at both ends and including a support surface at one end, and first tightening elements. The clamping insert further having an inner holder sized to be fitted inside the hollow member, and second tightening elements arranged to cooperate with the first tightening elements of the hollow member to tighten reversibly between the inner holder and the support surface of the lower support a porous substrate. The inner holder further including an open channel keeping free the porous substrate. Retaining elements intended to cooperate with the well of the microplate are provided to allow the clamping insert to be suspended in the well, and sealing elements are provided to hermetically seal the contact area between the clamping insert and the porous substrate. |
| US09371507B2 |
Laundry care compositions containing dyes
Laundry care compositions comprising thiophene azo carboxylate fabric shading dyes and methods of treating a textile comprising such laundry care compositions. |
| US09371504B2 |
Use of acrylate copolymers as soil antiredeposition agents and soil release agents in laundry processes
The present invention relates to acrylate copolymers as soil antiredeposition agents and soil release agents in laundry processes. Further aspects of the invention are a method for preventing soil redeposition and for easier releasing soil from textiles in laundry processes and detergent formulations containing said acrylate copolymers. |
| US09371503B2 |
Oil bearing material crushing process
An oil bearing vegetable material crushing process including pre-heating and pre-drying the material to generate warm, partially dried oil bearing vegetable material. The partially dried material may then be surface heated rapidly, to generate warm and dried material having a weakened and non-adhering hull. The hull may then be mechanically cracked and removed to yield dehulled oil bearing vegetable material and hull. The dehulled material may be flaked to produce flakes. The flakes may be solvent extracted to generate solvent laden oil and solvent laden meal. The solvent laden meal produced may be desolventized to generate hot, wet meal. The wet meal produced may be dried to generate a hot vapor stream. The hot vapor stream generated by drying the meal is condensed in a condenser. The warm liquid medium produced in the condenser may be used to pre-heat and/or pre-dry the oil bearing vegetable material. |
| US09371501B2 |
Bioderived biodegradable lubricant
A multi-purpose lubricant is described. In accordance with one implementation, a lubricant comprises food grade based oils substantially complying with USDA H-1 specifications for incidental contact with food, wherein at least one oil is selected from the group consisting of food grade plant oil, food grade poly-alpha-olefin, polyalkylene glycol, and mixtures thereof. In accordance with another implementation, a lubricant comprises canola oil, castor oil and a poly-alpha-olefin. In accordance with yet another implementation, a lubricant comprises canola oil, castor oil and a polyalkylene glycol. In accordance with yet another implementation, a lubricant comprises an oil substantially complying with USDA H-2 specification wherein the oil is at least one item selected from the group consisting of plant oil, poly-alpha-olefin, polyalkylene glycol, and mixtures thereof. In some implementations, the multi-purpose lubricant may be applied to areas of a bicycle chain. |
| US09371500B2 |
Lubricant compositions with improved oxidation stability and service life
Provided are lubricants containing a synthetic ester, one or more additional base stocks and an additive package along with methods of making and using the same. Lubricant compositions comprise a synthetic ester that is a reaction product of at least one hindered organic polyol with one or more carboxylic acid where at least some (20%) up to 100% of the acids are branched. The lubricant compositions can provide improved oxidation stability and extended service life, as compared to a lubricant whose ester component is the reaction product of one or more hindered organic polyols and one or more carboxylic acids that are all linear, in applications that involve exposure to air, moisture, and/or high temperatures. These lubricant compositions are suited to a variety of lubricant applications, including, but not limited to air compressors, gear boxes, bearing sets, hydraulic systems, and chain drives. |
| US09371498B2 |
Lubricant system and method of forming the same
A lubricant system is disclosed that is formed by contacting a fibrous network with oil and/or lubricating fluid having an affinity for the fibrous network. The fibrous network comprises oleophilic fibers having a diameter between 50 nm and 10 microns and a length that is at least times the diameter. In addition, the oleophilic fibers have an affinity for the oil and/or lubricating fluid. |
| US09371497B2 |
THPE ethers
A method for marking a petroleum hydrocarbon or a liquid biologically derived fuel. The method comprises adding to a petroleum hydrocarbon or a liquid biologically derived fuel at least one compound having formula (I), wherein R is C1-C12 alkyl, C3-C12 alkenyl or C7-C12 aralkyl; wherein each compound having formula (I) is present at a level from 0.01 ppm to 50 ppm. |
| US09371493B1 |
Low coke reforming
This process operates a continuous catalyst regeneration (CCR) system for reforming comprising the steps of: (a) introducing a coking additive selected from the group consisting of organo sulfur, organo nitrogen and oxygenate compounds into a hydrocarbon feedstock; (b) continuously introducing the hydrocarbon feedstock and coking additive of step (a) into a CCR reforming unit; (c) continuously introducing hydrogen into the CCR reforming unit; (d) continuously operating the CCR reforming unit to produce coke and a hydrocarbon rich, hydrocarbon stream; (e) continuously operating the CCR reforming unit to burn off excess coking additive; and (f) continuously recovering the hydrocarbon rich hydrocarbon stream. |
| US09371492B2 |
Waste to fuel processes, systems, methods, and apparatuses
Production processes are provided that can include exposing a carbon-based material to liquid media to form hydrocarbon fuel. Waste to fuel conversion processes as well as waste material processing reactors are provided that can be configured to convert waste to fuel. Heat exchangers, power generation processes and combustion turbine exhaust apparatus are also provided. Fuel generation processes and generation systems are provided. Reaction media conduit systems as well as processes for servicing reactant media pumps coupled to both inlet and outlet conduits containing reactant media, are also provided. |
| US09371486B2 |
Method and apparatus for maximizing throughput of indirectly heated rotary kilns
An apparatus and method for achieving improved throughput capacity of indirectly heated rotary kilns used to produce pyrolysis products such as shale oils or coal oils that are susceptible to decomposition by high kiln wall temperatures is disclosed. High throughput is achieved by firing the kiln such that optimum wall temperatures are maintained beginning at the point where the materials enter the heating section of the kiln and extending to the point where the materials leave the heated section. Multiple high velocity burners are arranged such that combustion products directly impact on the area of the kiln wall covered internally by the solid material being heated. Firing rates for the burners are controlled to maintain optimum wall temperatures. |
| US09371485B2 |
Liquid crystal composition, liquid crystal element, and liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal composition including a dioxolane compound represented by the general formula (G1) as a chiral agent is provided. In the general formula (G1), R1 and R2 individually represent any of hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, and an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms and having a phenyl group as a substituent; R1 and R2 may be bonded to each other to form a ring; R3 and R4 individually represent any of hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and a cycloalkyl group; and R5 to R40 individually represent any of hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and an aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. |
| US09371482B2 |
Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device including the same
A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate including at least one electrode configured to form an electric field, a second substrate facing the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The liquid crystal layer includes liquid crystal of negative dielectric anisotropy, an additive, and a derivative of the additive. |
| US09371479B2 |
Controlled release biocides in oilfield applications
A method for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, the method including the introduction of a well treatment fluid containing at least an encapsulated biocide. Once the encapsulated biocide is introduced and after a predetermined period of time, a biocide is released from an encapsulation material and treats the wellbore and the subterranean formation. |
| US09371478B2 |
Plugging composition using swellable glass additives
Described are methods and compositions for plugging in a subterranean formation. An example comprises providing a composition comprising a cementitious material, water, and a swellable glass additive, wherein the swellable glass additive comprises a plurality of interconnected organosilica nanoparticles; and introducing the composition into a subterranean formation. |
| US09371477B2 |
Polymerizable composition including a benzoxazine and an acid-forming peroxide catalyst, article, and method
A polymerizable composition, articles, and methods are provided, wherein the polymerizable composition includes a benzoxazine, an acid-forming peroxide catalyst and optionally a film-forming polymer, a co-catalyst, a curative, or a combination thereof. |
| US09371469B2 |
Coating agent compositions, coatings made therefrom and exhibiting high scratch resistance and good polishability, and use thereof
Compositions comprising (B1) at least one polyisocyanate-group-containing compound (B1) having free or blocked isocyanate groups and a cycloaliphatic polyisocyanate parent structure, and/or a polyisocyanate derived therefrom, and (B2) at least one polyisocyanate-group-containing compound (B2) having free or blocked isocyanate groups and an acyclic, aliphatic polyisocyanate parent structure, and/or a polyisocyanate derived therefrom, where at least one of component (B1) and component (B2) comprise at least one structural unit selected from the group of structural unit (I) —NR—(X—SiR″x(OR′)3-x) (I), structural unit (II) —N(X—SiR″x(OR′)3-x)n(X′—SiR″y(OR′)3-y)m (II), and mixtures of two or more of the foregoing, wherein the compound (B1) is in an amount such that the binder fraction of the compound (B1) is between 5% and 45% by weight, based on the sum of the binder fraction of the compound (B1) and of the compound (B2), and the mixture of components (B1) and (B2) includes structural units (I) and structural units (II). |
| US09371467B2 |
Forming material, paint material composition and production method for forming material
A forming material having a layer on at least one of surfaces of a support substrate material, wherein the layer contains a fluorine-containing compound, and has a 60-degree specular gloss level prescribed in JIS Z8741 (1997 edition) greater than or equal to 60%, and the layer has a surface property with a number of peaks exceeding a root-mean-square roughness (Rq) observed under an atomic force microscope (AFM) greater than or equal to 500 and less than or equal to 1500 per 25 μm2. |
| US09371466B2 |
Method of making polymer encapsulated titanium dioxide particles
A process for encapsulating TiO2 particles by polymerizing sodium styrene sulfonate with a redox initiator system; then polymerizing a first monomer mixture comprising at least 60 wt % acrylic monomers; then polymerizing a second monomer mixture comprising at least 40 wt % vinyl ester monomers. |
| US09371462B2 |
Production process for self-dispersible pigment, self-dispersible pigment, ink, ink cartridge and ink jet recording method
The invention provides a production process for a self-dispersible pigment, having a step of bonding a group R1 in the following general formula (1) to a particle surface of a pigment by radical addition reaction induced by removal of a hydrogen atom from a compound represented by the general formula (1): HN═N—R1 (1) wherein R1 is a group having at least one of an aliphatic group and an aromatic group and being substituted with at least one hydrophilic group selected from the group consisting of a carboxylic acid group, a sulfonic acid group, a phosphoric acid group and a phosphoric acid group. |
| US09371455B2 |
Method of coating 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine-based (DOPA) coatings onto substrates for adhering metal from fluids onto the substrate
The present invention provides a surface-independent surface-modifying multifunctional biocoating and methods of application thereof. The method comprises contacting at least a portion of a substrate with an alkaline solution comprising a surface-modifying agent (SMA) such as dopamine so as to modify the substrate surface to include at least one reactive moiety. In another version of the invention, a secondary reactive moiety is applied to the SMA-treated substrate to yield a surface-modified substrate having a specific functionality. |
| US09371453B2 |
Water-based coating system with improved adhesion to a wide range of coated and uncoated substrates including muffler grade stainless steel
The present invention provides a water-based coating system that can be used to form a durable, abrasion resistant, tough, protective coating on a wide range of substrates. The coating system advantageously has excellent adhesion properties and can be directly coated onto stainless steel surfaces without requiring an intervening primer layer. Primer layers or other types of coatings can be used in combination with the coating system of the present invention if desired, however. The coating system is particularly effective for protecting metal-containing substrates such as intermodal, refrigerated cargo containers. The resultant coatings are flexible and impact resistant. Being water-based, the coating compositions have lower VOC emissions and less residual odor than solvent-based compositions. |
| US09371452B2 |
Film-forming material, group IV metal oxide film and vinylenediamide complex
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a Group IV metal oxide film useful as a semiconductor element or an optical element at a low temperature. The present invention relates to a method for producing a Group IV metal oxide film, comprising coating a surface of a substrate with a film-forming material dissolved in an organic solvent, and subjecting the substrate to a heat treatment, an ultraviolet irradiation treatment, or both of these treatments, wherein a film-forming material obtained by reacting a vinylenediamide complex having a specific structure with an oxidizing agent such as oxygen gas, air, ozone, water and hydrogen peroxide is used as the film-forming material. |
| US09371450B2 |
Flake having multilayer coatings with optical and thermal properties
A finished flake for a roofing material including a metal flake substrate having an emissivity value up to approximately 0.25 and a reflectivity value up to approximately 0.95. A first coating is provided having unpigmented sodium silicate disposed on the substrate, wherein the first coating increases the emissivity value of the substrate and decreases the reflectivity value of the substrate. A second coating is provided having sodium silicate loaded with reflective pigments non-uniformly disposed about the first coating, wherein the finished flake has an emissivity value in excess of approximately 0.75 and a reflectivity value ranging from approximately 0.4 to approximately 0.5. |
| US09371449B2 |
Boron nitride agglomerates, method for the production thereof and use thereof
The invention relates to boron nitride agglomerates, comprising hexagonal boron nitride primary particles, wherein the hexagonal boron nitride primary particles are connected to one another by means of an inorganic binding phase comprising at least one nitride and/or oxynitride. The invention also relates to a method for producing such boron nitride agglomerates, wherein boron nitride starting powder in the form of boron nitride primary particles is mixed with binding-phase raw materials, processed into granules or molded bodies and these are then subjected to a temperature treatment at a temperature of at least 1000° C. in a nitriding atmosphere, and the obtained granules or molded bodies are comminuted and/or fractionated if necessary. The boron nitride agglomerates according to the invention are suitable as a filler for polymers to be used for producing polymer-boron nitride composite materials. |
| US09371447B2 |
Curable silicone resin composition
The disclosure provides a curable silicone resin composition, including 10 to 50 parts by weight of linear polysiloxane (A); 10 to 40 parts by weight of a first silicone resin (B1); 10 to 40 parts by weight of a second silicone resin (B2); and 15 to 25 parts by weight of a Si—H containing polysiloxane (C) having a general formula given as HR42SiO(SiR32O)nSiR42H, and a platinum group metal catalyst (D). The weight ratio of linear (A)/(the first silicone resin (B1)+the second silicone resin (B2)) is in the range of 0.1 to 2.0. The weight ratio of the first silicone resin (B1)/the second silicone resin (B2) is in the range of 0.2 to 4.0. |
| US09371440B2 |
Method for producing modified polyamide 6
The invention relates to a method for producing polyamide 6 wherein the polymerization of ε-caprolactam is performed in the presence of an inorganic material having an open pore structure. The polyamide 6 thus obtained has extremely high impact toughness and is simultaneously elastic. |
| US09371436B2 |
Resin composition for golf ball and golf ball
The present invention provides a resin composition for golf balls that is excellent in resilience, flexibility, and fluidity. The present invention also provides a golf ball excellent in resilience, shot feeling, and productivity. The present invention includes a resin composition for golf balls including: (A) at least one selected from the group consisting of (a-1) a bipolymer of an olefin and a C3-C8 α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid, (a-2) a metal ion-neutralized product of a bipolymer of an olefin and a C3-C8 α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid, (a-3) a terpolymer of an olefin, a C3-C8 α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid, and an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester, and (a-4) a metal ion-neutralized product of a terpolymer of an olefin, a C3-C8 α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid, and an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester; (B) a compound containing an unsaturated hydrocarbon chain, a cationic moiety, and an anionic moiety in its molecule; and (C) an unsaturated fatty acid. |
| US09371429B2 |
Ladder polymers with intrinsic microporosity and process for production thereof
A polymer of formula (I): where: n is an integer from 10 to 5,000; m is an integer from 10 to 5,000; Ar1 and Ar3 are the same or different and are residues derived from a tetra-hydroxy aromatic monomer, the tetra-hydroxy aromatic monomer being wherein R is the same or different and is H or a C1-C8 alkyl, C2-C8 alkenyl or C3-C8 cycloalkyl group; and, Ar2 and Ar4 are the same or different and are residues derived from a tetra-halogenated aromatic monomer, the tetra-halogenated aromatic monomer being wherein X is F, Cl or Br, and R1 and R2 are the same or different and are wherein y is an integer from 1 to 8; with the proviso that when Ar1 is the same as Ar3 and Ar2 is the same as Ar4, R1 and R2 are not both —CN is useful as a material for gas separation, vapor separation, adsorbents or catalysis. |
| US09371426B2 |
Compositions having improved tribological properties, methods of manufacture thereof and articles comprising the same
Disclosed herein is a composition comprising a crosslinked organic polymer; wherein the composition has a coefficient of friction that is in a range of ±30% of a coefficient of friction for a composition comprising the same organic polymer that is not crosslinked; and wherein the composition has a lower K factor than a K factor of the composition comprising the same organic polymer that is not crosslinked; the coefficient of friction and the K factor being measured in a thrust washer apparatus as per ASTM D-3702, where the counter stationary surface in the thrust washer apparatus comprises carbon steel having a Rockwell C hardness of 18 to 22 and a 12 to 16 micro-inch surface finish. |
| US09371422B2 |
Titanium containing complex and condensation reaction catalysts, methods for preparing the catalysts, and compositions containing the catalysts
A composition is capable of curing via condensation reaction. The composition uses a new condensation reaction catalyst. The new condensation reaction catalyst is used to replace conventional tin catalysts. The composition can react to form a gum, gel, rubber, or resin. |
| US09371421B2 |
Crystalline polyamide ester resin, method for preparing the same, and article including the same
A crystalline polyamide ester resin is prepared by copolymerizing (A) a dicarboxylic acid component, (B) a diamine component, and (C) a cyclic aliphatic diol component, and has a structure in which a dicarboxylic acid moiety derived from the dicarboxylic acid component (A), a diamine moiety derived from the diamine component (B) and a cyclic aliphatic diol moiety derived from the cyclic aliphatic diol component (C) are repeated. A molar ratio ((B):(C)) of the diamine component (B) to the cyclic aliphatic diol component (C) is about 80 to about 99:about 1 to about 20. The crystalline polyamide ester resin has a melting point (Tm) ranging from about 280° C. to about 320° C. and a crystallization temperature (Tc) ranging from about 260° C. to about 290° C. The crystalline polyamide ester resin can have excellent heat resistance, discoloration resistance and moldability. |
| US09371420B2 |
Flame-retarding carbon dioxide/epoxide copolymer and method for preparing the same
There is provided a method for preparing a low-molecular weight poly(alkylene carbonate) of which the molecular weight and chain shape are precisely controlled, by introducing a phosphorous compound having a hydroxyl group as a chain transfer agent in order to regulate the molecular weight, in alternating copolymerizing an epoxide compound and carbon dioxide by using trivalent metal complex prepared from a Salen type ligand containing a quaternary ammonium salt, and a polymer prepared by the method.Since poly(alkylene carbonate) prepared according to the present invention includes a phosphate or phosphonate group in the polymer chain, it has flame-retarding property. |
| US09371416B2 |
Epoxy elastomer compositions
An epoxy terminated prepolymer formed as a reaction product of a cycloaliphatic epoxide resin and an amine terminated polymeric polyol, and a catalyst that promotes the reaction of the cycloaliphatic epoxide resin and the aminated polyol. The epoxy terminated prepolymer and an anhydride hardener react to form an epoxy elastomer composition having a microphase separated morphology of hard particles, formed with the anhydride hardener reacted with the epoxy terminated prepolymer, dispersed in a soft continuous phase formed from polymeric polyol in the epoxy terminated prepolymer. |
| US09371415B2 |
Epoxy resin hardener compositions and epoxy resin compositions containing such hardener compositions
An epoxy resin hardener composition including a reaction product of (i) a compound having at least one vicinal epoxy group, and (ii) an amino alcohol; an epoxy resin composition including the epoxy resin hardener composition and a compound having at least one vicinal epoxy group; and a powder coating composition including particles of the epoxy resin hardener composition and particles of a compound having at least one vicinal epoxy group. |
| US09371411B2 |
Abrasion-resistant and alkali-resistant coatings or moulded bodies having a low-energy surface
The invention relates to a composition for producing abrasion-resistant and alkali-resistant layers or molded bodies having a low-energy surface, said composition comprising a) a hardenable binder system containing at least one organic polymer or oligomer comprising at least one functional group, or a precursor thereof, b) at least one fluorine-containing polymer or oligomer containing at least one functional group that can react with a functional group of the binder system, and c) inorganic particles, and to the products thus obtained. The coatings and molded bodies obtained are especially suitable for surfaces to be kept clean. |
| US09371410B2 |
Polyurethane elastomers for use in subsea pipeline insulation
Polyurethane systems that cure similarly to systems based on mercury catalysts contain 1,4-butanediol and a zinc carboxylate catalyst. These systems cure and develop green strength similarly to systems based on mercury catalysts. These systems are especially useful in making insulated pipe joints for subsea pipeline installations. |
| US09371408B2 |
Polymer and method for using the same
The invention relates to a polymer derived from: reaction of glycidyl (meth)acrylate, allyl glycidyl ether or [(vinyloxy)methyl]oxirane with ammonia or primary amine to obtain a mixture of monomer compounds; reaction of the mixture of monomer compounds with at least one of acrylic acid, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, acrylamide, methylacrylic acid, and methylacrylamide to obtain an intermediate polymer; and reaction of the intermediate polymer with a dithiocarbamic acid salt. Methods for using the polymer are also described herein. |
| US09371402B2 |
Method for producing cross-linked hyaluronic acid
A method for producing a cross-linked hyaluronic acid in accordance with the present invention comprises: (a) cross-linking at least one polymer at a temperature, from about 35° C. to about 60° C., for a reaction time of from about 0.1 hour to about 72 hours with a cross-linking agent; and (b) lowering the temperature in step (a) to form about 10° C. to about 30° C. for a reaction time of from about 48 hours to about 28 days to obtain the cross-linked hyaluronic acid, whereby, a cross-linking agent content in a product of the method can be decreased so the product does not require purification. |
| US09371389B2 |
Anti-human XCR1 antibodies
An object of the present invention is to provide a monoclonal antibody binding to human XCR1, wherein the antibody binds to linear or discontinuous epitopes which comprise at least three amino acids selected from the group consisting of the 8th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 16th, 17th, 22nd, 23rd, 176th, and 177th amino acids in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 91. |
| US09371388B2 |
High affinity antibody antagonists of interleukin-13 receptor alpha 1
High affinity antibody antagonists of human interleukin-13 receptor alpha 1 are disclosed. The antibody molecules are effective in the inhibition of IL-13Rα1-mediated activities and, accordingly, present desirable antagonists for the use in the treatment of conditions associated with hIL-13Rα1 activity. The present invention also discloses nucleic acid encoding said antibody molecules, vectors, host cells, and compositions comprising the antibody molecules. Methods of using the antibody molecules for inhibiting or antagonizing IL-13Rα1-mediated activities are also disclosed. |
| US09371386B2 |
Methods and compositions for bi-specific targeting of CD19/CD22
Methods and composition involving genetically engineered targeting conjugates with reversed orientation of VL and VH chains are provided. For example, in certain aspects targeting conjugates comprising VL and VH chains of anti-CD22 and anti-CD19 are described. In a further aspect, the invention provides methods and targeting conjugates comprising therapeutic agents or diagnostic agents for delivery to B cells. |
| US09371383B2 |
Anti-ASIC1 antibodies and uses thereof
The present invention provides antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof that specifically bind to cells expressing acid-sensing ion channel-1 (ASIC1). According to certain embodiments of the invention, the antibodies inhibit acid-induced, ASIC1-mediated ion currents in cells expressing human ASIC1. According to certain embodiments, the antibodies of the invention are selective for ASIC1 and do not bind other acid-sensing ion channels in the absence of ASIC1. The antibodies of the invention are useful for the treatment of pain, including pain associated with surgical intervention and various diseases and disorders. |
| US09371380B2 |
Antitumor agent and therapeutic effect prediction method for patients with KRAS-mutated colorectal cancer
This invention provides a method for predicting a therapeutic effect of chemotherapy that uses an antitumor agent comprising α,α,α-trifluorothymidine and 5-chloro-6-(1-(2-iminopyrrolidinyl)methyl)uracil hydrochloride at a molar ratio of 1:0.5 on a colorectal cancer patient, the method comprising: (1) detecting the presence or absence of KRAS gene mutation in a biological sample obtained from the patient; and (2) predicting that the patient is likely to sufficiently respond to the chemotherapy, when KRAS gene mutation is detected in Step (1). |
| US09371378B1 |
Anti-C5a antibodies
The present disclosure relates to, inter alia, antibodies, or antigen-binding fragments thereof, that bind to C5a and to use of the antibodies in methods for treating or preventing complement-associated disorders such as, but not limited to, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, age-related macular degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis, sepsis, severe burn, antiphospho lipid syndrome, asthma, lupus nephritis, Goodpasture's syndrome, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. |
| US09371377B2 |
Anti-C5 antibodies having improved pharmacokinetics
The disclosure provides antibodies that are useful for, among other things, inhibiting terminal complement (e.g., the assembly and/or activity of the C5b-9 TCC) and C5a anaphylatoxin-mediated inflammation and, thus, treating complement-associated disorders. The antibodies have a number of improved properties relative to eculizumab, including, e.g., increased serum half-life in a human. |
| US09371371B2 |
Engineering of immunoglobulin domains
The present invention provides a single domain antibody (sdAb) scaffold comprising one or more than one non-canonical disulfide bond in the framework region (FR). The one or more than one non-canonical disulfide bond may be formed between cysteines introduced by mutations in FR2 and FR3. In the case where the sdAb scaffold is a VH, the Cys may be introduced at any one of positions (47-49) and any one of positions (67-71), based on Kabat numbering; in one example, the Cys may be introduced at positions (49) and (69), based on Kabat numbering. In the case where the sdAb scaffold is a VL, the Cys residues may be introduced at any one of positions 46-49 and any one of positions (62-66), based on Kabat numbering; in one example, the Cys residues may be introduced at positions (48 and 64), based on Kabat numbering. |
| US09371369B2 |
Extended recombinant polypeptides and compositions comprising same
The present invention relates to compositions comprising biologically active proteins linked to extended recombinant polypeptide (XTEN), isolated nucleic acids encoding the compositions and vectors and host cells containing the same, and methods of using such compositions in treatment of glucose-related diseases, metabolic diseases, coagulation disorders, and growth hormone-related disorders and conditions. |
| US09371368B2 |
Compositions and methods for immunomodulation in an organism
The present invention relates to a therapeutic polypeptide and methods for its creation and use for modulating an immune response in a host organism in need thereof. In particular, the invention relates to the administration to an organism in need thereof, of an effective amount of a pre-coupled polypeptide complex comprising a lymphokine polypeptide portion, for example IL-15 (SEQ ID NO: 5, 6), IL-2 (SEQ ID NO: 10, 12) or combinations of both, and an interleukin receptor polypeptide portion, for example IL-15Ra (SEQ ID NO: 7, 8), IL-2Ra (SEQ ID NO: 9, 11) or combinations of both, for augmenting the immune system in, for example, cancer, SCID, AIDS, or vaccination; or inhibiting the immune system in, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, or Lupus. The therapeutic complex of the invention surprisingly demonstrates increased half-life, and efficacy in vivo. |
| US09371365B2 |
Modified compstatin with peptide backbone and C-terminal modifications
Compounds comprising peptides capable of binding C3 protein and inhibiting complement activation are disclosed. These compounds display greatly improved complement activation-inhibitory activity as compared with currently available compounds. The compounds comprise compstatin analogs having a constrained backbone at position 8 (glycine) and, optionally, specific substitutions for threonine at position 13. |
| US09371354B2 |
DNA-linked nanoparticle building blocks for nanostructure assembly and methods of producing the same
A method of producing a nanoparticle assembly. The method includes attaching a first DNA molecule to a bead to form a first DNA-bead complex; and combining a nanoparticle with the first DNA-bead complex to form a nanoparticle-DNA-bead complex having one DNA molecule attached to the nanoparticle. |
| US09371351B2 |
Glycomimetics as Pseudomonas aeruginosa lectin inhibitors
The present invention relates to fucose- and mannose-derived glycomimetics and their general use in prophylaxis or treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections including respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, nosocomial infections and chronic wound infections in a patient encompassing a patient suffering already from cystic fibrosis. Said glycomimetics are inhibitors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa lectin LecB. |
| US09371348B2 |
Photocleavable oligonucleotide and uses thereof
This invention relates to methods and compositions of oligonucleotide constructs having a photocleavable linker. Specifically, provided herein are methods and compositions utilizing a photocleavable linker, which when exposed to light modulates the expression of genes. |
| US09371347B2 |
dppf-like compounds and method of manufacture and use
A method of β-hydride elimination and subsequent 2,1-insertion from a transient nickel(II) acrylate hydride intermediate (Structure I). Also addressed is treatment of (dppe)Ni(CH(CH3)CO2BArf3) with a nitrogen containing base to produce a diphosphine nickel(0) η2-acryl borate adduct. |
| US09371345B2 |
Metathesis catalysts containing onium groups
Disclosed herein is a general method for the preparation of complexes containing a quaternary onium group in an inert ligand. Some of these complexes may be represented by formula 1: Methods for the preparation of complexes of formula 1, the preparation of intermediates and the use of complexes of formula 1 in metathesis reactions and a method for conducting an olefin metathesis reaction are also described. |
| US09371338B2 |
Organosilane precursors for ALD/CVD silicon-containing film applications
Disclosed are Si-containing thin film forming precursors, methods of synthesizing the same, and methods of using the same to deposit silicon-containing films using vapor deposition processes for manufacturing semiconductors, photovoltaics, LCD-TFT, flat panel-type devices, refractory materials, or aeronautics. |
| US09371333B2 |
Chromene derivatives and their analoga as Wnt pathway antagonists
Compounds of formula (IIc); wherein X3 and X4 independently from each other are N or CR8 wherein R8 may be same or different; Y1, Y2, Y3 and Y4 independently from each other are N or CR9 wherein R9 may be same or different and wherein up to 3 of the group Y1, Y2, Y3 and Y4 may be N; their solvates, hydrates, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, their use for modulating the Wnt signalling pathway activity and their use as a medicament, preferably for the treatment of cancer. |
| US09371332B2 |
Pyrazolopyridazines and methods for treating retinal-degenerative diseases and hearing loss associated with Usher syndrome
Compounds, compositions and methods for the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa, Leber's congenital Amaurosis, Syndromic retinal degenerations, age-related macular degeneration and Usher Syndrome, and hearing loss associated with Usher Syndrome are described herein. |
| US09371330B2 |
Substituted pyrazino[1,2-a]pyrimidines useful as CBP/catenin antagonists for enhancing asymmetric division of somatic stem cells
Provided are: composition and methods for: treating aging or an age-related condition, symptom or disease; stimulating hair growth, regrowth or pigmentation (or preventing hair loss); for increasing adenosine receptor expression in dermal cells (in combination with hair growth); for treating a condition or disease of the skin or at least one symptom thereof, including cosmetic treatment (e.g., wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, redness, rosacea, dryness, cracking, loss of firmness, loss of elasticity, thinning, and loss of vibrancy). The methods comprise administering a sufficient amount of the disclosed CBP/catenin (e.g., CBP/(β-catenin) antagonist compositions, and particularly wherein administration is in an amount and manner sufficient to provide for increasing the number of asymmetric renewing divisions relative to, or at the expense of symmetric divisions in relevant somatic stem cell population. In particular aspects, the CBP/catenin (e.g., CBP/(β-catenin) antagonist comprises an alkyl and/or fatty acid ester derivative of formula (I) as disclosed herein |
| US09371327B2 |
PDE1 inhibitor compounds
The present invention relates to optionally substituted (5- or 7-oxy)-3,4-dihydro-(optionally 4-oxo, 4-thioxo or 4-imino)-1H-pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-2(3H,6H)-ones, e.g., Compounds of Formula II-A′ or II-B′ as described herein, processes for their production, their use as pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them. |
| US09371321B2 |
Azaindole derivatives
Disclosed are compounds of Formula 1, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10 are defined in the specification. This disclosure also relates to materials and methods for preparing compounds of Formula 1, to pharmaceutical compositions which contain them, and to their use for treating immunological disorders, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other diseases, disorders or conditions associated with PI3Kδ. |
| US09371320B2 |
Heterocyclic compound
The present invention provides a compound having a superior JAK inhibitory action, which is useful as an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, Sjogren's syndrome, Behcet's disease, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc.), cancer (leukemia, uterine leiomyosarcoma, prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, cachexia, myelofibrosis, etc.) and the like, or a salt thereof.The present invention relates to a compound represented by the formula wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification, or a salt thereof. |
| US09371319B2 |
Pyrrolopyridineamino derivatives as MPS1 inhibitors
The present invention relates to the use of certain pyrrolopyridineamino derivatives (hereinafter referred to as “PPA derivatives”), particularly 1H-pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridine-6-amino derivatives, to inhibit the spindle checkpoint function of Monospindle 1 (Mps1—also known as TTK) kinases either directly or indirectly via interaction with the Mps kinase itself. In particular, the present invention relates to PPA derivatives for use as therapeutic agents for the treatment and/or prevention of proliferative diseases, such as cancer. The present invention also relates to processes for the preparation of the PPA derivatives, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them. Formula (I) |
| US09371313B2 |
Process for extracting compound from cranberry leaves and related products
Provided are methods of producing proanthocyanidin (PAC)-containing solutions, powders, and beverages, as are PAC-containing solutions, powders, and beverages produced thereby and cranberry plant material products. |
| US09371312B2 |
Crystalline solids of a MetAP-2 inhibitor and methods of making and using same
The disclosure is in part directed to crystalline forms of 6-O-(4-dimethylaminoethoxy)cinnamoyl fumagillol and variants thereof. |
| US09371311B2 |
Benzoimidazol-2-yl pyrimidine derivatives
The present invention is directed to benzoimidazol-2-yl pyrimidine derivatives useful as histamine H4 receptor modulators and processes for the preparation of such compounds. |
| US09371309B2 |
Polymorphic forms of 3-(4-amino-1-oxo-1,3 dihydro-isoindol-2-yl)-piperidine-2,6-dione
Polymorphic forms of 3-(4-amino-1-oxo-1,3 dihydro-isoindol-2-yl)-piperidine-2,6-dione are disclosed. Compositions comprising the polymorphic forms, methods of making the polymorphic forms and methods of their use are also disclosed. |
| US09371306B2 |
Cyclic (poly)glycerol sulphates and preparation and use thereof
The present invention relates to novel cyclic sulphates of (poly)glycerol, particularly to the novel compound of 4-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3,2-dioxathiolane-2,2-dioxide. The present invention also relates to the preparation process of the cyclic sulphate compounds, and to the use thereof as an intermediate to prepare green surfactants containing sulphate groups. |
| US09371304B2 |
Compound separated from monascus-fermented rice,the preparation method and uses thereof
The present invention discloses a compound separated from Monascus-fermented rice, the preparation method and uses thereof. Specifically, the present invention discloses a compound represented by the Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein, R1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, C1-6 straight or branched alkoxyl, (II), (III) and (IV); R2 is hydrogen or C1-6 alkyl; R3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl and C1-6 straight or branched alkoxyl. The present invention further discloses a pharmaceutical composition containing the compound. The compound of the present invention has HMG-CoA reductase inhibition effects. |
| US09371293B2 |
Isoxazoline compound composition
The present invention relates to a composition comprising an isoxazoline compound, the isoxazoline compound being dispersed in a solid vehicle of one or more polymer compounds selected from cellulose polymers and vinyl polymers. |
| US09371291B2 |
Process for the manufacture of the calcium salt of rosuvastatin (E)-7-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-isopropyl-2-[methyl(methylsulfonyl)amino]-pyrimidin-5-yl](3R,5S)-3,5-Dihydroxyhept-6-enoic acid and crystalline intermediates thereof
A process for the manufacture of the calcium salt of (E)-7-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-isopropyl-2-[methyl(methylsulfonyl)amino]pyrimidin-5-yl](3R,5S)-3,5-dihydroxyhept-6-enoic acid, useful as an HMGCoA reductase inhibitor, from a compound of the formula (7) wherein A is an acetal or ketal protecting group and R is alkyl, via isolated crystalline compounds of the formula (8) or of formula (10) is described. Crystalline intermediates of formulae 7, 8 and 10 are also described. |
| US09371289B2 |
Phenoxyethyl dihydro-1H-isoquinoline compounds
The present invention provides a compound of the Formula I: wherein R is H or F; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. |
| US09371285B2 |
Insulin secretion promoting agents
The present disclosure relates to novel compounds, compositions containing same and methods for treating or preventing a condition associated with a deficient insulin secretion such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome in a subject in need thereof. |
| US09371283B2 |
Polycyclic tetracycline compounds
The present invention is directed to a compound represented by Structural Formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The variables for Structural Formula (I) are defined herein. Also described is a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of Structural Formula (I) and its therapeutic use. |
| US09371281B2 |
Indole derivatives as inhibitors of histone deacetylase
Described herein are compounds and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, which inhibit the activity of histone deacetylase 8 (HDAC8). Also described herein are methods of using such HDAC8 inhibitors, alone and in combination with other compounds, for treating diseases or conditions that would benefit from inhibition of HDAC8 activity. |
| US09371279B2 |
Transesterification process of retinol esters
The present invention relates to a transesterification process of specific compounds comprising isoprenoid units. |
| US09371275B2 |
5-aminolevulinic acid prodrugs for use in photodynamic therapy and photodynamic diagnosis
There is provided a compound of Formula (I) and salts thereof, where R1 is an oxime or an alkylated oxime; the alkylated oxime comprises a linear or branched alkyl group of length C1 to C5; and R2 are each independently (a) an unsubstituted or substituted linear or branched alkyl group of chain length C1-7, (b) an aryl substituted alkyl group, where the aryl group is substituted, (c) an alkoxy substituted alkyl group, where the alkoxy group is substituted by a methoxy group or an alkoxy group substituted with an alkoxy group, or (d) an H atom, where the substituents in (a) and (b) are hydroxy, alkoxy, acyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, amino, aryl, nitro, oxo or fluoro groups. The compounds may be used as a medicament. |
| US09371274B2 |
Compound having read-through activity
[Problem] Provision of a novel compound having read-through activity and a drug for the treatment of nonsense mutation-type disease containing this compound.[Solution] A compound represented by the following general formula (1): and a pharmaceutical composition containing this compound. |
| US09371272B2 |
Method for producing hydrogen or heavy hydrogens, method for producing hydrogenated (protiated, deuterated or tritiated) organic compound, method for hydrogenating (protiating, deuterating or tritiating) organic compound, method for dehalogenating organic compound having halogen, and ball for use in mechanochemical reaction
Objects are to provide efficient methods for producing hydrogen or heavy hydrogens and for hydrogenating (protiating, deuterating or tritiating) an organic compound, and to provide an equipment and the like used therefor. A method for producing hydrogen or heavy hydrogens, containing subjecting water or heavy water to mechanochemical reaction in the presence of a catalyst metal, in which an energy density of a rotational acceleration of 75 G or more is applied to water or heavy water for 25 minutes or more, a method for producing a hydrogenated (protiated, deuterated or tritiated) organic compound, a method for hydrogenating (protiating, deuterating or tritiating) an organic compound, a method for dehalogenating an organic compound having halogen, and a ball for mechanochemical reaction are provided. |
| US09371265B2 |
Compositions and methods related to inhibitors of JAK kinase
Embodiments are directed to JAK kinase inhibiting prodrug compounds of Formula Ib, containing a promoiety that results in alcohol derivative of the parent compound upon removal and methods of using an effective amount of said prodrug compounds in the treatment of a JAK-mediated disease or disorder in a subject. Preferred promoieties include phosphate, phosphonate, phosphate salt, sulfate, or sulfate salt. |
| US09371264B2 |
Treprostinil derivative compounds and methods of using same
Compounds represented by formulae I, II, III, and IV including pro-drugs for treprostinil and prostacyclin analogs. Uses include treatment of pulmonary hypertension (PH) or pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The structures of the compounds can be adapted to the particular application for a suitable treatment dosage. Transdermal applications can be used. |
| US09371261B2 |
Method for producing bioresourced acrylic acid from glycerol
An aim of the present invention is to produce, from glycerol, a bioresourced acrylic acid, that is to say an acrylic acid essentially based on a carbon source of natural origin, meeting all the quality criteria of monomers customarily used as starting material in processes for polymerization of acrylic acid and of its esters, via an economical process. The process according to the invention comprises a final stage of extraction of acrylic acid by fractional crystallization applied to one of the effluents resulting from the acrylic acid purification chain, the location of this final stage possibly depending on the initial feedstock treated, the nature and the source of the glycerol used in the process, purity specifications to be achieved for the final acrylic acid, or finally economic criteria. |
| US09371258B1 |
High density fuels from isoprene
A method for producing high density fuels from isoprene which can be produced via biosynthetic routes using biomass sugars as feedstock. This allows for the production of isoprene and isoprene-derived fuels from abundant waste materials with the potential to significantly reduce DoD carbon emissions. Embodiments of the invention describe a method for conversion of isoprene to full performance jet and diesel fuels. Isoprene can be selectively oligomerized to generate a distribution of branched chain hydrocarbons. Combination of an oligomerization catalyst with a metathesis catalyst allows for the synthesis of high density cyclic fuels with performance advantages (increased density and volumetric net heat of combustion) over conventional petroleum-based fuels. |
| US09371256B2 |
Thermal cracking of impurities in triglyceride mixtures
A heated petroleum-derived hydrocarbon is contacted with a triglyceride feed in a thermal cracking zone to decompose and remove impurities prior to hydrotreating the mixture to fuel range hydrocarbon. This process allows the use of a variety of low cost triglyceride feeds while reducing fouling of process equipment and catalyst. The process also reduces the use of chemicals required for conventional degumming of triglyceride feeds. |
| US09371246B2 |
Glass base material elongating method and glass base material elongating apparatus
A glass base material elongating method of sequentially feeding rod-like glass base materials hung by a glass base material feeding mechanism into a heating furnace, and pulling a glass rod with a smaller diameter by a pulling chuck at a lower part of the heating furnace, includes: aligning, by an alignment guiding device that guides the glass rod, a guiding center of the alignment guiding device with an axis of the glass rod, the alignment guiding device guiding the glass rod between the heating furnace and the pulling chuck. |
| US09371242B2 |
Treatment of aqueous solutions
The invention is directed to a process for the recovery or removal of one or more crystallizable compounds from an aqueous solution containing, apart from the said crystallizable compounds, one or more organic or inorganic scale-forming or scale-inducing materials having a lower solubility in water than the said crystallizable compounds, said process comprising subjecting the said solution to at least one eutectic freeze crystallization step with recovery of ice and said one or more crystallizable compounds in crystalline form, recycling at least part of the mother liquor formed in the said eutectic crystallization step and subjecting the said recycle to a treatment with seed crystals for said scale forming or scale inducing compounds, removing at least part of the solid material obtained in said treatment step and recycle of the aqueous liquid thus obtained to the eutectic freeze crystallization step or to the feed thereto. |
| US09371236B2 |
Highly efficient method for producing ceramic microparticles
Provided is a more suitable method for producing ceramic microparticles. The present invention uses at least two types of fluids to be processed; at least one of the fluids to be processed is a fluid containing a ceramic starting material liquid that mixes and/or dissolves a ceramic starting material in a basic solvent; of the fluids aside from the ceramic starting material liquid, at least one of the fluids to be processed is a fluid containing a solvent for precipitating ceramic microparticles; and ceramic microparticles are precipitated by mixing the fluid containing the ceramic starting material liquid and the fluid containing the solvent for precipitating ceramic microparticles within a thin film fluid formed between at least two surfaces (1,2) for processing that are provided facing each other, are able to approach and separate each other, and of which one is able to rotate with respect to the other. Ceramic microparticles having as increased crystallinity are obtained by mixing the fluid containing the precipitated ceramic microparticles precipitate and a fluid containing an acidic substance. |
| US09371234B2 |
Method for producing graphene at a low temperature, method for direct transfer of graphene using same, and graphene sheet
The present invention relates to a method for forming graphene at a low temperature, to a method for direct transfer of graphene using same, and to a graphene sheet. The method for forming graphene at a low temperature comprises supplying a carbon-source-containing gas to a metal catalyst layer for graphene growth formed on a substrate, and forming graphene at a low temperature of 500° C. or less by means of inductively coupled plasma-chemical vapor deposition (ICP-CVD). |
| US09371230B2 |
Dihydrate-hemihydrate process for producing phosphoric acid
A method for producing phosphoric acid, comprising attack in an aqueous medium of phosphated rock with sulfuric acid, with formation of a first dihydrate slurry suspended in an aqueous phase having a free P2O5 content between 38 and 50% and a free SO3 content of less than 0.5%, conversion of this first slurry by heating with recrystallization of the solubilized calcium sulfate giving rise to a second hemihydrate slurry, and separation in the second slurry between a production phosphoric acid and a hemihydrate cake, characterized in that it comprises during the attack, addition of a fluorine source in the first slurry in a content from 1% to 5% by weight of F relatively to the P2O5 contained in the phosphated rock. |
| US09371229B2 |
Ozone-generating system and ozone generation method
A system including: an ozone generating device including discharge electrodes forming a discharge space; a gas supplying device; a power source device that supplies power to the discharge electrodes; a temperature adjustment device that adjusts temperature of the discharge electrodes; a control unit that controls the ozone generating device; and a detection unit that detects an ozone generation parameter in the ozone generating device. The control unit increases temperature of the discharge electrodes up to a vaporizing temperature of dinitrogen pentoxide by controlling the temperature adjustment device and the gas supplying device or the temperature adjustment device and the power source device, based on the output ozone generation parameter, to thereby switch operation from a normal operation mode to a cleaning operation mode in which surfaces of the discharge electrodes and the discharge space are cleaned up while continuing generation of ozone in the discharge space. |
| US09371226B2 |
Methods for forming particles
Single source precursors or pre-copolymers of single source precursors are subjected to microwave radiation to form particles of a I-III-VI2 material. Such particles may be formed in a wurtzite phase and may be converted to a chalcopyrite phase by, for example, exposure to heat. The particles in the wurtzite phase may have a substantially hexagonal shape that enables stacking into ordered layers. The particles in the wurtzite phase may be mixed with particles in the chalcopyrite phase (i.e., chalcopyrite nanoparticles) that may fill voids within the ordered layers of the particles in the wurtzite phase thus produce films with good coverage. In some embodiments, the methods are used to form layers of semiconductor materials comprising a I-III-VI2 material. Devices such as, for example, thin-film solar cells may be fabricated using such methods. |
| US09371223B2 |
MEMS device and fabrication method
MEMS devices and methods for forming the same are provided. A first metal interconnect structure is formed on a first semiconductor substrate to connect to a CMOS control circuit in the first semiconductor substrate. A bonding layer having a cavity is formed on the first metal interconnect structure, and then bonded with a second semiconductor substrate. A conductive plug passes through a first region of the second semiconductor substrate, through the bonding layer, and on the first metal interconnect structure. A second metal interconnect structure includes a first end formed on the first region of the second semiconductor substrate, and a second end connected to the conductive plug. Through-holes are disposed through a second region of the second semiconductor substrate and through a top portion of the bonded layer that is on the cavity to leave a movable electrode to form the MEMS device. |
| US09371222B2 |
Microstructure plating systems and methods
Microstructure plating systems and methods are described herein. One method includes depositing a plating-resistant material between a microstructure and a bonding layer, wherein the microstructure comprises a plating process base material and immersing the microstructure in a plating solution. |
| US09371218B2 |
Moldable funnel
A moldable funnel is provided. A plurality of through holes are evenly arranged in a hand-moldable sheet, and at least parts of the through holes are unopened at a perimeter edge of the hand-moldable sheet. The hand-moldable sheet has shape-retention characteristics to retain the moldable funnel in a specific shape into which it is molded. Two covering layers at least cover two corresponding surfaces of the hand-moldable sheet respectively and are connected to each other via at least parts of the through holes. Whereby, the moldable funnel can be molded in a specific shape suitable for a specific space, so as to provide advantageous effects of adding liquid easily, conveniently, safely and rapidly, and the moldable funnel is light in weight, convenient for storage and space-saving. |
| US09371217B1 |
Large wheeled, hand operated forklift
A hand operated forklift with either a cable winch lift assembly or scissor arm lift assembly for lifting pallets and other heavy items. The forklift includes a mast assembly having a mast frame with winch assembly and winch cable mounted thereon. The mast frame is mounted on top of a mast base frame. The frame includes a pair of large front wheels and a pair of large rear pivot wheels. A handle is attached to the rear of the frame for turning the rear wheels and moving the forklift. A fork assembly is mounted on front of the mast assembly and includes a fork frame and two adjustable, “L” shaped lift forks. The forks are used for engaging and lifting pallets. The fork frame is slidably mounted on the mast frame and connected to a lift assembly. The lift assembly is used for raising and lowering the fork frame and forks on the mast frame. |
| US09371215B2 |
Method for erecting a crane boom
This invention relates to a method for erecting a main boom of a truck crane, which at least consists of a telescopic boom, with a fly jib which is braced via bracing trestles and bracing rods, and with a spatial boom bracing. In accordance with the invention, the main boom is braced by means of the spatial bracing before being completely connected with the fly jib. |
| US09371209B2 |
Single path single web single-fold interfolder and methods
Embodiments of the present invention provide new and improved folding apparatuses and methods for interfolding a continuous stream of sheets into a single-fold interfolded pattern of sheets while passing all of the sheets substantially along a single sheet path. More particularly, all sheets in the continuous stream of sheets pass through the nips between adjacent components. |
| US09371206B2 |
Horizontal strip accumulator with telescoping of strip support roll carriages and passive location systems thereof
The present invention relates to a horizontal strip accumulator in a continuous processing strip line, comprising a looping carriage riding on a pair of external rails (6) and a plurality of adjacent strip supporting roll carriages (1) riding on the same external rails (6) to support the strip (10) between the looping carriage and a strip feeding location, wherein the strip supporting carriages (1) have a horizontal triangular lower part (2) and a vertical framework (3), the triangular lower part (2) having an open transverse base (15) opposite to an apex (14), to allow the telescoping of the strip supporting carriages (1) in the internal triangular space between the open base (15) and the two other triangular sides rejoining at the opposite apex (14). |
| US09371205B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming system
A sheet processing apparatus including: a supporting section over which a sheet is hung to be supported from below, the sheet being folded in a mountain shape with a folding line formed at a central portion; a conveyance section which conveys the sheet supported by the supporting section in a direction orthogonal to the folding line in a horizontal plane including the folding line; a control section which controls a sheet conveyance operation by the conveyance section; a first pressing section which presses the folding line of the sheet supported by the supporting section from above; and a second pressing section which presses the sheet from a rear side in an advancing direction when the conveyance section conveys the sheet. |
| US09371203B2 |
Cash cassette comprising a press-on unit having an elastic snap-in element
The invention relates to a cash cassette (10) having a receiving compartment (20) for receiving a value note stack (60) and a press-on unit (24) for exerting a counterforce directed opposite to the direction of deposit (P1) on the value note stack (60) received in the receiving compartment (20). A bottom unit (22) has at least a first snap-in element (42) and the press-on unit (24) has a second snap-in element (40) via which a snap-fit connection can be established. The second snap-in element (40) is elastically formed such that the press-on unit (24) is movable further in the direction of deposit (P1) by a predetermined distance even when the snap-fit connection is established. |
| US09371200B2 |
Device the conveying and handling of products
The invention relates to a method for the handling of products in a product-handling installation, comprising the following method steps: a) providing at least one product on a flexible placing area, b) placing a cage, which is equipped with at least one displaceable supporting-body group, onto the flexible placing area, c) imparting at least one deflection to the flexible placing area and displacing the deflection along the flexible placing area, and d) simultaneously retracting the at least one supporting-body group into a gap created by the at least one deflection between the flexible placing area and a lower side of the products. The invention further relates to a method for the palletizing of products. Furthermore, a device for the handling of products and the use of said device for the palletizing of products is proposed. |
| US09371199B2 |
Apparatus for palletizing bottles or similar containers
Apparatus for palletizing bottles or similar containers, comprising: a conveyor including a support structure and a closed ring belt having a horizontal branch movable in a direction of transport (A) and having an upper surface on which a layer of bottles (B) or similar containers rests when in use, and a movable pickup device positionable above the conveyor for picking up said layer of bottles (B) from the belt and movable in a palletizing station for depositing the layer of bottles (B) on the base of a pallet or on a previously deposited layer of bottles, wherein the pickup device comprises a frame open at the bottom and a shutter movable relative to the frame between a retracted position in which the shutter leaves the lower opening of the frame open and an extended position in which the shutter closes the lower opening of the frame, wherein, in use, the shutter during the movement from the retracted position to the extended position is inserted between the layer of bottles (B) and the upper surface of said horizontal branch, so as to transfer the layer of bottles (B) from the conveyor to the pickup device. |
| US09371198B2 |
Air flow regulator
Method and apparatus for air flow regulation comprise a vertically oriented tube and a sail assembly positioned in the tube and moveable therewithin responsively to air flow through the tube to regulate rate of air flow through the tube and stop air flow through the tube upon air flow rate through the tube exceeding a preselected value. |
| US09371194B2 |
Diverting conveyor with magnetically driven movers
A conveyor and method for moving articles across a conveying surface using electromagnetically operated movers in a conveyor belt. The movers are retained in tracks in the conveyor belt. A magnetic field source produces a magnetic field that varies across the width of the belt. The magnetic field interacts with electrically conductive material, ferromagnetic material, or permanent magnets in the movers to propel the movers and divert articles engaged by the movers across the belt. Movers with retractable pushers fold down at the sides of the belt to allow articles pushed by other movers to pass over and off the side of the belt. |
| US09371191B2 |
Bucket for a bucket elevator
A bucket is adapted to be spaced relatively close to adjacent buckets and has sides with a contoured upper edge to facilitate carrying material above the water level capacity of the bucket. |
| US09371188B2 |
Belt unit and image forming apparatus
A belt unit including an endless belt, a first roller, a second roller, and a guiding member is provided. The guiding member includes a groove, in which a guided section of the endless belt is set, and the groove includes a first face and a second face. The first face is formed to have a first parting line extending in a direction to intersect with a central axis. The first face includes a first part in a frontward range and a second part in a rearward range with respect to the first parting line along a rotating direction of the guiding member. The first face has a first gap between the first part and the second part to form the first part in a position closer to the second face with respect to the second part. |
| US09371186B2 |
Friction drive for force transmission, in particular for a transport conveying device
The invention relates to a friction drive for force transmission, in particular for a transport conveying device, comprising a drive element (31) and an output element (34) and comprising a torque-limiting device (33), which acts therebetween and transmits a drive torque introduced by said drive element (31) up to a transmission torque, which can be set by means of the torque-limiting device (33), to the output element (34), and allows free running when a drive torque exceeds the set transmission torque, and which comprises at least one rolling bearing (41) having an inner race (42) and an outer race (46) and rolling bodies (45) arranged therebetween, and a clamping device (51), by means of which the inner race and the outer race of the at least one rolling bearing (41) of the torque-limiting device (33) can be displaced towards each other in an axial direction or can be clamped against each other in a radial direction and a transmission torque can be set. |
| US09371185B2 |
Method for distributed storage and use of underground water in mine
Disclosed is a method for distributed storage and use of mine groundwater. The method comprises the following steps: A. prospecting an area of an underground space to be mined, and acquiring data on the bedrock geology of the strata; B. observing the mine groundwater, and acquiring the conditions of the flow distribution, water quality data and water pressure data for the mine groundwater; C. designating one or more goaf spaces through which mine groundwater cannot permeate as a water storage space of a distributed underground reservoir according to the data on the bedrock geology of the strata acquired in step A and the conditions of the flow distribution, water quality data and water pressure data for the mine groundwater acquired in step B; and D. after the designated water storage space is formed, mine groundwater generated when mining a mining face adjacent thereto naturally seeps into the water storage space. The method can reduce mine groundwater run-off and the effect on the growth and recovery of the ecological environment. |
| US09371183B2 |
Multilevel vertical conveyor platform guides
A multilevel vertical conveyor system for transporting uncontained case units to and from a multilevel storage structure having an array of vertically stacked storage levels is provided and includes a frame having platform guide members, a drive member connected to the frame, and support platforms coupled to the drive member. The drive member is configured to move the support platforms relative to the frame in a substantially continuous vertical loop, each of the support platforms being configured to support multiple uncontained case units where each of the multiple uncontained case units is disposed at a respective predetermined area of a respective support platform, the support platforms have support members that are guided by guide members substantially throughout a path of the substantially continuous vertical loop, where the support members are guided in three point contact by the guide members substantially throughout the path. |
| US09371181B2 |
Secure accumulation/disposal bin
An accumulation/disposal bin includes a container body with an upper opening. The lid pivots about the forward edge of the opening, allowing a lock to be formed on the rear edge of the lid. Edge mounted wheels may further be located proximate the rear bottom of the container, diagonally across from the hinge. The bin may further include a lifting slot on the rear wall. A handle may be formed proximate the upper opening on the rear the bin. The lid may comprise a downwardly sloped ramp extending from an opening in a horizontal plane to beneath a portion of the lid that at least partially covers this horizontal plane. The ramp and the covering portion of the lid define first and second slots each in a generally vertical plane that may prevent access to the body. |
| US09371179B2 |
Collapsible nestable container
A collapsible nestable container is provided. The collapsible nestable container may comprise a plurality of panels, each having one or more locking features that interlock with the locking features of the other panels to form an assembled container. The panels further comprise one or more nesting features, that interlock with the nesting features of the other panels to allow the panels to nest in a collapsed configuration with similar or dissimilar panels. |
| US09371173B2 |
Self-lubricating surfaces for food packaging and food processing equipment
In certain embodiments, the invention relates to an article having a liquid-impregnated surface. The surface includes a matrix of solid features (e.g., non-toxic and/or edible features) spaced sufficiently close to stably contain a liquid therebetween or therewithin, wherein the liquid is non-toxic and/or edible. The article may contain, for example, a food or other consumer product, such as ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise. |
| US09371172B2 |
Garment box
Various embodiments of the invention provided a garment box comprising a bottom panel and a container portion that includes a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall, and a fourth side wall. In particular embodiments, the garment box further includes a walled enclosure portion contiguous to the first side wall and comprising a first fold over panel, a second fold over panel, and a third fold over panel. In particular embodiments, the first and third fold over panels include holes located proximate a mid-point of the panels and the second fold over panel includes a slot. The holes are configured to support a rod that is inserted into the walled enclosure portion. The rod is configured to support one or more heads of clothes hangers inserted through the slot and hung on the rod to secure clothes placed in the container portion for shipping. |
| US09371171B1 |
Non-reel dispensing carton
A carton has a series of panels including top and bottom panels, side panels, and front and rear panels which collectively define an interior space for carrying wire or other filamentary material. The carton is formed from a unitary blank. The cartons can be set up by an automated machine without intervention of an operator. The carton include an interior channel located between two, aligned exterior holes located in opposing panels of the carton. The interior channel is formed from several hingedly connected panels, at least one of which is attached to the carton. The hingedly connected panels are folded around or rolled to form the interior channel, which is inserted into the carton. Once assembled a shaft or rod may be passed through one of the exterior holes, through the interior channel, and out the other exterior hole. The interior channel reinforces the structure of the carton and further allows the carton to hang from a shaft or rod without the carton tearing. |
| US09371170B2 |
Package cushioning material for liquid crystal glass
The present invention provides a package cushioning material for liquid crystal glass, which includes an air sack sheet and scratch protection layers arranged at contact sites of the air sack sheet with four corners of a piece of liquid crystal glass. The air sack sheet is formed by connecting a plurality of air sacks. The scratch protection layers are single-sided adhesive tapes or foamed PE cushioning materials. The package cushioning material for liquid crystal glass according to the present invention uses an air sack sheet as a basic material to be used in combination with scratch protection layers arranged at contact sites of the air sack sheet with the four corners of the liquid crystal glass so as to prevent the liquid crystal glass from scratching and breaking the air sacks thereby providing improved effect of cushioning and thus highly effective protection of the liquid crystal glass during transportation. |
| US09371165B2 |
Two-piece child-resistant dispensing closure
A child resistant dispensing closure for dispensing a product from a container has a cap base and a cap that can be secured to a container. The cap base has a locking tab that engages a locking lug on a container, to prevent removal of the cap base from the container. To seal a pour spout on the cap base, a cap is removably secured to the cap base. A child resistant mechanism prevents accidental removal of the cap from the cap base. The child resistant mechanism may include a child resistant stop tab on the cap that selectively engages a child resistant stop lug located on either the container or the cap base. Alternatively, the child resistant mechanism may include a latch hook on the cap base that selectively engages a stepped locking shoulder on the cap skirt. |
| US09371164B2 |
Adjustable dispensing cap
Embodiments of the present invention provide dispensing caps, containers, and methods for quickly and easily dispensing liquids of varying viscosities at different flow rates. In one embodiment, an adjustable dispensing cap is provided that permits a user to rotate a first member to select an appropriately sized pour hole and achieve a desired flow rate for the particular liquid to be dispensed. |
| US09371161B2 |
Universal cap seal for fifty-five gallon drums
A universal cap seal for fifty-five gallon drums designed to fit over bung flanges and rims in drums of varying size and varying height. The universal cap seal comprises a body having a flat upper surface and an internal surface. The flat upper surface of the body includes a channel that holds a tamper evident lifting band. The lifting band has a lifting tab that enables the user to remove the cap seal from the flange. A sidewall extends from the flat upper surface. A shield extends downwardly from the sidewall and includes a plurality of individual pivotal segments separated by a plurality of slits. The internal surface of the body includes at least two downwardly extending internal snap elements that frictionally engage an outer portion of the flange. |
| US09371159B2 |
Packaging container and method for manufacturing the same
To provide, with a simple construction, a packaging container by which leakage can be prevented, and breakage of the packaging container and flying-out of the contents accompanying the pressure rise in the inside of the container accompanying the warming can be prevented in warming the contents together with the container body.An internal space 2 for storing contents F is formed by a laminate film 1. A circumferential end part of the laminate film 1 is subjected to a thermal fusion treatment to form a sealed portion 3 (3a to 3c). In laminate film 1, a first slit Sa having a predetermined length is formed so as to intersect a part of the sealed portion 3b. A second adhesive layer Lb is disposed in a region having a predetermined width in a neighborhood of the first slit Sa. |
| US09371157B2 |
Toolbox handle
A toolbox handle is provided, including a connecting portion and a grip portion. The connecting portion is provided for being connected to a tool box. The grip portion is connected to the connecting portion, and the grip portion has a circumferential side for gripping. The circumferential side has at least one through hole. An inner circumferential face of each through hole is formed with at least one rib portion, and each through hole is at least partly stepped. |
| US09371150B2 |
Container with score lines
A container for holding an article. The container comprises a lamination layer at least partially secured to a base layer, a bottom wall, and a side wall. The bottom wall and the side wall cooperate to at least partially define a cavity of the container with the lamination layer at least partially comprising an interior surface of the container adjacent the cavity. A plurality of score lines extend in the container for at least partially reducing buckling of the lamination layer into the cavity of the container. |
| US09371145B2 |
Control device for tubular material package
A control device for a tubular material package is provided which achieves control of a tubular material package by the effective cooperation of relays (44), sensors (27) and a controller (60). All of the relays have an ON state and an OFF state and are connected to the controller, and each relay is connected to a corresponding component. The sensors are distributed on the components, and capable of detecting and identifying the current state of an object to be detected; all of the sensors are connected to the controller and send sensing information to the controller. The controller comprises electronics and a control program, and is capable of receiving the information from the sensors and sending instructions controlling the relays. The control device is used in a packing machine for tubular materials. |
| US09371142B2 |
Hold-down assembly
A hold-down assembly for retaining a portable electronic unit within an avionics equipment mounting tray includes a shaft, a locking collar, and an actuator knob. The shaft is coupled to pivot with the mounting tray. The locking collar slides along the shaft to engage the portable electronic unit. The actuator knob includes a knob body, a ratchet plate having detent holes within the knob body, a ball bearing, and a compression spring within the knob body. As the actuator knob is rotated to move along the shaft, the knob body and the ball bearing rotate with respect to the ratchet plate, and the ball bearing is forced against a spring bias of the compression spring as the ball bearing travels between adjacent detent holes. |
| US09371141B2 |
Reduced solar absorptivity applique having spaced riblets with pigmented coloration
A reduced solar absorptivity appliqué having a surface layer for adhering to an surface and high aspect ratio microstructures extending from the surface layer having pigmentation or spectral tailoring. |
| US09371139B2 |
Energy supply system, aircraft or spacecraft and method
An energy supply system, an aircraft and spacecraft using such an energy supply system and a method for providing electrical energy with the energy supply system. The energy supply system comprises an energy source which generates a direct current or a direct voltage. A converter is coupled to the energy source and is designed to convert the generated direct current or the generated direct voltage into an output current specified for the energy supply system or an output voltage specified for the energy supply system. A switching device is designed to couple an output of the energy supply system to the converter or directly to the energy source as a function of the electrical power required by the energy supply system. |
| US09371138B2 |
Nacelle
A nacelle configured to be coupled to an underside of a wing so as to form a clearance space therebetween includes at least a lip defining an inlet and a first cowling disposed aft of the lip. The first cowling has an outer surface with at least one concave region that is depressed relative to another region of the outer surface. In some aspects, the depressed region can be disposed on an inboard side of the wing, for example, on an upper surface of the first cowling facing a wing. The nacelle can include a second cowling disposed between the lip and the first cowling and the first cowling can translate in a longitudinal direction relative to the second cowling. |
| US09371132B2 |
Systems and methods for attenuation of noise and wakes produced by aircraft
Systems and methods for reducing the trailing vortices and lowering the noise produced by the side edges of aircraft flight control surfaces, tips of wings and winglets, and tips of rotor blades. A noise-reducing, wake-alleviating device is disclosed which incorporates an actuator and one or more air-ejecting slot-shaped openings coupled to that actuator and located on the upper and/or lower surfaces and/or the side edges of an aircraft flight control surface or the tip of a wing, winglet or blade. The actuation mechanism produces sets of small and fast-moving air jets that traverse the openings in the general streamwise direction. The actuation destabilizes the flap vortex structure, resulting in reduced intensity of trailing vortices and lower airplane noise. |
| US09371128B2 |
Structural component comprising at least one main-load-bearing covering shell and a carrier structure for fixing the main-load-bearing covering shell, and flow body comprising such a structural component
Structural component including at least one covering shell and a carrier structure, the covering shell designed in the form of a sandwich and formed by an inner skin section, an outer skin section and a shear-load absorbing core layer disposed between the two sections and connecting the inner and the outer skin sections to one another in a planar manner. The carrier structure is formed by at least one panel-shaped connecting part extending between and transversely to the inner and outer skin sections and connected along a reference longitudinal direction to the covering shell. The connecting part is located outside the carrier structure and fastened to the inner skin section resting thereon in a planar manner, wherein at least one profiled support extending along the reference longitudinal direction is provided in the covering shell in order to form a reinforcing section in the connecting region of the panel-shaped connecting part. |
| US09371126B2 |
Aircraft fuselage
An aircraft fuselage including an outer skin that is stiffened by way of a backing structure and that delimits at least one passenger cabin and one cargo hold. In the vertical direction of the fuselage, the cargo hold is arranged below the passenger cabin. The backing structure in the cargo hold above a cargo-hold floor framework comprises at least two lateral quasi-joints, and below the cargo-hold floor framework comprises at least one further quasi-joint. In the cargo hold, in the longitudinal direction of the fuselage, a multitude of energy absorption devices, arranged one behind the other and acting in the transverse direction of the fuselage, are arranged for absorbing tensile loads. |
| US09371123B2 |
System for constructing balloon envelopes
An assembly for use during manufacture of a balloon envelope that includes a table having first and second levels, an indicator disposed on the first level and a sealing component. The first level is arranged to receive a first sheet portion of material. The indicator is arranged along a lengthwise axis of the table to indicate a position for attaching a tendon to the first sheet portion. The second level is arranged to receive assembled gore portions of the envelope comprising the first sheet portion, the tendon and a second sheet portion material. The sealing component is configured to move along the table and to apply a heat seal to bond together the first and second sheet portions disposed thereon in order to form at least part of a gore portion of the envelope, such that the tendon is arranged proximate to a centerline of the gore. |
| US09371117B2 |
Rescue system for semi-sealed marine vessels
Disclosed is a rescue system for semi-sealed marine vessels, which includes a rescue unit and a backup rescue machine. The rescue unit is installed in a vessel compartment and includes an air bag, a canister containing compressed gas, a needle valve, and a flow control valve for employing the physical property that air has a specific gravity smaller than water, whereby when water leaks into the vessel compartment, through pressing down the needle valve, the compressed air is supplied into the air bag for inflating and expanding the air bag to get floating on the seawater inside the vessel compartment and occupy the internal space of the vessel compartment. The backup rescue machine includes an air compressor and at least a diversion valve to supplement a great amount of high-pressure gas to the vessel compartment for preventing water leaking into the vessel compartment. |
| US09371116B2 |
Method for predicting at least one movement of a ship under the effect of the waves
The method consists of: A step of estimating a direction (D) of propagation of the swell and a propagation speed of the swell, a step of measuring the development of a characteristic value of the swell at at least one measuring point (P) upstream of the ship in the direction of propagation (D) by periodically measuring the value, a step of detecting a lull in the swell at the measuring point (P) using a measurement of the development of the characteristic value, including a measurement of a duration of a lull detected, and if a lull in the swell is detected at the measuring point (P): a step of calculating a time interval between the detection of the lull in the swell at the detected measurement point (P) and a moment in which the lull affects the movement of the ship (N), carried out, in particular, depending on the estimated speed of propagation of the swell. |
| US09371114B2 |
Method and system for a towed vessel suitable for transporting liquids
A towed vessel suitable for containing and transporting various liquids is disclosed. The vessel further comprises various features useful in the transportation, navigation, and storage of the towable vessel, both when in use for transporting fluids and when transported in an emptied state. Such features include navigational and positioning devices and methods, power supply devices and methods, and means for filling, inflating, emptying, and deflating a non-rigid, towed vessel. Aspects of embodiments of the present invention further include features useful for purifying or preserving the purity of the fluid to be transported. |
| US09371112B2 |
Thru-hull fitting and manufacturing method
A method of manufacturing a marine thru-hull fitting from a single stock material to fit a variety of different sized boat hulls is disclosed. A variety of differently-sized thru-hulls can therefore be formed from the same stock item, reducing the amount of inventory manufacturers are required to maintain. |
| US09371097B1 |
Aerodynamic device for the rear of a trailer
An aerodynamic device for a trailer includes an inflatable member coupled to a rear wall on a trailer adapted to inflate rearwardly therefrom to reduce drag as the trailer is towed forwardly. The aerodynamic device further includes an air intake scoop mounted beneath the rear wall of the trailer in fluid communication the inflatable member for filling the inflatable member with air as the trailer moves forward. |
| US09371093B1 |
Vehicles having upper side member reinforcement portions
Vehicle structures for dissipating energy associated with an impact are described herein. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes an A-pillar support having a first engagement surface that is oriented forward in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The first engagement surface extends across at least a portion of the A-pillar support in a vehicle lateral direction. The vehicle also includes an upper side member assembly that is coupled to and extends forward from the A-pillar support. The upper side member assembly includes an upper side member outer portion and an upper side member inner portion that is coupled to the upper side member outer portion and is positioned inboard of the upper side member outer portion in the vehicle lateral direction. The upper side member assembly also includes a second engagement surface that is oriented to face rearward and to face the first engagement surface of the A-pillar support. |
| US09371090B2 |
Steering linkage structure of rear wheel steering device
A steering linkage structure of a rear wheel device may include a housing receiving a screw nut integrally and rotatably connected to a driving motor, a steering shaft inserted in the housing and having a lead portion coupled to the screw nut that rotates and being movable left and right in the housing by the screw nut, and linkages coupled to the steering shaft to connect both ends of the steering shaft to rear wheels, in which coupling portions where the linkages are coupled to the steering shaft are inserted and protrude into and out of the housing, such that when a bending load is applied, the coupling portions support the bending load and are in contact with the housing. |
| US09371086B2 |
Steering column for vehicle and steering apparatus having the same
The present invention relates to a steering column for a vehicle and a steering apparatus having the same. According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent loads transmitted to the steering column from being concentrated to a part of the steering column, to uniformize the distribution of operation force of the adjusting lever, and to prevent the deformation and damage of the steering column when the driver operates the steering wheel by maintaining the bearing forces of the upper tube and the lower tube at the time of tightening and releasing the adjusting lever for a tilt or telescope operation while increasing the rigidity of the entirety of the steering column. |
| US09371083B1 |
Collapsible stackable storage cart
A stackable cart for storing items when in a collapsed configuration, including a wheeled base, an elevation means such as a scissor extension apparatus attached to the wheeled base, a basket frame attached to the scissor extension apparatus, and an actuation mechanism governing the height of the basket in a raised configuration of the cart. |
| US09371080B2 |
Apparatus for outdoorsmen
A multi-use apparatus for outdoorsmen including a tub and first, second, third and fourth adjustable legs. The adjustable legs are mounted to the tub. Each of the legs includes a mounting member and a telescopic member. Each mounting member is non-rotatably mounted to the tub. |
| US09371078B2 |
Caliper brake device for railway vehicles
A caliper body is slidably attached to a truck in the axial direction of a wheel. The body has a tip end portion branched off into two parts. One part is close to an outside of one side of the wheel with another part close to an outside of the other side of the wheel. An operating lever is arranged that rotates, via a protruding-retreating motion of a pneumatic actuator rod, one end side via a connecting link around an eccentric axis, which is rotatably supported by one of branched-off parts of the caliper body, as a center. One brake shoe is slidably installed to an anchor pin of the caliper body to freely rotate on a tip side inner surface of a caliper lever installed in an eccentric part. Another brake shoe is installed on a tip side inner surface of the other branched-off part of the caliper body. |
| US09371073B1 |
Real-time determination of tire normal forces
A device includes a plurality of tires and a suspension system as subcomponents. The suspension system includes at least one suspension sensor configured to provide suspension data (S). A controller is operatively connected to the suspension sensor. The controller has a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions for executing a method for determining respective tire normal forces (Fzi(t), i=1 . . . 4) for one or more of the plurality of tires, based at least partially on the suspension data (S). The tire normal force (Fz) is the net force acting on each tire (or wheel) in the vertical direction. The tire normal force acting on each tire may be determined without using the specific model of the tire, road information, wheel or tire sensors. |
| US09371072B1 |
Lane quality service
The disclosure includes a system, method and tangible memory for providing a lane quality service. The system includes a back-up camera mounted to the exterior of a vehicle. The system also includes one or more vibration sensors mounted configured to measure sensor data describing a roadway impairment for a current lane of a roadway. The system also includes an onboard vehicle computer including a lane quality application stored in a tangible memory and a processor. The lane quality application, responsive to being executed by the processor, causes the processor to execute steps including: determining a capture time for executing the back-up camera; executing the back-up camera at the capture time to capture image data describing an image of the roadway impairment; determining location data describing a current geographic location of the roadway impairment; and creating a log that describes the sensor data, the image data and the location data. |
| US09371064B2 |
Position sensing assembly for use with a vehicle hydraulic master cylinder of a vehicle braking system with master cylinder assembly including such a position sensing assembly
A position sensing assembly adapted for use with a master cylinder to measure travel of a piston of the master cylinder via a magnet operatively coupled to the piston thereof for movement therewith between a zero brake apply position and a full brake apply position. According to one embodiment, the position sensing assembly includes a housing adapted to be attached to a master cylinder housing and a flux concentrator operatively disposed with the position sensing assembly housing. The flux concentrator includes a first end, an intermediate body, and a second end. At least one of the first end and the second end defines a longitudinal plane and at least a portion of the intermediate body is oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal plane whereby the position sensing assembly is adapted to measure the travel of the piston of the master cylinder via the magnet. |
| US09371063B2 |
Compressed-air supply device for commercial vehicles
A compressed-air supply device for commercial vehicles is provided. The compressed-air supply device may be connected electrically to an electronic control device that may actuate at least one control valve. The control valve has at least one inlet, one ventilating connection and one outlet. The compressed-air supply device has a control line which is connected to the control valve outlet and may be connected to a control inlet of a compressor and/or an inlet of a regeneration valve, has a supply line via which compressed air may be guided to the control valve inlet, and has a ventilating line connected to the control valve ventilating connection. The control valve may be ventilated via the ventilating line, and is configured such that at a predefined opening pressure in the supply line it pneumatically produces a fluid-conducting connection between the inlet and the outlet such that the control line is ventilated. |
| US09371061B2 |
Regenerative brake apparatus of hybrid vehicle and method thereof
A regenerative braking apparatus of a vehicle includes: an engine that supplies power to front wheels of the vehicle; a hybrid starting generator (HSG) that starts the engine; an engine clutch that is disposed between the engine and a transmission and selectively transmits power from the engine to the front wheels; a motor that supplies power to the rear wheels of the vehicle; a battery that stores electrical energy generated by the HSG and the motor; and a controller that generates friction braking torque on the front wheels when necessary braking torque of the front wheels is larger than regenerative braking torque of the front wheels, and that generates friction braking torque on the rear wheels when necessary braking torque of the rear wheels is larger than regenerative braking torque of the rear wheels, in braking of the vehicle. |
| US09371060B2 |
Trailer steering assembly
A trailer steering assembly includes a trailer. A mount is structured to be movably coupled to the trailer. A first actuator is coupled to the mount. The first actuator positions the mount between a raised position and a lowered position. A pair of wheels is coupled to the mount. The wheels may abut a support surface when the mount is positioned in the lowered position. A motor is coupled to the mount. The motor is mechanically coupled to the wheels. The wheels urge the trailer along the support surface. A second actuator is coupled between the mount and the wheels. The second actuator steers the wheels. A control is coupled to the mount. The control is electrically coupled to the first actuator, the second actuator and the motor. The control may actuate and de-actuate the first and second actuators and the motor. |
| US09371059B2 |
Wheel guide device
A device for guiding a wheel along a track of a vehicle wash, comprises a support frame, a bracket and a bumper. The bracket is positioned adjacent to the track and has flanges extending upwardly and toward the center of the track defining a channel. The bumper has a mounting portion received in the channel and a wheel contacting portion with a tapered bearing surface. The mounting portion is received in the channel so that the tapered bearing surface extends at an angle upwardly and toward the center of the track. |
| US09371057B2 |
Vehicle security locking system having a driving function locking device
A vehicle security system has a driving function locking device movable between a locked position for disabling a driving function of a vehicle and an unlocked position. The vehicle security system includes a controller, a remote control and a chip card. The controller is connected to an electrical power supply of the vehicle and is in communication with a transceiver. The remote control and chip card each communicate with the transceiver to lock and unlock the driving function locking device or temporarily disable the driving function locking device. |
| US09371055B2 |
Pre-tensioning mechanism
In a webbing take-up device, due to actuation of a pre-tensioning mechanism when a vehicle collision, a piston is moved, rack teeth of the piston mesh with pinion teeth of a pinion, causing the pinion rotate and a spool to be rotated in the take-up direction. In a state where a large rotational force in the pull-out direction is acting from an occupant on the pinion, through a webbing and the spool, a rack tooth is broken by a pinion tooth when the rack teeth initially mesh with the pinion teeth, especially by a tip end of the rack tooth meshing with the pinion tooth. Therefore, sticking-in of the pinion teeth rack teeth and the pinion teeth can be suppressed, or easily eliminated, enabling loss in force transmitted from the piston to the pinion to be reduced. |
| US09371051B2 |
Collision determination apparatus
A collision determination apparatus receives sensor data, which includes a sensor identifier, from multiple sensors that are of at least two different sensor types. Based on the sensor data from each of the sensors, a main determination unit determines whether to operate a protection apparatus. In parallel, a redundant determination unit determines whether to operate the protection apparatus based on at least one sensor data and by switching sub-determination units that have different determination logics according to a sensor type. In particular, the sensor identifier includes a sensor type information that allows the redundant determination unit to determine the sensor type of the sensor that transmitted the sensor data, and select the appropriate sub-determination unit. Therefore, based on the sensor type information in the sensor data, the same collision determination apparatus can be used in different vehicles that have respectively different number of sensors and different sensor types. |
| US09371040B2 |
Pivoting roof rack
A vehicle roof rack for securing objects to the top of a vehicle having cross-bars mounted to the roof of the vehicle, has two pivot bars slidably connected to two load tubes. Each pivot bar is connected to a bracket via a hinge, and bracket is then mounted onto the cross-bars. Each of the load tubes has an interior cavity and the first ends of the pivot bars are slidably inserted within an end of the load tubes, so that the load tubes can be slid between an extended position and a closed position. Each load tube has a first portion with an open profile, and a second portion with a closed profile. In the extended position, the second portion of the load tube abuts the mounting bracket and acts as a stop to keep the load tube from freeing itself from the pivot bar. |
| US09371036B2 |
Display device of a motor vehicle and method for operating a display device of this type
A display device of a motor vehicle has a display element, by which a value can be displayed by transmitting light beams through the display element and which can be adjusted in its display brightness. A detection device includes a control unit and a detecting element for detecting an ambient brightness of the surroundings of the display element. The display brightness can be adjusted by the control unit depending on a signal characterizing the detected ambient brightness and transmitted from the detecting element to the control unit. The detecting element is designed to detect light beams transmitted by the display element and to transmit an evaluation signal characterizing the detected light beams to the control unit, by which the display element can be tested regarding its functionality depending on the evaluation signal. A related method is used to operate the display device. |
| US09371035B2 |
Lighted vehicle bin assembly and method of calibrating same
A lighted vehicle bin assembly that activates a light source based on motion and recalibrates a sensor is provided. The lighted vehicle bin assembly includes a vehicle storage bin, a light source arranged to illuminate the bin, and a proximity sensor for sensing an object in the bin based on a sensor signal relative to a threshold. The lighted vehicle bin assembly also includes a controller that activates the light source when the sensor signal exceeds a threshold and recalibrates the sensor when the sensor signal exceeds the threshold for a time period. |
| US09371034B2 |
Lighting device
The invention relates to a lighting device comprising a flat light-emitting means having two side faces, wherein a first side face is transparent and a second side face is partially metal-coated, having a partially or completely metal-coated further third face, which is arranged parallel to but spaced apart from the second partially metal-coated face, and comprising at least one further light-emitting means, which outputs light in the direction of the partially metal-coated second face, which light is partially reflected on the partially metal-coated second face and is then reflected on the partially or completely metal-coated third face back in the direction towards the partially metal-coated second face and is partially transmitted through the partially metal-coated second face. |
| US09371032B2 |
Moisture sensor and/or defogger with Bayesian improvements, and related methods
In certain example embodiments, moisture sensors, defoggers, etc., and/or related methods, are provided. More particularly, certain example embodiments relate to moisture sensors and/or defoggers that may be used in various applications such as, for example, refrigerator/freezer merchandisers, vehicle windows, building windows, etc. When condensation or moisture is detected, an appropriate action may be taken (e.g., actuating windshield wipers, turning on a defroster, triggering the heating of a merchandiser door or window, etc.). Bayesian approaches optionally may be implemented in certain example embodiments in an attempt to improve moisture detection accuracy. For instance, models of various types of disturbances may be developed and, based on live data and a priori information known about the model, a probability of the model being accurate is calculated. If a threshold value is met, the model may be considered a match and, optionally, a corresponding appropriate action may be taken. |
| US09371029B2 |
Slidable table for a vehicle
The sliding table system, apparatus and methods relate to a sliding table assembly for a recreational vehicle. In certain implementations, the table assembly has a supporting cabinet and a table frame which is capable of horizontally sliding relative to the cabinet by way of one or more slots. In certain implementations, the table assembly is equipped with a lock mechanism such that when the lock mechanism is engaged the table is fixed in place, and when the lock mechanism is released, the table can be moved in a direction toward the front or rear of the vehicle. |
| US09371028B2 |
Vehicle towing apparatus
A vehicle towing apparatus 1 includes a wheel cradle 5 provided on a rear of a automobile 2 serving as a towing vehicle and holds a front wheel 7 serving as a wheel of a vehicle 6 to be towed in the wheel cradle 5, the wheel cradle 5 including two arm members 21, 21 forming a space receiving a width of the front wheel 7 in a lateral direction, the each arm member 21 connecting a first end thereof to the automobile 2 with an attachment body 4 and connecting a second end to each other, thereby forming a closed holding region 24 holding the lower portion of the front wheel 7 to be inserted therein. Therefore, the structure of the wheel cradle 5 can be simplified, and the front wheel 7 can be stably held. |
| US09371023B2 |
Apparatus for opening and closing sliding armrest console
An apparatus for opening and closing a sliding armrest console may include having a console body, an opening and closing plate rotatably secured to an upper portion of the console body to thereby open and close an upper surface of the console body, and an armrest slid from the opening and closing plate, may include a hook provided to a front end portion of the opening and closing plate and controlling opening and closing of the opening and closing plate from the console body, and a locking unit provided to the armrest, controlling a sliding operation of the armrest by a rotation operation and operating the hook together with the controlling of the sliding operation of the armrest at the same time. |
| US09371021B2 |
Double-folding-type automotive seat with headrest
A double-folding-type automotive seat including: a seat cushion having a forward end portion rotatably mounted on a floor of the automobile and an engagement piece provided to a rear end portion of the seat cushion, the engagement piece being normally disposed near to the floor of the automobile and displaceable with the seat cushion; a seat back having a lower end portion rotatably mounted on the floor of the automobile; and a headrest detachably mounted on a top portion of said seat back. In that seat, at a bottom surface of the headrest, there is provided a headrest attaching portion so configured to permit insertion therein of the aforesaid engagement piece of the seat cushion. |
| US09371020B2 |
Moveable station pole for a wheel chair position in a transit bus
Improvements in a moveable stanchion pole for a wheel chair position in a transit bus to provide a connection to a seat or bench. The seat is pivotably secured to a side wall of the transportation vehicle. The pole rotates and or pivots as the seat or bench is moved. The stanchion pole allows a person to hold onto the pole while they are standing. When the pole is rotated the pole rotates to provide clearance to the area. The stanchion pole is connected to the front of the chair and lifts the stanchion pole as the chair is rotated. This requires the stanchion pole to both hinge and rotate with the bench. The movement of the chair and pole clears the occupied space of the seat and stanchion pole to allow for a wheelchair to occupy the same place where the chair previously existed. |
| US09371019B2 |
Child seat and method of fabricating the same
A child seat includes an upper surface adapted to receive a child in a sitting position, and a surrounding sidewall having a top connected with the upper surface, the upper surface including a plurality of perforations, the surrounding sidewall being formed integrally with the upper surface, and the surrounding sidewall and the upper surface at least partially delimiting an inner cavity below the upper surface. |
| US09371018B1 |
Head restraint apparatus
An accessory device that gently restrains a child's forehead to prevent his or her head from bobbing when asleep in a car seat includes head retention piece with outwardly extending center and side bands for securing the accessory device to the child car seat. |
| US09371015B2 |
Vehicle seat
A reclining device includes an operating shaft that is inserted through the reclining device in its axial direction to be mounted, and is adapted to release the reclining device from a locked position, and a torsion spring mounted between an outer end portion of the operating shaft which protrudes from the reclining device outward in a width direction of the seat, and a frame portion that is located outside the reclining device in the seat width direction. The operating shaft is constantly biased by the torsion spring in a rotational direction for locking the reclining device. The torsion spring is mounted onto the outer end portion of the operating shaft in the axial direction from an outer side of the seat, and has an inner end portion which is engaged with the operating shaft, and an outer end portion which is engaged with the frame portion. |
| US09371005B2 |
Battery management apparatus for an electric vehicle, and method for managing same
The present invention relates to an electric vehicle, and to a method for managing the charging of an auxiliary battery for an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle according to the present invention comprises: a high voltage battery for driving the electric vehicle; an auxiliary battery for supplying a plurality of electronic loads with driving power; a converter converting the voltage of the high voltage battery to a voltage required by the electronic loads via PWM switching; and a current detection unit for detecting the output current of the converter wherein the converter includes a converter control unit for reducing the output voltage of the converter when the energy required by the loads, based on the current detected by the current detection unit, is greater than the rated capacity of the converter. Accordingly, energy supplied to the loads can be handled by the converter and the auxiliary battery so as to enable the safe operation of an electric vehicle system. |
| US09371001B2 |
Sudden acceleration shutdown device using hydraulic brake pressure detector to disable vehicle on driver panic
A safety shutdown system for a vehicle has a device for detecting a panic-level force applied to a vehicle control with a first state indicative of no detected panic-level forces, and a second state indicative of detected panic-level force. This device is coupled to disable a powerplant of the vehicle when in the second state. In particular embodiments the apparatus for detecting has a hydraulic cylinder coupled to a brake line and detects panic-level force on a brake pedal of the vehicle; and in embodiments the apparatus for detecting is adjustable. In other particular embodiments, a second device disables the powerplant of the vehicle upon detecting panic-level force on an accelerator pedal of the vehicle. |
| US09371000B2 |
Transmission having integrated transmission pump and accessory drive
A transmission includes provisions to mount two accessory drive units and to transmit power to the accessory drive units from an engine. The accessories are driven by an accessory drive gear that is coupled to a torque converter impeller as opposed to a turbine such that power is provided to the accessories regardless of the selected gear state or vehicle speed. The accessory drive gear also transmits power to an off-axis transmission pump. In one embodiment, power is transferred to the accessories via idler gears that is supported by the transmission housing and is present even when no accessory is installed. In another embodiment, the idler gear is supported by the accessory drive unit and is only present when the accessory is installed. |
| US09370999B2 |
Vehicle
An ROV includes a body frame, first and second seats each including a seating portion, an engine disposed rearward relative to the seating portions and supported by the body frame, a transmission including a drive shaft and a main shaft configured to rotate by receiving a driving force from a crankshaft, and a transmission case provided as a component separate from the engine and spaced away from the engine and in which the transmission is contained. At least a portion of the transmission case is disposed between the seating portions and above a lower end of the seating portion and a lower end of the seating portion. |
| US09370996B2 |
Intake duct device of motorcycle
An engine is mounted on a body frame extending from a steering head pipe toward a vehicle rear side slightly downward and an air cleaner is disposed above the engine. An intake duct device includes an intake duct which leads traveling air taken from a front surface of a cowling to the air cleaner so as to make the traveling air pass along both side surfaces of the steering head pipe. The intake duct is made of a separate component from the body frame, is two-divided into a front intake duct and a rear intake duct so as to surround the steering head pipe from front and rear sides, and is fixed to the body frame by fastening. |
| US09370995B2 |
External active air flap for vehicle engine room
An external active air flap for a vehicle engine room includes a fixed flap fixedly installed at a front side of a vehicle and protruding in a forward-backward direction of the vehicle, which acts as a radiator grill. A hinge shaft is disposed inside and along the fixed flap in a left-right direction of the vehicle. A movable flap is disposed on an upper surface of the fixed flap, and a back end of the movable flap is connected with the hinge shaft. The movable flap rotates about the hinge shaft to open and close an opening of the external active air flap by a pressure of external air flowing into the vehicle. |
| US09370989B2 |
Hinge assembly with continuous seal for a tiltable window of a vehicle cabin
A hinge assembly with continuous seal, includes a hinge shaft, a fixed hinge part and a rotatable hinge part, a fixed frame part and a rotatable frame part, which respectively comprises a parallel profile element and a seal that is affixed continuously to the profile element of the rotatable frame part and configured so that it bridges the distance between the two profile elements in the closed position. |
| US09370986B2 |
Air outlet for a vehicle
The invention relates to an air outlet comprising a housing, an operating element arranged on the visible side of the air outlet, a first air-guiding element and a closure element, wherein the operating element has a handle and a lever-like rotary element, wherein the pivot point of the rotary element is arranged on the handle, wherein the rotary element is mechanically coupled to the closure element via a first coupling in order to adjust the intensity of the air that can flow out from the air outlet, wherein the handle can be moved in a first direction and is mechanically coupled to the first air-guiding element via a second coupling in order to adjust the outflow direction of the air that can flow out from the air outlet, wherein the outflow direction lies in a first plane having the first direction, wherein the first coupling is operatively connected to a first lever, wherein the pivot point of the first lever is arranged on the second coupling, wherein the second coupling has a second lever, wherein the pivot point of the second lever is arranged on the air outlet in a manner fixed on the housing. |
| US09370985B2 |
Piston with crush fins
An air spring for air suspension system comprises a piston assembly and a damper assembly. A plurality of crush ribs are spaced apart from one another located within an internal cavity defined by the piston assembly and extending in an axial direction. A striker cap is located proximate to a first end of the damper assembly. There is a first interference fit between the damper assembly and the striker cap and there is a second interference fit between the striker cap and the crush fins, such that the piston assembly and the damper assembly are rotationally fixed relative to one another. |
| US09370983B2 |
Synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing
In a synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing, a silicone grease whose base oil is a silicone oil, whose coefficient of kinematic viscosity at 25° C. is not less than 100 cSt and not more than 500,000 cSt, and which contains a thickener so as to set its worked penetration to not less than 200 and not more than 400 is interposed at sliding interfaces between, on the one hand, an upper surface of a lower annular flat plate-shaped portion defining a bottom surface of a lower annular recess and a lower surface of an upper annular flat plate-shaped portion and, on the other hand, an upper surface and a lower surface of a thrust bearing piece which are respectively brought into sliding contact with the upper and the lower surface. |
| US09370977B2 |
Trailer steering apparatus and method
Apparatus and methods are provided to eliminate transient swaying of a towed vehicle imparted upon the towed vehicle during a towing operation by decoupling the towing and towed vehicles rotationally from each other. In one embodiment this is accomplished through the use of a doubly hinged tow bar and to steer the towed vehicle based upon the relative angular deflections of the two vehicles while subtracting out transient rotations of the towing vehicle. |
| US09370976B2 |
Interchangeable hitch ball assembly
A hitch ball assembly generally includes a ball member and a body connected to the ball member. A passageway extends longitudinally within the body and at least one locking member may be in communication with the passageway to lock the hitch ball in place. An elongated member within the passageway is biased to engage the locking member. The body further includes an opening arranged transverse to the passageway. A release mechanism is positioned within an opening in the body transverse to the passageway. The release member is in communication with the elongated member to move the elongated member between a locked position and an unlocked position. |
| US09370972B2 |
Tire having circumferential groove formed with one intra-groove
A tire provided with a plurality of land portions formed by a main groove extending along a tire circumferential direction, wherein the main groove is formed with one intra-groove recessed in a tire inner direction from a surface of the main groove, the intra-groove comprises: a first circumferential groove portion extending along the tire circumferential direction on the first groove wall; a first inclined portion extending from the first groove wall toward the second groove wall on a groove bottom of the main groove; a second circumferential groove portion extending along the tire circumferential direction on the second groove wall; and a second inclined portion extending from the second groove wall toward the first groove wall on the groove bottom of the main groove. |
| US09370971B2 |
Methods for retreading a tire
Embodiments include methods for retreading a tire, which include providing a tire carcass for retreading, the tire carcass having a pre-existing tread layer including one or more voids extending into the tread layer thickness from an outer side. A bonding layer is applied along an outer side of the pre-existing tread layer, the bonding layer substantially filling the voids arranged along the outer side of the pre-existing tread layer to provide an outer surface for receiving a pre-cured tread layer. The pre-cured tread layer is applied along an outer side of the bonding layer such that the bonding layer is arranged between the pre-cured tread layer and the pre-existing tread layer. The pre-cured tread layer is bonded to the tire carcass to form a retreaded tire having a retreaded tire tread. Grooves are then formed in the retreaded tire tread along a ground-engaging, outer side of the retreaded tire tread. |
| US09370970B2 |
Tire containing noise reducing fibrous layers
A pneumatic tire comprises an overlay wherein the overlay is positioned above the belt plies but beneath the tread, and at least one overlay end is folded and extends inwards toward the center line of the tire. |
| US09370969B2 |
Industrial cart with interchangeable accessories
An industrial cart has an accessory mounted thereon. A locking mechanism is provided for securing the cart and accessory together. The locking mechanism can be disengaged to remove the accessory from the cart. |
| US09370965B2 |
Truck wheel turbulence shield
A turbulence shield for attachment to a truck wheel having a laterally outer edge about a laterally opening concavity, and having an annular channel which opens radially inwardly at the laterally outer edge, the turbulence shield having a first annularly extending “C” member opening radially inwardly and fitted for nesting receipt within the annular channel; a second annularly extending “C” member opening radially inwardly and nestingly received within the first “C” member's channel, the second annularly extending “C” member having arms; a hoop member nesting within the second “C” member; a circular flexible sheet; and an integral joint interconnecting the sheet's edge and a second “C” member's arm so that, upon nesting the first “C” member within the wheel's annular channel, the sheet covers the wheel's laterally opening concavity. |
| US09370964B2 |
Painting carrier with multiple width tracks
A carrier for painting panels includes a box-like container including first and second opposing side walls, front and rear walls, and a floor closing the lower end of the container. A stepped track extends along at least one of the side walls, the stepped track including at least first and second channels for engaging first edges of first and second panels, respectively. The first and second channels are spaced from the corresponding side wall by first and second distances, respectively. The second distance exceeds the first distance by at least 0.25 inch, and preferably by 0.50 inch or by 1.0 inch. Preferably, the stepped track includes a third channel for engaging an edge of a third panel; the third channel is spaced from the corresponding side wall by a third distance which exceeds the second distance by at least 0.25 inch, preferably by 0.50 inch or by 1.0 inch. |
| US09370962B2 |
Customizable articles and method of customization
Customizable articles and a method of customization are disclosed. The method produces customizable articles having a graphic or pigment arrangement sandwiched between a film transfer layer and an exterior surface of the customizable articles. The process involves aligning a customizable article and a graphical transfer assembly on a press assembly, heating the press assembly, and applying pressure to the customizable article using the press. After removing the customizable article from the press assembly, the process comprises removal of the carrier layer and inspection of the resulting customizable article. |
| US09370960B2 |
Ballpoint pen with slidable cap
A ballpoint pen system having a slidable pen cap. A ballpoint ink cartridge disposed inside a pen housing has a ballpoint tip protruding out of a pen housing anterior aperture. The pen cap is disposed on a pen housing anterior end for capping the ballpoint tip. At least one linear pen cap through-slot is disposed through a pen cap side surface. At least one raised stopper located on the pen housing near the pen housing anterior end is disposed through the through-slot of the pen cap such that linearly sliding the pen cap causes the pen cap to move longitudinally relative to the pen housing. Sliding the pen cap to an extended position causes the pen cap to cover the ballpoint tip. Sliding the pen cap to a retracted position causes the ballpoint tip to protrude from the pen cap anterior aperture. |
| US09370958B2 |
Printable medium
An inkjet printable medium includes an opaque substrate having I(x)/I0 equal to or less than 0.05, wherein I(x) is an intensity of light remaining at a distance x, where x is the distance that light travels through the substrate, and wherein I0 is an initial intensity of light at x=0. The substrate includes at least two non-woven paper layers; and an adhesive, opacity enhancing layer disposed between the at least two non-woven paper layers, the adhesive layer including a visible light-blocking dye or pigment. An image receiving layer is coated on the substrate. The substrate has a basis weight ranging from about 100 gsm to about 500 gsm. |
| US09370956B2 |
High resolution laser labeling of microscopic glass slides and histological sections
The present invention is directed to a device and a laser, eye-safe method for laser marking slides for use in conjunction with a light microscope. The device is an attachment for a light microscope that allows the operator to make marks on preparations of biological tissues or other materials placed on a glass slide or between a glass slide and a cover slip. The marks can be used to indicate or highlight a microscopic structure or feature of interest. The marking on the slide is performed as the specimen is examined, without having to remove it from the microscope stage. In this way the invention has application in a biomedical or pathology laboratory for diagnostic, research, archival, and teaching or training purposes. |
| US09370949B2 |
Tape cassette
A tape cassette that includes a generally rectangular box-like housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, and a side wall defining a periphery of the housing, a first and second cavities extending from the bottom wall and disposed between a tape containing area and the periphery at opposite ends of a diagonal of the generally rectangular box-like housing, at least one tape wound and mounted within the housing in the tape containing area, the at least one tape including a first tape disposed in a first area, the first tape having a hole at a center of winding, and the first area being one of two areas formed by dividing the housing with respect to a line connecting the first and second cavities, and a third cavity that extends in the hole of the first tape from the bottom wall. |
| US09370944B2 |
Calibration of a retro-reflective sensor
A printer system includes a handling system to move print media, a print medium detection sensor to produce a response indicative of an object, and a processor coupled to the handling system and to the print medium detection sensor to perform a two-point calibration of the sensor. The first point of the two-point calibration includes a first response from the sensor, and a second point of the two-point calibration includes a second response from the sensor. |
| US09370935B2 |
Flow path member, liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
The invention is to provide a liquid ejecting head including a flow path member which allows a capacity of an air bubble chamber to be increased as much as possible and in which a filter is not clogged even when the variation of a liquid consumption amount is large, and a liquid ejecting apparatus including the flow path member. Alternatively, the invention is to provide a liquid ejecting head including a flow path member which allows a capacity of an air bubble chamber to be increased as much as possible while being miniaturized in a transporting direction and a liquid ejecting apparatus including the flow path member. |
| US09370933B2 |
Liquid cartridge
A liquid cartridge includes a movable member and the movable member includes a detection portion and an anchor. The liquid cartridge also includes a restriction member and the restriction member includes an operation portion and a restriction portion. When the operation portion is in a first position, the restriction portion is configured to contact the movable member such that the movement of the anchor is restricted within a restricted range. When the operation portion is in a second position, the restriction portion is configured to release the movable member such that the anchor is positioned in a free range which is below the restricted range. |
| US09370932B2 |
Systems and methods for storing printer cartridges
A printer may include a printer housing, a service station in the printer housing, an automated carriage assembly, and a print cartridge storage compartment. The service station defines an area for servicing one or more print cartridges. The automated carriage assembly is configured to carry the particular print cartridge through a printing area during a printing operation of the printer, and to carry the particular print cartridge to the service station area for servicing. The print cartridge storage compartment is defined by the printer housing and configured to store a spare print cartridge, the print cartridge storage compartment being separate from the service station and inaccessible to the carriage assembly. |
| US09370923B1 |
Lift tool assembly for stencil printer
A stencil printer includes a frame, a stencil coupled to the frame, and a print head coupled to the frame to deposit and print viscous material over the stencil. The stencil printer further includes a lift table assembly configured to support the substrate in a transport position and a print position, and a conveyor system. The conveyor system includes a pair of rail members coupled to the frame. The pair of rail members extends through the frame and is configured to transport the substrate through the stencil printer. The conveyor system further includes, for each rail member, a lift tool assembly coupled to the rail member. The lift tool assembly is configured to cooperate with the lift table assembly and to engage and support the substrate at a transport height and a print height. |
| US09370918B2 |
Methods for using durable adhesively bonded joints for sandwich structures
Systems, methods, and apparatus for increasing durability of adhesively bonded joints in a sandwich structure. Such systems, methods, and apparatus includes an first face sheet and an second face sheet as well as an insert structure, the insert structure having a first insert face sheet, a second insert face sheet, and an insert core material. In addition, sandwich core material is arranged between the first face sheet and the second face sheet. A primary bondline may be coupled to the face sheet(s) and the splice. Further, systems, methods, and apparatus of the present disclosure advantageously reduce the load, provide a redundant path, reduce structural fatigue, and/or increase fatigue life. |
| US09370915B2 |
Composite material
The invention relates to an aerogel composite material, a process and a composition for producing the composite material and the use of the composite material. |
| US09370914B2 |
Cutterless dunnage converter and method
A tabletop converter has a conversion assembly that inwardly gathers and crumples a stock material to form a strip of dunnage. The conversion assembly includes a feeding assembly that moves the stock material and a controller that controls the feeding assembly to operate in both a forward direction and a reverse direction. To automatically separate a discrete dunnage product from the strip, a holder grabs and holds the strip of dunnage at a holding location downstream of the feeding assembly. The feeding assembly then operates in a reverse direction and urges the strip away from the holding location. This causes the strip to separate at or between the holding location and the feeding assembly, leaving a discrete dunnage product ready for use. The converter is mounted to a stand that allows the converter to rotate relative to part of the stand about both a horizontal axis and a vertical axis. |
| US09370907B2 |
Apparatuses and methods utilizing etch stop layers
Provided herein is an apparatus, including a substrate; an etch stop layer overlying the substrate, wherein the etch stop layer is substantially resistant to etching conditions; and a patterned layer overlying the etch stop layer, wherein the patterned layer is substantially labile to the etching conditions, and wherein the patterned layer comprises a number of features including substantially consistent feature profiles among regions of high feature density and regions of low feature density. |
| US09370904B2 |
Flexible fiber-reinforced composite material
A flexible fiber-reinforced composite material is manufactured by impregnating a fiber reinforcement material with a non-epoxy matrix material. Subsequently, the impregnated fiber reinforcement material is dried and cured, resulting in a flexible fiber-reinforced composite material that exhibits a tensile modulus between 10 MPa and 42 MPa at 20 percent elongation. |
| US09370894B2 |
Wound tube made of profiled plastic strips
A wound tube is made of profiled plastic strips, the profiling of which comprises at least the edge region. The edge region is designed such that edge regions of successive coils, the edge regions lying mutually adjacent during winding, can be connected in a form-fitting manner, and at least one of the surfaces of the plastic strips has ribs projecting perpendicularly essentially to one side in order to form a flat inner surface during winding. The tube wall of the wound tube is designed as a double wall and is assembled from a first inner plastic strip and from a second outer plastic strip, wherein the ribs projecting perpendicularly essentially to one side fix the distance of the outer plastic strip from the inner plastic strip. A device with which such wound tubes can be advantageously produced on-site is also provided. |
| US09370893B2 |
Blow mold unit and blow molding device
In the process of closing a blow cavity split mold 14, a roller 32 is allowed to directly contact a bottom surface 38 of a guide block 36 and roll thereon. Thus, the mold clamping movement of the blow cavity split mold 14 is guided, without clearance from the guide block 36. Consequently, the upward movement of the blow cavity split mold 14 is regulated. |
| US09370888B2 |
Method of making a dispenser or a part thereof
A method for manufacturing a dispenser part, such as a dispenser or a part of a dispenser, having at least two component parts joined by a seam extending from a first side edge to a second side edge of the dispenser part. The method involves using a single mold and producing the dispenser part using a two component injection molding process. A dispenser or a dispenser part including at least two component parts joined by a seam achieved by the method, and a component part used in such a dispenser or dispenser part are also described. |
| US09370887B2 |
Sensing device for detecting a physical quantity and method for producing said sensor
A sensing device for detecting a physical quantity includes a molded part and a sensor element in the molded part. The sensor element includes an enclosure that is formed from the molded part and an injection-molding compound. A connection element may be connected to the sensor element. An interface may be between the sensor element and the connection element. |
| US09370884B2 |
Resin molding apparatus and resin molding method
A resin molding apparatus includes a pair of metal molds respectively arranged so as to be insulated from the ground with insulating materials, and a molding portion including the pair of metal molds and to which a resin material is provided. At least one metal mold of the pair of metal molds is provided with electrodes at two points flanking the molding portion. A high frequency current generator capable of applying high frequency current having a frequency of about 10 kHz or more is connected to the two electrodes. |
| US09370883B2 |
Curved lenses and related methods
Curved lenses and methods for making curved lenses are described. One embodiment of a method of making a curved lens includes curving a lens blank made of a linear polarizer layer laminated together with a plurality of polymeric layers. The lens blank is curved by heating and pressing the lens blank between a convex member and a concave member at a first pressure, ramping the pressure sigmoidally to a higher pressure over a period of time, and maintaining the higher pressure for a time sufficient to allow the lens blank to conform to the shape of the convex member and concave member. Methods of the invention may be used to make curved lenses with different polarization properties and curvatures. |
| US09370882B2 |
Cost effective and efficient air circulation system for a vehicle having rotomolded body assembly
The present invention provides a cost effective and efficient air circulation system for a rotomolded vehicle body, comprising: at least one inlet vent disposed at the lower front of the rotomolded body assembly for receiving the air; an outlet vents comprising at least one venting vane disposed at floor of the rotomolded body assembly for receiving the air from inlet vent and disposing the air to underside of the floor for cooling of the power train system located beneath the floor. A roof of the rotomolded body assembly receiving the air from inlet vents and disposing in the void of the rotomolded body assembly for cooling the passenger area, wherein the air is forced-in from inlet vents and forced-out through the outlet vents. A high volumetric throughput pressure is maintained between inlet and outlet vents comprising the said venting vane due to position thereof. |
| US09370881B2 |
Structures and methods of replicating the same
The invention features a method for producing replicas of a desired structure, a master and a mold obtained from it for use in such a method. The master includes a desired structure (200) to be reproduced and an additional structure (206, 208) that assists in removal of the master from a mold, e.g. by permitting portions of the mold on opposite sides of the additional structure to flex away from one another when the master is removed from the mold. The method includes immersing the master comprising the desired structure (200) and the additional structure (206, 208) in a molding material (142), solidifying the molding material (142) to make a mold, removing the master from the mold and using the mold to produce replicas of the desired structure (200). For example, the desired structure of the master may include a loop that defines a fluid flow pathway, and the additional structure includes a membrane configured to prevent the molding material from completely passing through the loop when the mold is made from the master. |
| US09370879B2 |
Resin molding apparatus and resin molding method
A lens molding apparatus of the present invention includes: a mold having a transfer surface for transferring a predetermined lens shape to a dielectric resin; a mold having a transfer surface for transferring a predetermined lens shape to the dielectric resin; a support device moving the mold; a heating device heating the dielectric resin so as to form a resin molded product, the dielectric resin having been supplied on the transfer surface; a DC power source forming an electric field by application of direct-current voltage between the mold and the mold; and switches switching a direction of the electric field between a direction from the mold to the mold and a direction from the mold to the mold. |
| US09370877B2 |
Control system for tooling
A tooling system for moulding a work piece is provided The tooling system comprises a mould tool (4) having a tool surface divided into a plurality of individual temperature controlled tool zones (6), and a control system for controlling the temperature of the plurality of individual zones of a tool surface, the control system comprising, a memory means (14) for storing desired curing parameters for the work piece, a plurality of sensors (12) associated with the individual tool zones (6) that sense and output a signal indicative of a property of the work piece or the tool surface in each tool zone (6), a main processor (16) and a controller (18) The main processor (16) is programmed to monitor said output signals so as to monitor said property of the work piece or tool surface and to read the desired curing parameters from the memory means (14) The controller (′8) is programmed to receive said signals and to receive information relating to said desired curing parameters of each tool zone (6) and, based on the information received, to calculate and output a control solution to control a supply of heat to each individual tool zones (6) so as to heat or cool them The main processor (14) is programmed to compare the signals of the monitored property to the desired curing parameters, to identify trends in said monitored property and, if said trends indicate that the monitored property of a tool zone (6) will move out of a tolerance band of the desired curing parameters, to modify or distort the desired curing parameters read from the memory means (14) and to request a further control solution to obtain said modified or distorted curing parameters so as to maintain the monitored property within said desired tolerance band of the desired curing parameters. |
| US09370876B2 |
Molded microstructured articles and method of making same
Disclosed herein are microstructured articles that can be made by molding. The microstructured articles comprise crosslinked unsaturated polymers formed by ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of a monomer composition, the monomer composition comprising a cyclic monomer having at least one reactive double bond. The microstructured articles may be structured in that they comprise at least one microstructured feature having a dimension of less than about 2 mm, or less than about 500 um. The microstructured articles may also comprise a plurality of such microstructured features. Also disclosed herein are methods of making the microstructured articles. |
| US09370875B2 |
Imprinting method
An imprinting method is capable of separating a molding material and a target material rapidly in pattern formation. The imprinting method includes a transferring process for transferring an inverted pattern of a mold 10 having a desired pattern formed thereon to a resist 30 by pressing the mold 10 against the resist 30; a curing process for curing the resist 30 by heating or irradiating light; and a separating process for separating the mold 10 from the resist 30 after the resist 30 is cured through the transferring process. The separating process includes a pulling process for pulling the mold 10 away from the resist 30 in a direction opposite to a direction in which the resist 30 is pressed; and a pushing process for pushing the resist 30 in the same direction as a direction in which the mold 10 presses the resist 30. |
| US09370873B2 |
Mold for producing molded concrete blocks
The invention relates to a mold for producing molded concrete blocks with multiple molding cavities which are separated from one another by intersecting intermediate wall panels. The aim of the invention is an advantageous design of the intersection points of the intermediate wall panels with the additional lateral support of slot edges. |
| US09370872B2 |
Woodworking lathe adjustment structure
A woodworking lathe adjustment structure includes a base having an axial slide trough thereon, a head unit and a tail unit disposed on the base. An adjustment block is provided between the head unit/the tail unit and the slide trough. The adjustment block includes a groove, a space adjustment bolt, and an adjustment bolt. The groove has a compelling hole therein. The compelling hole has a threaded section and a non-threaded section therein. The space adjustment bolt is screwed to the threaded section. The adjustment block is secured to the bottom of the head unit/the tail unit by fixing bolts, respectively, and inserted in the slide trough. When the space adjustment bolt passes the non-threaded section of the compelling hole, the sides of the groove will be deformed outward and curvedly to offset a gap which is caused by wear and tear of the adjustment block and the slide trough. |
| US09370869B2 |
Retractable utility knife
A utility knife has a handle and a blade holder that holds a utility blade for selective removal and replacement of the utility blade. The blade holder is pivotally carried by the handle for pivotal movement in an arcuate path relative to the handle between a retracted position and an extended position. |
| US09370864B2 |
Compliant micro device transfer head
A compliant micro device transfer head and head array are disclosed. In an embodiment a micro device transfer head includes a spring portion that is deflectable into a space between a base substrate and the spring portion. |
| US09370863B2 |
Anti-slip end-effector for transporting workpiece
An anti-slip end-effector for transporting a workpiece, which is configured to be attached to a robotic arm, includes: a workpiece-supporting area for placing a workpiece thereon for transportation; at least one front protrusion disposed at a distal end of the workpiece-supporting area for engaging an edge of the workpiece to restrict movement of the workpiece placed on the workpiece-supporting area beyond the front protrusion; and at least one anti-slip protrusion disposed in the workpiece-supporting area for contacting and supporting the backside of the workpiece, said anti-slip protrusion having a top face having a static friction coefficient of 1.0 or more as measured against the backside of the workpiece, and having a surface roughness of less than 0.4 μm. |
| US09370862B2 |
System and method for reinforcing programming education through robotic feedback
A method for reinforcing programming education through toy robot feedback, including: at a user device, remote from the toy robot: receiving a series of programming inputs from a user at a programming interface application on the user device; receiving a set of sensor measurements from the toy robot; automatically generating a set of control instructions for the toy robot based on a programming input of the series and the set of sensor measurements; and sending the set of control instructions to the toy robot; and, at the toy robot: receiving the set of control instructions from the user device; operating the toy robot based on the set of control instructions; recording a second set of sensor measurements during toy robot operation; and sending the second set of sensor measurements to the user device. |
| US09370859B2 |
Gas combustion type driving tool
A gas combustion type driving tool is provided with a fuel container storing portion, a lid that covers an opening of the fuel container storing portion, a connecting section which is formed in the fuel container storing portion and to which a nozzle of a fuel container is connected; and a cover member that covers the connecting section. The fuel container storing portion is adapted so that the fuel container stored within the fuel container storing portion is attachable and detachable by opening the lid. The connecting section is adapted to be exposed to an outside of the tool by opening the cover member. |
| US09370855B2 |
Structured abrasive articles and method of manufacturing the same
A structured abrasive article having an extensible base member; a three-dimensional element including abrasive particles and binder therefore; and a resin layer that binds the extensible base member and the three-dimensional element. |
| US09370852B2 |
Pressure regulator and polishing apparatus having the pressure regulator
A pressure regulator capable of improving both stability of pressure and responsiveness to an input signal is disclosed. A PID controller is configured to stop producing a corrective command value from a point in time when a pressure command value has changed until a PID control starting point and to produce the corrective command value after the PID control starting point. A regulator controller is configured to control operation of a pressure regulation valve so as to eliminate a difference between the pressure command value and a first pressure value from the point in time when the pressure command value has changed until the PID control starting point, and to control the operation of the pressure regulation valve so as to eliminate a difference between the corrective command value and the first pressure value after the PID control starting point. |
| US09370850B2 |
Machining tool with cutting fluid passageway having opened upper portion
A cutting fluid passageway that supplies a cutting fluid is disposed in a machining space (inside of a machine tool) of a machining tool isolated by a cover. The cutting fluid passageway is formed so that the upper portion thereof is opened in the passageway direction. Then, the cutting fluid is supplied from the cutting fluid passageway to a workpiece and a tool during machining or to the inside of the machine tool on which scattered chips produced by the processing are accumulated. |
| US09370848B2 |
Device for fastening screw onto workpiece and method of judging loosening of screw
In judging loosening of a crew, a measuring section measures a position of a bit as a relative position in relation to a placement surface of a screw supplying device when the screw is acquired from the screw supplying device. The measuring section also measures the position of the bit as a relative position in relation to a workpiece surface when fastening of the screw onto a workpiece has been completed. A judging section judges that screw loosening has not occurred when, based on the first and second bit positions, a difference between the first and second bit positions falls within an allowable range. The judging section judges that screw loosening has occurred when the difference does not fall within the allowable range. |
| US09370845B2 |
Method of repairing a cracked head using an injector bore insert
A method for repairing a multi-valve cylinder head, having a fuel injector or spark plug, or pre-chamber opening near the valve openings, that provides an insert with structural integrity that is capable of providing for both a repair for the crack and injector sleeve functionality in the finish-machined cylinder head. The present invention overcomes the consequences and structural limitations typically confronting larger diameter configurations while providing for a reliable sealing approach. |
| US09370829B2 |
Bit exchangeable drill
A bit exchangeable drill includes a detachable cutting head at the tip of a drill body, and the cutting head includes a cutting edge extending linearly from a rotation center to a radial outer end in axial end view, and a helical flute. At a rake face continuous with the cutting edge, a thinning face inclined relative to the rotation axis and rendering an axial rake angle of the cutting edge negative is formed entirely from a radial inner end to a radial outer end of the cutting edge. |
| US09370827B2 |
System and method for forming perforations in a barrel section
A drilling system may include a plurality of robotic drilling units. Each one of the robotic drilling units may include a drill end effector positioned inside a barrel section. The barrel section may be configured as a composite sandwich structure having an inner face sheet. The robotic drilling units maybe operable in synchronized movement with one another to drill a plurality of perforations into the inner face sheet using the drill end effectors in a manner providing a predetermined percent-open-area of the inner face sheet. |
| US09370825B2 |
Indexable drill insert
The present disclosure provides a quadrangular indexable drill insert comprising a substantially flat top surface and bottom surface, a side surface adjoining the top and bottom surfaces; four identical cutting edges formed at intersection of side surface and top surface, each cutting edge comprising, a concave curved part edge of predetermined radius at corner of the insert; a first part edge oriented towards axis of drill body and is having negative slope, said first part edge is connected to the concave curved part edge through a nose portion; a second part edge connected to first part edge through a transitional edge, said second part edge is tangentially oriented to an imaginary inscribed circle; a third part edge connected to the second part edge through a transitional edge, and a nose portion of adjoining the third part edge with concave curved part edge of succeeding cutting edge. |
| US09370817B2 |
Method and system for programming the control of a multiaxis forming machine and forming machine
A method of programming control of a forming machine which has a plurality of controllable machine axes includes displaying an axis selection menu with graphical symbols for machine axes of the forming machine; receiving an input for selection of a machine axis to be programmed; displaying an axial movement menu containing options for the input of movement parameters for definition of a course of movement of the axial movement of the selected machine axis; receiving inputs for definition of movement parameters; displaying an axial movement coordination menu containing options for input of coordination parameters for definition of a coordination of courses of movement of the axial movements of machine axes; receiving inputs for definition of values for coordination parameters. |
| US09370816B2 |
Induction heating coil manufacturing apparatus and induction heating coil manufacturing method
An induction heating coil manufacturing apparatus includes a winding device that winds a wire around a winding shaft having a quadrangular cross section, and a bending device that bends the wire at a position at which the wire is to be wound around a corner of the winding shaft before the winding device winds the wire at the position around the winding shaft. |
| US09370814B2 |
Pre-notched drip edge and method
A pre-notched drip edge assembly and related method includes a plurality of drip edge sections interconnected end-to-end to form a continuous water barrier along a roof edge. Each drip edge section has a formed one-piece construction with a top flange and a bottom flange having an inverted L-shape with upper and lower legs. The forward edges of the top flange and the upper leg are integrally interconnected along a folded-over nose having a wedge-shape. A pair of notches are formed in the opposite ends of each drip edge section which extend through the upper edge of the lower leg and the forward edges of the upper leg and the top flange to define flat end tab areas that are inserted into the noses of the next adjacent drip edge sections to horizontally and vertically locate the same along the building roof. |
| US09370813B2 |
Methods and apparatus for controlling flare in roll-forming processes
Methods and apparatus for controlling flare in roll-forming processes are disclosed. An example method involves predefining a plurality of position values to adjust a tilt angle of a flange roller and adjusting the tilt angle of the flange roller based on one of the pre-defined position values to change an amount of flare in a zone of a component. The one of the pre-defined position values is associated with the zone of the component. |
| US09370808B2 |
Apparatus for processing waste material
A processing container (100) is provided for processing waste material. The processing container has a housing (150) and a processing zone (152) in said housing for containing waste material to be processed. The housing (150) has a portion (154) directed inwardly of said container to form an opening (160) for the charging and discharging of said processing container. The processing container is rotatable about its axis in a first direction to enable charging of said container through said opening and in a second opposite direction to enable discharging of said container through said opening. The processing chamber is used in an apparatus (10) for processing waste material. The apparatus also includes an oven (12) that contains the processing chamber (14); a gas inlet (200) for introducing said hot gasses into the oven; and a gas outlet (202) for extracting gas from said oven. The processing container (100) is mounted for rotation in said oven. |
| US09370806B2 |
Method and apparatus for sludge removal from a tank
The present invention is directed to a method and system of processing and removing hydrocarbon sludge from a tank wherein the hydrocarbon sludges are the product of gravity settling in the bottom of the tank to form a sludge consisting of inorganic and organic materials not readily flowable or pumpable for removal in the found state and where a process is used to selectively separate, grind, disperse and suspend these materials with a mechanical classifier system, and where flow agents may be metered to effect a slurry stream directed thru a nozzle system towards the sludge in the tank and by reducing the surface tension and mechanical conditioning of the sludge, create a pumpable slurry that may be removed from the tank with minimal time, cost and environmental impact. |
| US09370803B2 |
Substrate case cleaning apparatus
Contaminant which sticks to an outer pod which is exposed to the outside air is prevented from contaminating an inner pod and the two can be cleaned so the cleaning precision can be improved. A substrate case C which is provided with an inner pod N which holds a substrate at the inside and an outer pod M which holds the inner pod N at the inside is cleaned in a state with no substrate. A booth 10 which forms a clean space is provided. Inside the booth 1, a first cleaning tank 40 which cleans the parts of the outer base Mb and outer shell Ms of the outer pod M in a separated state and a second cleaning tank 50 which holds and cleans the parts of the inner base Nb and inner shell Ns of the inner pod N in a separated state are provided. A conveyance mechanism is provided with conveys these parts to the corresponding first cleaning tank 40 and second cleaning tank 50. |
| US09370800B2 |
Bioremediation device
A bioremediation device (10) for degrading hydrocarbons on components, the bioremediation device having a housing (18), a basin (28) partially seating within the housing with the basin (28) including an upper condensation chamber (39) to permit vapour from a lower basin portion (35) to enter and to condense to be returned to the lower basin portion (37). A control module (46) is immersed in the lower basin portion (37) and has a heater (52), a pump (56,76), a filter (74) and a valve (58) for directing fluid either to the filter (74) or to an aeration device (44). |
| US09370795B2 |
Method for applying a wear-resistant layer to a turbomachine component
A method for applying a wear protection layer to a continuous flow machine component which has a base material comprising titanium is provided. The method includes the following steps: mixing a solder which comprises an alloy comprising titanium and particles which are distributed in the alloy and have a reaction agent; applying the solder to predetermined points of the continuous flow machine component; introducing a heat volume into the solder and the continuous flow machine component so that the alloy becomes liquid and the reaction agent changes through diffusion processes with the solder and undergoes a chemical reaction with the alloy, forming a hard aggregate; and cooling the solder so that the alloy becomes solid. |
| US09370790B2 |
Shock-absorbing lower structure of an airless type dispenser
The present invention relates to a shock-absorbing lower structure of an airless type dispenser, wherein a support member made of elastic material is arranged in a lower part of a piston to provide a cushioning function so as to support the lower end of the piston in the housing of the dispenser. Thus, when the piston descends and presses a housing support by the shock applied from an external source, the housing support is prevented from being separated from the housing of the dispenser. Furthermore, when content expand in volume at a low temperature, not only is a housing support or a pumping member prevented from being separated, but also the pumping member is prevented from being damaged. |
| US09370789B2 |
Method for producing a component by direct laser depositioning using first and second lasers operated at different powers
A method for producing a component provided with a supporting structure includes using at least one first laser for layer by layer manufacturing of the component out of a powdery material, using at least one second laser for producing a supporting structure, supporting the component, layer by layer out of the powdery material and operating the at least one first laser with a lower power than a power of the at least one second laser. |
| US09370788B2 |
Chemical application apparatus for sprinkler systems
A liquid chemical dispenser for an irrigation system comprises a removable supply container for the chemical which, in a first embodiment, comprises a valve for preventing spillage of the chemical during attachment of the container to the dispenser. This feature allows the container to be mounted in an inverted position on the dispenser without loss of its contents. In a second embodiment, the chemical container comprises a membrane which is pierced by a dip tube when the container is attached to the dispenser. A section of the dip tube produces an annular vent passage in the membrane around the dip tube to provide vacuum relief. The configuration of the containers substantially reduces the chance of inadvertent contact with the contents and the simple design permits the containers to be disposable. |
| US09370782B2 |
Method and apparatus for separation of mixture
The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for separating a mixture that are capable of separating a mixture containing a plurality types of particles, using a countercurrent classification technique, even when there is little difference in density and particle diameter depending on the types of particles. In the present invention, a mixture containing first particles and second particles is separated using a separation tube 13 having the inverted-conical or pyramidal shape or a substantially inverted-conical or pyramidal shape. The first particles and the second particles are made of substances having different magnetic susceptibilities. A fluid is caused to flow upward through the separation tube 13, and the flow of the fluid is used to introduce the mixture into the separation tube 13. The first particles and the second particles are held in the separation tube 13 in a mixed state. A gradient magnetic field is applied to a region inside the separation tube 13 using magnetic field generation means 23, in the state where the first particles and the second particles are held in the separation tube 13. The magnetic field gradient of the gradient magnetic field has a vertical component. |
| US09370779B2 |
Method and arrangement
A method and an arrangement for treating stock formed of recycled fiber. The method comprises treating the stock in screen means and a flotation cell means, and screening the stock into accept and reject. Reject from the screening is directed to a mechanical dispergator and a dispersed reject is formed of it. |
| US09370776B2 |
Mounting block for attaching a reducing element to a rotary drum
Mounting blocks for attaching reducing elements to a rotary drum of a comminuting apparatus are disclosed. The mounting blocks may be mounted in multiple positions to vary the bite of the reducing elements of the rotary drum. |
| US09370770B2 |
Nonpolar phase-soluble metathesis catalysts
One embodiment of the invention provides polyisobutylene (PIB) oligormers that are end-functionalized with ruthenium (Ru) catalysts. Such nonpolar catalysts can be dissolved in nonpolar solvents such as heptane, or any other nonpolar solvent that is otherwise not latently biphasic (i.e., if two or more solvent components are present, they remain miscible with each other throughout the entire reaction process, from the addition of substrate through to the removal of product). Substrate that is dissolved in the nonpolar solvent with the catalyst is converted into product. The lower solubility of the product in the nonpolar solvent renders it easily removable, either by extraction with a more polar solvent or by applying physical means in cases where the product precipitates from the nonpolar solvent. In this manner the catalysts are recycled; since the catalysts remain in the nonpolar solvent, a new reaction can be initiated simply by dissolving fresh substrate into the nonpolar solvent. |
| US09370766B2 |
Sorbent comprising on its surface an aliphatic unit for the purification of organic molecules
The present invention relates to a sorbent comprising a solid support material, the surface of which comprises a residue of a general formula (I), wherein the residue is attached via a covalent single bond to a functional group on the surface of either the bulk solid support material itself or of a polymer film on the surface of the solid support material. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of the sorbent according to the invention for the purification of organic molecules, in particular pharmaceutically active compounds, preferably in chromatographic applications. |
| US09370763B2 |
High capacity solid filtration media
A high capacity filtration media, method of preparing the media, and method of treating a fluid stream with the media are provided. The media contain a porous substrate impregnated with high concentrations of a permanganate. Preferably, the media includes a porous substrate impregnated with at least about 8% permanganate by weight. The media can optionally contain sodium bicarbonate. Improved capacity for the removal of undesirable compounds such as ethylene, formaldehyde, hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan are achieved. |
| US09370762B2 |
Chemical reaction apparatus
A chemical reaction apparatus includes: a horizontal flow-type reactor inside of which has been partitioned into multiple chambers by a partition plate, and a liquid content horizontally flows with an unfilled space being provided thereabove; a microwave generator that generates microwaves; and at least one waveguide that transmits the microwaves generated by the microwave generator to the unfilled space in the reactor. The reactor has a shape in which an area of a liquid surface does not change even in a case where a height of the liquid surface changes according to a change in an amount of the content. |
| US09370761B2 |
Microreactor
A microreactor includes: a reaction passage to flow a fluid as a reaction object; and a medium passage provided in parallel with the reaction passage to flow a heat medium to exchange heat with the fluid in the reaction passage. A cross-sectional area of the medium passage adjacent to a location of the reaction passage where any of heat generation and heat absorption associated with a reaction of the fluid is relatively large is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the medium passage adjacent to a location of the reaction passage where any of the heat generation and the heat absorption associated with the reaction of the fluid is relatively small. |
| US09370757B2 |
Pyrolytic reactor
A pyrolytic reactor comprising a fuel injection zone, a combustion zone adjacent to the fuel injections zone, an expansion zone adjacent to the combustion zone, a feedstock injection zone comprising a plurality of injection nozzles and disposed adjacent to the expansion zone, a mixing zone configured to mix a carrier stream and feed material and disposed adjacent to the feedstock injection zone, and a reaction zone adjacent to the mixing zone. The plurality of injection nozzles are radially distributed in a first assembly defining a first plane transverse to the feedstock injection zone and in a second assembly transverse to the feedstock injection zone. |
| US09370755B2 |
Particle size breakup apparatus having blade-supported rotor
A rotor/stator type mixer implements the particle size breakup apparatus and includes a stator having a plurality of openings formed thereon and a rotor disposed on the inside of the stator and spaced away from the stator with a specific gap. The rotor, which is disposed inwardly of the stator having the plurality of openings formed thereon so that it can be spaced away from the stator with the specific gap, has a rotor peripheral wall that faces opposite the inside of the stator peripheral wall and is disposed inwardly radially of the peripheral wall of the stator having the plurality of openings formed thereon so that it can be spaced away from the stator with the specific gap. In addition, the rotor has a plurality of openings formed thereon. |
| US09370754B2 |
Foam generation apparatus
A foam generation apparatus is claimed. The apparatus includes a housing defining an interior portion and two ports disposed on an exterior surface of the housing. One of the ports is adapted to receive chemical into the interior portion of the housing, and another of the ports is adapted to receive compressed air into the interior portion of the housing. The apparatus also includes coarse threads integrally molded at a top portion of the housing. Finally, the apparatus includes an insert that includes a cap, a rod extending from an interior portion of the cap, and one or more agitation balls affixed to the rod. Like the housing, the cap also includes coarse threads formed therein. As such, the insert is disposed within the housing and secured to the housing by way of the coarse threads of the insert and the housing. |
| US09370747B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing the total dissolved solids of a solution
In a method and apparatus for reducing the total dissolved solids of a solution, a feed solution is conveyed to at least one first chamber of a unit, and a draw solution is conveyed to at least one second chamber thereof. A semi-permeable member arrangement is disposed between the chambers. The draw solution has a greater molar concentration than does the feed solution. Solvent from the feed solution is drawn through the membrane arrangement into the draw solution, reducing the solute concentration of the draw solution and increasing the solid concentration of the feed solution. Paddles provide continuous sweeping of opposite external surfaces of the membranes to reduce solute depositions on the surface facing the feed solution chamber, and to remove liquid permeate molecules from that external surface of the membranes that faces a draw solution chamber. |
| US09370746B2 |
Reverse osmosis membrane separation device
A reverse osmosis membrane separation device includes: a reverse osmosis membrane module; a flow rate detecting unit configured to detect a flow rate of permeate water to output a detected flow rate value corresponding to the flow rate; a pressure pump configured to be driven at a rotation speed corresponding to an input drive frequency and to feed supply water to the reverse osmosis membrane module; an inverter configured to output a drive frequency corresponding to an input current value signal to the pressure pump; and a control unit configured to calculate a drive frequency of the pressure pump by a velocity type digital PID algorithm, such that a detected flow rate value output from the flow rate detecting unit becomes a target flow rate value that is set in advance to output a current value signal corresponding to a calculation value of the drive frequency to the inverter. |
| US09370742B2 |
Radial pleat design and collapsible filter element
A filter element for filtering a fluid flowing through the filter element. The filter element includes a pleat pack that extends about an axis and that has an internal volume. The pleat pack includes a filter media for filtering out particulate from the fluid. The filter media is pleated. The pleats extend out along planes that are transverse to the axis. An associated method of providing a filter element that filters a fluid flowing through the filter element is provided. |
| US09370739B2 |
Jet engine with at least one oil separator, through which an air-oil-volume flow can be guided
The present invention describes a jet engine with at least one oil separator, through which an air-oil volume flow can be guided out of at least one area supplied with oil for separating the oil. In accordance with the invention the air-oil volume flow from the area supplied with oil can be introduced into the oil separator via an interior of an accessory gearbox casing. The air can be discharged from the oil separator via an air outlet and the oil via an oil outlet. |
| US09370738B2 |
Filter cartridges and manifolds for linear motion installation
Described are filter cartridges having an inlet opening and an outlet opening on the stem of the filter cartridges, which permit the permit the entry and exit, respectively, of a fluid in one or more radial directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stem. These filter cartridges are suitable for use in filtration systems that allow users to install the filter cartridges by a straight line push motion and remove the filter cartridges by a straight line pull motion. |
| US09370737B1 |
Filter assembly for an appliance
A water filter assembly is provided including a body defining a body cavity, a spool slidably positioned in the body cavity between an extended position and a retracted position, and a locking mechanism. The body cavity is also configured to receive a filter cartridge, which once fully inserted is configured to hold the spool in the retracted position. Additionally, when spool is in the retracted position, a body inlet of the body is in flow communication with a body outlet of the body through the spool and through the filter cartridge. The locking mechanism is provided to hold the filter cartridge in the fully inserted position. |
| US09370735B2 |
Ionic liquid grafted mesoporous silica compositions for polar gas/non-polar gas and olefin/paraffin separations
A composition comprising a mesoporous silica having grafted therewith an ionic liquid to form a mesoporous silica composition offers desirable levels of functionality, sorption, specific surface functionalization, and selectivity for polar gas/non-polar gas and olefin/paraffin separations. One particular embodiment employs silylated 3,3′-(2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diyl)bis(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium)bis-((trifluoromethyl-sulfonyl)amide as the ionic liquid. The mesoporous silica composition may be configured as, for example, a membrane. |
| US09370734B2 |
Fluid degassing module with helical membrane
A degassing module is adapted for degassing a liquidous fluid at relatively high throughput flow rates. The degassing module includes a tubular separation membrane that is helically wound within an interior chamber of a degassing module housing. The helically wound tubular separation membrane is disposed in an axial flow gap of predetermined proportions that maximizes fluid flow dynamics in reducing the gas transport resistance from the liquid phase across the membrane. Typically, the helically wound tubular separation membrane is positioned in the gap with radial spacings to surfaces bounding the gap, thereby forming axial flow channels circumaxially inwardly and/or outwardly of the wound tubular membrane. |
| US09370733B2 |
Process for the purification of (per) fluoropolyethers with carboxylate end groups
The invention relates to a batch chromatography process the purification of (per)fluoropolyether (PFPE) carboxylates, in particular to a process for increasing the average functionality of PFPE carboxylates mixtures. |
| US09370725B2 |
Transformable toy car and playing device using same
The present invention relates to a transformer toy car that automatically transforms the shape to turn a card over to provide the information on the card, if the card is attached to the transformer toy car. The transformer toy car includes: a separable toy car body; and cards adapted to be attached to the underside of the toy car body, wherein if one of the cards is attached to the underside of the toy car body, a portion of the separable toy car body is separated, and a portion of the separated toy car body pressurizes a floor surface, thereby making the toy car body stand up or turn over and thus allowing the underside surface of the card attached to the underside of the toy car body to be exposed to the outside. |
| US09370723B2 |
Squeezable face-covering toy and its squeeze mechanism
A squeezable face-covering toy includes a toy figure having a face, left and right arms and a squeeze mechanism mounted inside the toy figure. The squeeze mechanism includes four curved panels connected end-to-end by four hinges, and left and right arm supports configured to support the left and right arms respectively. A spring is fastened between two opposite hinges whereby squeezing the squeeze mechanism moves the arms from an initial face-covering position to a face-revealing position. |
| US09370721B2 |
Systems and methods for creating a playable video game from a static model
Systems and methods for creating a playable video game, or playable video game levels, from a model, typically a two-dimensional work of hand-drawn art. A set of software modules processes a digital image of the static model to translate its component elements into video game elements in a level file, which may then be played using a game driver. |
| US09370720B1 |
Gaming systems for noise suppression and selective sound amplification
A gaming system includes a central server linked to gaming zones each defined by a group of user stations. The server identifies exception sound signatures with respect to each of the plurality of zones, and disables local suppression of ambient sounds associated with the exception sound signatures. The stations each include a gaming terminal, and sound receiving and emitting devices. The stations sample ambient sounds and generate representative audio data. The stations collectively compile audio data representative of zone-specific ambient sounds, and individually emit sound waves effective to locally suppress ambient sounds for which local suppression is not disabled. The stations extract user station-specific sound signatures from a combination of the local audio data and the zone-specific audio data, and locally amplify sounds associated with the extracted user station-specific sound signatures. |
| US09370719B2 |
Method and apparatus for executing plot instructions to show complex plots
In a computer-implemented method for executing plot instructions for electronic games to show complex plots, creating a plot object and a plot script in a current scenario based on plot data, by a processor, wherein the plot script comprises a plot instruction with a blockage parameter; reading the plot script to obtain the plot instruction by a processor; analyzing the plot instruction to obtain the plot parameter by a processor; determining a blockage type of the plot instruction, by a processor, according to the blockage parameter of the plot instruction; and the plot object executing the plot instruction, by a processor, according to the blockage type. |
| US09370717B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing stimulus signals generated by accessory devices
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, determining first and second stimulus signals from first and second input functions of first and second gaming equipment devices used by first and second users to control a video game. A first contest between the first and second users is based on first and second game action results determined based on the first and second stimulus signals. A relative performance between the first and second users is determined from a comparison of first and second measures of the first and second stimulus signals. A second contest between the first user and the second user is based on the relative performance. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09370716B2 |
Gaming machine and gaming system having control lever
A gaming machine includes a control lever that is gripped by a player, a display configured to display an effect image, and a controller programmed to execute a predetermined process. The control lever includes a rotation axis, a reel handle configured to rotate the rotation axis, a rotation sensor configured to detect the number of rotation of the rotation axis, and a rotation resistance imparting unit configured to impart resistance to the rotation axis such that the torque increases in accordance with the rotational speed in one direction of the rotation axis. In accordance with the game status of the game, the controller causes the rotation sensor to detect the number of rotation of the rotation axis which is rotated as the reel handle of the control lever is rotated, and changes the content of the effect image displayed on the display in accordance with the detected number of rotation. |
| US09370713B2 |
Game device, game control method, and game control program for controlling game in which character is moved in three dimensional space
A game device includes: a screen generation unit configured to read data for a character and an object located in a three-dimensional game field from a storage device, generate images of the character and the object, and display the images on a displace device; a character control unit configured to control the movement of the character landing on the object; a gravitational direction control unit configured to change the direction of gravitational force exerted on the character in accordance with a command input from a player acknowledged by an input device; and a fall control unit configured to cause the character to fall in the changed direction of the gravitational force. The gravitational direction control unit displays a marker indicating a position where the character would land after falling. |
| US09370711B2 |
Storage medium storing game program and game apparatus
Displayed on a screen are: a game field having a plurality of squares; and panels which are respectively associated with a plurality of players and each of which is provided with one or more connecting portions for forming a combined state with another panel. A panel is selected in accordance with an operation performed by each player. In accordance with the operation performed by each player, square selection selects, from the game field, a square on which the panel is to be placed. Panel placing places, on the square selected by the square selection, the panel selected by the panel selection. Combined state determination determines whether or not panels, associated with a same player, among a plurality of panels placed on the game field have formed a predetermined combined state via the connecting portions. Evaluation evaluates the predetermined combined state which the combined state determination has determined to have been formed. |
| US09370710B2 |
Methods for shuffling cards and rack assemblies for use in automatic card shufflers
Card-handling devices include a card-holding area and a card output shoe. The card output shoe includes a card-way for passage of cards from the card-holding area into a dealing-ready area. A movable gate is positioned between the card-way and the dealing-ready area to prevent cards in the dealing-ready area from re-entering the card-way. Card shufflers include a gate mounted to allow movement of randomized groups of cards from card-receiving compartments to proximate a terminal end plate of a card output shoe and to block movement of cards in an opposite direction. In related methods of moving cards, card movement through the card-way to the dealing-ready position is allowed by a movable gate and card movement from the dealing-ready position into the card-way is prevented by the movable gate. |
| US09370709B1 |
Blackjack/propositions and jackpots
The Applicants are proliferating a progressively modified process for playing blackjack. The use and display of standard or modified decks of cards, including the use of Joker cards is applied. This process engages an electronic gaming apparatus or “live action” table games, as accommodated for. Players initiate play via standardized Blackjack rules for “Primary & Secondary ‘Base’ play action(s).” As such, all customarily engaged wagers of variable risks are in play against the Dealer's hand. However, Players can now move into an Alternative Bypassing Strategy, and Secondary Decision-Propositions' process, where Proposition wagers are won or lost before the Dealer reveals their “Hole” card! Secondary Decision-Propositions' events, can be regularly rebooked as an alternate strategy for reaching a winning 20 or 21 outcome for the Player's hand. |
| US09370708B2 |
Curved safety component for a skating rink
A safety component for a skating rink. The safety component comprises a body portion connectable to a transparent barrier located above dasher boards of the skating rink, wherein upon impact the body portion is capable of at least partially absorbing impact forces. The safety component further comprises a curved rink-facing surface that provides a substantially convex curved surface facing the skating rink. The curved rink-facing surface has a radius of curvature suitable for redirecting the impact forces away from the convex curved surface. |
| US09370707B2 |
Adaptive mouth guard and method of use
A dental appliance is disclosed designed to protect a wearer's dentitions against injury from impacts suffered in sports or other activities that can cause chipping, fracturing, dislodging or evulsion of teeth. The appliance may be custom-fittable with at least one pocket having an energy absorbing fluid. The energy absorbing fluid be nanosuspensions of small particles in viscous fluids that can undergo shear thickening when the dental appliance is struck by an object. The appliance dampens and diffuses horizontal and axial forces and directs them away from dentitions thereby reducing the risk for dental injuries. |
| US09370706B2 |
Moving training device with speed controlled according to a physiological parameter of the user
The invention relates to a training device, which can comprise a drive that can be configured for the locomotion of the training device and a control circuit that can comprise an interface configured for receiving a physiological parameter of a user of the training device. The control circuit can be configured to specify a speed of the drive based on the received physiological parameter. |
| US09370704B2 |
Trajectory detection and feedback system for tennis
A system for capturing and analyzing a trajectory of a tennis ball or other object associated with a play of a game of tennis and providing feedback is described. The system may be designed to capture and analyze a trajectory of a tennis ball during various activities related to the play of a game of tennis. The system may be configured to provide immediate feedback that may be utilized by a player to improve their performance as well as provide entertainment value above and beyond what is normally associated with the play of a game of tennis. Further, the system may be operable for use in an area where tennis is normally played during normal playing activities, such as player playing a game or practicing on an outdoor tennis court. The system may be operable to account for factors associated with its ambient environment, such as wind, temperature and humidity. |
| US09370703B1 |
Golf swing correction apparatus using the moment of inertia
The present invention relates to a golf swing correction apparatus using the moment of inertia in which a shoulder turn is improved by the moment of inertia of a swing which is not scattered and concentrated on the shoulder by the correction apparatus of a weight made to restrict a motion of a preceding arm during a swing of golf, accuracy of the impact is improved by preventing the preceding arm from bending to the follow-through for making a constant swing arc, and the carrying distance is increased by a muscular strength properly developed from the weight training, thereby properly correct a swing motion of golf. |
| US09370702B1 |
Training aid for sports
A sports training aid for attaching a free end of a shaft of an article of athletic equipment to a resistance source, including at least one coupling member having two opposite ends. The first end is coupled to the free end of the shaft of the athletic equipment and the second end is coupled to the resistance source. |
| US09370701B2 |
Folding basketball goal
The invention disclosed is a foldable basketball goal apparatus that is usable as a basketball goal for playing the game of basketball in the active position. When in the folded, home position, the apparatus is usable as a sports table or for other activities requiring a table. The apparatus is made of a base, a frame assembly, and a basketball goal assembly. The basketball goal assembly is rotatable and slidable with respect to the frame assembly. The frame assembly is pivotally attached to the base. In the home position, the frame assembly is lowered to rest on the base and the basketball goal assembly is rotated 180 degrees and retracted beneath the table surface. A frame assembly partial table surface forms a complete table surface when in the home position, mated with base table surface portions. The rim is protected within the base structural frame when in the home position. |
| US09370700B2 |
Lacrosse stick with quickly adjustable pocket
A lacrosse stick head with a quickly adjustable pocket. |
| US09370698B2 |
Golf club head having a multi-material face
A golf club with a multi-material face is disclosed herein. More specifically, the golf club head in accordance with the present invention has a striking face that forms a pocket, wherein the pocket is filled with a secondary material having a lower density to improve the performance of the golf club head. The multi-material face disclosed in accordance with the present invention may generally have a characteristic time slope of greater than about 5 and less than about 50, wherein the characteristic time slope is determined based on the various data points collected according to the United States Golf Association's (USGA's) Characteristic Time (CT) test. |
| US09370697B2 |
Golf club head comprising multiple materials
A golf club head having an insert mechanically coupled to a frame. The construction allows a golf club head to be fabricated with a combination of dissimilar materials, resulting in a club head with improved performance. In some embodiments, the insert comprises an outer insert material, an inner insert material, and a sandwiched material. The sandwiched material may be constructed with a plurality of voids having a varying distribution, thereby resembling a biological structure. Methods for forming a golf club having an insert mechanically coupled to a frame are also disclosed. |
| US09370696B2 |
Golf club assembly and golf club with aerodynamic features
A golf club head includes a body member having a ball striking face, a crown, a toe, a heel, a sole, and a skirt extending between the crown and the sole and between the toe and the heel. The club head includes a drag-reducing structure that may include one or both of a continuous groove extending from a front portion to a rear edge of the toe, and along an entire length of the skirt, and a substantially V-shaped recess formed in the sole and having a vertex positioned proximate the ball striking face and the heel and away from the skirt and the toe, and a pair of legs extending to a point proximate the toe and away from the ball striking face, and curving toward the skirt and away from the ball striking face. |
| US09370692B2 |
Active cam device
An anchor assembly is described and which includes two bodies with a common axle between them and with a shaft mounted to each body distal to the axle, there being a plurality of lobes, each having a first end, a distal tip, and a raised portion, mounted on the shafts and axle, the shaft receiving lobes rotating in the opposite direction to the axle receiving lobes and with the lobes caused to rotate by a slideably moveable trigger from a first position with the tips below a horizontal plane defined by the shaft and axle centerline to a second position with the tips on the opposite side of the horizontal plane causing the anchor assembly to have a first dimension, and a second position where the rotation of the lobes causes the anchor assembly to have a second dimension which is lesser than the first dimension. |
| US09370690B2 |
Electronic device
A mobile telephone device includes a control unit that determines that a state is a state of walking or a movement state different from the state of walking, based on acceleration. In a case in which the control unit determines that a state is the movement state different from the state of walking, if a state immediately before determining the movement state different from the state of walking is the state of walking, the control unit makes the determination valid. As an example, the movement state different from the state of walking is a state of moving on a bicycle or a state of moving by transportation other than the bicycle. |
| US09370689B2 |
System and methods for providing dynamic integrated wellness assessment
Systems and methods for generating and using measurable indexes for providing a total wellness assessment of an individual are provided. A method includes computing an overall health score corresponding to the individual based on a plurality of weighting factors, the weighting factors based at least on health conditions associated with the individual. The method also includes determining a set of recommended changes for the individual based on the overall health score and generating an episodic plan for the individual, the episodic plan comprising a series of episodes for the individual that when completed will result in the individual having implemented the set of recommended changes. The method further includes generating a series of prompts for the individual, the series of prompts selected to guide the individual through the episodic plan. |
| US09370688B1 |
Multi-use exercise apparatus and methods
Multi-use exercise apparatus has a platform base with four spaced legs having non-skid lower surfaces. An elongated box member supports padded rollers mounted on an axle disposed laterally of box member and a releasable lock attaches the box member to a base. A base complemental socket fittingly releasably receives a box end. The lock has one biased lug engageable with a socket shoulder when box end is in socket, and a release lever to disengage the lug to permit removal thereof. Box member extends from socket at an acute angle to dispose the rollers above the base so that user's knee may engage a roller during some exercises. Other similar rollers are above the base such that user feet may engage same during other exercises. Differing thickness pads are releasably connected to form differing heights thereof for providing a user knee block limiting the squatting during some exercises. |
| US09370686B2 |
Treadmill
Disclosed is a treadmill which comprises: a main frame; a treadmill belt which is installed inside said main frame, and rotates in connection with the rotation of a support roller through an operation of a driving unit; and a pair of left and right support decks which are placed in an inner space of said treadmill belt, and support said treadmill belt when pressure is applied to an upper surface of said treadmill belt from an upper side, wherein said support decks are installed to move along a guide rail installed in said main frame in connection with the rotation of said treadmill belt and running of a user. |
| US09370684B2 |
Elastic band retention system
An elastic band or elastic strap retention system, used for example in exercise equipment, encompasses a pin with one end of the elastic strap wrapped around the pin and with a series of hog rings or other fastening devices encircling the wrapped assembly of elastic strap end and pin. The assembly is encapsulated in a ridged thermoplastic or thermoset resin system in order to inhibit the movement of the hog rings or other components of the assembly. The resulting attachment is stronger than the elastic material of the elastic strap. |
| US09370682B2 |
Exercise equipment assembly for overhead resistance
An exemplary embodiment of exercise equipment assembly of the present disclosure utilize a suspension apparatus provide resistance used in various exercise routines. The suspension apparatus is located parallel to and affixed at or below a ceiling of an exercise room such that the apparatus can provide a plurality of attachment points for one or more tensioning devices that are located generally above the position of an exercising user. |
| US09370681B2 |
Extremity supporting and ground surface sliding exercise system
An extremity supporting exercise system is described. The system includes two knee sliders and two hand sliders. Each knee slider includes a knee pad and a knee base. The knee pad includes a recessed portion that is adapted to receive a user's knee. A patella support is disposed within the knee portion to support the user's patella when using the knee slider. Alternatively, each hand slider includes a hand pad and a hand base. The hand pad includes a series of linger indentations that are flanked by thumb receptacles. Importantly, the knee base and hand base are formed of a rigid and slippery material to allow the sliders to easily slide across a ground surface. Thus, through use of the exercise system, a user can support their hands and knees while sliding the hands and knees across a ground surface to perform a variety of exercises. |
| US09370679B2 |
Multi-axis adjustable exercise machine
A multi-axis adjustable exercise machine which is pivotable about both a pitch axis and a roll axis with respect to a base for allowing an exerciser to perform a wide range of exercises on a pitched or rolled exercise machine. The multi-axis adjustable exercise machine generally includes an exercise machine which is adjustable with respect to a base. The exercise machine may be pivoted about a roll axis to adjust the roll angle of the exercise machine or may be pivoted about a pitch axis to adjust the pitch angle of the exercise machine. One or more actuators may be connected between the base and the exercise machine to effectuate the pivoting of the exercise machine about either or both axes with respect to the base. |
| US09370678B2 |
Table gym
A table gym and method of use is provided. The table gym may include a tabletop supported by a support frame, wherein the support frame provides telescoping portions movable from a retracted position to an extended position providing a plurality of inclinations of the tabletop. The table gym may include an upright standard with a flip-over pull-up bar that is pivotably connected to the tabletop so as to fold into and out of the tabletop upwardly facing surface. The tabletop may provide a folding ab bench removably attached thereto, wherein the ab bench may operatively engage the upright standard for performing various exercise routines. Alternatively, the ab bench could be move about the tabletop for performing other types of exercise routines or for eating and/or working at the tabletop. |
| US09370675B1 |
Foam generating apparatus and method for compressed air foam systems
An apparatus for generating foam for use in a compressed air foam system (CAFS) incorporates two plates housed in a chamber. A surfactant solution enters the chamber through an orifice in one plate. Pressurized air enters the chamber through a number of channels bored through the other plate, the channels appearing in an annular groove which circumscribes the solution inlet. The restricted area between the plates balances the pressure between the incoming solution and air by achieving an equilibrium at some particular radius out from the center of the two plates. A liquid, such as water or a surfactant and water solution, may optionally be introduced through an inlet into the chamber. The resulting mixture is fed through a main outlet positioned along the chamber wall. |
| US09370671B2 |
Method and device for determining an irradiation plan for a particle irradiation unit
An irradiation plan for a particle irradiation unit is determined in a first run based on a specified target volume in a test object and a specified dose distribution to apply the particle beam in the target volume. The target volume includes a plurality of isoenergy layers. The irradiation plan may be determined in a second run with an additional condition that at least one of the isoenergy layers, determined according to one or more criteria, is not irradiated. Alternatively, the irradiation plan may be determined in a second run with an additional condition that only certain isoenergy layers, determined according to one or more criteria, are irradiated. |
| US09370670B2 |
Gamma source tracking system
An embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a radioactive source tracking system adapted to determine in real time a spatial position of a gamma source in a volume, including a set of spatially distributed position sensitive detectors operable in real time arranged about the volume. The system includes a real time computer system adapted to calculate the spatial position per time stamp of the gamma source in the volume based on respective signals generated by the position sensitive detectors. In addition, the radioactive source is represented by a 3D or 4D data stream in real time. Other embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a method for tracking a radioactive gamma source and a computer program product for causing a processor to determine a real time 3D or a 4D spatial position of a gamma source. |
| US09370669B2 |
Display device
Embodiments provide a display device including a first pixel unit and a second pixel unit. The first pixel unit may be formed on a first display area of a substrate so as to display an image. The second pixel unit may be formed on a second display area at the outside of the first display area and emit light with a peak wavelength band of about 460 to about 470 nm. |
| US09370665B2 |
System and method for using diagnostic pulses in connection with defibrillation therapy
An external defibrillator system is disclosed that generates and applies a diagnostic signal to the patient in conjunction with defibrillation therapy. The diagnostic signal is designed to elicit a physiologic response from the patient's heart, namely, mechanical cardiac response and electrical cardiac response, electrical cardiac response only, or no cardiac response. Depending upon the type of cardiac response detected, the system selects an appropriate resuscitation protocol that considers the likely responsiveness of the patient to defibrillation therapy. In one practical embodiment, a stimulus signal is applied to patients that show mechanical and electrical capture in response to the diagnostic signal. The stimulus signal maintains the mechanical capture (and, therefore, perfusion) for a period of time prior to the delivery of a defibrillation pulse. |
| US09370664B2 |
Signaling error conditions in an implantable medical device system using simple charging coil telemetry
The disclosed techniques allow for externalizing errors from an implantable medical device using the device's charging coil, for receipt at an external charger or other external device. Transmission of errors in this manner is particularly useful when telemetry of error codes through a traditional telemetry coil in the implant is not possible, for example, because the error experienced is so fundamental as to preclude use of such traditional means. By externalizing the error via the charging coil, and though the use of robust error modulation circuitry in the implant designed to be generally insensitive to fundamental errors, the external charger can be consulted to understand the failure mode involved, and to take appropriate action. |
| US09370662B2 |
Methods and systems for controlling blood pressure by controlling atrial pressure
Systems and methods for controlling blood pressure by controlling atrial pressure and atrial stretch are disclosed. In some embodiments, a stimulation circuit may be configured to deliver a stimulation pulse to at least one cardiac chamber of a heart of a patient, and at least one controller may be configured to execute delivery of one or more stimulation patterns of stimulation pulses to the at least one cardiac chamber, wherein at least one of the stimulation pulses stimulates the heart such that an atrial pressure resulting from atrial contraction of an atrium overlaps in time a passive pressure build-up of the atrium, such that an atrial pressure of the atrium resulting from the stimulation is a combination of the atrial pressure resulting from atrial contraction and the passive pressure build-up and is higher than an atrial pressure of the atrium would be without the stimulation, and such that the blood pressure of the patient is reduced. |
| US09370658B2 |
System and a method for transcranial stimulation of a head region of a subject
A system for transcranial stimulation of a head region of a subject includes an electrode arrangement having a plurality of electrodes coupled to an electrode drive arrangement. The electrodes are operable to contact onto a scalp of the head region of the subject and the drive arrangement is operable to generate electrical signals for driving the plurality of electrodes to cause transcranial stimulation of the head region of the subject. The system further includes a monitoring arrangement for monitoring spatial positions of the plurality of electrodes relative to the head region of the subject, and for indicating positional errors of the electrodes for enabling repositioning of the electrodes and/or a change in the electrical signals applied to the electrodes, for providing improved transcranial stimulation of the head region of the subject and/or mutual relative positions of the plurality of electrodes. |
| US09370656B2 |
System, an apparatus, and a method for treating a sexual dysfunctional female patient
There is disclosed an apparatus for treating a sexual dysfunctional female patient, comprising a stimulation device adapted to stimulate an erectile blood flow passageway to increase the amount of blood in the female erectile tissue and thereby obtaining engorgement with blood of the female erectile tissue by affecting said erectile blood flow passageway. Moreover there is disclosed a system and an operation method for treating a sexual dysfunctional female patient. |
| US09370653B2 |
Medical leads with segmented electrodes and methods of fabrication thereof
In one embodiment, a method for fabricating a neurostimulation stimulation lead comprises: providing a plurality of ring components and hypotubes in a mold; placing an annular frame with multiple lumens over distal ends of the plurality of hypotubes to position a portion of each hypotube within a respective lumen of the annular frame; molding the plurality of ring components and the hypotubes to form a stimulation tip component for the stimulation lead, wherein the molding fills interstitial spaces between the plurality of ring components and hypotubes with insulative material; and forming segmented electrodes from the ring components after performing the molding. |
| US09370652B2 |
Desensitizing device
The desensitizing device contains an electrical stimulation member optionally configured on a support member. The electrical stimulation member contains a control circuit, at least two electrodes, and an electricity supply element. The electricity supply element provides electricity to the control circuit, and the control circuit generates a stimulating current to the electrodes. By configuring a male genital with the support member so that the electrodes are in contact with the penis skin, the stimulating current produced by the control circuit is conducted to the electrodes and provides a low-strength subcutaneous nerve stimulation through the penis skin. The subcutaneous nerve is as such temporarily numbed and desensitized. |
| US09370646B2 |
Devices, systems and methods for delivering fluid to tissue
In one aspect of this invention, control systems (100) are provided for controlling the inflation of a tissue tensioner or balloon for a fluid delivery system, such as for a needleless fluid injection device. In another aspect of the invention, a system for reducing the response time for jet injection of fluid is provided (200). In yet another aspect of the invention, systems and devices are provided for controlling the volume of fluid that is ejected from a fluid injection system, which systems include at least one stop (410) that is selectively rotated to limit the movement of a shaft (402) in a linear direction, thereby controlling the amount of fluid that is ejected from the system. |
| US09370638B2 |
Method to make tube-in-tube balloon
A tube-in-tube assembled parison for preparation of an elongated medical device. The parison if formed by assembling in tube-in-tube fashion a first tube of orientable polymer material and a second tube formed of orientable polymer material disposed around the first tube, with an adhesive tie layer disposed between the first and second tubes. The tubes are brought into contact to form a unitary parison. The adhesive may allow movement between the polymer layers during balloon blowing. The first tube, or the second tube, or both, may have been longitudinally pre-stretched after formation thereof but before assembly of the parison. |
| US09370628B2 |
Wireless microactuators and control methods
Embodiments of the present technology include a micromachined implantable drug delivery devices, grippers, and syringes that are wirelessly powered and controlled by frequency tuning of external radiofrequency (RF) magnetic fields. An illustrative device can be designed and constructed with passive circuitry and microvalves that operate without batteries, e.g., through thermal actuation of hydrogel microvalves and/or shape-memory alloy members. The frequency selectivity in the device control provides not only a path to achieving reliable and safe operation of drug delivery but also potential applications for selective delivery of multiple drugs. |
| US09370624B2 |
Assembly for use in a drug delivery device
The present invention relates to a piston for a cartridge for a drug delivery device comprising: at least one annular sealing surface to radially abut against an inner side wall of a cartridge, a distal surface to confine a drug receiving volume of the cartridge, a thrust receiving surface adapted to receive a thrust exerting plunger of a drug delivery device for displacing the piston in a proximal direction relative to the side wall, wherein the thrust receiving surface comprises numerous centering elements protruding from the thrust receiving surface towards the plunger and wherein the centering elements comprise an outer shape and geometry that matches with a corresponding receptacle of the plunger, and wherein the centering elements are arranged and aligned on the circumference of an imaginary annular or circular structure. |
| US09370621B2 |
Needle insertion systems and methods
A housing may have a needle, plunger, and bias mechanism supported within the housing by a tab configured to retain the plunger in position and to allow the plunger to move under bias force imparted by the bias mechanism to move the needle to an insert position when the tab is removed. A base and a structure may be configured for relative movement there between and may be adapted to be secured to a user with a cannula extending through a body of the structure into the user during use of a medical device. A housing may be adapted to be secured to a user to support a medical device operable with an insertion needle, the housing having a magnifying material for increasing visibility of an injection site. |
| US09370617B2 |
Carrier for patient fluids
A carrier for carrying patient fluids comprising a carrying frame, a support base, at least one container holder, attached to the carrying frame distal from the floor, configured to receive a container of medication, the container holder being movable between an upward position and a downward position, a holder activator spaced from the container holder and positioned between the container holder and the floor, coupled to the container holder, and configured such that the container holder moves toward a downward position in response to a first movement of the holder activator, and toward an upward position in response to a second movement of the holder activator. |
| US09370615B2 |
System and method for automated separation of whole blood
An apparatus for separating whole blood includes an access device for drawing whole blood from a source, a blood component separation device, a draw line, a draw pump, and a controller. The blood component separation device separates the drawn whole blood into a first blood component and a second blood component. The draw line fluidly connects the access device and the blood component separation device, and the draw pump draws whole blood from the source through the access device and draw line and into the blood component separation device. The controller controls fluid flow through the apparatus and operation of the draw pump. The controller also monitors the total volume of whole blood drawn from the source and the total volume of first blood component collected. The controller stops the draw pump when the first of a target whole blood volume is withdrawn or a target volume of first blood component is collected. |
| US09370614B2 |
Recirculation detection by administration of a bolus
Methods and devices implementing, for detecting a recirculation, at the side of a dialysis solution, by a blood-sided administration of a bolus are disclosed. Recirculation may be detected by: measuring a first light absorbance value (ad) of a dialysis solution (d) draining off a dialyzer using a spectrometer, prior to the administration of the bolus; venous administration of the bolus having a predefined volume (QBven) at the venous access; measuring a second light absorbance value (bd) of the draining dialysis solution using a spectrometer, after the administration of the bolus; and determining a change in the absorbance value between the first (ad) and second (bd) measured absorbance values due to the presence of a bolus in the dialysis solution during recirculation as a basis for the recirculation quantification. |
| US09370606B2 |
Scaffold-free self-organized 3D synthetic tissue
The present invention can be used for actual implantation surgery without a scaffold. The present invention provides a synthetic tissue or complex which can be produced by culture and has a high level of differentiation ability. The present invention also provides a therapy and medicament for repairing and/or regenerating tissue using replacement and covering. By culturing cells under specific culture conditions such that medium contains an extracellular matrix synthesis promoting agent, the cells are organized and are easily detached from a culture dish. The present invention was achieved by finding such a phenomenon. In addition, the self contraction of the tissue can be regulated by culturing the tissue in a suspended manner. Therefore, it is possible to regulate the three-dimensional shape of the tissue. The present invention also provides a method for producing an implantable synthetic tissue which does not require a plurality of monolayer cell sheets assembled to form a three-dimensionally structured synthetic tissue. The present invention is characterized by richness in adhesion molecules, nonnecessity of additional fixation at an implantation site, and good biological integration. |
| US09370604B2 |
Planar implant
A planar implant for replacement of biological tissues includes a layered structure includinga) a lyophilized pericardium layer of biological origin, andb) at least one sponge-like layer of lyophilized extracellular protein. |
| US09370601B2 |
Dextran-based polymer tissue adhesive for medical use
A tissue adhesive formed by reacting an aminodextran containing primary amine groups with an oxidized dextran containing aldehyde groups is described. The dextran-based polymer tissue adhesive is particularly useful in medical applications where low swell and slow degradation are needed, for example sealing the dura, ophthalmic procedures, tissue repair, antiadhesive applications, drug delivery, and as a plug to seal a fistula or the punctum. |
| US09370599B2 |
Coil assembly for plasma generation
A coil assembly for generating plasma, is disclosed. The coil assembly includes a cylindrical coil having a cylindrical inner mesh, a cylindrical outer mesh and a cylindrical dielectric separating the inner and outer meshes, an insulating stand at each of the first and second end of the cylindrical coil configured for mounting the cylindrical coil in an elevated position, wherein supply of voltage to the inner and outer meshes generates plasma which is discharged from the outer mesh. |
| US09370597B2 |
Air purifier
An air purifier has a lower base, an upper cover, and a middle sector in between to accommodate a blast component, a light-emitting element, a control unit, and a power supply base. The middle sector has an air intake, a passage, and an air outlet hidden inside the upper cover. The upper space of the upper cover has a fluid communication with the exterior via the air intake and a lower annular gap between the lower base and the middle sector. The upper space of the upper cover is connected to the accommodating space of the lower base via the passage. The accommodating space of the lower base has a fluid communication with the exterior via the air outlet and the upper annular gap between the middle sector and the upper cover. |
| US09370596B2 |
Fan device with air guide function
A fan device with air guide function, which contains at least a fan device and is characterized by comprising an air guide frame, wherein the said air guide frame is composed of at least two layers inclined guide which are configured as a symmetrical geometrical shape or at least two layers of arc-overlapped inclined guide which forms a arc-overlapped air guide frame, and are both connected by the securing elements. By the combination of the fan device and both embodiments of the air frame guide, the present invention is applicable to guide the air flow propelled from the fan with a prolonged air path in the space and provides higher air molecule freedom by the effect of more frequent collision which results each loose air molecule has larger surface area existing and moving in the air flow, enables a better indoor air circulation and forms comfortable and nature breeze. |
| US09370594B2 |
Volatile material dispenser and method of retaining only compatible refills thereby
A method of retaining only compatible refills by a volatile material dispenser includes the step of providing a dispenser having a housing and at least one movable latch disposed within the housing. The method further includes the steps of providing a compatible refill that includes a container for holding a volatile material and a wick extending from the container and inserting the refill into the housing so that the refill actuates the movable latch into engagement with a structure disposed on a neck of the refill to retain the refill within the housing. The incompatible refills are incapable of actuating the movable latch, and thus, the movable latch does not retain the incompatible refills within the housing. |
| US09370593B2 |
Modular multifunction fragrance emitter
Solid fragrance carriers are received in a cavity in between a replaceable shell and a permeable screen of a base that is further housing a heating element, a vertical portion of a ventilation channel and a fan. The solid fragrance carriers are evenly directly aerated by a forced air stream that is evenly heated by passing through the screen positioned around and irradiated by the central heating element. A large storage capacity of the cavity provides for long operation time between refills. Design freedom of the replaceable shell provides for associative shell shapes adaptable to varying themes, characters or consumer goods. The screen and shell may be light permeable for a decorative illumination of the solid fragrance carriers, which may be also color coded for visual scent mixture identification. Conventional liquid fragrance carriers may also be contained in a chalice at the top of the base. |
| US09370590B2 |
Methods and stabilized compositions for reducing deposits in water systems
A stabilized mixed oxidant solution may be produced by flowing a starting solution (e.g., salt brine, hypochlorous acid, and/or sodium hypochlorite) through a flow-through electrochemical module including first and second passages separated by an ion permeable membrane while electric power is applied between an anode and cathode in electrical communication with the first and second passages, respectively. An initially acidic anolyte solution received from the first (anode) passage is stabilized by elevating pH to yield a stabilized mixed oxidant solution. Methods of using the mixed oxidant solution are further provided. |
| US09370588B2 |
Luciferin amides
This disclosure relates to luciferin amides of formula (I) shown below: Each variable in formula (I) is defined in the specification. These compounds can be used to detect fatty acid amide hydrolase activities in vitro, in live cells, or in vivo. |
| US09370587B2 |
Coloring substance for diagnostic ophtalmologic use
The present invention relates to a substance selected from the group consisting of riboflavin, its esters, salts and hydrates thereof, for use in an ophthalmic diagnostic method. In preferred aspects of the invention, the riboflavin is applied into the eye as part of a solution having a concentration from about 0.01 and 0.5% riboflavin or acceptable salt, ester, hydrate thereof. |
| US09370581B2 |
Carbohydrate conjugates as delivery agents for oligonucleotides
The present invention provides iRNA agents comprising at least one subunit of the formula (I): wherein: A and B are each independently for each occurrence O, N(RN) or S; X and Y are each independently for each occurrence H, OH, a hydroxyl protecting group, a phosphate group, a phosphodiester group, an activated phosphate group, an activated phosphite group, a phosphoramidite, a solid support, —P(Z′)(Z″)O-nucleoside, —P(Z′)(Z″)O-oligonucleotide, a lipid, a PEG, a steroid, a lipophile, a polymer, —P(Z′)(Z″)O-Linker-OP(Z′″)(Z″″)O-oligonucleotide, a nucleotide, an oligonucleotide, —P(Z′)(Z″)-formula (I), —P(Z′)(Z″)- or -Linker-R; R is LG, -Linker-LG, or has the structure shown below: LG is independently for each occurrence a carbohydrate, e.g., monosaccharide, disaccharide, trisaccharide, tetrasaccharide, oligosaccharide, polysaccharide; RN is independently for each occurrence H, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, or benzyl; and Z′, Z″, Z′″ and Z″″ are each independently for each occurrence O or S. |
| US09370579B2 |
Templated native silk smectic gels
One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of preparing a fibrous protein smectic hydrogel by way of a solvent templating process, comprising the steps of pouring an aqueous fibrous protein solution into a container comprising a solvent that is not miscible with water; sealing the container and allowing it to age at about room temperature; and collecting the resulting fibrous protein smectic hydrogel and allowing it to dry. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of obtaining predominantly one enantiomer from a racemic mixture, comprising the steps of pouring an aqueous fibrous protein solution into a container comprising a solvent that is not miscible with water; sealing the container and allowing it to age at about room temperature; allowing the enantiomers of racemic mixture to diffuse selectively into the smectic hydrogel in solution; removing the smectic hydrogel from the solution; rinsing predominantly one enantiomer from the surface of the smectic hydrogel; and extracting predominantly one enantiomer from the interior of the smectic hydrogel. The present invention also relates to a smectic hydrogel prepared according to an aforementioned method. |
| US09370576B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition having improved flowability, medicinal agent, and method for producing and using same
The invention relates to the field of pharmaceutics, in particular, to solid pharmaceutical composition comprising 2-amino-2-[2-(4-octylphenyl)ethyl]propane-1,3-diol or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, stabilizer, lubricant and filler; to method for preparation of pharmaceutical composition, to medicaments for immune suppression and treating multiple sclerosis. 2-Amino-2-[2-(4-octylphenyl)ethyl]propane-1,3-diol represents an immune modulator, which causes redistribution of lymphocytes from blood flow into secondary lymphoid tissue that leads to immune suppression. The invention provides uniform distribution of the active ingredient in the solid composition, high stability and improved flowability of the solid pharmaceutical composition. Due to the improved flowability the compositions suggested in the invention can be used on automated equipment. |
| US09370573B2 |
Polyamide compositions for personal care
Polyamide compositions useful for personal care are disclosed, including film-forming concentrates and emulsions. Ethanol-based concentrates comprise a hydrophobic polyamide, which comprises a reaction product of either (a) a dimerized fatty acid, at least one C2-C4 carboxylic acid, and a polyamine component comprising ethylenediamine and 1 to 30 eq. % of one or more di- or triamines; or (b) a dimerized fatty acid, at least 50 wt. % of a C16-C22 unsaturated carboxylic acid, and at least one C2-C6 diamine. Personal care applications for the concentrates, including continuous sunscreens, fragrant body sprays or splashes, anti-acne medications, are included. Water-in-oil emulsions comprising the hydrophobic polyamides are storage-stable and provide water-resistant SPF for products such as sunscreens and body lotions. |