| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09403747B2 |
Methods and compositions for treating leukemia
The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating leukemia by cyclohexenone compounds. |
| US09403744B2 |
Process for the production of alkyl ethers by the etherification of isobutene
Process for the production of alkyl ethers by the etherification of isobutene, contained in C4-C5 hydrocarbon streams, with linear alcohol, in the presence of acid catalysts, comprising the following essential steps: a) feeding the isobutene contained in C4-C5 hydrocarbon cuts, together with one or more streams containing linear alcohol, to a first reaction step; b) sending the stream leaving the first reaction step to a first distillation area, separating a light stream from a heavy stream containing the desired ether; c) feeding the light stream separated in the first distillation area, together with one or more streams containing linear alcohol, to a second reaction step; d) sending the stream leaving the second reaction step to a second distillation area separating a light stream from a heavy stream containing ether, C4 hydrocarbons and alcohol which is recycled to the first distillation area; e) sending the light stream in the second distillation area to a recovery section of the linear alcohol contained therein; f) recycling the linear alcohol recovered in the recovery section to at least one of the two reaction steps. The present invention relates to plant solutions which allow the alcohol/isobutene molar ratio to be increased in the reaction steps and therefore maximizing the conversion of isobutene. |
| US09403743B1 |
Ether lubricant synthesis using electrolytically generated alcoholate anions
Processes for producing long chain ethers from via alkoxides using fatty acid containing feedstocks. In an embodiment, a long chain ether may be prepared by reacting a long chain alkoxide with an alkyl halide. In another embodiment, a long chain ether may be prepared by reacting an alkoxide with a halide derivative of a long chain secondary alcohol. In an embodiment, a long chain alkoxide may be generated electrolytically by feeding the corresponding long chain alcohol to a suitable electrolytic cell. In another embodiment, a long chain alkoxide may be prepared by reacting a long chain alcohol with a light alkoxide. In an embodiment, the light alkoxide may be generated electrolytically from a volatile alcohol. |
| US09403740B2 |
Process for separation and recovery of olefin from mixture of paraffin and olefin
The invention provides a process for separation and recovery of an olefin from a mixture of a paraffin and an olefin, contains a separation membrane containing a porous substrate and a zeolite layer that is formed on a surface and/or in a surface layer of the substrate, the zeolite layer being a hydrophilic zeolite layer that has an Si/Al ratio of 1.3 Si/Al 3.5 and a separation factor α, which is expressed by a value of a water/IPA weight ratio of a permeated component divided by that of a feed component in a pervaporation test at a temperature of from 40 to 75° C. of a water-isopropanol mixture containing from 15 to 30% by weight of water, of 10 a 4,000. |
| US09403735B2 |
Fluidized bed reactor and process for producing olefins from oxygenates
The present invention provides a fluidized bed reactor and its use for producing olefins from oxygenates, the fluidized bed reactor comprises: a reaction zone located in the lower portion of the fluidized bed reactor and comprising a lower dense phase zone and an upper riser, wherein the dense phase zone and the riser are connected with each other transitionally; a separation zone located in the upper portion of the fluidized bed reactor and comprising a settling chamber, a fast gas-solid separation means, a cyclone and a gas collecting chamber, wherein the riser extends upwardly into the separation zone and is connected at its outlet with the inlet of the fast gas-solid separation means, the fast gas-solid separation means is connected at its outlet with the inlet of the cyclone via a fast gas passage, the cyclone is connected at its outlet with the gas collecting chamber, and the gas collecting chamber is located below the reactor outlet and connected therewith; and a catalyst recycle line for recycling the catalyst from the settling chamber back to the dense phase zone, a catalyst withdrawl line for withdrawing the deactivated catalyst from the settling chamber and/or the dense phase zone to the catalyst regeneration means, and a catalyst return line for returning the regenerated catalyst from the catalyst regeneration means to the dense phase zone. |
| US09403734B2 |
Method for producing organic acids and organic acid degradation compounds from biomass
A method and integrated reactor system are provided for producing one or more organic acids, organic acid degradation compounds, and combinations thereof, from various types of biomass, including sludge from a pulp and paper mill. |
| US09403730B2 |
Hydroseeding substrate and methods of use
A hydroseeding substrate and a hydroseeding slurry for seeding of grass and other vegetation are disclosed. The hydroseeding substrate includes mulch and a cover composition including bentonite clay and cellulosic water dispersible polymer or starch. Other desired optional ingredients may also be included. Methods of forming a hydroseeding slurry and methods of using the slurry for seeding are also disclosed. |
| US09403729B1 |
Composition and method for pelletized compost
A compost that has been previously cured is subjected to a variety of processes and additional components to result in a pelletized form suitable for commercial and residential applications. A phosphorous component, a potassium component, a lime component, and a plant growth component are added to the fully cured compost to produce a secondary compost. The secondary compost is treated with microwaves to adjust the ration of aerobic to anaerobic bacteria. |
| US09403725B2 |
Inserting inhibitor to create part boundary isolation during 3D printing
A 3D printing system may print a desired 3D object. A fusible powder may fuse when subjected to a fusing condition. A deposition system may deposit portions of the fusible powder on a substrate. A fusing system may apply the fusing condition to the deposited fusible powder. Inhibitor material may not fuse when subjected to the fusing condition. An insertion system may insert a portion of the inhibitor material between portions of the deposited fusible powder after having been deposited by the deposition system, but before being fused by the fusing system, so as to form a boundary that defines at least a portion of a surface of the desired 3D object. |
| US09403722B2 |
Sintered objects and processes for producing same
Provided is a sintered object which has excellent resistance to corrosion by corrosive halogen gases and by the plasmas thereof and has excellent thermal conductivity and excellent electrical conductivity. The sintered object has few limitations on design, is usable in a wide range of applications, and is highly versatile. The sintered object has no frequency dependence when a high-frequency voltage is applied thereto and with which it is possible to actualize the stability of a plasma. Also provided is a method for producing the sintered object. Furthermore provided is a high-frequency transmission material which has direct-current electrical conductivity for reducing fluctuations in plasma potential and has capacitive properties that enable the material to transmit high-frequency power necessary for plasma excitation, and which has no fear of causing contamination of a sample with a metal and has resistance to corrosion by plasmas. |
| US09403721B2 |
Composite ceramic material comprising zirconia
The invention relates to a composite ceramic material which comprises: (a) a first phase based on zirconia containing CeO2 as stabilizer, and (b) a second phase based on an aluminate. The invention also relates to a ceramic powder composition, processes for the preparation of the composite ceramic material and the ceramic powder composition as well as uses thereof. |
| US09403718B2 |
Process for calcining blending material with high activity by feeding outside kiln head and apparatus thereof
Disclosed is a process for calcining active blending material involving feeding material outside of a kiln head and the blending material obtained. The process comprises feeding material from outside of kiln head of rotary kiln into inside of kiln hood and to grate cooler, wherein the material is coal gangue, shale, clay, peat, mud and the like which can form active cement component through low temperature calcining, and calcining the material at low temperature. Disclosed also is a cement production apparatus for carrying out the process provided, comprising feeder nose(s) provided on the kiln hood and/or grate cooler for feeding the material. |
| US09403715B2 |
Glass ceramics having low rhodium levels
A glass ceramic precursor glass and a glass ceramic having low levels of rhodium and a method of controlling the amount of rhodium in such glasses and glass ceramics. The precursor glass and glass ceramic contain from about 1 ppm to about 10 ppm and, in certain embodiments, from about 1 ppm to about 6 ppm rhodium. The method of controlling of reducing rhodium dissolution from a rhodium-containing material such as, for example, an alloy into a glass melt comprises controlling and/or lowering the partial pressure of oxygen at the rhodium-containing vessel/glass interface by imposing a high humidity condition around the external (non-glass-contact) surface of the rhodium-containing material. The lower concentration of rhodium minimizes its coloring effect on the white color of the glass ceramic. |
| US09403712B2 |
Conductive doped metal-glass compositions and methods
Provided herein are conductive glass-metal compositions, as well as methods of making and using such compositions. In one example, the compositions include gold (Au) doped lithium-borate glasses shown to exhibit a transition from ionic to electronic conduction within the same sample. This is achieved via appropriate heat treatment, and particularly by heat treatment after annealing, wherein the post-annealing heat treatment is performed at temperatures below the glass transition temperature (Tg). The methods described herein are believed to introducing polarons formed from the trapping of electrons at partially ionized gold atoms. This unique electrical response provides new functionality to this class of nanocomposites. Additionally, increased thermal conductivity can be provided to an otherwise low conductive glass composition using the inventive methods and other subject matter provided herein. |
| US09403711B2 |
Apparatus and method for manufacturing cover window
A cover window manufacturing apparatus includes a plurality of fixed plates, a plurality of moving plates, a plurality of molds and a driver. The plurality of fixed plates is layered and spaced apart at a distance from each other. The plurality of moving plates is layered, spaced apart at a distance from each other and respectively disposed under the plurality of fixed plates. A plurality of connection members integrally connects the plurality of moving plates with each other. The plurality of molds is respectively provided on the plurality of moving plates, and inner spaces for molding the cover window are respectively defined in the plurality of molds. The driver is coupled to one of the plurality of moving plates, and is configured to move the plurality of moving plates towards the plurality of fixed plates such that the plurality of molds are pressed to the plurality of fixed plates. |
| US09403708B2 |
Apparatus and method for thermal hydrolysis of organic matter
The invention relates to an apparatus for thermal hydrolysis of organic matter, wherein a heating element (2) and a cooling element (4) are provisioned to heat up or cool down the organic matter. Heat exchangers are provisioned as heating element (2) and cooling element (4) which exchange heat between the organic matter and a medium. The organic matter and the medium are separate relative to each other within the heat exchangers. A throttle (9) and a decompression tank (10) are provisioned between the heating element (2) and the cooling element (4). |
| US09403707B2 |
Pentaerythritol core, phosphonic acid terminated dendrimer and its preparation method
A pentaerythritol core, phosphonic acid terminated dendrimer, its preparation method and application are provided. A preparation method of the pentaerythritol core, phosphonic acid terminated dendrimer (PETA-ADA-12PO3H2) comprises steps of processing Michael addition reaction on pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (C(CH2OCOCH2=CH2)4) and alkylidene diamine (NH2CH2(CH2)nNH2), wherein n is an integer from 1 to 5, so as to obtain pentaerythritol core, amino group terminated dendrimer, and modifying the amino group by methylene phosphonic acid to obtain the PETA-ADA-12PO3H2 having a chemical formula of C[CH2OCOCH2CH2N(CH2PO3H2)CH2(CH2)nN(CH2PO3H2)2]4, wherein n is an integer from 1 to 5. The PETA-ADA-12PO3H2 has a high calcium tolerance, and excellent inhibiting efficiency of calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate and barium sulfate, which is applied in inhibiting the formation and deposition in the industrial water systems of circulating cooling water, oilfield flooding and reverse osmosis, and particularly suitable for water treatment with high calcium tolerance. |
| US09403705B2 |
Water treatment method and apparatus therefor
In a water treatment method and an apparatus therefor, after an anionic polymer flocculant is added to water to be treated, granulation is performed by stirring, and solid-liquid separation is then performed to obtain treated water, and flocs which are not disintegrated by a shearing force during stirring and have a preferable settling property can be formed, so that the quality of treated water is also improved. Particularly, a water treatment method includes a flocculating step of adding an anionic polymer flocculant to water to be treated to form flocculated flocs, a subsequent granulating step of stirring the water to be treated to granulate the flocculated flocs, and a solid-liquid separation step of performing solid-liquid separation of generated granulated substances, wherein a cationic polymer flocculant having a cationic group rate of 10 to 50 mole % is added to the water to be treated before the anionic polymer flocculant is added. |
| US09403703B2 |
Guanidine-based polymers for separation processes
Cationic polymers and methods for using the same are provided. The method can include contacting an aqueous medium with a cationic polymer. The cationic polymer can include a polymer formed by reacting an aldehyde, and optionally an aldehyde-reactive compound, in the presence of a sufficient amount of guanidine to provide the polymer with a net cationic charge. |
| US09403702B1 |
Commodity water purifier
The invention provides systems and methods for purification of fluids such as water and air. The fluids are passed through a filter comprising chlorhexidine citrate (CXC), wherein either in the same filter or downstream from it a sorbing mixture of porous calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate and activated carbon is also provided. The invention enables rapid, economical fluid purification without byproducts. The materials can be regenerated for reuse, and the invention can be used for either high volume applications or disposable single-use applications. |
| US09403695B2 |
Filtration medium comprising a carbon oxychalcogenide
Described herein is a filtration medium comprising a carbon substrate having a surface of COxEy, wherein E is selected from at least one of S, Se, and Te; and wherein x is no more than 0.1 and y is 0.005 to 0.3; a filtration device comprising the filtration medium; and methods of removing chloramines from aqueous solutions. |
| US09403694B2 |
System for processing brines
The present invention provides a geothermal based heat utilization system for just about preventing scaling of geothermal fluid in a heat exchanger, comprising a mixing unit upstream to a heat exchanger of said system and in which separated brine, steam condensate and non-condensable gas portions are mixed so as to just about reconstruct the geothermal fluid to just about equilibrium conditions such that dissolved solids are assured not to precipitate in the heat exchanger. |
| US09403687B2 |
Method for preparation of amorphous silica from biomass
A method for preparation of amorphous silica from biomass. The method includes pyrolyzing the biomass under anaerobic conditions to yield a pyrolysis gas and solid residues, collecting the pyrolysis gas, and calcining the solid residues under aerobic conditions to yield amorphous silica. |
| US09403682B2 |
Method for producing nanocarbon and catalytic reaction device for producing nanocarbon
A cylindrical screw feeder main body, catalyst feeding portions for introducing a catalyst into the screw feeder main body, low hydrocarbon feeding portions for introducing a low hydrocarbon into the screw feeder main body as a raw material, a screw for conveying the catalyst and nanocarbon produced by pyrolysis of the low hydrocarbon in the feeder main body, a solid matter discharging portion for discharging the catalyst and the nanocarbon conveyed by the screw out of the screw feeder main body and a gas discharging portion for discharging the unreacted low hydrocarbon and hydrogen produced by the pyrolysis of the low hydrocarbon out of the screw feeder main body are provided. Nanocarbon grown with the catalyst as top with time is continuously discharged out of the screw feeder main body while unused catalyst is being fed thereto at the same amount as that of nanocarbon, allowing efficient continuous reaction. |
| US09403681B2 |
Ammonia oxidation catalyst for the production of nitric acid based on metal doped yttrium ortho cobaltate
The present invention relates to a catalytically active component of a catalyst, which comprises single phase oxides, based on a metal doped yttrium ortho-cobaltate oxide systems, methods for the oxidation of ammonia 5 and hydrocarbon in the presence of said catalytically active component and the use thereof. |
| US09403679B2 |
Hydrogen generator and product conditioning method
A hydrogen generator that includes a solid fuel mixture, a liquid reactant, a liquid delivery medium (LDM), a movable boundary interface (MBI), a reaction zone, wherein the MBI provides constant contact between a reacting surface of the solid fuel mixture and the liquid reactant delivered by the LDM to form the reaction zone, and a product separation media, fluidly coupled to the reaction zone by a fluid junction, that degasses a product. The hydrogen generator may further include auxiliary LDMs disposed throughout the hydrogen generator, wherein said auxiliary LDMs may be operated based on a ratio of the liquid reactant flow rate to the hydrogen generation rate. |
| US09403677B2 |
Micro-electromechanical semiconductor component
The micro-electromechanical semiconductor component is provided with a semiconductor substrate (4, 5), a reversibly deformable bending element (8a) made of semiconductor material, and at least one transistor that is sensitive to mechanical stresses, said transistor being designed as an integrated component in the bending element (8a). The transistor is arranged in an implanted active region pan (78a) that is made of a semiconductor material of a first conducting type and is introduced in the bending element (8a). Two mutually spaced, implanted drain and source regions (79, 80) made of a semiconductor material of a second conducting type are designed in the active region pan (78a), a channel region extending between said two regions. Implanted feed lines made of a semiconductor material of the second conducting type lead to the drain and source regions (79, 80). The upper face of the active region pan (78a) is covered by a gate oxide (81a). In the area of the channel region, a gate electrode (81) made of polysilicon is located on the gate oxide (81a), a feed line likewise made of polysilicon leading to said gate electrode. |
| US09403669B2 |
Balanced loading arm without a base for transferring a fluid product
The invention provides a balanced arm (201) for transferring a fluid product, having a transfer compass comprising an inner transfer member (208) and an outer transfer member (221), articulated together, and a counterweight system (203) for balancing the transfer compass, characterized in that the compass is installed on a turntable (215) rotatable about a vertical axis, to rotationally drive the transfer compass about that axis, and the balancing system comprises at least one counterweight (207; 207′) mounted so as to be able to turn about an axis (206) of horizontal general orientation, on a support (251) fixed to the turntable and functionally linked to the inner transfer member to provide the balancing of the transfer compass. |
| US09403668B2 |
Device for processing containers with container alignment
A device for production of drinks containers may include a forming device which transforms plastic preforms into plastic containers, a filling device which is arranged after the forming device in the transport direction of the plastic containers and fills the plastic containers with a fluid, and a transport device which transports the plastic containers individually from the forming device in the direction of the filling device along a prespecified transport path. The device includes, along the transport path, an alignment device which aligns the plastic containers at least partially in relation to a rotary position about their longitudinal axis. |
| US09403664B2 |
Operating device and moving apparatus including operating device
The present invention provides techniques relating to an operating device exhibiting superior dust resistance and water resistance, and more particularly to an operating device exhibiting few design restrictions and a small assembly operation load, and to a moving apparatus including the operating device. In an operating device having, in a casing, a detection unit for detecting input relating to an instruction to operate a driving device that drives movement of an object, a plurality of the detection units are arranged over a partial or entire range of a circumference of the casing in accordance with movement directions of the object. |
| US09403655B2 |
Post-processing device having shifted sheets
A sheet post-processing device includes a tray, an evacuating member, a regulating member mounted on the tray, and a feed mechanism. The tray can receive sheets thereon. The evacuating member temporarily evacuates, from a conveyance path, sheets being conveyed, stacks the evacuated sheets into a pile, and conveys the pile of sheets onto the tray through the conveyance path. The feed mechanism includes a spongy elastic member and moves the pile of sheets along the tray toward the regulating member. When stacking three or more sheets into a pile, the evacuating member performs the stacking such that, in the pile conveyed to the tray, an edge of each intermediate sheet protrudes toward the regulating member beyond an edge of an uppermost sheet and an edge of a lowermost sheet. |
| US09403651B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body, a sheet feeding cassette, an image forming section, a delivery member, a conveying member, a lift plate, a driving section, a first switching section, a second switching section, and a driving control section. The conveying member is disposed in the reverse conveying path. The lift plate is enabled to change a position thereof between a sheet feeding position and a retracting position. The first switching section transmits the driving force to the delivery member and the conveying member. The second switching section transmits the driving force to the lift plate. The driving control section controls the first switching section, with the lift plate being placed in the sheet feeding position, to rotate the delivery member, and when the sheet is conveyed through the reverse conveying path, moves the lift plate from the sheet feeding position to the retracting position. |
| US09403650B2 |
Sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus
In a sheet feeding device, when a leading end of a recording sheet is guided to a nip region along a leading end portion of a sheet guide member in contact with a surface of a separation roller, the leading end of the recording sheet slides and moves on surfaces of projected end portions to be guided to the vicinity of the nip region, and the leading end of the recording sheet passes through the nip region quickly. Hence, a sheet feed error is much less likely to occur. Since a distance from recessed end portions to the nip region is longer and the leading end of the recording sheet is in contact with the separation roller for a longer time right after passing the recessed end portions until reaching the nip region, even though a plurality of recording sheets is stacked, the recording sheets are separated one by one by the separation roller, preventing a multi-sheet feed of the sheets. |
| US09403640B1 |
Portable lined acid storage tank
A storage tank containing a suspended liner for the supply and storage of a full strength corrosive liquid such as a strong acid or base, the liner suspended within the storage tank from several locations by upper suspension straps from above held in place by corrosive resistant rods through rod suspension supports from the ceiling of the storage tank, and by a plurality of tie clips integrated within the suspended liner attaching to a plurality of suspension hooks placed within the interior of the storage tank to fully deploy the suspended liner to fill and to dispense the corrosive liquid within the suspended liner from the storage tank. |
| US09403636B2 |
Metering valve
A metering valve for an aerosol receptacle, is provided with a valve body having an internal chamber (17) for contact either with the internal face of the valve or with the external face of the valve, a stem (41) provided with closure means (42) and placed partly inside the internal chamber (17) for moving between a closed position in which the internal chamber contacts the internal face of the valve, but isolated from its external face, and an open position in which the internal chamber contacts its external face but isolated from its internal face, and a reservoir (R) able to be filled with the stem in the closed position and emptied with the stem in the open position. The reservoir is on the side of the internal face of the valve, outside the valve body, contacting its internal chamber, and formed by at least one flexible membrane (2). |
| US09403631B2 |
Waterproof hermetically-sealed electronic product protection device
A waterproof hermetically-sealed electronic product protection device includes a body and at least a covering element. The body has a receiving space and at least an opening in communication with the receiving space. The body has a positioning section at the periphery of the at least an opening. The at least a covering element has a protective portion and an engaging portion circumferentially disposed at the periphery of the protective portion. The engaging portion is engaged with the positioning section of the body, such that the at least a covering element covers the at least an opening, and the receiving space is airtight. Hence, not only is the engaging portion engaged with and fixed to the positioning section, but the receiving space is also waterproof and airtight to thereby provide electronic product protection and enable users to operate an electronic product with the protective portion directly. |
| US09403630B2 |
System, method and apparatus for gift bag binding
A binding device for attaching a plurality of gift bags together, the binding device including a body portion having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, an upper section, a middle section, and a lower section. A first fastener is proximate the first end; and, a complementary second fastener is proximate the second end, the complementary second fastener for releasably engaging the first fastener. A first crease is between the upper section and the middle section; and, a second crease is between the middle section and the lower section. The middle section includes a first engaging member dimensioned to engage at least one first gift bag strap having a first size, and a second engaging member dimensioned to engage at least one second gift bag strap having a second size different than the first size, the first engaging member being larger than the second engaging member. |
| US09403629B2 |
Keyed caps for containers and devices and systems related thereto
In some aspects, a keyed cap for a container is provided. Furthermore, in some aspects, a keyed container device including a container and the keyed cap for the container is also provided. Still further, in some aspects, a keyed containing system including a container, keyed cap for the container, and an electronic device having a keying element that is adapted to mate or otherwise fit with a specific keying element on the keyed cap. If a keyed cap has a keying element that does not correctly correspond to a specific keying element on an electronic device, then the keyed cap will not properly mate with the keying element on the electronic device. For example, the two keying elements that do not match may not fit sufficiently far enough within each other to permit the piercing member on the electronic device to reach a septum on the cap. |
| US09403628B2 |
Vented beverage can and can end
A beverage can end has a vent that includes a button. The vent is actuated by downward force of a pull tab that is transmitted to the vent score through the button. |
| US09403627B1 |
Coupler for securing an object to a structural support member through a void
A coupler having a semi-rigid support member and two extrusions. The extrusions can be secured against opposing sides of a container. Each of the extrusions is fitted through a void on each of the opposing sides. The coupling can provide structural support when the extrusions are securely fitted into the void. Each of the extrusions can include an insertable end, a non-insertable end, a trunk, and a set of tertiary pawls extending from the trunk and the primary pawl. The tertiary pawls can be positioned between the insertable and non-insertable ends along a longitudinal axis of the coupler. The insertable end can be able to fit through a void from the frontside to the backside. The trunk can terminate at the insertable end in the primary pawl. The base pawl can be able to be secure the coupler against the frontside surface of the void. |
| US09403626B2 |
Proppant storage vessel and assembly thereof
A proppant storage vessel has a container having a first end wall, a second end wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a top wall and a bottom wall. The first and second end walls extend between opposite ends of the first and second side walls. The walls define an interior volume of the container. The walls have a rigidity suitable for retaining no less than 30,000 pounds of proppant therein. A top hatch is formed centrally on the top wall and is movable between an open position and a closed position. A bottom batch is formed generally centrally on the bottom wall of the container and is movable between an open position and a closed position. |
| US09403624B2 |
Device and method for dispensing a beverage and imaging contrast agent
A device and method are provided for storing a prefilled liquid beverage, receiving an oral contrast imaging agent that is mixed with the prefilled liquid beverage, and dispensing a resulting beverage/oral contrast imaging agent mixture. The device has a body defining a chamber for storing the prefilled liquid beverage. A closure is movable between a closed position for sealing the prefilled liquid in the chamber, and an open position for (i) introducing the oral contrast imaging agent into the chamber for mixture with the prefilled liquid beverage, and (ii) dispensing the beverage/oral contrast imaging agent mixture. The device may include first graduations, a time scale and second graduations. The body defines a substantially smooth, axially extending patient information surface including thereon a plurality of marking spaces and respective patient information indicia associated with each marking space for marking thereon information relating to a respective patient. |
| US09403620B2 |
Silica container and method for producing the same
A silica container contains a substrate having a rotational symmetry, containing mainly a silica, and gaseous bubbles in a peripheral part of the substrate; a transparent silica glass in an inner peripheral part of the substrate; and an inner layer, formed on an inner surface of the substrate and containing a transparent silica glass; wherein the substrate contains Li, Na, and K in a total concentration of 50 or less ppm by weight; the substrate has a linear light transmittance of 91.8% to 93.2% at a light wavelength of 600 nm; the inner layer contains Li, Na, and K in a total concentration of 100 or less ppb by weight and at least one of Ca, Sr, and Ba in a total concentration of 50 to 2000 ppm by weight; and the inner layer has a linear light transmittance of 91.8% to 93.2% at a light wavelength of 600 nm. |
| US09403617B2 |
Collapsible containers
Disclosed are various embodiments of containers that may be collapsible. In one embodiment, the container includes a first pliable end panel and a second pliable end panel that are attached to multiple pliable side panels. Each pliable side panel has a respective side panel support member attached thereto. The second pliable end panel includes a first closable flap. The first closable flap comprises a second closable flap. |
| US09403616B2 |
Laminar blank for assembling polyhedra, corresponding polyhedron and method of assembly
The present invention relates to a laminar blank for assembling polyhedra which comprises at least three arrises (2a, 2b). Each of the arrises (2a, 2b) comprises: a first tab (4) projecting from the arris (2a, 2b) and forming a fold line, at least two closure grooves (12) provided in said arris (2a, 2b), a second fold-in tab (6) projecting from the first tab (4) and forming at least one fold-in line (30), a closure flange (10) projecting from the second tab (6) and aligned with a closure groove (12), and a third tab (8) projecting from one of the side edges (22) of the first tab (4) and being foldable with respect to the first tab (4) for cooperating with the adjacent arris (2b). The invention also relates to a polyhedron formed from laminar blanks according to the invention, as well as to a method of assembly. |
| US09403614B2 |
Method for producing a re-closable-container
A method for producing a re-closable container. The method includes sealing a lidding film (10) on the upper surface (6) of the peripheral flange (5) and on the upper surface (11) of the peripheral frame member (9). During the sealing step, the bridging elements (13) of the discontinuous die-cut line (12) are broken by displacing the peripheral frame member (9) by means of the seal tool to a lower level than the peripheral flange (5). When opening the container, the lidding film (10) is peeled off from the container body (1) but stays adhered to the peripheral frame member (9) of the lid (2). The container can easily be opened since the bridging elements (13) between the lid (2) and the container body (1) are broken during the heat sealing step. |
| US09403608B2 |
Gravimetric dispensing system
A gravimetric dispensing system for dispensing a predetermined quantity of liquid into a container. The system has a base structure with a weighing apparatus and a support stand for retaining a container disposed to receive a quantity of liquid. The weighing apparatus supports the support stand to provide a determination of a weight of the support stand, the container, and any liquid deposited into the container, and a receptacle collects any leaked liquid, including liquid from the container or where the container is missing. The receptacle can be removable and can include at least one tank. The receptacle can have a bottom, an opening in the bottom to permit spacing from the weighing apparatus, and ledges surrounding the bottom and the opening. The receptacle can be fixed or removable, such as upon removal of the support stand. A locating formation can engage a corresponding formation on the base structure. |
| US09403606B2 |
Spacecraft radiator panels
Spacecraft, radiator panels for spacecraft, kits for radiator panels, inserts associated with radiator panels, heat pipes associated with radiator panels, external structural reinforcement members associated with radiator panels, and methods of assembling radiator panels are disclosed herein. Some radiator panels include at least one insert that is positioned adjacent to a heat pipe between two spaced-apart face-sheets, with the insert being configured to secure a package to the inside face-sheet opposite of the heat pipe. Some radiator panels include at least one external structural reinforcement member that extends across an external side of the radiator panel. |
| US09403605B2 |
Multiple stage tractor propulsion vehicle
A multiple stage orbital delivery vehicle that uses tractor propulsion to launch the vehicle into space. Only the upper stage of the vehicle includes an engine and avionics allowing the lower stages to be only liquid propellant tanks that may be dumped when empty. The liquid propellant may be either monopropellant or bi-propellant. The upper stage may include multiple nozzles that burn the propellant. Alternatively, the upper stage may include an aerospike engine instead of nozzles. The multiple stage orbital delivery vehicle may be air launched from an airborne aircraft or may be launched from the ground. |
| US09403600B2 |
Integrated thermal protection and leakage reduction in a supersonic air intake system
An air intake system suitable for a supersonic vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a channel comprising an inlet and a side wall and a plenum coupled to the side wall. The plenum is configured to accept a flow of coolant. In certain embodiments, the coolant is the waste coolant from an on-board electronics cooling system. The system also includes a porous region in the side wall configured to allow a flow of bleed air from the channel through the porous region of the side wall into the plenum so as to aid the transition to supersonic flow. In certain embodiments, the flow of the bleed air is reduced at supersonic speeds by pressurization of the plenum with the coolant. |
| US09403599B2 |
Inlet section of an aircraft engine nacelle
A nacelle inlet for an aircraft engine of a type having an engine fan case with a forward flange includes an acoustic inner barrel having a forward edge and an aft edge, an outer shell having a nose lip portion with a trailing inner edge, and an outer barrel portion having an aft portion. The nacelle inlet also includes an aft attachment flange configured to attach the inlet to the forward flange of the engine fan case, and an aft bulkhead having an aft end and connecting the outer barrel portion of the outer shell to the aft attachment flange. The forward edge of the acoustic inner barrel is connected to the trailing inner edge of the nose lip portion, and the aft portion of the inner barrel is attached to the aft attachment flange. |
| US09403598B2 |
Heated inflation system
A system and method for inflating an inflatable device is disclosed. The system includes an inflation cylinder configured to hold a gas mixture under pressure, a heating element configured to selectively heat the gas mixture and a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the gas mixture. A control module is coupled to the heating element and the temperature sensor. The the control module controls heating of the gas mixture based on the measured temperature, a mass of the gas mixture and a volume of the inflation cylinder. |
| US09403594B2 |
Adjustable payload enclosure for wing
An enclosure for carrying an adjustable payload. The enclosure is beneficially used on a rotorcraft blade or other similar structure. The enclosure has a first element having a first flange and an upper element. The first element has an upper surface which has a first angle with respect to a lower surface of the first flange in a direction extending from an inboard direction to an outboard direction. The upper element has a lower surface which has a second angle with respect to an upper surface of said upper element in a direction extending from an inboard direction to an outboard direction, the lower surface being in contact with the upper surface of said first element, the second angle being in a direction which is opposite to the direction of said first angle. The first element and the upper element define a cavity for holding a payload. |
| US09403593B2 |
Distributed unmanned aerial vehicle architecture
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for a distributed system architecture for unmanned air vehicles. One of the methods includes obtaining information identifying flight information of a UAV, with the flight information including flight phase information or a contingency condition associated with a flight critical module included in the UAV. The obtained information is analyzed, and one or more first payload modules are determined to enter a modified power state. Requests to enter the modified power state are caused to be transmitted to each determined payload module in the one or more first payload modules. |
| US09403592B2 |
Two-stage secondary piston for landing gear
A shock strut is disclosed. The shock strut may have multiple pistons and multiple chambers. In this manner, the shock strut may compress different lengths for different applied forces at different points during its stroke. |
| US09403587B2 |
Jack plate for an outboard motor
A jack plate for vertically raising and lowering an outboard motor mounted on a boat. The jack plate comprises a motor lift and a jack plate mounting assembly. The jack plate mounting assembly has a transom plate and a pair of spacing brackets with jack plate rails. The motor lift has a pair of bearings that are interlocked to a lift plate. The motor lift is slidably situated within the jack plate rails. Complementary geometries of the outer side edges of the lift plate and inner edges of channels in the bearings, as well as the spacing between the jack plate rails, provide a pressure fit that secures the lift plate between the bearings once the bearings are inserted into the jack plate rails. |
| US09403586B2 |
Jet propelled watercraft
A jet propelled watercraft includes a prime mover, a jet pump driven by the prime mover and jetting water from a jet port, a reverse gate changing a direction of the jet flow jetted from the jet pump, a shift actuator capable of moving the reverse gate to a plurality of shift positions, a reverse gate operator configured to set a position of the reverse gate, and a controller configured or programmed to prohibit startup of the prime mover when it is determined that the reverse gate operator is being operated. |
| US09403578B1 |
Bicycle sprocket assembly and bicycle rear sprocket assembly
A bicycle sprocket assembly comprises a first sprocket, a second sprocket, a first intervening member, and a second intervening member. The first sprocket includes a first sprocket body and a first chain-engagement structure. The second sprocket includes a second sprocket body and a second chain-engagement structure. The first intervening member is positioned between the first sprocket and the second sprocket in an axial direction parallel to a rotational center axis. The second intervening member is positioned between the first sprocket and the second sprocket in the axial direction. The second intervening member is provided radially outwardly from the first intervening member with respect to the rotational center axis. The second intervening member is attached to at least one of the first sprocket and the second sprocket and has an elongated shape extending along a first reference plane perpendicular to the rotational center axis. |
| US09403577B2 |
Bottom bracket unit for a bicycle
A bottom bracket unit including a bottom bracket axle (1), at least one bearing (2, 3) that receives the bottom bracket axle (1) in a rotatable manner, and an optical detection unit (11), by which a rotational speed of the bottom bracket axle (1) can be detected. The optical detection unit (11) measures at least one signaling device (12) that is rotationally fixed to the bottom bracket axle (1). The aim of the invention is to provide a bottom bracket unit that can also detect the rotational direction of the bottom bracket axle in addition to the rotational speed of the axle. This is achieved in that the optical detection unit (11) has two optical sensors (17), with one of these sensors (17) providing a signal that is phase-shifted with respect to the other sensor (24) having a fixed phase difference, in particular with a phase difference of 90°. |
| US09403575B2 |
Method for reducing the steering torque of a two-wheeler when negotiating curves
A method for reducing the steering torque of a two-wheeler when negotiating curves. For the case that the front wheel is braked while negotiating a curve, the damping in an adaptive steering stamper is increased as a function of at least one state variable characterizing the negotiation of a curve. |
| US09403574B2 |
Integrated cast motorcycle chassis and motor housing
This invention comprises a frame for an electric motorcycle. Electric motorcycles have vastly different component requirements compared to internal combustion engine motorcycles, and, therefore, require a radical redesign of the frame in order to maximize the efficiency of the system. |
| US09403572B2 |
Bicycle frame with internal cable routing and method for making the same
A method of making a portion of a bicycle frame including positioning a low-friction mandrel adjacent a flexible mandrel with a first fibrous material in between. The mandrels are wrapped with second fibrous material, and the mandrels are inserted into a mold. The second fibrous material is cured to produce a cured assembly, the cured assembly is withdrawn from the mold, and the low-friction mandrel is removed from the cured assembly to produce an internal passageway. The flexible mandrel can includes a recess, and the step of positioning can include inserting the low-friction mandrel into the recess of the flexible mandrel. Preferably, the low-friction mandrel has a cross sectional shape that substantially matches a cross-sectional shape of the recess. The invention is also embodied in a portion of a bicycle frame, such as a portion of the frame during the manufacturing process, and having similar features as recited above. |
| US09403568B2 |
Adjusting structure for seatpost of bicycle
An adjusting structure for a seatpost of a bicycle includes a telescopic post and at least one adjusting module. The telescopic post includes at least one switch disposed on one end of the telescopic post, wherein the switch is for lengthening or shortening the telescopic post. The adjusting module is disposed on the telescopic post corresponding to the switch and for pushing the switch. |
| US09403565B2 |
Track pin retention system and method
The disclosure may provide a method of forming a track assembly. In the method, a track pin may be disposed within a first through hole of a first track link and within a second through hole of a second track link. A force may be applied to a tool positioned in a first position to plastically deform a first portion of the first track link which surrounds the first through hole, to thereby form a first connection between the track pin and the first track link. A force may be applied to the tool positioned in a second position to plastically deform a second portion of the first track link which surrounds the first through hole, to thereby form a second connection between the track pin and the first track link. The second connection may be formed after the first connection. |
| US09403564B1 |
Dynamically adjustable airfoil system for road vehicles
The dynamically adjustable airfoil system for road vehicles includes a pair of airfoils having their respective inner ends pivotally mounted to a central, vertical base on the rear of a road vehicle. An airfoil lift assembly is coupled to an outer end of each airfoil and to a rear wheel suspension system to facilitate dynamic adjustable positioning of the airfoils in response to movements of the suspension system. A split flap is pivotally mounted to each airfoil. A split flap actuator assembly is mounted inside each airfoil and coupled to a corresponding split flap to selectively and independently open or close the respective split flap. Opening of the split flap to various angles increases downforce exerted on the rear suspension system for improved performance. A controller controls deployment and angular disposition of the split flaps, depending on driving conditions. |
| US09403563B2 |
Vehicle drag reduction apparatus
Drag reduction apparatus (18) attachable to a vehicle (10) wherein the drag reduction apparatus has a hollow duct section (21) having an open bottom end (43, 44) and a front wall (35) and a pair of opposed side walls (30, 31) wherein the front wall (35) and each side wall (30, 31) have a plurality of air outlets (42, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 32, 33, 34) and a hollow air intake section (19) in fluid communication with the hollow section (21) having at least part thereof (87) in use spaced from a vehicle roof (13) and unsupported by the vehicle roof (13). |
| US09403562B2 |
Moving body side section structure
In a moving body side section structure that includes a flow correction fin 1A that is provided on a side section of a moving body, the flow correction fin includes a first inclined portion 1Ae which is formed at a front end in the longitudinal direction of the moving body and in which a width in a width direction of the moving body is widened toward a rear side in the longitudinal direction of the moving body, and a second inclined portion 1Af which is formed further rearward than the first inclined portion 1Ae in the longitudinal direction of the moving body and in which the width in the width direction of the moving body is narrowed toward the rear side in the longitudinal direction of the moving body. |
| US09403560B2 |
Work vehicle
A work vehicle includes a driver's seat in a front section of the vehicle body. A rear seat is behind the driver's seat and includes a seat portion and a back portion. A link member is supported by the vehicle body to allow switching between a seating mode and a storage mode. The seating mode arranges the back portion behind the seat portion. The storage mode arranges the back portion in a position anterior to the position in the seating mode. A carrier bed is in a rear section of the vehicle body. The link member is disposed on an outer side and can act or function as an arm rest. |
| US09403559B1 |
Helicopter transport apparatus
A helicopter transport apparatus comprising a multi-wheel trailer comprising a platform, a torsion bar axle and suspension system, a hydraulic power unit, hydraulic lift cylinders, a winch, and a means of adjusting the height of the trailer over the range of elevations required for loading, unloading, and transporting a helicopter. |
| US09403557B1 |
Breakaway vehicle fender device
A breakaway vehicle fender device including a fender frame having an outer fender frame portion and a frangible inner fender frame portion disposed at an overlap and joined at a welded joint. The inner fender frame portion includes a heat treated inner section and a non-heat treated circumferential outer edge. The inner fender frame portion includes a plurality of breakaway crevices disposed in a vertically oriented row. The inner fender frame portion is disposed between a vehicle door and the outer fender frame portion and is configured to bend or fracture in response to a force by a user upon the vehicle door. |
| US09403556B2 |
Wheel assembly kinematic enhancement device
An automotive vehicle includes a wedge fixed by shear connections to a structural member. Upon application of a rearward force, the wedge shears free and moves between the structural member and a wheel assembly where it rotationally displaces a vehicle tire. The rearward force also laterally displaces the body of the vehicle. The wedge is tethered to the structural member. |
| US09403554B2 |
Rotation angle sensor, in particular steering angle sensor for a steering unit
The invention concerns a rotation angle sensor, in particular a steering angle sensor (1) for a steering unit, with a housing (2) comprising an exterior (8), a pick-up sensor (7) arranged in a sensor chamber in the housing (2) to perform rotary movements around a rotation axis, and a stationary receiver interacting with the pick-up sensor (7). It is endeavored to make such steering angle sensors fit for rough environmental conditions. For this purpose, the sensor chamber is connected to the exterior (8) via at least one free space (16). |
| US09403551B2 |
Apparatus comprising a body support frame and means for manoeuvring this frame with respect to a sports board
According to the invention, there is provided a frame (4) for a sports board (2) with a length direction (X) and a width direction (Y), wherein the frame comprises a base frame portion (6) for mounting the frame on the sports board along the length direction of the sports board, a supporting frame part (8) provided with a frame connection (18) with the base frame portion, wherein the width direction (Y) of the supporting frame part (8) is in use substantially parallel to the length direction (X) of the sports board (2), at least one handle (46, 48) attached to the base frame portion (6) along the width direction (Y) of the supporting frame part (8), a seat (36) for supporting a bottom of a user in use, wherein the seat (36) is attached to the supporting frame part (8) aligned with the at least one handle, wherein a front side (37) of the seat is substantially parallel to the width direction of the supporting frame part (8), wherein the frame connection comprises an in at least a length direction of the supporting frame part (8) moveable connection between the supporting frame part and the base frame portion, such that the seat is moveable along a first trajectory along the length direction of the supporting frame part relative to the base frame portion (6). |
| US09403545B2 |
Tools for railway traffic control
Tools (such as system, apparatus, methodology, etc.) may be provided to control traffic over a railway track section, when a railway worker is working on or near the track section. Move particularly, when traffic over the track section is to be blocked, a release code is generated and sent to an electronic contact address of the railway worker. Traffic through the track section is blocked until the release code is entered in the system. |
| US09403543B2 |
Train suspension system
A suspension system for a train vehicle includes at least one inerter to minimize track wear. Track wear may be measured by direct measures such as wear work, or indirect measures such as yaw stiffness. “Minimizing” track wear means that such measures are reduced below values which are achievable with conventional technology while maintaining acceptable values of other performance metrics, such as ride comfort or least damping ratio. The suspension system may comprise at least one damper connected in series with the at least one inerter. The suspension system may be the primary or the secondary suspension system of a train vehicle. |
| US09403541B2 |
Portable railcar sill step extender
A portable railcar sill step extender adapted to a sill step of a railcar, the portable railcar step comprising an elongated member having two longitudinal ends and two substantially parallel surfaces, a first receptacle disposed on a first plane substantially parallel to the two substantially parallel surfaces, a second receptacle disposed on a second plane, the second plane disposed at from about 8 degrees to about 12 degrees from the two substantially parallel surfaces and a locking device. Each of the first receptacle and the second receptacle is adapted to receive the sill step and the locking device is adapted to be removably applied at one of the first receptacle and the second receptacle to prevent the elongated member from sliding off of the sill step in a longitudinal direction of the elongated member. |
| US09403539B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling a locomotive consist
A locomotive assembly including a legacy locomotive controller and an intercept locomotive controller and a method of controlling a locomotive are disclosed. The locomotive assembly includes a locomotive having a power bus, a primary power unit coupled to the power bus, and a legacy locomotive controller programmed to transmit control signals to the primary power unit. The locomotive assembly further includes an intercept locomotive controller programmed to receive a control signal indicating an requested amount of locomotive power from the legacy locomotive controller, allocate a portion of the requested amount of locomotive power to an auxiliary power unit, and control the auxiliary power unit to deliver the portion of the amount of locomotive power to the power bus. |
| US09403538B2 |
Efficient sand tub heater
An efficient sand tube heater including a flexible heating element wrapped around a sand tube. The flexible heating element and sand tube are then surrounded by a heat sensitive sheathing. Heat is applied to the heat sensitive sheathing such that the heat sensitive sheathing shrinks around the flexible heating element and sand tube such that the flexible heating element remains in contact with the sand tube. |
| US09403536B2 |
Driver assistance system
A driver assistance system for a combine harvester includes an ALU configured to receive two or more desired areas of improvement from an operator, and to calculate at least one control action that will improve the two or more areas of improvement. |
| US09403534B2 |
Method for operating a hybrid drive device of a motor vehicle and hybrid drive device and electronic control unit
In a method for operating a hybrid drive device of a motor vehicle, which has at least two different drive assemblies, especially an electric machine and an internal combustion engine, that are able to be connected to at least two drive trains of the motor vehicle, during the reconnecting of one of the drive assemblies, particularly from a first to a second of the drive trains, or from the second to the first drive train, and/or during a synchronization, a replacement torque substantially corresponding to the torque produced by the one drive assembly is able to be provided by an additional one of the drive assemblies by the at least partial closing of a clutch. |
| US09403532B2 |
Closed-loop transmission integration with forward and/or reverse assist system
The present invention provides a method of reducing the output speed of a transmission in a vehicle, whereby the transmission includes a speed sensor and a controller and the vehicle includes a proximity sensor. The method includes measuring the output speed with the speed sensor and comparing the measured output speed to an output speed threshold. The controller receives throttle percentage and compares the throttle percentage to a throttle threshold. The method further includes receiving an input signal from the proximity sensor and comparing the input signal to a signal threshold. The output speed of the transmission can be controlled based on the values of the measured output speed, throttle percentage, and input signal. |
| US09403527B2 |
Method for controlling a hybrid automotive vehicle and hybrid vehicle adapted to such a method
A method is provided for controlling a hybrid automotive vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine, and an electric machine connected to an energy storage system includes a) during a mission of the vehicle, estimation of the temperature of the energy storage system at the beginning of a next mission of the vehicle, and b) if the temperature estimated at step a) is below a threshold value, recharging, before the end of the current mission (If the vehicle, the energy storage system on the basis of the temperature estimated at step a). In a step c), if the energy storage system has been recharged at step b), then, at the beginning of the next operating period of the vehicle, the energy storage system is heavily discharged. With this method, the battery rapidly reaches the desired temperature when driving off again at the beginning of the next mission. |
| US09403526B2 |
Electrically driven dump truck
A vehicle control device 50, a controller 100, an inverter control device 30 and a steering control device 32 constitute a control device that executes control to give a yaw moment to a vehicle 1 so as to make the vehicle 1 travel while meandering around the center of trolley wires 3R and 3L based on image information acquired by a camera 15. The control device converts an image acquired by the camera 15 into coordinate information, calculates at least one representative point of the vehicle 1 and at least one target point situated on the trolley wire 3R/3L based on the coordinate information, sets a fluctuating point which fluctuates with reference to the target point, and executes control to give a yaw moment to the vehicle 1 so that the representative point approaches the fluctuating point. With this configuration, uneven wear of the sliders can be prevented and the operating load on the driver during the trolley traveling can be lightened considerably. |
| US09403525B2 |
System and method of controlling shift
A shift control system and method that determine whether an ABS is operating in a running vehicle to operate a transmission of the vehicle are provided. The system determines whether the vehicle can be shifted to a neutral stage (N) based on vehicle conditions. A shift control signal is then generated and transmitted to a transmission to execute a shift of the vehicle to the stage N. |
| US09403522B2 |
Heater system media bed float sled and method of using the same
A float sled comprising a body with a substantially flat upper surface, a lift plate operationally associated with the body and adapted to move from a first position in proximity to the upper surface of the body to a second position above the first position and above the body, a set of pneumatic air bag lifts associated with the lift plate to raise and lower the lift plate to various horizontal orientations with differing degrees of tilt, and an air bearing adapted to raise the body above the ground. |
| US09403520B2 |
Valve for controlling fluids
The disclosure relates to a valve for controlling fluids, including a valve body defining a passage opening, a tapering valve seat formed on the valve body, a closing element configured to open up and to close off the passage opening at the tapering valve seat, and a protruding region adjoining the tapering valve seat. The protruding region extends over only part of a circumference of the tapering valve seat. |
| US09403519B2 |
Vehicle brake system
The object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle brake system capable of appropriately setting an upper limit value of hydraulic pressure of a by-wire brake during stopping of a vehicle in accordance with conditions. When the vehicle is stopped, a maximum allowable drive voltage calculation unit sets a maximum allowable drive voltage to V2, and sets a brake pressure generated by a motor to P2. When the vehicle is stopped, if a duration time of stopping of the vehicle or a duration time of generation of the brake pressure exceeds a reference value, the maximum allowable drive voltage calculation unit sets the maximum allowable drive voltage to V3, and sets the brake pressure generated by the motor to P3 which is lower than P2. |
| US09403518B2 |
Brake system for a vehicle and method for operating a brake system of a vehicle
A brake system for a vehicle includes: a main brake cylinder with a floating piston able to be shifted at least partially into the main brake cylinder, and a brake medium storage device into which a specified storage volume of a brake medium is able to be transferred without counterpressure, the brake medium storage device being hydraulically connected via an electrically controllable first valve to the main brake cylinder in such a way that, in response to a shifting of the floating piston partially into the main brake cylinder by a shift travel that is below a shift travel limit corresponding to the storage volume, a brake medium volume less than the specified storage volume is transferred without counterpressure from the main brake cylinder into the brake medium storage device. |
| US09403516B2 |
Method for controlling a brake actuation of a hybrid vehicle simulator
The invention relates to a method for controlling the activation of a brake of a hydraulic vehicle brake system of a hybrid vehicle which can be braked by the generator mode of an electric drive motor. The invention proposes equipping the vehicle brake system with an electromechanical brake booster and generating a pedal force at a brake pedal with the brake booster when braking by the generator mode of the electric drive motor occurs. |
| US09403515B2 |
Pressure transmission device for a vehicle, power-assisted braking system and method
A pressure transmission device for a power-assisted braking system of a vehicle; at its inlet, the pressure transmission device being connectible in a hydraulically operative manner to a master brake cylinder of the power-assisted braking system, and at its outlet, the pressure transmission device being connectible in a hydraulically operative manner to a wheel brake cylinder of the power-assisted braking system; the pressure transmission device including an accumulator and a linkage, which transmits a pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet to the accumulator and stores it in this. |
| US09403508B2 |
Wiper control method and wiper control device
An electric motor is subjected to PWM duty control based on a target speed (tgt spd) set according to a position of a wiper blade. After a deceleration start position of wiping operation, the electric motor is driven at a PWM duty value (sld sta duty×Ksd) obtained by multiplying a PWM duty value (sld sta duty) at the deceleration start position by a predetermined deceleration coefficient (Ksd) set according to the blade position. The deceleration coefficient (Ksd) is set according to the position of the wiper blade based on a ratio (tgt spd/pek tgt spd) between the target speed (pek tgt spd) of the wiper blade at the start of deceleration and the target speed (tgt spd) of the wiper blade. |
| US09403503B2 |
Gas bag arrangement with a device for controlling an outlet cross-section of a vent opening
A gas bag arrangement for a vehicle occupant restraint system is provided. The gas bag arrangement comprises a gas bag inflatable by a gas generator to protect a vehicle occupant, whose envelope defines an interior space of the gas bag that can be filled with gas, a vent opening through which gas can flow out of the gas bag, and a device for controlling the outlet cross-section of the vent opening, which comprises at least one covering part with which the vent opening can be covered, in order to at least partly close the same, and which furthermore comprises an actuating mechanism which interacts with the covering part, in order to vary the outlet cross-section of the vent opening. The actuating mechanism includes an additional gas source and an element different from the gas bag and inflatable by means of the gas source. |
| US09403500B2 |
Airbag device
An airbag device is disposed beneath the lateral surface of a driver's seat backrest facing a front passenger seat, and beneath the lateral surface of a front passenger seat backrest facing a driver's seat. The air bag device has first and second airbags that are inflatable and deployable upon a collision of a vehicle equipped with airbag device. The inflated and deployed first airbag has a depressed portion on its outer side in a vehicle width direction near the shoulder of an occupant, and the second airbag inflates and deploys so as to fill the depressed portion. Upon the collision of the vehicle, when the body size of the occupant is greater than or equal to a predetermined size, only the first airbag inflates and deploys, whereas when the body size is smaller than the predetermined size, the first and second airbags inflate and deploy. |
| US09403497B2 |
Transmission devices and method for transmitting an electric current to a component of a steering wheel of a motor vehicle
In one form, the invention relates to a transmission device for transmitting an electric current to a component of a steering wheel of a motor vehicle, including a rotor which is to be arranged on the steering wheel such that it is rotatable along with the steering wheel; a stator which is to be arranged on a component of the vehicle that is stationary as compared to a rotary movement of the steering wheel; at least one conductor element by which the rotor is electrically connected with the stator; and a temperature determination device for determining the temperature of the conductor element or in the region of the conductor element. In another form, the invention also relates to a method for transmitting an electric current to a component of a steering wheel of a motor vehicle. |
| US09403496B2 |
Communication system, movable-body-mounted apparatus, terminal device, and center server
Provided is a communication system capable of enhancing convenience for remotely operating a movable-body-mounted apparatus mountable in a movable body such as a vehicle. For example, a communication system includes a movable-body-mounted apparatus including: a movable body information storage part which stores movable body information including a received signal quality of a radio wave used for communication to/from a center server and information on a vehicle; a separation determination part which determines whether or not a user who moves along with the vehicle is separated from the vehicle; and a movable body information notification part which notifies the user of the movable body information stored in the movable body information storage part when the separation determination part determines that the user is separated from the vehicle. |
| US09403484B2 |
System for controlling the adjustment of a side rearview device
The invention relates to a system for controlling the adjustment of a side rearview mirror mounted on a vehicle, where the system comprises at least one side rearview mirror operated by a motor controlled by a control unit, wherein the system comprises at least one direction guide, where the direction guide comprises at least one gyro, where sensing devices in contact with the gyro determines a change in direction of the vehicle and provides corresponding output data, where the control unit comprises a data processor provided for determining the adjustment of the rearview mirror, where the processor is adapted for reading output data from the sensing device and based on at least the sensing device output provide a control signal for the motor operating the mirror and where the motor is adapted for adjusting the mirror accordingly. |
| US09403479B2 |
Vehicle and vehicle seat belt system
A vehicle having seat belt system is provided. The vehicle includes a D-ring having a light source, a belt strap passing through the D-ring, a tongue connected to the belt strap, a buckle, and a controller programmed to illuminate the light source in response to a detected trigger condition. |
| US09403473B2 |
Scooter lift canopy
A canopy for a scooter lift may be used to protect items placed upon a lift at the rear of a car from the environment. The canopy may be retrofitted to an existing lift or may be an integral part of a lift. The canopy is supported by a frame and a series of ribs that fold out and an accordion type fashion. A zipper may be used to hold the canopy and a retracted position. Hooks may be included to attached the unfurled, open canopy to the platform of a lift. |
| US09403469B2 |
Lift for attachment to vehicles
A lift for attachment to a vehicle is described. The lift includes a hitch assembly with a hitch receiver insert, a first support member, and a second support member. Each of the two support members may include an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion oriented at an angle with respect to the associated lower portion. The support members may be mounted to the hitch assembly, at locations separated by a first offset, and may be mounted to a platform assembly, at locations separated by an equivalent second offset. As a lifting mechanism mounted to the hitch assembly provides a lifting force to one of the support members, the platform assembly is raised from a lowered position to a raised position, with a platform included in the platform assembly being maintained, by way of the two equivalent offsets, in a substantially horizontal orientation over the course of travel. |
| US09403467B2 |
Utility vehicle
A utility vehicle includes: a chassis (1); a seat (6) arranged on the chassis; a cargo bed (8) arranged behind the seat and supported in a freely rotatable manner about a pivot (11) of the chassis so as to be changeable between a dumping position in which a front portion of the cargo bed is raised and a normal position in which the front portion of the cargo bed is not raised; a holding part (12) for biasing the cargo bed toward the dumping position so as to hold the cargo bed; and a support rod (101) provided separately from the holding part and supporting the cargo bed at the dumping position. |
| US09403463B2 |
Panel-shaped seat back frame and seat back having the same
There is provided a panel-shaped seat back frame used for a seat back of a vehicle seat. The panel-shaped seat back frame includes a basic frame member configured by a metallic rod-shaped material, and a panel-shaped forming member which is made of a hard foamed resin and covers the basic frame member. |
| US09403460B2 |
Vehicle seating assembly having a climate controlled seat utilizing a plenum volume and flexible hoses
A vehicle seating assembly includes a vehicle seat having a body. The body includes a center portion and four corner portions. A breathable coverstock covers a seating surface of the body. A plenum chamber is disposed below the body and is configured to receive and store a fluid. A cupped nozzle is disposed at each of the center portion and four corner portions. Each cupped nozzle includes a tapered base and a wide mouth proximate the coverstock. Fluid passageways extend through the body and connect the plenum chamber with the tapered base of each of the cupped nozzles. Pressurized fluid from the plenum chamber flows through the passageways to the cupped nozzles to deliver targeted airflow to a seated passenger. |
| US09403459B2 |
Supporting unit structure of vehicle seat
A supporting unit structure of a vehicle seat includes: a rubber elastic body; a seat-connected member; and a floor-connected member. An inner peripheral portion of the rubber elastic body is fastened to either one of the seat-connected member or the floor-connected member by a fastening member that penetrates the inner peripheral portion, and an outer peripheral portion of the rubber elastic body is fastened to the other one of the seat-connected member or the floor-connected member. The other one of the seat-connected member or the floor-connected member is provided with a stopper portion that abuts the fastening member in a radial direction of the fastening member when the seat-connected member and the floor-connected member are relatively displaced by more than a predetermined distance. |
| US09403457B2 |
Headrest, vehicle seat
There is provided a headrest including a main body member, a stay member, and a stopper member, the stopper member including a circular cylinder shaped circular cylinder portion, a cantilevered portion, a projection portion, and a restriction portion that is formed extending from the circular cylinder portion so as to abut an end portion of a support member when an attempt is made to pull the stay member out from the support members in a projecting state in which both end sides of the stay member are inserted into the support member and project out from end portions of the support members, thereby restricting pulling out of the stay member from the support members. |
| US09403456B2 |
Headrest support structure of conveyance seat
A headrest support structure of a conveyance seat includes: an upper frame that is provided with a pair of fitting holes and that constitutes a back frame; and a pair of cylindrical headrest holders, each of which fits in one of the pair of fitting holes to be fixed to the upper frame. A transverse cross-section of a fitting portion of each headrest holder fitting in the corresponding fitting hole has an asymmetric shape about a fitting axis parallel to a fitting direction in which the headrest holder fits in the fitting hole, the transverse cross-section being a cross-section in a direction orthogonal to the fitting axis. The pair of fitting holes is formed such that each headrest holder is allowed to fit in only one of the pair of fitting holes provided at a position set as a fixing position of the headrest holder. |
| US09403454B2 |
External attachments for speakers in seats
The technology described in this document is embodied in a speaker grill configured to be attached to a speaker system disposed in a portion of a vehicle seat. The speaker grill includes a base that includes perforations to allow acoustic energy from the speakers to pass through the grill, a sidewall extending from the base such that the sidewall and the base define a cavity, and a structural feature configured to allow the speaker grill to be to be attached to a substantially rigid portion of the vehicle seat. The speaker grill is attached in an acoustic path of the speaker system, and is removable from the substantially rigid portion of the vehicle seat following attachment. |
| US09403453B2 |
Backrest stopper mechanism for an easy entry seat assembly
An easy entry seat assembly may include a seat frame having a seat bottom and a backrest supported for pivotal movement relative to the seat bottom. A reclining mechanism may be provided on the seat frame to selectively control pivotal movement of the backrest relative to the seat bottom. A backrest stopper mechanism may be provided on the seat frame. The backrest stopper mechanism may include an easy entry stopper that can be movable from a non-actuated position to an actuated position to stop pivotal movement of the backrest in an easy entry position. An easy entry actuator may be provided on the seat frame, wherein operation of the easy entry actuator can cause movement of the easy entry stopper to the actuated position and release the reclining mechanism. |
| US09403441B2 |
Autonomous management of distribution transformer power load
A load-managing electricity service (LMES) system for managing and controlling electricity-consuming loads supplied by a common distribution transformer. The LMES system includes: a communicative distribution transformer (CDT) sensor that includes a transceiver, a sensing circuit and a processor configured to determine whether a power load of the transformer exceeds an upper threshold. The LMES system also includes a load-control device (LCD) configured to communicate with the CDT sensor, and to selectively decrease or increase the power load of the distribution transformer by managing the electricity-consuming leads at consumer premises. |
| US09403433B1 |
Shifter cable assembly of a vehicle
A shifter cable assembly of a vehicle includes a vehicle panel selected from a floor panel and a dash wall panel. A transmission is disposed on a first side of the vehicle panel. A shift member is disposed on a second side of the vehicle panel opposite the first side. A mounting bracket is rigidly attached to the vehicle panel. A sealing grommet has a sealing portion sandwiched between the mounting bracket and the vehicle panel. A shifter cable is received by a conduit portion of the sealing grommet. A first end of the shifter cable is connected to the transmission, and a second end of the shifter cable is connected to the shift member. A damper member is connected to the mounting bracket. The damper member is configured to reduce application to the mounting bracket of vibration generated by the transmission. |
| US09403432B2 |
Roll over valve
A valve for a fuel tank is provided, comprising a housing configured with a float chamber and a disk chamber being in flow communication through an intermediate flow path. The disk chamber is configured with a fluid outlet port from the intermediate flow path and a valve outlet and a fluid inlet port is sealable by a sealing member of a float member axially displaceable within the float chamber to selectively facilitate fluid flow to or from the float chamber via the valve. The fluid outlet port is sealable by a pressure holding member axially having an under pressure bleed valve displaceable between a sealed position wherein the under pressure bleed valve is sealed, and an open position wherein the under pressure bleed valve is open, providing passage of fluid therethrough. |
| US09403428B2 |
Traction supported multi group transmission
A drive-train of a vehicle with a hybrid drive comprising an internal combustion engine and an electric machine and an automated group transmission connected between the hybrid drive and a drive axle. The transmission comprises a main transmission having a main shaft, countershafts, and a splitter group connected up upstream from the main transmission. The electric machine is connected to the countershafts. The splitter group and the main transmission have a common direct gear which is engaged by a clutch to support traction force shifting of the main transmission. The clutch connects a transmission input shaft to the main transmission shaft to form the direct gear. While the direct gear is engaged, the connections of the transmission input shaft and the main transmission shaft to the countershaft and the electric machine are separated. |
| US09403427B2 |
Method and system for oil dilution control
Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine in a hybrid vehicle in response to fuel and water dilution of engine lubricating oil. An engine oil dilution counter may be adjusted based on a number of engine hot starts and duration of engine operation above a threshold temperature. In addition, the counter may be adjusted if the engine is started to deplete stale fuel in the fuel tank. |
| US09403424B2 |
Foldable structures and vehicles incorporating the same
Convertible racks and vehicles incorporating convertible racks are disclosed. The convertible rack is adapted to form a flat conformation (e.g., like a tonneau cover), a rack conformation (e.g., like a truck rack), and a covered conformation (e.g., like a truck bed tent). The convertible rack includes a left foldable assembly and a right foldable assembly. Each of the foldable assemblies include a rack section and a roof section. When in the flat conformation and rack conformations, the roof sections are folded onto the corresponding rack sections. In the flat conformation, the rack sections are generally positioned horizontal. In the rack conformation, the rack sections are generally positioned vertical. In the covered conformation, the roof sections are folded away from the rack sections and opposite side roof sections may be selectively coupled together. |
| US09403420B2 |
Sun visor holder
A sun visor holder includes a main body section to receive the shaft and a leg section to engage with the inner wall of the vehicle. A first engaging piece is formed with the tip side of the leg section as a fulcrum so as to be bendable inward, includes a release section that extends outward along the mounting surface of an inner wall from the free-end side of said first engaging piece, and is configured so that pressing the release section from the surface side of the inner wall causes the first engaging piece to bend inward and engagement with a mounting hole is released. |
| US09403419B2 |
Motor vehicle air conditioning system
In a motor vehicle air conditioning system, comprising a housing, a fan and at least one heating device, the intention is for different heating devices to be able to be fastened to a housing in a technically simple manner with low production costs. This problem is solved in that the at least one heating device is fastened to the housing, in particular exclusively, by at least one adaptor cover. |
| US09403416B2 |
Method and diagnostic tester for detecting a fault in a cooling circuit of a motor vehicle
A method for detecting a fault in a cooling circuit of a motor vehicle, the cooling circuit having, in the flow direction of a refrigerant, a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device and an evaporator, includes the following steps: measuring a first refrigerant pressure when the compressor is turned off; turning on the compressor; and is characterized by the steps: measuring a second refrigerant pressure after a certain time interval; forming a differential value from the second refrigerant pressure measured previously and the first refrigerant pressure; and comparing the differential value with at least one differential value for detecting a fault in the cooling circuit. |
| US09403415B2 |
GPS based pitch sensing for an integrated stability control system
A system and method for sensing vehicle global pitch angle and rate that uses global velocities measured from a single antenna global positioning system (GPS) receiver together with sensor fusion algorithms involving sensor signals and other computed signals. This constructed, or computed, vehicle body's pitch angle may replace the role of a pitch rate sensor in an integrated stability control system. Namely, it achieves enhanced vehicle state estimation without the need for a pitch rate sensor. |
| US09403413B2 |
Systems and methods to assist in coupling a vehicle to a trailer
Systems and methods for assisting in coupling a vehicle and a trailer include at least one sensing device disposed on the vehicle. A first coupling is coupled the vehicle and a second coupling is coupled to the trailer. A controller in communication with the at least one sensing device is configured to identify a spatial location of the first coupling. The controller is also configured to determine a spatial location of the second coupling using data from the at least one sensing device. The controller may also calculate a path between the spatial location of the first coupling and the spatial location of the second coupling and convey the path for facilitating movement of the first coupling toward the second coupling. |
| US09403412B2 |
Method of recognizing trailer of tractor vehicle
A method of recognizing a trailer of a tractor vehicle by an electronic control unit (ECU) includes determining whether a parking switch is in an on state and a transmission gear state is a parking state. Whether a stop lamp switch is in an on state and a state of a current flowing in the stop lamp of the trailer is in an on state are determined. A load current quantity of a load lamp is recognized, and whether the stop lamp is in an open state is determined. A mode to a trailer non-connection mode when the stop lamp is in an off state is determined. |
| US09403410B2 |
System and method for decreasing tire pressure
A method for decreasing tire pressure includes providing a wheel assembly which defines a chamber that houses a pressurized fluid. A wheel valve assembly is provided in fluid communication with the chamber. The wheel valve assembly is operable between an open position and a closed position and includes an area having a first flow capacity. A variable area valve assembly is provided and is selectively in fluid communication with the wheel valve assembly. The variable area valve assembly includes an area formed in a perforation that has a second flow capacity. The second flow capacity is less than the first flow capacity. A target tire pressure is selected. If a pressure of the pressurized fluid in the chamber is greater than the target tire pressure, then the pressure of the pressurized fluid in the chamber is decreased. |
| US09403406B2 |
Tire provided with a tread including a thermoplastic elastomer and carbon black
The present invention relates to a tire comprising a tread, a crown with a crown reinforcement, two sidewalls, two beads and a carcass reinforcement anchored to the two beads and extending from one sidewall to the other. The tread is based on at least one thermoplastic elastomer and on carbon black at a content by volume within a range extending from 5% to 30%, the thermoplastic elastomer being a block copolymer comprising at least one elastomer block and at least one thermoplastic block, and the total content of thermoplastic elastomer being within a range varying from 65 to 100 phr. |
| US09403405B2 |
Coupling system of a low friction sealing assembly with a bearing ring and a hub bearing unit equipped with such a sealing assembly
A sealing assembly including at least one first annular shield having a sleeve portion integral in use with a rotating member and a flange portion, which radially and overhangingly extends from the sleeve portion. Preferably, a second annular shield is arranged in front of the first shield with the interposition of an annular seal; wherein the sleeve portion of the first shield is delimited by a conic-truncated lateral mounting surface having a tapering facing so as to have a greater diameter arranged on the side of the flange portion and intended to couple in use with a mounting seat of the rotating member formed by a shallow recess delimited by a conic-truncated bottom wall having the same tapering as the lateral mounting surface and by an axial shoulder which is arranged on the side opposite to the flange portion. |
| US09403402B2 |
Device and method for generating postal items
A method and a device for generating postal items with: a linearly formed first feed channel for feeding first documents of a postal item, with a first transport device, which transports the first documents in a first transport direction along a first straight transport line; an identification device for identifying the first documents; a second feed channel for feeding second documents of a postal item; an identification device for identifying the second documents; a collecting channel arranged downstream of the first feed channel and downstream of the second feed channel, for receiving first documents or groups of first documents from the first feed channel and/or of second documents or groups of second documents from the second feed channel, wherein the documents received in the collecting channel are collected as document group, wherein each document group forms the content of a postal item; and an envelope stuffing device arranged downstream of the collecting channel, in which the document groups coming from the collecting channel are inserted into an envelope. To achieve a higher throughput of postal items generated, the second transport device deflects the second documents, without stopping the documents, from a second transport direction along a second straight transport line into a third transport direction along a third straight transport line. |
| US09403400B2 |
Modular portable writing and projection system having variable curvature
A modular, portable writing and projection system having a variable curvature is disclosed. The system uses dry erase boards, chalk or black boards, or other flexible panels having at least one writing surface. The panels have edges for joining to posts. The system combines panels to form a large, modular system for use at meetings, gatherings or other assemblies. The system allows a large number of users to contribute to a presentation, and also allows users to view the presentation. Because the panels are flexible, the system may be curved, allowing more panels to be mounted, used, written on and viewed, within limited space. The panels may be used in either a convex or concave manner, i.e., curved in or curved out, as desired. The resistance of the panels to remaining in a curved state is overcome by feet on the posts and braking or holding devices on the feet. |
| US09403399B2 |
Marking pen
A marking pen including a body including a pen and a cap. The cap includes a clip including a first leg that extends from the cap body and away from the cap body in a first direction that is along a transverse axis of the cap body, a second leg that extends from the first leg and away from the first leg in a second direction to create a gap between the second leg and the cap body, and a third leg that extends from the second leg in a third direction along a longitudinal axis of the cap body and the third leg also extends toward the cap body along the transverse axis of the cap body. The clip is configured to attach the cap to an article of clothing in the gap between the second leg and the cap body. |
| US09403397B2 |
Semi-automatic book sewing machine
A semi-automatic book sewing machine comprises a base and an actuation device, wherein the actuation device comprises: a mobile platform glidingly contacts a base; a rotary drum driven to spin locally by a motor; a bottom panel installed on the mobile platform's bottom and having a panel fixture block at one side; a manual adjustment kit used in driving the mobile platform and the bottom panel for displacement; two slip joint plates glidingly contacting the base and the mobile platform; a linkage connected between two slip joint plates; at least a push-pull member connected to the linkage for outward and inward movements back and forth; a binder plate pivotally fitted at the linkage and communicating with the push-pull members for pivotal compression and separation under the effect of the push-pull members. |
| US09403392B2 |
Linerless labels
Linerless labels are presented. A label includes a specific pattern or set of patterns of adhesive applied to one side of the label. The adhesive pattern(s) reduces contact between a cutter blade of a printer and the adhesive on the one side of the label. Moreover, the adhesive patterns reduce buildup of adhesive on the cutter blade and reduce buildup at specific locations on the cutter blade. That is, the adhesive patterns more evenly distribute adhesive buildup across the cutter blade. Consequently, the cutter blade can be used for a longer period of time before the cutter blade needs to be cleaned of the adhesive. |
| US09403387B2 |
Recording apparatus and recording method
A recording apparatus includes: a recording section that is capable of recording on a medium transferred in a transporting direction; a first unit that is capable of sending the medium from the upstream side of the transporting direction to a recording area in the recording section; and a second unit that is capable of collecting the medium sent from the recording area to the downstream side of the transporting direction, in which the first unit is capable of being moved to the downstream side of the transporting direction while the second unit is capable of being moved to the upstream side of the transporting direction, and the second unit is capable of sending the medium from the upstream side of the transporting direction to the recording area while the first unit is capable of collecting the medium sent from the recording area to the downstream side of the transporting direction. |
| US09403385B2 |
Handheld printer
This disclosure discloses a handheld printer comprising a battery power supply, a platen roller configured to feed the print-receiving paper, a thermal line head configured to perform desired printing on the print-receiving paper fed by the platen roller, a device main body comprising a battery storage chamber configured to store the battery power supply, and a battery chamber cover detachably configured to be mounted on the battery storage chamber. |
| US09403384B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes a carriage that includes a recording head performing recording on a recording medium, and an edge detection unit detecting an edge of the recording medium, and is movable in a predetermined direction, in which, in a state in which the carriage is positioned at a predetermined position, the edge detection unit is positioned in a passing region of the recording medium in the movement direction of the carriage, and the predetermined position is a home position of the carriage. |
| US09403382B2 |
Printing apparatus, printing system, and printed material manufacturing method
A printing apparatus includes an acidification treatment unit that acidifies at least a surface of a treatment object by irradiating the treatment object with plasma; an inkjet recording unit that records to the treatment object having been acidified by the acidification pretreatment unit in an inkjet recording system; and a control unit that specifies an ink to be used by the inkjet recording unit from at least two types of inks having different properties, based on the type of the treatment object and an amount of plasma energy used in a plasma treatment performed by the acidification treatment unit or based on a pH value of the surface of the treatment object. |
| US09403378B2 |
Lighting apparatus for providing light for processing an object
The invention relates to a lighting apparatus (2) for providing light for processing an object (3). A ring of light sources generates processing light for processing the object and an imaging unit (9) images the ring of light sources onto a working plane (16) in which the object is to be processed, wherein the ring of light sources and the imaging unit are configured such that images of the light sources in the working plane are distributed equidistantly in a direction being parallel to a diameter of the imaged ring in the working plane. The ring arrangement allows for a high quality imaging with a relatively small and technically simple optical element. A relatively small lighting apparatus can therefore be provided, which can be used for applications like laser printing. |
| US09403376B2 |
Thermal head and thermal printer equipped with the thermal head
A thermal head capable of decreasing the possibility of causing wrinkles in a recording medium is provided. A thermal head includes: a substrate; a heat generating portion disposed on the substrate; a driving IC disposed on the substrate and controlling actuation of the heat generating portion; a covering member covering the driving IC; and a projection portion disposed on the substrate and making contact with a recording medium. The substrate includes a first region and a second region in a plan view, the first region being defined by extending an area where the driving IC is disposed in a sub scanning direction and the second region being an area other than the first region. The projection portion is disposed on the second region closer to the heat generating portion than the area where the driving IC is disposed. |
| US09403375B1 |
Credential production device transfer ribbon accumulator
A credential production device includes a transfer ribbon, a printing device, a laminating device, and a transfer ribbon accumulator. The printing device is configured to print an image to the transfer ribbon. The laminating device is configured to transfer printed images from the transfer ribbon to a substrate. The transfer ribbon accumulator includes first, second, and third ribbon-engaging members (REM's), and a drive system. The first and second REM's have fixed positions relative to each other. The third REM is configured to move relative to the first and second REM's along an axis that extends through a gap between the first and second REM's. The drive system is configured to generate a force that drives movement of the third REM relative to the first and second REM's along the axis. Movement of the third REM relative to the first and second REM's along the axis changes a length of a path along which a portion of the transfer ribbon travels through the accumulator. |
| US09403373B2 |
Color chart creating method and a color correcting method
In printing image data for printing a color chart with a printing machine, instead of using a TAC value which is a total of CMYK values given to one pixel as a limit of ink amount supplied to a printing medium as done conventionally, creation of a color chart having a large color gamut is realized by considering and adjusting the amount of inks per unit area actually consumed at the time of printing and drying performance of each ink. |
| US09403372B2 |
Fluid ejection device with ACEO pump
In an embodiment, a fluid ejection device includes a fluidic channel having first and second ends and a drop generator disposed within the channel. A fluid reservoir is in fluid communication with the first and second ends of the channel, and an alternating-current electro-osmotic (ACEO) pump is disposed within the channel to generate net fluid flow from the reservoir at the first end, through the channel, and back to the reservoir at the second end. |
| US09403369B2 |
Flow channel member, liquid ejecting head, and liquid ejecting apparatus
The flow channel member includes an attachment member having a first flow channel to be connected to an ink cartridge; a flow channel plate having a second flow channel to be connected to a head main body ejecting an ink; an adhesive arranged on a first joining surface and a second joining surface where the attachment member and the flow channel plate are opposing each other, and enclosing openings of the first flow channel and the second flow channel; a seal member arranged on the joining surfaces, enclosing an outer side of the adhesive; and an air chamber between the adhesive and the seal member, in which a communication channel allowing the air chamber to communicate outward is disposed in the attachment member, and the communication channel is capable of communicating with an outward open channel of the ink cartridge. |
| US09403368B2 |
Printing apparatus and printing method
In a case in which a cumulative value ΣNure of wetting coefficients is less than a wetting threshold value THNure, printing is carried out on a unit area through a print mode in which an image is completed through a first number of instances of a scan, and in a case in which the cumulative value ΣNure is equal to or greater than the wetting threshold value THNure, printing is carried out on a unit area through a print mode in which an image is completed through a second number of instances of the scan, where the second number is greater than the first number. |
| US09403366B2 |
Method of manufacturing a liquid ejecting head
A method of manufacturing a piezoelectric film using a piezoelectric film-forming composition. The piezoelectric film-forming composition contains Bi, Fe, Mn, Ba, and Ti and the mole ratio of Bi to the total amount of Fe and Mn is 1.02 or more 1.08 or less. |
| US09403365B2 |
Method for fabricating fluid ejection device
A method for fabricating a fluid ejection device includes forming a drive circuitry layer on a substrate, fabricating at least one fluid ejection element on a top portion of the substrate, grinding the substrate from a bottom portion of the substrate up to a predetermined height, etching the top portion of the substrate to configure at least one slot within the top portion of the substrate, depositing a layer of an etch-stop material over the top portion of the substrate while filling the at least one slot with the etch-stop material, etching the bottom portion of the substrate to configure at least one fluid feed trench within the bottom portion of the substrate, removing the layer of the etch-stop material from the top portion of the substrate, and laminating a flow feature layer and a nozzle plate as a single unit over the top portion of the substrate. |
| US09403362B2 |
Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting head unit, and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting head includes: a head main body for ejecting liquid from nozzle openings on a liquid ejecting surface provided with the plurality of nozzle openings; a maintaining member which is adhered to the head main body at a surface side opposite to the liquid ejecting surface side of the head main body in a direction perpendicular to the liquid ejecting surface; and a fixing board which is provided at a side opposite to the maintaining member with respect to the head main body. The fixing board includes a bending portion which is bent to the head main body side. The bending portion is adhered to a side surface of the maintaining member. The head main body is disposed in a space formed by adhering the maintaining member and the fixing board to each other. |
| US09403357B1 |
Substrate UV light resistant printing process
An ultraviolet (UV) radiation resistance enhanced printing process uses a thermally migratable ultraviolet radiation absorber applied to a substrate to form a surface protection layer for images within the substrate. A hydrophobic thermally migratable ultraviolet radiation absorber may be applied to a transfer media prior to image transfer or as part of imaging the substrate. The application of the radiation absorber to the transfer media may be delivered digitally, either by inks comprising both sublimable colorants and the radiation absorber, or by inks comprising the radiation absorber. |
| US09403355B2 |
Variable printing machine
A variable printing machine for printing images different in top-bottom length with a plate and a blanket cylinder changed in diameter, is provided in which the plate and blanket cylinders and an impression cylinder can be brought into a proper state of contact with one another. Each of a plate cylinder shaft 20 and a blanket cylinder shaft 30 has its one axial end portion supported in a cantilever structure from a main frame 1 of the machine. When the plate cylinder sleeve 21 and the blanket cylinder sleeve 31 are each exchanged with one of different diameter, the blanket cylinder shaft 30 and the impression cylinder 4 are moved relative to each other so that the plate cylinder 2 and the blanket cylinder 3 may be brought into a proper state of contact with each other and so are the blanket cylinder 3 and the impression cylinder 4. |
| US09403351B2 |
Film laminating apparatus and method for a flat or curved plate member
A film laminating apparatus and method for a plate member having a flat or curved surface includes a first holder, a pressing roll, a film holder, support means, position confirmation means and alignment means. The first holder has absorption means that allows a plate member to be absorbed to a surface thereof by deforming the plate member. The pressing roll presses a film on a surface of the plate member absorbed to the first holder. The film holder is provided to the pressing roll, and fixes the film to be laminated to a surface of the pressing roll. The support means supports the pressing roll to be movable. The position confirmation means confirms the position of the plate member and the position of the film fixed to the pressing roll. The alignment means aligns the film and the plate member, based on the positions confirmed by the position confirmation means. |
| US09403350B2 |
Flash control metal bonding
A bonding method includes vacuum bagging a second metal plate atop a first metal plate, with a thermosetting adhesive in a lap joint therebetween covered in turn by a porous peel ply and a porous breather ply; the plates being initially clamped together by applying vacuum through the breather ply; and thermally curing the adhesive, with the breather and peel plies being preselected to capture adhesive seepage from the lap joint and removed with the plies to correspondingly reduce cured adhesive flash. |
| US09403349B2 |
Heat welding system and method
The present invention relates to a heat welding system comprising a dispenser for dispensing coverings, at least one structure (1) with coupling means (4) for coupling to a traction vehicle, where said structure (1) comprises a heat welding device (3) for adhering the overlapped longitudinal edges of adjacent coverings to one another, and having coupling means (4) for coupling said heat welding device (3) to the structure (1).The present invention also relates to the use of said heat welding system which comprises the steps of: (i) deploying the means for preparing the terrain arranged on the sides of a structure linked to a traction vehicle; (ii) starting the vehicle in one direction and initiating the system; (iii) retracting the means of phase (i) from one side and deploying a heat welding device (3) on said side; (iv) actuating the system in the direction opposite that of phase (ii); (v) repeating phases (iii) and (iv) intercalating the means and devices of both sides as many times as necessary. |
| US09403347B2 |
Peelable closure for container
A steam-ventable package includes a container formed to include an interior region and a mouth opening into the interior region and a closure coupled to the container to close the mouth. The closure is made from a peelable film coupled to a brim included in the container and configured to be removed from the brim in response to application of shear force applied to the peelable film. |
| US09403344B2 |
Bonded body made from different materials and method for producing the same
A water-repellent film is formed on a first joint surface of a first member that contains any one of a macromolecular material, a metallic material, and an inorganic material. The water-repellent film is subjected to an activation treatment, and is thereby converted into a film having a high hydrophilicity and a nylon 6 contact angle of less than 25°. A second joint surface of a second member that contains at least a thermoplastic resin, which differs from the macromolecular material, is placed on the first joint surface having the film, whereupon the second member is heated and melted. Then, the molten second member is cooled and solidified in order to bond the first joint surface and the second joint surface. |
| US09403342B2 |
Cermet coating and coated metal body having the cermet coating, method of producing cermet coating, and method of producing coated metal body
A cermet coating includes a hard phase and a binder phase that binds the hard phase, wherein the hard phase includes a carbide phase composed of at least one type of WC and CrC; and the binder phase includes at least one type of metal phase selected from Co, Ni, NiCr, and CoCr, has a structure of a metal polycrystalline body, and is bonded directly to a metal substrate. |
| US09403339B2 |
Honeycomb structural body
A honeycomb structural body has cells surrounded by cell walls arranged in a lattice-like shape. A cross section is divided into a central section and an outer peripheral section. The outer peripheral section surrounds the central section through a boundary partition wall. The outer peripheral section is lower in a cell density than the central section. The cells contain imperfectly shaped cells in contact directly with the boundary partition wall. In the imperfectly shaped cells, first specific imperfectly shaped cells are smaller in opening area than second specific imperfectly shaped cells. Each first specific imperfectly shaped cells has an opening area of not more than a predetermined area S=(P−T)2/8. P and T indicate a cell pitch and a thickness of each cell wall, respectively. The opening section of the first specific imperfectly shaped cells is closed by the same raw material of the cell walls. |
| US09403338B2 |
Folded structure, interconnection of elements, sandwich panel, as well as folding process and folding tool
A three dimensional folded structure, for use in lightweight design and lightweight construction, is folded at regular intervals and cannot be folded flat. The folded structure substantially extends in two directions and includes a small number of folded ply sheets. Each of the ply sheets is formed by an originally planar blank of an initially flat material lying in a zero plane and includes fold lines and polygonal holes disposed at regular distances. Each of the ply sheets is subdivided into a plurality of segments, each in the form of a polygonal planar entity that is, except at a border of the ply sheet, delimited by the fold lines and the border-edge-sections of a respective polygonal hole. Each ply sheet is folded up in two directions. During folding, the holes close into slits. Each slit of one ply-sheet is completely bridged by the other ply-sheet. |
| US09403337B2 |
Method for manufacturing a thermoplastic bag
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a thermoplastic bag with a substantially flat and rectangular bottom. The bag may also include a carrying handle and/or a tab with a mounting hole. |
| US09403335B2 |
Wind turbine rotor blade with trailing edge comprising rovings
A method for manufacturing a wind turbine rotor blade having a trailing edge by Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding is described. A number of layers having fiber material are laid up onto the inner surface of a first mold part. A plurality of fiber rovings is laid up onto the number of layers at a position which forms the trailing edge of the blade. The blade is cast using Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding. |
| US09403334B1 |
Methods and tools for forming composite structures with non-planar patterns of contours
Methods and tools for forming composite structures with predetermined, non-planar patterns of contours, as well as apparatuses including such composite structures, are disclosed herein. Example methods include defining a pattern of contours in a flexible sheet of composite material, conforming the flexible sheet of composite material to a layup mandrel, and curing the flexible sheet of composite material. Example tools include a body with an engagement surface for engaging a flexible sheet of composite material, the body having regions of relative stiffness and regions of relative compliance, and a vacuum distribution manifold configured to selectively apply a vacuum to the regions of relative compliance to deform the engagement surface to define a predetermined, non-planar pattern of contours. |
| US09403331B2 |
Apparatus and method of manufacturing pressure compensator type drip irrigation tubes with desired molecular orientation and tubes obtained thereby
A method for manufacturing high speed pressure compensator-type drip irrigation tubes and the tubes obtained thereby having absolute radial orientation of molecular chains, the orientation imparting strength as well as flexibility to the tube material. The said method comprises extruding a tube using a plurality of extruders; blowing up the extruded tube by introducing a pressure inside the tube relatively higher than the pressure outside the tube; drawing the blown tube simultaneously to the blowing of tube; flattening the blown tube by heat welding the collapsed halves together and forming a tape immediately, subsequent to the process of blowing and drawing the tube; extrusion of a bonding polymer on one border of the tape; printing flow channels into the hot and viscous bonding polymer; and forming a tube by lengthwise folding the tape and heat welding the overlapping borders together using the bonding polymer. |
| US09403330B2 |
Apparatus for the processing of plastics material containers, beverage filling plant and/or beverage container production plant and method of shaping plastics material pre-forms as well as use of heating path conveying means
An apparatus for the processing of plastics material containers with a shaping device for the shaping plastics material pre-forms into containers, with a heating device comprising a heating path for heating the plastics material pre-forms and with a sterilization device for the sterilization of the plastics material pre-forms, in which the sterilization device comprises a supply device to supply the plastics material pre-forms to the sterilization device, and in which the sterilization device comprises both an external disinfecting unit to sterilize the plastics material pre-forms at least on their external wall surfaces and an internal disinfecting unit to sterilize the plastics material pre-forms on their internal wall surfaces, wherein the supply device comprises heating path conveyor for conveying the plastics material pre-forms along the heating path to supply the plastics material pre-forms at least to the external disinfecting unit. |
| US09403329B2 |
Method of increasing film tear strength
A method of increasing the tensile strength of polymer films is provided. The creation of the load distribution elements in polymer films necessary to achieve this result is described. Application of the present invention to increase suture retention in a surgical polymer film is also provided. |
| US09403328B1 |
Magnetic compaction blanket for composite structure curing
A method and apparatus for reworking a structure. A compaction blanket comprising a number of magnets is placed on the structure. A heat source is applied on the compaction blanket, wherein the compaction blanket is between the heat source and a rework of the structure and heat is conducted from the heat source through the compaction blanket to heat the rework. |
| US09403325B2 |
Machine for winding a fibrous material enabling alignment and off-centering control by image analysis
A winding machine for winding a fiber texture onto an impregnation mandrel, includes: a take-up mandrel for storing and unwinding a fiber texture, the take-up mandrel having a substantially horizontal axis of rotation; an impregnation mandrel for receiving superposed layers of the fiber texture unwound from the take-up mandrel, the impregnation mandrel having an axis of rotation that is substantially horizontal and parallel to the axis of rotation of the take-up mandrel; a camera directed towards the fiber texture and the impregnation mandrel to examine the passage of warp tracer yarns and weft tracer yarns present in the fiber texture; an image-analysis module for determining the positions of the intersections of warp tracer yarns with the successive weft tracer yarns and comparing these determined positions with corresponding positions for the intersections of reference warp and weft tracer yarns, and determining an offset value for the fiber texture for each of these intersections; electric motors for driving the mandrels in rotation about their respective axes of rotation; and a control unit for controlling the electric motors for driving rotation of the mandrels. |
| US09403321B2 |
Method for manufacturing high performance butterfly valve liner
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a high performance butterfly valve liner, comprising: a pre-processing step of preparing in advance a PTFE sheet and a cap in a predetermined size and thickness; a first welding step of welding the cap on a hole after forming the hole at a specific position of the prepared PTFE sheet; a second welding step of welding the end of the PTFE sheet after the first welding so as to form the PTFE sheet in a cylindrical shape; and a flaring step of carrying out flaring for spreading the end of the cylindrical PTFE sheet in the shape of a trumpet by means of a flaring tool, thereby finishing a liner. According to the method for manufacturing a high performance butterfly valve liner of the present invention, easy and simple manufacture is possible thereby reducing work time and manufacturing costs. In addition, a large-diameter valve can be readily manufactured without limitations on the size to be formed. |
| US09403318B2 |
Heat stake joining of adhesively bonded thermoplastic components
A method of joining a first thermoplastic component with a second thermoplastic component includes abutting a joint surface of the first thermoplastic component against a joint surface of the second thermoplastic component. The first thermoplastic component includes a thermoplastic protrusion extending from the joint surface, and the joint surface of the second thermoplastic component defines a receiving pocket adapted to receive the thermoplastic protrusion. Abutting a joint surface of the first thermoplastic component against a joint surface of the second thermoplastic component further includes inserting the thermoplastic protrusion into the receiving pocket. Once abutted, thermal energy is applied to a heat-apply surface of the second thermoplastic component, that is opposite the joint surface. The thermal energy is sufficient to melt a portion of the thermoplastic protrusion and a portion of the joint surface of the second thermoplastic component. |
| US09403316B2 |
Pattern forming method and pattern forming apparatus
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pattern forming apparatus in which a mold having a pattern is brought into contact with an imprinting material on a substrate to transfer the pattern, the apparatus including: a holding part configured to hold the mold; a moving part configured to move the holding part so that the mold is brought into contact with the imprinting material on the substrate and that the mold is removed therefrom; and a control part configured to control so that at least one of conditions of removing the mold can be changed based on conditions of the pattern formed in the mold, the conditions including a rate and an angle of removing the mold. |
| US09403311B2 |
System and method for producing plastics material containers
Provided are a system and method for producing plastics material containers at a plant. A first processing unit outputs preforms having a temperature above an ambient temperature. A forming arrangement is arranged after the first processing unit in a direction of transport of the preforms, and forms the preforms into the plastics material containers. A heating device heats the preforms. A blow molding machine is in the direction of transport of the plastics material preforms, and expands the heated plastics material preforms to form the plastics material containers by applying a free-flowing medium. A discharge device is between the first processing unit and the forming arrangement, and discharges the plastics material preforms. A storage apparatus stores the plastics material preforms discharged by the discharge device. |
| US09403308B2 |
Molding tool for producing a component in a gas-assisted injection molding process
A molding tool for producing a component in a gas-assisted injection molding process includes a mold cavity, and an injection device with a pressurized gas source. The pressurized gas is fed into the plastic melt introduced into the mold cavity. The plastic melt is pressed against the inner walls of the mold cavity. The injection device has a piston with an injector head and moveably guided in a passage of a molding tool connected with the mold cavity. The injector head forms a part of the inner walls of the mold cavity in an idle position of the piston, and is pressed into the plastic melt as the piston moves to its operating position, so that the pressurized gas flows through the passage into the plastic melt in the mold cavity. The piston is moveable by the gas fed through the passage into the plastic melt. |
| US09403303B2 |
Thermoplastic polyurethane with reduced tendency to bloom
The present invention discloses a thermoplastic polyurethane which is comprised of the reaction product of (1) a hydroxyl terminated polyester intermediate, (2) a polyisocyanate, and (3) a glycol chain extender; wherein the hydroxyl terminated polyester intermediate is comprised of repeat units that are derived from 1,3-propylene glycol and a dicarboxylic acid; wherein the hydroxyl terminated polyester intermediate has a number average molecular weight from 500 to 10,000; and wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane includes hard segments that are the reaction product of the polyisocyanate and the glycol chain extender. This thermoplastic polyurethane is unique in that it has a greatly reduced tendency to bloom. This is highly desirable in applications where high clarity is desired because blooming causes articles containing the thermoplastic polyurethane to be hazy or foggy in appearance. Blooming can also reduce the ability of an article made with the thermoplastic polyurethane to be securely bound to another article with an adhesive. |
| US09403297B2 |
Method for producing molded parts, especially for use in automobile manufacture, and corresponding appropriate films comprising a coating
A process is disclosed for producing moldings, in which a pigmented coating composition (P) and a free-radically crosslinkable coating composition (K), which after crosslinking to completion produces a transparent coating (KE) are applied to a support sheet, wherein a dried but as yet not completely crosslinked coating (KT) is produced from the coating composition (K), the coated support sheet is shaped and is injection backmolded or foam-backed, and the coating (KT) is cured or aftercured; the crosslinkable coating composition (K) comprising a free-radically crosslinkable component (KK) which contains hydrogen bond forming structural elements. |
| US09403295B2 |
Lost-core molded polymeric golf club head
A method of forming a golf club head includes forming a core of the golf club head from a material having a first melting temperature and affixing a club face to the core. The club face includes a first, hitting surface, a second surface that is opposite the first surface, and a locking feature. A body is then molded about the core and such that it surrounds at least a portion of the locking feature, the body formed from a polymeric material having a second melting temperature that is greater than the first melting temperature. Finally, the core is removed from within the body. |
| US09403293B2 |
Method for forming anodized layer, method for producing mold, method for producing antireflective film, and mold and antireflective film
An anodized layer formation method of an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: (a) providing an aluminum base which has a surface that is made of aluminum; (b) anodizing the surface to form a barrier-type alumina layer; and (c) after step (b), further anodizing the surface to form a porous alumina layer which has a plurality of minute recessed portions. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided that enables formation of a porous alumina layer which has an interpore distance of a desired magnitude with the use of an aluminum base which has a surface that is made of aluminum, irrespective of the surface form. |
| US09403292B2 |
Mold for foam molding and method for producing foam-molded member
Disclosed is a mold for foam molding capable of making the operation to attach a reinforcing member to an inner surface of a mold easier, capable of sufficiently preventing entry of foam synthetic resin between the reinforcing member and the inner surface of the mold at the time of foam-molding, and capable of preventing the reinforcing member from becoming wrinkled; and also provided is a method for producing a foam-molded member which has a reinforcing member using this mold for foam molding. A mold 20 for foam molding is used to foam-mold a seat pad 1 which is provided with a seat pad main body 2 and a reinforcing member 10 disposed on the back side of the seat pad main body 2. At the time of foam-molding, the reinforcing member 10 is disposed inside the mold 20 and an end edge of the reinforcing member 10 is secured to the inner surface of the mold 20 by a securing means. A tension application means is provided which applies tension to the end edge of the reinforcing member 10 in a direction to separate from the securing means. |
| US09403291B2 |
Injection molded articles from natural materials and methods for making them
Injection molded articles and methods for making them from bio-based materials are described. More specifically, injection molded articles and methods for making them from bio-based materials that behave like high-molecular-weight thermosets such as lignin or protein-based materials including corn gluten meal, corn gluten feed, distillers dried grains with solubles, wet distillers grains, modified wet distillers grains, canola meal, wheat gluten, barley, cottonseed meal, sunflower meal, linseed meal, soy, rapeseed, sorghum proteins, maize, rice proteins, potato proteins, cassava proteins, sweet potato proteins, yam proteins, plantain proteins, keratin, or collagen are described. |
| US09403288B2 |
Cast sheet and method of producing the same
A cast sheet that consists of a non planar net structure with cavities, where the net structure spread across a plane and where the cavities can form holes from one side of the sheet to the other. The cavities on both of the sides of the sheet can be arranged in identical structures where the structure of both sides are displaced or rotated in relation to each-other. Also described is a form template for casting of such a sheet and a method for producing such sheet. |
| US09403287B2 |
Process for forming an artificial reef
A process for forming an artificial reef includes the steps of forming a form having a geometric shape, applying at least one blockout onto a surface of the form such that the blockout extends outwardly of the surface of the form, applying a sprayable concrete over the form and the blockout, curing the sprayable concrete on the form for a period of time, removing the blockout from the surface of the form and from the cured sprayable concrete, and removing the form from the cured sprayable concrete. A base is formed having an upper surface. The lower end of the form is positioned upon the base. The sprayable concrete is sprayed over the upper surface of the base. |
| US09403285B2 |
Pocket-cutting/screw-insertion system with improved screw delivery
A pocket-cutting/screw-insertion system is configured for cutting screw pockets in a work piece and inserting screws therein. The system includes a clamp assembly, a router assembly, a drill assembly, and a delivery/insertion assembly including a screw delivery tube for delivering a screw, a stop block for arresting forward motion of the screw, an insertion rod for pushing the screw into the screw pocket and screw bore, and a screw channel for supporting the screw as it is inserted into the screw pocket and screw bore, wherein the stop block is positioned above the insertion rod and the screw channel such the screw first falls from the stop block onto the insertion rod once the stop block arrests forward motion of the screw and then falls from the insertion rod onto the screw channel. A method of using the system is also disclosed. |
| US09403284B2 |
Rip fence mechanism for sawing machine
A rip fence mechanism for being slidably connected to a worktable of a sawing machine includes parallel and spacedly arranged first and second rails, a fence plate pivotally connected between the first rail and the second rail in a way that the fence plate is pivotable between a vertical posture and a horizontal posture, and a support plate pivotally connected with the fence plate in a way that the support plate is pivotable between a first position where the support plate is abutted with the fence plate and a second position where the support plate is vertical to the fence plate. As a result, the lateral side of a to-be-cut workpiece can be directly stopped at the fence plate at the vertical posture and a bottom of the workpiece can be supported by the support plate at the second position during cutting. |
| US09403282B2 |
Diamond-containing blade
A diamond-containing blade includes a blade body having at proximal end a connection part to be fitted into a gripper; and an edge longitudinally formed along one side of the blade body, wherein the blade is manufactured by a process in which a powder mixture for constituting the edge, including 20 wt % or less of diamond particles coated with Ti and having a particle size of 20 μm or less and residual Ti powder or Ti alloy powder, is charged in a space of a mold corresponding to the edge, Ti powder or Ti alloy powder for constituting the blade body is charged in another space of the mold corresponding to the blade body, the charged powders are pressed to obtain a molded product, the molded product is sintered to obtain a sintered body, and then an edge of the sintered body is sharpened. |
| US09403269B1 |
Dual-material paintbrush handle with internal fixation
The Dual-material Paintbrush Handle with Internal Fixation is comprised of two primary components. The first component is the flexible upper section that contacts the user's hand. The second component is the lower transition section, which acts to transition from the softer and more flexible first component to the ferrule, which is generally rigid. The lower transition section includes connection locations for the ferrule, and penetrations through which the soft upper section penetrates, stabilizing the connection between the upper and lower sections. |
| US09403265B2 |
Tool adapter for installation clip
An adapter for hands-free attachment of an installation clip to a commercially available power driving tool. The adapter has a frame and a magnetic element. The adapter is rigidly attachable to the nozzle of a power driving tool by mechanical forces, magnetic forces or a combination thereof. Once attached to the nozzle, the adapter allows attachment of an installation clip by magnetic forces generated by the magnetic element in a position for driving of an elongated securing member from the nozzle through an attachment hole in the clip. The force of the driven securing member overcomes the attractive magnetic forces and disengages the clip from the adapter. |
| US09403261B2 |
Scraper assembly
The invention pertains to a novel scraper assembly having a plurality of interchangeable scraper heads and handles and corresponding method for use. The scraper assembly further comprises a plurality of abrasive mechanisms, namely spring bristles, coiled springs, chainmail abraders and wire cloth abraders capable of effectively cleaning a surface without scoring or otherwise damaging the surface. The invention may be particularly useful for cleaning grills and ovens. Additionally, the invention may also be useful for shaping, adding texture to, stripping materials from or otherwise preparing a surface, including wood, metal or ceramic surfaces. |
| US09403257B2 |
Apparatus and method for double-side polishing of work
A double-side polishing apparatus for a work according to the present invention includes one or more work thickness measuring devices and a control unit. The double-side polishing method for a work includes the steps of: first polishing for polishing both surfaces of the work; first measurement for measuring the thickness of the work; in the first measurement step, when the thickness of the work is found to reach the predetermined thickness, terminating the orbital motion of the carrier plate; second polishing both surfaces of the work while the carrier plate performs only rotational motion; second measurement for measuring the thickness of the work at predetermined position(s); and determining a time for terminating polishing based on the result of the measurement of the thickness of the work in the second measurement step. |
| US09403256B2 |
Recording measurements by sensors for a carrier head
A pressure control assembly for a carrier head of a polishing apparatus includes a pressure supply line configured to fluidically connect to a chamber of a carrier head, a sensor to responsive to pressure in the chamber and configured to generate a signal representative of the pressure, and a pneumatic control unit configured to receive the signal, to control a pressure applied to the pressure supply line, and to record the signal in a non-transitory storage media of a storage device removably attached to the pneumatic control unit. |
| US09403252B2 |
Vise square device and method of use
A milling machine table device comprises a rigid longitudinal body having longitudinal surfaces parallel to each other along a length of the body configured to be attachable to a vise; and two rigid legs of equal length extending from the longitudinal body in a fixed position, each leg comprising a portion configured to engage a t-slot of the milling machine table there beneath. Also, a milling machine table device comprises two legs of equal length extending from the longitudinal body, each leg configured with a portion configured to engage a t-slot of the milling machine table and indicators disposed in one of the body and the two legs, the indicators comprising an adjustable probe configured to indicate an orthogonal distance from one of a vise jaw and an edge of a t-slot to an end of the probe. A method for calibrating and squaring the device is also included herein. |
| US09403250B2 |
Vertical machining centre in gantry construction
A vertical machining center in gantry construction may comprise a machine frame having two side walls configured to receive a tool-carrying assembly and a workpiece-carrying assembly, a moveable pickup tool magazine store within the two side walls of the machine frame configured for a tool change by the pickup method, and a machine enclosure which completely encloses the machining center. Below the moveable pickup tool magazine store there may be a free space in which there is additionally at least one further spare magazine, equivalent in construction to the pickup tool magazine store. A force-driven reloading handling system, with which machining tools can be reloaded from the spare magazine into the pickup tool magazine store and vice versa, may be provided within the machine enclosure at an access opening of the machine frame. |
| US09403246B2 |
Drill bit and method for manufacturing
A method for manufacturing a drill bit (1), wherein in a first step the chip flutes (12) are ground into a round rod, in a second step the round rod is ground down to its outer diameter (15, 16) with simultaneous grinding of the drill-bit back (13), and wherein in a third step the drill-bit front (4) is ground, and a drill bit (1) having at least one chip flute (12) and one secondary cutting edge and one drill-bit back (13) adjoining the secondary cutting edge, the drill-bit back (13) sloping downwards as the distance from the secondary cutting edge increases, in order to create a clearance that becomes continuously larger as the distance from the point of intersection (19) of the secondary cutting edge with the drill-bit back (13) increases. |
| US09403244B2 |
Method for repairing an abradable coating of a compressor of a gas turbine
The present invention relates to a method for repairing an abradable coating of a compressor of a gas turbine, where a worn abradable coating is repaired, where an analysis and/or selection of areas of the abradable coating to be repaired is conducted by means of a boroscope in the non-removed state of the gas turbine, where a tool is passed through at least one boroscope aperture of the gas turbine to the area to be repaired and the worn abradable coating is at least partially removed, where the removed material is extracted, where the area of the abradable coating to be repaired is cleaned and/or prepared for application of a repair medium, where a hardenable aluminum oxide-based repair medium is applied to the area to be repaired by means of a type of airbrush and then hardened, and where the area provided with the repair medium is subsequently mechanically treated. |
| US09403243B2 |
Process for manufacturing a yankee cylinder
The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a steel Yankee cylinder (1), where the Yankee cylinder (1) is welded together from individual pre- or finish-machined cylinder sections (8, 9, 10).The invention also relates to a Yankee cylinder (1) that is manufactured using the manufacturing process according to the invention. |
| US09403241B2 |
Welding compositions for improved mechanical properties in the welding of cast iron
A weld deposit produced from a coated welding electrode for use in welding cast irons is provided by the present invention. Preferably, in one form of the present invention, the weld deposit composition comprises between approximately 54% and approximately 60% Nickel, between approximately 3.5% and approximately 5.5% Manganese, and between approximately 0.9% and approximately 1.4% Carbon. The weld deposit is preferably formed by using a coated welding electrode having a coating composition between approximately 0.3% and approximately 4.0% Magnesium and rare earth metals and oxides. The resulting weld deposit exhibits improved ductility, fracture toughness, and resistance to cracking. |
| US09403240B2 |
Method for the brazing of parts made from a composite material, incorporating a slug in the bond
A method of assembling together by brazing first and second parts made of composite material, each of the first and second parts having an assembly face for brazing with the assembly face of the other part, the method including making at least one perforation in the assembly face of the first part; interposing capillary elements between the assembly faces of the first and second parts made of composite material; placing the first and second parts facing each other while inserting a peg in each perforation of the first part; placing a brazing composition in contact with a portion of the capillary elements; and applying heat treatment to liquefy the brazing composition so as to cause the molten brazing composition to spread by capillarity between the assembly faces of the composite material parts. |
| US09403236B2 |
Removal of selected portions of protective coatings from substrates
A method for selectively removing portions of a protective coating from a substrate, such as an electronic device, includes removing portions of the protective coating from the substrate. The removal process may include cutting the protective coating at specific locations, then removing desired portions of the protective coating from the substrate, or it may include ablating the portions of the protective coating that are to be removed. Coating and removal systems are also disclosed. |
| US09403235B2 |
Apparatuses, systems and methods for three-dimensional printing
The present disclosure provides three-dimensional (3D) objects, 3D printing processes, as well as methods, apparatuses and systems for the production of a 3D object. Methods, apparatuses and systems of the present disclosure may reduce or eliminate the need for auxiliary supports. The present disclosure provides three dimensional (3D) objects printed utilizing the printing processes, methods, apparatuses and systems described herein. |
| US09403233B2 |
DC electrode negative rotating arc welding method and system
A welding operation is performed by moving or rotating an arc in a welding torch, and feeding a metal cored wire through the torch in a direct current, electrode negative welding process. The electrode may include one or more arc stabilizers. The welding process may be pulsed or non-pulsed. Moreover, the process may be used with a number of different base metals intended to be welded, such as thin plate, galvanized metals, painted metals, coated metals, and so forth. |
| US09403232B2 |
Arc welding apparatus, constant voltage characteristic welding power source, and method for performing arc welding
An arc welding apparatus includes a lifting motor. A speed adjustment circuit controls the lifting motor such that the rising speed of the welder decreases if a current of the welding power source is smaller than a set value, or increases if the value of the current is larger than the set value. A voltage adjustment circuit controls the welding power source such that the voltage increases if the number of times that the voltage falls below a determination voltage is larger than a set number of times or if periods for which the voltage remains below the determination voltage are longer than a set time, or decreases if the number of times that the voltage falls below a determination voltage is smaller than a set number of times or if periods for which the voltage remains below the determination voltage is shorter than a set time. |
| US09403231B2 |
Hybrid pulsed-short circuit welding regime
Welding power is generated by first generating two different current waveforms, and comparing the waveform values for control intervals to select which waveform provides the greater current. The waveforms are for different transfer modes, such as one for a pulsed arc portion, and another for a short-circuit transfer mode or for short-circuit clearing. The waveforms may be programmed by settings in a state machine. A balance or relative prioritization in the comparison may be influenced by user inputs. The resulting hybrid process has aspects of both spray transfer and short-circuit transfer modes. |
| US09403227B2 |
Electrochemical machining tool and electrochemical machining system
An electrochemical machining tool includes a tool main body which includes an electrode having a tubular shape extending along an axis and formed of a conductive material having flexibility, the electrode through which an electrolyte flows toward a distal end side, and an insulating layer coated on an outer circumferential surface of the electrode so as to expose a distal end surface of the electrode. In the electrochemical machining tool, a hole part serving as a fluid discharge part configured to discharge the electrolyte flowing through inside of the electrode toward the outside in the radial direction of the tool main body is formed at a portion of a position in the circumferential direction of the tool main body. |
| US09403224B1 |
Combined chop saw and work table and associated use thereof
A combined chop saw and work table includes a carrying case having a cover and a support base removably attached thereto in such a manner that the carrying case is selectively configured between closed and open positions. A chop saw is selectively situated outside and inside of the carrying case when the carrying case is configured at the open and closed positions, respectively. When the carrying case is at the closed position, each of the cover and the support base are at a respective upright orientation. When the carrying case is at the open position, the support base is at the upright orientation and the cover is at an inverted orientation. The carrying case defines a work table when configured to the open position such that the chop saw is contemporaneously exposed above the cover and the support base. |
| US09403221B2 |
One handed plunge base for a router
A plunge base for a power tool includes a base plate having a generally flat bottom surface and defining an opening through which a router bit of a router supported by the plunge base extends to engage a workpiece. A carriage support extends vertically upward from the base plate on one side of the opening. A router carriage is slidably retained on the carriage support. The router carriage is slidable toward and away from the base plate between a first position and a second position and is configured to releasably secure a router thereto the router aligned with the opening in the base. A plunge lock mechanism is configured to retain the router carriage at any position between and including the first position and the second position in relation to the carriage support. |
| US09403218B2 |
Self-tightening chuck with a radial lock
A drill chuck including a spindle portion with a pusher bore, a spindle bore, an annular array of teeth, and an annular groove defined by the outer surface of the first end. A body is rotatably disposed about the spindle portion and includes a central bore, an annular groove defined by the central bore, and a pawl pivotably mounted to the body for selectively engaging the annular array of teeth. A jaw pusher includes a threaded post and a head, the threaded post being disposed in the pusher bore and configured for axial motion. A jaw guide is disposed on the first end of the body and includes a plurality of jaw slots. A plurality of jaws is slidably received in the corresponding jaw slots and slidably received by the head of the jaw pusher. A plurality of bearing balls is received between the annular groove of the spindle portion and the annular groove of the body. The annular groove of the spindle portion and the annular groove of the body form a continuous pair of bearing races for the plurality of bearing balls. |
| US09403217B2 |
Drill chuck
A drill-chuck body is rotatable about an axis and formed with a plurality of passages opening axially rearward at a rear face of the body and radially outwardly at windows in a side of the body. Jaws displaceable between front and rear positions in the passages each have a row of teeth exposed radially outwardly at the respective windows. A tightening ring rotatable about the axis is formed with an internal screwthread engaged at the windows with the teeth such that rotation of the ring moves the jaws between the front and rear positions. A tightening sleeve fitted around and coupled rotationally to the tightening ring extends axially rearward past the windows. This brace ring is radially inwardly engaged with the body and engages radially outwardly between the windows and the rear face with the tightening sleeve so as to coaxially center it on the body. |
| US09403212B2 |
Process for producing components by powder injection molding
Process for producing a shaped metallic body from a thermoplastic composition by injection molding or extrusion to form a shaped part, removal of the binder and sintering, wherein a thermoplastic composition composed of a metal powder and a polymer mixture B1) and B2) based on a polyoxymethylene homopolymer or copolymer B1) is used as binder and to remove the binder a) the shaped part is treated with a solvent which extracts the binder component B2) from the shaped part and in which the binder component B1) is insoluble, b) the solvent is then removed from the shaped part by drying and c) the shaped part is treated thermally at from 140 to 200° C. in an oxygen-comprising atmosphere, as a result of which the binder component B1) is removed from the shaped part; and also a shaped metallic body which can be obtained in this way. |
| US09403211B2 |
Transfer method for manufacturing conductor structures by means of nano-inks
A method for equipping a film material with at least one electrically conductive conductor structure, wherein a dispersion containing metallic nanoparticles in the form of a conductor structure is applied to a thermostable transfer material and the metallic nanoparticles are sintered to form an electrically conductive conductor structure. The electrically conductive conductor structure of sintered metallic nanoparticles is then transferred from the thermostable transfer material to the non-thermostable film material. A method for producing a laminate material using the film material using at least one electrically conductive conductor structure, and to the corresponding film material and laminate material are described. |
| US09403210B2 |
Steering column and manufacturing method thereof, and steering apparatus using this steering column
Construction is achieved that is capable of maintaining overall strength of a cylindrical-shaped steering column, while at the same time making it possible to make the thickness part of the steering column thin. An outer column 10b, which is a column member of a steering column is formed by connecting in the axial direction a main portion 18 made using a light metal alloy with a cylindrical member 19 made of an iron-based alloy. A ring 22 made using a metallic material is fitted and fastened to the inner diameter side of the cylindrical member 19 in the connecting section between the main portion 18 and the cylindrical member 19. The inner diameter of the ring 22 is equal to or greater than the inner diameter of the portion of the main portion 18 that is separated in the axial direction from the connecting section with the cylindrical member 19, and is equal to or less than the inner diameter of the cylindrical member 19. |
| US09403209B2 |
Methods for sand core gas evacuation and related systems and apparatus
Methods, systems, and apparatus for reduction of gas pressure within a core, such as a sand casting core package, during a casting process in order to reduce bubble defects. Some embodiments may comprise a mold configured to receive a molten metal to create a metal casting, such as an engine block casting. The mold may comprise a mold core configured to create a cavity within the metal casting. The system may further comprise a filling device configured for delivering a molten metal into the mold for creating the metal casting. The mold core may comprise a material that is permeable to certain gases known to often result in bubble defects. The system may further comprise a vacuum configured to be coupled with the mold to reduce gas pressure within a permeable portion of the mold in order to reduce the incidence of bubble defects within the casting. |
| US09403208B2 |
Method and casting core for forming a landing for welding a baffle inserted in an airfoil
A method and casting core for forming a landing for welding a baffle inserted into an airfoil are disclosed, wherein the baffle landing of the blade or vane is formed in investment casting by the casting core rather than by wax, reducing tolerances and variability in the location of the baffle inserted into the cooling cavity of airfoil when the baffle is welded to the baffle landing. |
| US09403207B2 |
Spiral bevel gear forging apparatus
A spiral bevel gear forging apparatus for forging a blank includes a first mold core having a mold cavity for receiving the blank, a first punch rod inserted movably into the first mold core and having a positioning end extending into the mold cavity for releasable engagement with a bottom of the blank, at least one push mechanism, and a drive mechanism. When the drive mechanism is operated to move from a non-ejecting to an ejecting position, the push mechanism is actuated to drive the first mold core to rotate about the first punch rod, and the first punch rod is actuated to move relative to the first mold core such that the positioning end thereof is moved out of the mold cavity for ejecting the blank out of the first mold core. |
| US09403198B1 |
Compositions and methods for cleaning contaminated solids and liquids
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the remediation of contaminated solids and liquids. In particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to the bioremediation of solids and liquids by a composition comprising a biocatalyst or mixture of biocatalysts. The present invention also relates to methods for producing the bioremediation compositions and methods for applying the bioremediation compositions to contaminated sites, including treatment, storage, and disposal facilities, as well as various contaminated water sources, such as aquifers and reservoirs. |
| US09403194B2 |
Ceramic wear tile and method of using same
The present subject matter provides colored wear tiles for use in optical sorting apparatuses and related methods that separate an associated material into a desired product and an undesired product. The colored wear tiles have a color and/or lightness value that permeates the entire body of the wear tile and sufficiently differs from the color and/or lightness of the associated material in order to allow the colored wear tile, or portions or pieces thereof, that may mix with the associated material, to be separated from the desired product by the sorting apparatus. |
| US09403193B1 |
Roller apparatus
A free-standing roller apparatus for clearing screens on dispensers sitting within truck dump bodies is provided. The roller apparatus provides a hard bristle, rotating roller attached to an arm, which allows the roller to be lowered onto the dispenser screen. The roller adjusts automatically to the height of each truck. |
| US09403191B2 |
Pressure wave generator with a sabot launched piston
Examples of a pressure wave generator configured to generate high energy pressure waves in a medium are disclosed. The pressure wave generator can include a sabot carrying a piston. The sabot can further comprise a locking means to lock the piston in a fixed position when the locking means are activated. When the locking means are in a deactivated position, the piston can be released and can move at least partially away from the sabot. The sabot carrying the piston can be disposed within an inner bore of a housing of the pressure wave generator and can move within the inner bore of the housing from its first end toward its second end along a longitudinal axis of the bore. A transducer can be accommodated in the second end of the housing. The transducer can be coupled to the medium and can convert a portion of the kinetic energy of the piston into a pressure wave in the medium upon impact of the piston with the transducer. The sabot carrying the piston can be accelerated by applying a motive force to the sabot. Once accelerated within the inner bore of the housing the sabot can be decelerated by applying a restraining force to the sabot while the piston can be released at least partially from the sabot to continue to move toward the transducer until it impacts the transducer. Examples of methods of operating the pressure wave generator are disclosed. |
| US09403187B2 |
Substrate processing method and substrate processing apparatus
A substrate processing method includes an SPM supplying step of supplying SPM having high temperature to an upper surface of a substrate, a DIW supplying step of supplying, after the SPM supplying step, DIW having room temperature to the upper surface of the substrate to rinse off the liquid remaining on the substrate, a hydrogen peroxide water supplying step of supplying, after the SPM supplying step and before the DIW supplying step, hydrogen peroxide water of a liquid temperature lower than the temperature of the SPM and not less than room temperature, to the upper surface of the substrate in a state where the SPM remains on the substrate, and a temperature decrease suppressing step of supplying, in parallel to the hydrogen peroxide water supplying step, pure water having high temperature to a lower surface of the substrate. |
| US09403180B2 |
Nanopositioning substrate preparation apparatus and preparation method using dip pen nanolithography with a single tip or multiple tips using atomic force microscope (AFM)
Provided are method and apparatus to nanoposition ink, the apparatus including: a substrate; a pattern index; an atomic force microscope (AMF) tip configured to form a pattern on the pattern index; a first ink reservoir including a first ink; a second ink reservoir including a second ink; a first cleaning portion configured to remove the first ink from the AMF tip; a second washing portion configured to remove the second ink from the AMF tip; a position determining portion configured to interact with the AMF tip; an electrode connection portion configured to apply a voltage to the position determining portion, in order to determine a position of the AMF tip when the AMF tip interacts with the position determining portion. The AMF tip is configured to configured to interact with the position determining portion, prior to forming the pattern using the first and second inks. |
| US09403179B1 |
Cleaning device with liquid conducting universal joint
Cleaning device includes shaft that interfaces with fluid source and defines conduit. Mounting couples to cleaning element and includes interior and apertures. Liquid conducting universal joint is coupled with mounting and shaft. Joint includes a nozzle coupled to shaft that is in fluid communication with conduit. Nozzle includes nozzle mating feature defining nozzle aperture. Joint includes rotational element having first mating feature rotationally coupled with nozzle mating feature and is rotatable about radial axis of nozzle mating feature and second mating feature. Rotational fluid conduit extends between mating features. Joint includes connector coupled with mounting that defines connector conduit. Connector mating feature is rotatably coupled with second mating feature and is rotatable about radial axis of second mating feature that is substantially orthogonal to radial axis of nozzle mating feature. Cleaning device defines rigid fluid path that enables rotation of mounting without bending components that define fluid path. |
| US09403176B2 |
Stream deflector
A stream redirecting device for a sprinkler includes a shell-shaped body having a generally semi-circular shape in plan, with opposite inlet and outlet side edges. The body extends outwardly and upwardly from a base at a lower end and then upwardly and inwardly to a distal, arcuate edge at an upper end. An inside surface of the shell-shaped body is formed with a plurality of grooves between the inlet side edge and the outlet side edge, extending in a generally radial direction with entry ends adjacent the base and exit ends at the distal, arcuate edge. The grooves are formed with circumferential exit angles that vary substantially uniformly in opposite directions from a center one of the plurality of grooves to first and last of the plurality of grooves at the opposite inlet and outlet side edges, respectively. |
| US09403174B2 |
Reverse iron ore flotation by collectors in aqueous nanoemulsion
The present invention relates to a process for concentration of silicate-containing minerals and ores by froth flotation, in particular to a reverse flotation process, in the presence of a finely dispersed collecting agent characterized by a specific droplet size distribution. |
| US09403173B2 |
Process for enhancing electrostatic separation in the beneficiation of ores
An electrostatic modification reagent as described herein. The electrostatic modification reagent may be used in an electric separation process for separating components from a mineral ore or sand. |
| US09403171B2 |
Air quality enhancement system
An air quality enhancement system that includes an enclosure and an electrostatic particle ionization system. A plurality of objects is located in the enclosure. The enclosure has an interior height that is greater than a height of the objects. The plurality of objects emits particles that become airborne. The electrostatic particle ionization system includes at least one corona point and a corona point mounting mechanism. The corona point mounting mechanism operably mounts the at least one corona point within the enclosure for movement between an extended position and a retracted. When in the extended position, the at least one corona point is closer to the plurality of objects than the enclosure. When in the retracted position, the at least one corona point is closer to the enclosure than the plurality of objects. |
| US09403170B2 |
Coupling mechanism for a milling apparatus
A coupling mechanism for an abrasive roll assembly placed inside an apparatus to couple the abrasive roll assembly along its axial center with the axial center of the apparatus, the coupling mechanism comprising a locking disk placed along the abrasive roll assembly. |
| US09403165B2 |
Microfluidic cartridge for processing and detecting nucleic acids
A microfluidic cartridge, configured to facilitate processing and detection of nucleic acids, comprising: a top layer comprising a set of cartridge-aligning indentations, a set of sample port-reagent port pairs, a shared fluid port, a vent region, a heating region, and a set of Detection chambers; an intermediate substrate, coupled to the top layer comprising a waste chamber; an elastomeric layer, partially situated on the intermediate substrate; and a set of fluidic pathways, each formed by at least a portion of the top layer and a portion of the elastomeric layer, wherein each fluidic pathway is fluidically coupled to a sample port-reagent port pair, the shared fluid port, and a Detection chamber, comprises a turnabout portion passing through the heating region, and is configured to be occluded upon deformation of the elastomeric layer, to transfer a waste fluid to the waste chamber, and to pass through the vent region. |
| US09403159B2 |
Dehydrogenation catalyst, and carbonyl compound and hydrogen production method using said catalyst
Objects of the present invention are to provide a novel dehydrogenation reaction catalyst, to provide a method that can produce a ketone, an aldehyde, and a carboxylic acid with high efficiency from an alcohol, and to provide a method for efficiently producing hydrogen from an alcohol, formic acid, or a formate, and they are accomplished by a catalyst containing an organometallic compound of Formula (1). |
| US09403158B2 |
Method for producing ester compound and palladium catalyst used in the method
A method for producing an ester compound includes reacting a compound having at least one cyclic structure of a norbornene ring and a norbornadiene ring with an alcohol and carbon monoxide by using a palladium catalyst and an oxidizing agent, to thereby introduce ester groups to carbon atoms forming a double bond in the cyclic structure and obtaining the ester compound, wherein the palladium catalyst includes a palladium acetate having a nitrite ligand in an amount of 10% by mole or more in terms of metal, and the palladium acetate having a nitrite ligand is represented by the general formula (1): Pd3(CH3COO)5(NO2). |
| US09403157B2 |
Three-way catalyst comprising mixture of nickel and copper
A three-way catalyst including a mixture of nickel and copper is provided for reducing carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon emissions, and nitrogen oxides from vehicle engine exhausts. The catalyst is impregnated onto a carrier substrate which is non-reactive with nickel and copper. When used in a vehicle exhaust gas treatment system, the nickel-copper catalyst provides improved efficiency in reducing CO, HC, and NOx emissions over the use of conventional three-way-catalysts and provides enhanced oxygen storage capacity (OSC) and water-gas-shift (WGS) functions. |
| US09403153B2 |
Highly stable hydrocarbon-soluble molybdenum catalyst precursors and methods for making same
Hydrocarbon-soluble molybdenum catalyst precursors include a plurality of molybdenum cations and a plurality of carboxylate anions having at least 8 carbon atoms. The carboxylate anions are alicyclic, aromatic, or branched, unsaturated and aliphatic, and can derived from carboxylic acids selected from 3-cyclopentylpropionic acid, cyclohexanebutyric acid, biphenyl-2-carboxylic acid, 4-heptylbenzoic acid, 5-phenylvaleric acid, geranic acid, 10-undecenoic acid, dodecanoic acid, and combinations thereof. The molybdenum salts have decomposition temperatures higher than 210° C. The catalyst precursors can form a hydroprocessing molybdenum sulfide catalyst in heavy oil feedstocks. Also disclosed are methods for making catalyst precursors and hydrocracking heavy oil using active catalysts. |
| US09403151B2 |
Basic exchange for enhanced redox OS materials for emission control applications
An Oxygen Ion Conductor (OIC)/Oxygen Storage (OS) material is disclosed, more particularly an OIC/OS having a stable cubic crystal structure, related to a method for the promotion of the catalytic properties of OIC/OS by the post-synthetic introduction of non-precious metals via a basic (alkaline) exchange process and the application of said materials to control of vehicle exhaust emissions. |
| US09403148B2 |
Synthesis of ultra-small pore aluminosilicates by controlled structural collapse of zeolites
A method of forming the highly selective ultra-small pore amorphous adsorbent includes introducing an ion-exchange material to a sodium aluminosilicate zeolite such that an ion-exchanged zeolite forms, calcinating the ion-exchanged zeolite at a calcination temperature such that the ion-exchanged zeolite collapses and forms the decationized amorphous adsorbent, and introducing a back ion-exchange material to the decationized amorphous adsorbent such that the highly selective ultra-small pore amorphous adsorbent forms. The highly selective ultra-small pore amorphous adsorbent has a pore aperture size operable to permit carbon dioxide to adsorb into the amorphous adsorbent and operable to deny methane from adsorbing into the amorphous adsorbent. |
| US09403147B2 |
Reactor packing
A structured packing for insertion in a reactor having an inlet, an outlet, a wall and an axis. The packing comprises a first part, i.e., a reactor core and a second part, i.e., a reactor casing. The second part is free to move relative to the first part. The first part and the second part are inserted in the reactor such that the first part is located proximate the axis and the second part is located between the first part and the reactor wall. In general, the second part will be in contact with the reactor wall. |
| US09403143B2 |
Hydrogen-generating reactors and methods
Reactors and methods that generate hydrogen from fuel, such as naturally-occurring or synthesized hydrocarbon fuel. One embodiment of the reactor comprises a CO2/H2 active membrane piston disposed inside a cylinder that provides for highly efficient and scalable hydrogen generation from hydrocarbon fuels. This embodiment may function in a two or four stroke modes. Another embodiment of the reactor comprises a dual piston configuration having CO2 and H2 active membrane pistons inside a single cylinder. Other embodiments of the reactor comprise flexible membranes or diaphragms that operate in a manner similar to pistons with or without regeneration of residual reaction products. Exemplary methods introduce fuel into a controllable volume, selectively control pressure, temperature and residence time of the fuel within the controllable volume, chemically react the fuel within the controllable volume with one or more catalysts to produce one or more chemical species, selectively remove via a membrane one or more of the chemical species from the controllable volume, and exhaust residual products from the controllable volume. |
| US09403138B2 |
Wire standoffs for stackable structural reactors
A wire standoff suitable for use in a tubular reactor, such as a reformer, is described. The wire standoff includes a portion or segment positioned between an outer reactor tube and one or more reactor components located within the tube. The reactor components and the outer tube are prevented from coming into directed contact with one another by the positioning of the wire standoff. The wire standoff can be secured to a reactor component at one of its ends or to a washer located between stacked reactor components. Prevention of the reactor components from contact with the outer tube promotes fluid flow through the reactor and can enhance heat transfer and reactor efficiency for carrying out catalytic reactions. |
| US09403136B2 |
Dual vessel reactor
A dual vessel reactor and a method of carrying out a reaction using a dual vessel reactor are provided using a non-condensable gas to substantially isolate the inner vessel from the outer vessel during the reaction and limit the heating of the outer vessel when steam from the inner vessel condenses on the interior surface of the outer vessel. By limiting the heating of the outer vessel through the condensation of the steam or other vapor from the inner vessel, the operating temperature of the outer vessel is kept below an upper threshold of the operating temperature of a seal used to seal the door in the outer vessel. |
| US09403134B2 |
Method for producing a material mixture of powder or granular state material and liquid
The invention is a method for producing a mixture of powder or granular state material and liquid, in the course of which a first mixture is produced by conveying the powder or granular state material through an inlet hopper into an upper mixing space and by feeding the liquid into the upper mixing space, the first mixture is introduced into a lower mixing space through a conducting pipe connecting a bottom part of the upper mixing space and an upper part of a lower mixing space having a cylindrical space portion and a conical space portion, and a second mixture is produced by causing it to collide into a baffle member, the second mixture is discharged through the conical space portion arranged at the bottom part of the lower mixing space. By dividing the second mixture, a first mixture portion is discharged as a mixture material, a second mixture portion is re-circulated into the upper mixing space, and a third mixture portion is conveyed into the upper part of the lower mixing space. The ratio of the first mixture portion to the second mixture portion is chosen to a value between 1:1 and 1:4, the ratio of the first mixture portion to the third mixture portion is chosen to a value between 1:1 and 1:5, and in the lower mixing space the amount of the second mixture is adjusted so that the surface of the second mixture is within the cylindrical space portion of the lower mixing space and is spaced from the baffle member. |
| US09403130B2 |
Method of manufacturing silica membrane
A simple method of manufacturing a silica membrane which has high separation performance and high permeation flux is provided. The method is a method for manufacturing a silica membrane by depositing a silica sol on a porous substrate, drying the silica sol by air blowing which has a dew point of -70 to 0° C., and then firing the same thereafter to produce the silica membrane. Further, the silica sol is preferably dried by air blowing at an air velocity of 5 to 20 m/sec. |
| US09403125B2 |
Valve with air-gap provision to prevent backflow
A valve is provided having an air gap to protect against backflow in a fluid system. The valve can also be used to control fluid flow while providing such backflow protection. The valve can be used with e.g., a reverse osmosis water filtration system and/or other systems. By incorporating both backflow protection and flow control into the same device, efficiencies in space, complexity, and/or installation time are provided. |
| US09403114B2 |
Air purification system and method using an ultrasonic wave
An air purification system comprises a chamber having an air inlet and an air outlet, a plurality of flexible wires hanging from a ceiling of the chamber, a spray mechanism configured to spray droplets in the chamber, and a sound wave generator configured to generate a standing sound wave in the chamber. During operation of the air purification system, the plurality of flexible wires are elastically deformed by the standing sound wave generated by the sound wave generator such that portions of the plurality of flexible wires converge at nodes of the sound wave, and also the droplets move to the nodes of the standing sound wave, while trapping particles in the air during the movement to the nodes. The droplets collide against and are adsorbed to the plurality of flexible wires at the nodes of the sound wave. |
| US09403111B2 |
Method for sterilizing water treatment apparatus having plurality of tanks
Provided is a method for sterilizing a water treatment apparatus having a plurality of tanks. The method includes, performing a sterilization preparation process to drain purified water from the first tank until a first amount of purified water is left, performing a sterilizing process to sterilize the first tank by supplying the sterilized water supplied from the sterilizing module, to drain water from the first tank through a first water outlet pipe until a second amount of water is left in the first tank, and to drain the second amount of water remaining in the first tank into the second tank through a second water outlet pipe. |
| US09403102B2 |
Heat exchange system configured with a membrane contactor
A heat exchange system may include a first heat exchange circuit and a second heat exchange circuit. The first heat exchange circuit may circulate a first working fluid sequentially through a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger and a membrane contactor. The second heat exchange circuit may direct a second working fluid sequentially through the first heat exchanger and the membrane contactor, where the second working fluid includes solute and solvent. The first heat exchanger and the membrane contactor may transfer heat energy from the second working fluid to the first working fluid, and the second heat exchanger may transfer heat energy from the first working fluid to a third working fluid. The membrane contactor may extract a portion of the solvent from the second working fluid. |
| US09403099B2 |
Modeling skin-covered robotics devices including artistic digital iterative design processes
A method for fabricating a product, such as an animatronic character, with artificial skin. The method includes providing data defining an exterior surface geometry of the product. A base geometry model of the product is generated based on the exterior surface geometry data, which in turn is used to fabricate a prototype of the product. Then, an exterior skin mold is formed using the product prototype mounted on an alignment block. The method includes fabricating an inner support structure based on the base geometry model having an exterior geometry smaller than the 3D base geometry model by the thickness of the exterior skin. The inner support structure is positioned within the mold with the inner support structure mounted upon the alignment block, which is received in the mold. The product is formed by pouring material for an exterior skin layer into the mold and over the inner support structure. |
| US09403085B2 |
System for multi-user communications using discrete video game platforms
A multi-user video game with communications capabilities allows players to communicate with one another via simulated mail, leaflets and conversations. Different installations of the game on different discrete video game playing platforms may be unique or different depending upon random or other data available at the platform. For example, different installations may have different subsets of characters, different landscapes, or the like. Player characters from one virtual environment or village may visit another virtual environment or village and return home to his or her resident environment or village. Non-player characters may move from one virtual environment or village to another—thereby providing an ever-changing variety of characters. Communications between different game playing platforms can be provided via portable memory devices, portable game playing devices, or conventional communications means such as networks. |
| US09403076B2 |
Martial arts training and scoring game system
A kit for combatants engaged in a martial arts competition, including a combat garment for generally covering the combatant, strike gear for covering at least portions of the combatants hands and feet, and strike coins for loosely adhering to portions of the combat garment. The combat garment includes a plurality of predetermined areas covered with first hook-and-loop fasteners. Each predetermined area corresponds with a predetermined strike zones. At least a portion of the strike gear is covered with second hook-and-loop fasteners and each respective strike coin is covered with third hook-and-loop fasteners adhesively matable with the first and second hook-and-loop fasteners. |
| US09403070B2 |
Golf club heads with trench features and related methods
Golf club heads with trench features are described herein. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein. |
| US09403068B2 |
Golf club head having a grooved and textured face
A golf club head with an improved striking surface. The grooves are machined into the strike surface with tight tolerances. The face may be selectively textured to enhance certain shots that the golfer may perform. This may include providing a plurality of distinct sets of texturing and surface roughening to accommodate a plurality of different shots. |
| US09403067B2 |
Interchangeable shaft system
A golf club incorporating an interchangeable shaft system includes a shaft, a shaft sleeve, a club head. The shaft sleeve is coupled to an end of the shaft and is received in a hosel included in the club head. The shaft sleeve is removably coupled to the club head. Hosel and shaft sleeve alignment features provide discrete orientations between the shaft and club head. |
| US09403066B2 |
Adjustable golf club system
An adjustable golf club system is described herein. The adjustable golf club system includes a club shaft, a club head, a hosel, and an adjustment assembly that is removably coupled to the club head and the hosel to facilitate adjusting an orientation of the hosel with respect to the club head. The club head includes a club head cavity that extends between a toe portion and a heal portion. The hosel includes a first end that is coupled to the club shaft and a second end that includes a fastener head. The adjustment assembly includes a sliding member and a hosel fastener that is coupled to the sliding member. The sliding member is positioned within the club head cavity and movable between the toe portion and the heal portion. The hosel fastener extends through the fastener head to the sliding member to couple the hosel to the club head. |
| US09403062B2 |
Process for designing rugged pattern on golf ball surface
A golf ball has, on a surface thereof, a rugged pattern composed of a land and a large number of dimples. A method for designing the rugged pattern includes the steps of: (1) assuming a large number of circles on a surface of a phantom sphere; (2) assuming a large number of generating points 16 based on positions of the large number of circles; (3) assuming a large number of Voronoi regions 18 on the surface of the phantom sphere by a Voronoi tessellation based on the large number of generating points 16; and (4) assigning a dimple and a land to the surface of the phantom sphere based on contours of the large number of Voronoi regions 18. |
| US09403061B2 |
Swimming goggles
Swimming goggles include a frame body, lenses, buckles attached to left and right portions of the frame body, and a head strap passed through the buckles. Each of the buckles has a base having a connecting portion and a guiding portion, and an operating portion. With the head strap being frictional engaged with the guiding portions and retained by the operating portion and being stretched after wearing of the swimming goggles, the head strap is adjustable through the buckles without taking off the swimming goggles, so as to provide a quick and easy adjustment, and a lower cost of manufacturing because of simplified structure. |
| US09403057B2 |
Swing analyzing device, swing analyzing program, and recording medium
A swing analyzing device includes at least a motion sensor, a data acquiring unit, a motion detecting unit, and a swing data determining unit. The data acquiring unit acquires detection data of the motion sensor. The motion detecting unit uses the acquired detection data to detect a motion of a swing and extracts, as swing candidate data, data from which the motion of the swing is detected. The swing data determining unit selects true swing data from the swing candidate data based on determination conditions associated with the swing. |
| US09403056B2 |
Multiple degree of freedom rehabilitation system having a smart fluid-based, multi-mode actuator
A rehabilitation system that combines robotics and interactive gaming to facilitate performance of task-specific, repetitive, upper extremity/hand motor tasks, to enable individuals undergoing rehabilitation to improve the performance of coordinated movements of the forearm and hand is disclosed. More specifically, the rehabilitation system includes a two degree-of-freedom (DOF) robotic, upper limb rehabilitation system and interactive gaming hardware that is coupled to a computer, to provide a virtual reality-like environment. |
| US09403055B2 |
Exercise device
Exercise device (1) comprising an exercise ball (10) and a cover (20) for housing and completely surrounding this ball (10); the cover being designed to couple, in use, in a substantially form-fitting manner to the outer surface of the shell (11) of the exercise ball (10) and being provided with a respective closing device (25) that can be selectively opened to allow the exercise ball (10) to be inserted into and extracted from the cover. |
| US09403054B1 |
Sitting type oblong orbital exercising machine
An oblong orbital exercising machine includes a main frame, an upright mounted on the main frame, a seat support mounted on the main frame, a cycle movement mechanism mounted between the seat support and the main frame, a seat mounted on the seat support, two guiding tracks mounted on the main frame, two swinging handles pivotally connected with the upright, two drive bars each having a first end pivotally connected with the cycle movement mechanism, two pedal units mounted on a second end of the respective drive bar, two driven bars each having a first end pivotally connected with the respective swinging handle and a second end pivotally connected with the respective drive bar, and two rollers each pivotally connected with the respective driven bar and each movably mounted in the respective guiding track. |
| US09403050B2 |
Exercise apparatus
An apparatus for exercising muscles of a user. At least one member has a dynamic mass distribution that changes according to an orientation of the apparatus. The orientation of the apparatus may be altered by the user so as to exercise the user's muscles. |
| US09403049B2 |
Exercise device
A suspended footrest device for supporting and exercising a user's feet and legs. The footrest device includes a pair of footrests that are pivotally connected to the opposed ends of a rigid elongated member. A non-rigid suspension member is connected to a medial section of the elongated member to suspend the footrests. The footrests are pivotally connected to the rigid elongated member. |
| US09403048B2 |
Multi function exercise apparatus with resistance mechanism
An exercise apparatus that provides multiple different exercises for a User, including both resistance movements and isometrics. The User interacts with the apparatus by grasping a bar. A resistance mechanism is symmetrically mounted on a second bar and provides infinitely variable resistance to the User, as well as soundproof operation. There is a vertical column that allows infinite positioning of the bars for different bodily exercises, and a bench for support. The User can change the exercise resistance by verbal commands, or the apparatus can vary the exercise resistance in response to the force applied by the User. The apparatus can be operated at locations where electric service is permanently unavailable, or in zero gravity; and the apparatus can be mounted inside a shallow closet and hidden from view. To verify accuracy, the resistance can be calibrated against a known quantity of weight. |
| US09403047B2 |
Magnetic resistance mechanism in a cable machine
A cable exercise machine includes a first pull cable and a second pull cable incorporated into a frame. Each of the first pull cable and the second pull cable are linked to at least one resistance mechanism. The at least one resistance mechanism includes a flywheel and a magnetic unit arranged to resist movement of the flywheel. |
| US09403040B1 |
Calcium-free composition for dental mineralization
A method for the restoration of dentition, including dissolving a phosphate salt in water to define a calcium-free aqueous phosphate solution and applying the aqueous phosphate solution to dentition. The calcium-free aqueous phosphate solution has a phosphate concentration of between about 10 ppm and about 10000 ppm. |
| US09403036B2 |
Particle beam treatment device and operation method therefor
When an energy of a particle beam to be emitted from an accelerator is set for every slice group including two or more adjacent slices and an attenuation amount is set for each slice in the slice group, the energy to be emitted from the accelerator is set, for every slice group, higher than an energy corresponding to the slice at a deepest location in that slice group so that a transmissive plate has a predetermined thickness for the slice at the deepest location; and, with respect to a thickness of the transmissive plate to be set for every slice group, the thickness set for the slice group at a deep location is larger than or equal to the thickness set for the slice group at a shallow location, and the thickness set for the slice group at a deepest location is thicker than the thickness set for the slice group at a shallowest location. |
| US09403032B2 |
Formulations of histone deacetylase inhibitor and uses therof
Dosing regimens, methods of treatment, controlled release formulations, and combination therapies that include an HDAC inhibitor, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, are described. |
| US09403030B2 |
Low level laser therapy for alzheimer's disease
Methods and systems are provided for delivering visible or infrared biostimulatory energy to bone marrow to subjects having or developing Alzheimer's disease. The radiation is delivered to sites remote from the brain at a dose sufficient to cause stimulated mesenchymal stem cells to appear in the brain and degrade β-amyloid. The energy may be coherent light and can be administered transcutaneously, subcutaneously, or via an intramedullary probe. |
| US09403026B2 |
Language placard for an automated external defibrillator
An automated external defibrillator (AED) 10 has a changeable language placard (20) which enables the AED to instruct the user in one or more languages. The placard includes a controlling element (120) which is sensed by the AED, and causes the AED to automatically switch the language mode into the corresponding placard language. The placard also includes visual guidance instructions (224, 226). |
| US09403023B2 |
Method of forming feedthrough with integrated brazeless ferrule
One aspect provides a method of forming a feedthrough device for an implantable medical device. The method includes providing a bulk insulator having a longitudinal length extending between first and second end faces, and including one or more conducting elements extending therethrough between the first and second end faces, the bulk insulator having a perimeter surface along the longitudinal length, and depositing one of a metal, metal alloy, or cermet on the perimeter surface to form a ferrule directly thereon, wherein the ferrule can be joined to other components of the implantable medical device. |
| US09403021B2 |
Energy efficient resonant driving circuit for magnetically coupled interaction with an implantable medical device
A driving circuit useful in a magnetic inductive coupling wireless communication system is disclosed. The circuit includes an inductor (coil) and capacitor in series selectively coupled to a power source such as a rechargeable battery. The LC circuit is made to resonate in accordance with a Frequency Shift Keying or other protocol. Such resonance produces a voltage across the inductor. This voltage is used to create a first voltage either by tapping into the coil, or by providing a transformer. The first voltage is coupled to the rechargeable battery by a diode. When the circuit resonates, and when the first voltage exceeds the voltage of the power source, the diode turns on, thus shunting excess current back to recharge the rechargeable battery. By use of this circuit, energy is conserved. Additionally, oscillations can be quickly dampened so as to allow the circuit to transmit at high data rates. |
| US09403020B2 |
Modeling positions of implanted devices in a patient
Technology is disclosed for modeling positions of implanted devices in a patient. In various embodiments, the technology can construct a forward model that predicts an electrical impedance between electrical contacts; detects an actual electrical impedance between electrical contacts; computes a fitness value based on a comparison between the detected electrical impedance and the predicted electrical impedance; varies at least one parameter of the forward model until the computed fitness value is a maximum fitness value; and displays at a display device a estimated position of the first lead and/or second leads. |
| US09403019B2 |
Adaptive cardiac resynchronization therapy
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) delivered to a heart of a patient may be adjusted based on detection of a surrogate indication of the intrinsic atrioventricular conduction of the heart. In some examples, the surrogate indication is determined to be a sense event of the first depolarizing ventricle of the heart within a predetermined period of time following the delivery of a fusion pacing stimulus to the later depolarizing ventricle. In some examples, the CRT is switched from a fusion pacing configuration to a biventricular pacing configuration if the surrogate indication is not detected, and the CRT is maintained in a fusion pacing configuration if the surrogate indication is detected. |
| US09403015B2 |
High frequency neuromodulation system and method for reducing energy requirements
An electrical neuromodulation system and method of treating an ailment of a patient using a neuromodulation device. Electrical modulation energy is delivered at a first frequency from the neuromodulation device to a first set of electrodes having a first combined electrode impedance. A second set of electrodes having a second combined electrode impedance less than the first combined electrode impedance is automatically selected. The electrical modulation energy is delivered at a second frequency to the second set of electrodes, wherein the second frequency is greater than the first frequency. |
| US09403014B2 |
Onset-mitigating high-frequency nerve block
A method of blocking signal transmission through a nerve with reduced onset activity includes applying an HFAC to an axon of a nerve to block the transmission of signals through the axon. The method may also include applying a direct current (DC) to the axon, increasing the amplitude of the DC over time to a predetermined amplitude, applying the HFAC, and then decreasing the DC. The method may also include temporarily reducing the amplitude of the HFAC to permit the transmission of signals through the axon and subsequently increasing the amplitude to block transmission without triggering an onset response. The method may also include temporarily applying an unbalanced charge to the nerve and then balancing the charge over time. |
| US09403013B2 |
Systems and methods for producing asynchronous neural responses to treat pain and/or other patient conditions
Systems and methods for producing asynchronous neural responses to treat pain and/or other patient conditions are disclosed. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes selecting a target stimulation frequency that is above a threshold frequency, with the threshold frequency corresponding to a refractory period for neurons of a target sensory neural population. The method can further include producing a patient sensation of paresthesia by directing an electrical signal to multiple sensory neurons of the target sensory neural population at the stimulation frequency, with individual neurons of the sensory neural population completing corresponding individual refractory periods at different times, resulting in an asynchronous sensory neuron response to the electrical signal. |
| US09403012B2 |
Active implantable medical device with automatic optimization of the configuration of a multi-electrode stimulation lead
A device includes a pulse generator coupled to a neurostimulation lead placed around the nerve and a set of electrodes individually connected to the generator by a splitter circuit controlled to preferentially stimulate certain regions of the nerve relative to other regions. The device performing an iterative search of an optimal configuration operating by selection of a plurality of different stimulation configurations, storing of a cardiac physiological parameter measured for each selected stimulation configuration, and designation as optimal stimulation configuration of the one of said selected different stimulation configurations, depending on at least the stored values of the physiological parameter measured for different electrode configurations. |
| US09403009B2 |
Apparatus and methods for implant coupling indication
A device is disclosed that includes an external unit configured to communicate with an implant unit beneath the skin of a subject and an indicator associated with the external unit. The indicator is configured to produce an indicator signal when the external unit is within a predetermined range of the implant unit. In addition, the indicator may be configured to vary the indicator signal according to a distance between the external unit and the implant unit. Furthermore, a method of locating an external unit with respect to an implant unit is disclosed that includes detecting a distance between the external unit and the implanted unit located beneath the skin of a subject, producing an indicator signal when the external unit is within a predetermined range of the implant unit, and varying the indicator signal as a function of a distance between the external unit and the implant unit. |
| US09403008B2 |
Managing back pain by applying a high frequency electrical stimulus directly to the spinal cord
This invention provides a new technology for management of back pain by stimulating the spinal cord in a manner that renders it refractory to transmission of deleterious or undesirable sensory input. The electrical stimulus comprises high frequency pulses in a regular or complex pattern or that are stochastically produced under microprocessor control. The stimulus is applied directly to the surface of the spinal cord from within the spinal canal, which provides important benefits over previous technology. The stimulus alleviates symptoms and signs of back pain, while minimizing the risk of side effects such as paresthesia, and potentially minimizing the effects on motor neuron transmission and proprioception. |
| US09403007B2 |
Systems and methods to reduce syncope risk during neural stimulation therapy
Some embodiments, by way of example, provide a system, comprising a posture change detector configured to detect a posture transition indicative of an increased risk of syncope, and a neural stimulator configured to deliver a neural stimulation therapy. The neural stimulator may include a syncope avoidance module configured to respond to a detected posture transition by temporarily overriding the neural stimulation therapy to ameliorate the risk of increased syncope. |
| US09403003B2 |
Methods and systems for fitting a sound processor to a patient using a plurality of pre-loaded sound processing programs
An exemplary method of fitting a sound processor to a cochlear implant patient includes pre-loading program data representative of a plurality of sound processing programs onto a sound processor during a data transfer session and selectively using, after completion of the data transfer session, one or more of the pre-loaded sound processing programs to fit the sound processor to the patient. Corresponding methods and systems are also described. |
| US09403001B2 |
Non-invasive magnetic or electrical nerve stimulation to treat gastroparesis, functional dyspepsia, and other functional gastrointestinal disorders
Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating or preventing gastroparesis, functional dyspepsia, and other functional gastrointestinal disorders. The methods comprise transmitting impulses of energy non-invasively to selected nerve fibers, particularly those in a vagus nerve. The methods provide damaged interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) with trophic factors via vagal afferent nerve fibers, thereby reversing ICC damage, and as a consequence improving gastric motility. The methods also increase levels of inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain so as to decrease neural activity within the area postrema, or they deactivate a resting state neural network containing parts of the anterior insula and anterior cingulate cortex, which will thereby reduce abnormal interoception and visceral hypersensitivity. |
| US09402998B2 |
Vestibular electronic orthodontic appliance expediter and method
A vestibular electronic orthodontic appliance expediter constituted of a lingual sub-member and a buccal sub-member, the lingual sub-member arranged to fit a lingual contour of a gum of a patient, the buccal sub-member arranged to fit a buccal contour of a gum of the patient; a control circuitry; a power supply; a plurality of lingual electrodes, each associated with a particular tooth socket; and a plurality of buccal electrodes, each associated with a particular tooth socket. Either a first or a second type current is generated between lingual and buccal electrodes responsive to the control circuitry. Biochemical molecules involved in bone remodeling, augmented by the electric currents, may be applied to the expediter as a layer of gel containing those molecules on the expediter surface facing the gum tissue. Temperature control enhances the gel effects. pH measurement, as indicators of the cellular response to the combined treatment is further provided. |
| US09402997B1 |
System and method for stimulating medical electrode with a measurement capability
A peripheral nerve conduction diagnosis system that utilizes an electrostimulation device having dry elastomer electrodes and a distance measuring device that allow a user to move the electrostimulation device along the skin of a patient while in constant contact with the skin and measure the distance moved. |
| US09402994B2 |
Powering of an implantable medical therapy delivery device using far field radiative powering at multiple frequencies
A particular implantable device may include one or more antennas configured to receive a first far field radiative signal and a second far field radiative signal. The one or more antennas may be configured to receive the first far field radiative signal in a first frequency band and to receive the second far field radiative signal in a second frequency band. The implantable device may include a voltage rectifier configured to rectify the received first far field radiative signal and the received second far field radiative signal to provide a rectified voltage signal. The implantable device may further include a charge storage element operative to receive the rectified voltage signal and to store charge responsive to the rectified voltage signal. The implantable device may also include a therapy delivery unit powered by the charge storage element. The therapy delivery unit may be operative to deliver a therapy to a patient. |
| US09402991B1 |
Microcircuit cochlear electrode array and method of manufacture
A microcircuit integrated cochlear electrode array and a process for the manufacture thereof, the electrode array comprising a multiconductor tail portion with longitudinally spaced outwardly exposed electrode receiving pads and a flat multiconductor head portion connected to the tail portion and having spaced outwardly exposed circuit attachment pads, the tail and head portions being laminated between a nonconductive film substrate and an insulating cover and the tail portion being helically wrapped into a helix with the electrode receiving circuit attachment pads exposed and carrying ring electrodes overmolded with a suitable polymeric material. |
| US09402990B2 |
Securing an implanted medical device in a patient
An apparatus and method for implanting and securing an implanted medical device in a recipient. The implantable medical device of the generally includes an electrode assembly that comprises an elongate carrier member having at least one stimulating electrode positioned thereon. The carrier member further has a fixation structure positioned thereon configured to interact with a portion of the rigid structure to longitudinally secure the carrier member in the recipient. |
| US09402987B2 |
Devices and methods for occluding a flexible tube
A device for occluding a flexible tube comprising a first body frictionally connected to a second body by a spring-loaded clip. A flexible tube having a first end and a second end is secured in a bent position to each body by a plurality of clamps. When the two bodies are separated by a predetermined threshold force acting axially on either the first end or second end of the tube so as to cause the bent section of tubing to straighten, the spring-load clip occludes the tube secured by the second body. |
| US09402986B2 |
Method for hernia repair
A hernia repair implant includes a first layer for facing a body structure having a hernia defect to cover the defect while promoting tissue growth into the first layer from the body structure. The implant also includes a second layer opposed to the first layer and made of anti-adhesion material to prevent growth of tissue into the second layer from body structures contacting the second layer. Furthermore, the implant includes at least one engagement strap connected to the first layer and extending therefrom to terminate at a free end. The engagement strap defines opposed thin edges and opposed flat surfaces extending between the edges. At least one barb extends from at least one edge and/or at least one flat surface of the strap and is configured to impede motion of the strap in only a single direction. |
| US09402985B2 |
Self-cleaning suction device
A self-cleaning suction device has a user's suction end that self-sanitizes externally and internally before and after use, as well as self-sanitizes internally during use. A cover opens to reveal the user's suction end within a containment unit. As the cover opens, the suction end travels from a lower chamber, proceeds through a middle chamber of a sanitizing agent, and is presented for use. After suction is complete, the suction end retracts through an upper chamber with, a scraping feature that removes debris from the outer surface of the mouthpiece, and proceeds down through the middle chamber of a sanitizing agent and a scraping feature that removes debris and the sanitizing agent from the outer surface of the user's suction end. Upon the sealing closure of the cover, the upper and middle chambers are flushed with a sanitizing agent, which is suctioned away along with any collected debris. The user's suction end resides within a lower chamber and can be decontaminated by a UV-C light entering into the lower chamber and/or corresponding chambers. The suction device can also include a liquid-hydration delivery system. |
| US09402982B2 |
Minimally-advancing luminal catheter
The present invention relates to an implantable catheter (100) provided for insertion through a wall (50) of a dural venous sinus (70) in a subject, having a proximal (20) and distal end (30), comprising: —a tubular shaft (10) for insertion through the wall (50) of the venous sinus (70) into the sinus (52), provided with a shaft lumen (12) in fluid connection with a proximal port (14) at the proximal end and a distal port (16) at the distal end of the shaft (10), and —a stop element (40) disposed on an outer surface of the tubular shaft (10), configured to limit the depth of insertion of the tubular shaft (10) into the sinus. |
| US09402978B2 |
Guidewire
A guidewire includes a wire body having a first wire arranged on a distal end side and a second wire arranged on a proximal end side of the first wire. A proximal end surface of the first wire and a distal end surface of the second wire are joined to each other to form a joint portion. An outer member is arranged on an outer peripheral side of the wire body and forms a tubular shape which covers the wire body at least from a distal end portion of the first wire to the joint portion. An inner member is arranged between an outer peripheral portion of the wire body and an inner peripheral portion of the outer member and covers the joint portion. The inner member is an inner coil formed by winding a wire for the inner member into a coil shape. |
| US09402973B2 |
Constrained fluid delivery device
Constrained fluid delivery devices are described that deliver fluid to an anatomical region of a mammal in a controlled release manner where the device comprises an elongate body defining a lumen throughout a portion thereof, a distal end interiorly positionable adjacent the anatomical region of the mammal and a proximal end in communication with an exterior of the mammal. The device also includes a delivery member and one or more withdrawal members. Also provided herein are methods and kits incorporating the fluid delivery device. |
| US09402972B2 |
Catheter add-on and methods of producing and using same
An apparatus comprising: (a) a main body adapted to engage and retain a catheter therein at a fixed point relative to the catheter length; and (b) a cutting mechanism adapted to sever said catheter in response to a pre-defined threshold force applied along the length of the catheter. |
| US09402968B2 |
Colorectal delivery device
The colorectal delivery device provides a device for rectal delivery of therapeutic compositions to the colon of a patient. The composition may be a foam application in some embodiments. The device allows medical personnel to add therapeutic drugs to the pressurized canister immediately prior to administration to the patient. |
| US09402967B1 |
Tamper evident cap assembly
The tamper evident cap assembly is structured for protective connection to a syringe of the type having a nozzle and a discharge port, wherein the cap assembly includes a body configured to receive and restrict access to the nozzle. A flow restricting member is connected to the body in flow restricting relation to the discharge port of the nozzle. An attachment assembly interconnects the body and the flow restricting member and is structured to facilitate detachment of the body from the flow restricting member upon the body being removed from the syringe. A connecting assembly is mounted on the flow restricting member and is structured to be connected to a syringe nozzle by a linearly directed, snap-fit, “push-on” action, and to be disconnected therefrom by a “rotate-off” action. |
| US09402966B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing IV access to the external jugular vein
A device for locating and distending the external jugular vein is provided by a wish-bone shaped apparatus designed to engage the neck of a patent and apply sufficient pressure on the neck that the external jugular vein becomes distended due to pressure placed on the patient's neck. The device includes two distally placed flat portions that resiliently engage the patient's neck without causing choking or hindrance in breathing. |
| US09402961B2 |
Drug delivery device having a spring element
A drug delivery device having a spring element that provides dispense assistance. The drug delivery device includes a variable dose setting mechanism, a fixed dose setting mechanism, and a mechanical coupling having a spring element. The variable dose setting mechanism is operably coupled to a first reservoir holding a first medicament, and the variable dose setting mechanism comprises a dose setter. The fixed dose setting mechanism is operably coupled to a second reservoir holding a second medicament. The mechanical coupling operably couples the variable dose setting mechanism and the fixed dose setting mechanism. Further, the variable dose setting mechanism is configured to set a variable dose of the first medicament upon activation of the dose setter, and the fixed dose setting mechanism is configured to set a fixed dose of the second medicament during variable dose setting. Still further, the spring element is configured to store energy during dose setting and to transfer stored energy to the fixed dose setting mechanism to assist with dispense of the fixed dose. |
| US09402958B2 |
Indication mechanism for an automatic applicator, particularly for insulin
The present disclosure concerns an indication mechanism for an automatic applicator, particularly for insulin or other liquid preparations, particularly for multiple injection administration of set doses of a medicine from an exchangeable container, for example for the self-application of insulin by diabetes patients. An indication mechanism for an automatic applicator, having an assembly of at least two barrels movably coupled to each other has an indication barrel mounted on the driving barrel contains only marking on its external surface and is co-axially connected to the pull-push control nut. |
| US09402957B2 |
Automatic injection device with delay mechanism including dual functioning biasing member
An automatic injection apparatus including a delay mechanism for properly delivering medication prior to the needled syringe of the apparatus being retracted. In one form, the delay mechanism includes a shuttle for the syringe, a follower, a locking member, a damping compound between the follower and a supporting surface to dampen rotation of the follower relative to the shuttle, and a dual functioning biasing member acting between the shuttle and the follower. When the locking member moves to a release position during an injection, the dual functioning biasing member first provides a torsional force to force the follower to rotate relative to the shuttle from a latching position to an unlatching position, and then the dual functioning biasing member provides an axial force to force the shuttle axially relative to the follower to move the shuttle for retracting the syringe needle into the housing of the apparatus after injection. |
| US09402955B2 |
Device for the medical care of a patient in an emergency
A device (1) for the medical care of a patient in an emergency which comprises an item of clothing (2) which may be worn by the patient on the body and monitoring devices (8, 9) arranged on the item of clothing (2), which may monitor at least one physiological function of the patient, in order to detect an emergency. The device further comprises a cardiac compression device (3, 4) arranged on the item of clothing (2), which is operatively connected to the monitoring device (8, 9), in order to treat the patient with a cardiac resuscitation when the monitoring device (3, 4) determines an emergency, and a defibrillator (5, 6, 7) as well as the intraosseous delivery of drugs into the bone marrow cavity of the breast bone. Moreover, a device (1) for the medical care of a patient in an emergency, which comprises as a therapeutic device a respiratory therapeutic device (10, 11, 12, 13) which is able to supply oxygen and/or a drug for pulmonary resuscitation into the respiratory system of the patient. |
| US09402954B1 |
Medical injector
A medical device that automates protocol compliance by performing one or more of measuring relevant data, determining dosage, dispensing appropriate dosages, ordering supplies, updating protocol, contacting third-parties, logging events, and reporting data. |
| US09402953B2 |
Integrated closed-loop medication delivery with error model and safety check
A closed-loop system for insulin infusion overnight uses a model predictive control algorithm (“MPC”). Used with the MPC is a glucose measurement error model which was derived from actual glucose sensor error data. That sensor error data included both a sensor artifacts component, including dropouts, and a persistent error component, including calibration error, all of which was obtained experimentally from living subjects. The MPC algorithm advised on insulin infusion every fifteen minutes. Sensor glucose input to the MPC was obtained by combining model-calculated, noise-free interstitial glucose with experimentally-derived transient and persistent sensor artifacts associated with the FreeStyle Navigator® Continuous Glucose Monitor System (“FSN”). The incidence of severe and significant hypoglycemia reduced 2300- and 200-fold, respectively, during simulated overnight closed-loop control with the MPC algorithm using the glucose measurement error model suggesting that the continuous glucose monitoring technologies facilitate safe closed-loop insulin delivery. |
| US09402952B2 |
Device for treating cardiac arrest
The invention relates to a device for treating an individual suffering from cardiac or circulatory arrest or from a stroke, comprising a blood withdrawal device (BE) that is applied to the individual (P), an analysis unit (BA) which is directly or indirectly connected to the blood withdrawal device for detecting a blood analysis result (BAE) providing at least one characteristic of the blood, directly or indirectly connected to a blood return device (BR) that is applied to the individual (P) and is designed to deliver a substance to the individual via the return device (BR). |
| US09402950B2 |
Fluid delivery device, transcutaneous access tool and fluid drive mechanism for use therewith
A fluid delivery device comprising a fluid reservoir; a transcutaneous access tool fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir; and a drive mechanism for driving fluid from the reservoir, the drive mechanism comprising a plunger received in the reservoir; a leadscrew extending from the plunger; a nut threadably engaged with the leadscrew; a drive wheel; and a clutch mechanism coupled to the drive wheel, wherein the clutch mechanism is configured to allow the nut to pass through when disengaged and is configured to grip the nut when engaged such that the drive wheel rotates the nut to advance the drive rod and the plunger into the reservoir. |
| US09402945B2 |
Dialysis system and methods
Dialysis systems and methods are described which can include a number of features. The dialysis systems described can be to provide dialysis therapy to a patient in the comfort of their own home. The dialysis system can be configured to prepare purified water from a tap water source in real-time that is used for creating a dialysate solution. The dialysis systems described also include features that make it easy for a patient to self-administer therapy. For example, the dialysis systems include disposable cartridge and patient tubing sets that are easily installed on the dialysis system and automatically align the tubing set, sensors, venous drip chamber, and other features with the corresponding components on the dialysis system. Methods of use are also provided, including automated priming sequences, blood return sequences, and dynamic balancing methods for controlling a rate of fluid transfer during different types of dialysis, including hemodialysis, ultrafiltration, and hemodiafiltration. |
| US09402943B2 |
Blood processing unit with modified flow path
A blood processing apparatus may include a heat exchanger and a gas exchanger. At least one of the heat exchanger and the gas exchanger may be configured to impart a radial component to blow flow through the heat exchanger and/or gas exchanger. The heat exchanger may be configured to cause blood flow to follow a spiral flow path. |
| US09402940B2 |
Wound healing system using positive pressure to promote granulation at a tissue site
A wound healing system for promoting healing of a wound of a patient includes a positive pressure source, a reduced pressure source, and a porous foam positioned in contact with the wound. The porous foam includes a plurality of flow channels in fluid communication with the reduced pressure source. The system further includes a filler member having a flexible wall defining an interior chamber. The interior chamber is in fluid communication with the positive pressure source, and a cover member is positioned over the filler member. |
| US09402938B2 |
System and method for removing undesirable material within a circulatory system utilizing during a surgical procedure
A method for capturing dislodged vegetative growth during a surgical procedure is provided. The method includes maneuvering, into a circulatory system, a first cannula having a distal end and an opposing proximal end, such that the first cannula is positioned to capture the vegetative growth en bloc. A second cannula is positioned in fluid communication with the first cannula, such that a distal end of the second cannula is situated in spaced relation to the distal end of the cannula. A suction force is provided through the distal end of the first cannula so as to capture the vegetative growth. Fluid removed by the suction force is reinfused through the distal end of the second cannula. Subsequent to becoming dislodged, the vegetative growth is captured by the first cannula. A method for capturing a vegetative growth during removal of a pacemaker lead is also provided. |
| US09402935B2 |
Treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with anti-proliferate and anti-inflammatory drugs
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for treatment of respiratory disorders such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chronic sinusitis, including cystic fibrosis, interstitial fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and neoplasia. The method involves administration, preferably oral, nasal or pulmonary administration, of anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative drugs (rapamycin or paclitaxel and their analogs) and an additive. |
| US09402933B2 |
Structured coatings for implants and process for the preparation thereof
The invention relates to a method for producing a powder-filled ceramic coating made from a precursor ceramic compound (for example, a sol-gel), said coating having an advantageous surface roughness and wherein active ingredients may be eluted from the matrix or filler under physiological conditions and to an implant which can be produced according to the claimed method. |
| US09402930B2 |
Solid air freshener
The present invention relates to a solid pressed air freshener and odor neutralizer composition which can include greater than 10% fragrance. The air freshener comprises a fragrance; preferably the fragrance is impregnated within a water soluble substrate made from a foamed vegetable starch, a surfactant and a solidifier. The solid formulations break down easily in the presence of water and may be sprayed, within the area to be freshened. |
| US09402929B2 |
Decontamination system including environmental control using a decontaminating substance
A system for decontaminating a device, such as a medical device, includes a decontamination chamber configured to retain the device and a chemical dispersion assembly configured to deliver a decontaminating fluid to the decontamination chamber. A pressure control assembly is connected to the decontamination chamber and configured to control the pressure in the decontamination chamber. The system also includes a system controller configured to control the decontamination chamber, chemical dispersion assembly, and pressure control assembly. A decontaminating fluid is added into the decontamination chamber at a first rate while increasing the pressure in the decontamination chamber. Adding the decontaminating fluid increases a relative humidity in the decontamination chamber. |
| US09402927B2 |
Device for sterilization by ultraviolet radiation
In a known device for sterilization by ultraviolet radiation, a UV radiator (4) is arranged in a housing (2) made of metal or plastic, which has a radiation outlet window (3) for the emission of UV radiation. The radiation outlet window is covered by a polymer film (7) transparent to ultraviolet radiation. Proceeding from this background, in order to provide a reliable and operationally safe device for sterilization, it is proposed that the housing (2) have a gas inlet (22) for introduction of a cooling gas stream as well as a gas outlet (23) for discharging the cooling gas stream, and that the gas outlet (23) be connected to a measuring sensor (17; 18, 20, 21) for measuring the pressure, mass flow rate, and/or volumetric flow rate of the discharged cooling gas stream. |
| US09402924B2 |
Diagnostic compounds for targeting a chemokine receptors
The present invention relates to a compound comprising, firstly a component for targeting at least one chemokine receptor and, secondly, a detection component capable of being identified by a medical imaging method. |
| US09402921B2 |
Directed evolution and in vitro panning of virus vectors
The present invention provides methods of achieving directed evolution of viruses by in vivo screening or “panning” to identify viruses comprising scrambled AAV capsids having characteristics of interest, e.g., tropism profile and/or neutralization profile (e.g., ability to evade neutralizing antibodies). The invention also provides scrambled AAV capsids and virus particles comprising the same. |
| US09402920B2 |
Mucin antigen vaccine
Provided are expression vectors for generating an immune response to a mucin. The vectors comprise a transcription unit encoding a secretable polypeptide, the polypeptide comprising a secretory signal, a mucin antigen and CD40 ligand. Also provided are methods of generating an immune response against cells expressing a mucin by administering an effective amount of the vector. Further provided are methods of generating an immune response against cancer cells expressing a mucin in an individual by administering an effective amount of the vector. Still further provided are methods of overcoming anergy to a mucin self antigen by administering an effective amount of the vector. |
| US09402917B2 |
Methods for the induction of broadly anti-HIV-1 neutralizing antibody responses employing liposome-MPER peptide compositions
The present invention relates in general, to a formulation suitable for use in inducing anti-HIV-1 antibodies, and, in particular, to a formulation comprising Toll Like Receptor (TLR) agonists with HIV-1 gp41 membrane proximal external region (MPER) peptide-liposome conjugates for induction of broadly reactive anti-HIV-1 antibodies. The invention also relates to methods of inducing neutralizing anti-HIV-1 antibodies using such formulations. |
| US09402916B2 |
Re-directed immunotherapy
The invention provides an agent for preventing or treating a condition characterized by the presence of unwanted cells, the agent comprising: (i) a targeting moiety that is capable of targeting to the unwanted cells; and (ii) a T cell antigen, wherein the T cell antigen can be released from the targeting moiety by selective cleavage of a cleavage site in the agent in the vicinity of the unwanted cells. |
| US09402915B2 |
Integration of meningococcal conjugate vaccination
Conjugated meningococcal capsular saccharides will be introduced into immunization schedules in the near future, but the phenomenon of “carrier suppression” must first be addressed, particularly where multiple conjugates are to be used. It has been found that diphtheria toxoid and its derivatives (such as CRM197) can safely be used as the carrier protein, even where multiple meningococcal conjugates are administered at the same time and where a patient has previously been exposed to the carrier protein, either in the form of a previous immunogen (e.g. in a DTP vaccine) or as a previous carrier protein (e.g. in a Hib or pneumococcal conjugate vaccine). The invention provides a method for immunizing a patient, comprising administering multiple conjugates of meningococcal capsular saccharides, wherein each conjugate comprises a diphtheria toxoid (or derivative thereof) carrier protein, and the capsular saccharide, and wherein the patient has been pre-immunized with a diphtheria toxoid (or derivative thereof). |
| US09402913B2 |
Cyclosporine A steroid conjugates
The present invention describes Cyclosporine A/steroid hybrid analogs. These single drug entities are formed by connecting a steroid with Cyclosporine A. Upon topical application to the eye, the conjugate hybrid would undergo enzymatic and/or hydrolytic cleavage to release the individual drugs. |
| US09402912B2 |
Antibiotic conjugates directly linked with steroid drugs
The present invention describes novel single drug entities, formed by direct linkage of an antibiotic to a steroidal drug. Upon topical application to the eye, the conjugate would undergo enzymatic and/or hydrolytic cleavage to release the individual drugs. The antibiotic is coupled directly to the steroid drug. |
| US09402908B2 |
Polymeric delivery systems for active agents
The present invention provides polymer aggregates as delivery vehicles for therapeutics and diagnostics. The present invention additionally provides methods of synthesis and uses for such aggregates. |
| US09402905B2 |
Therapeutic peptides
The present disclosure provides, in part, compositions comprising an antibody or antibody fragment that immunospecifically binds to MCH class I polypeptide-related sequence A (MICA), or an epitope thereof. |
| US09402904B2 |
Method for transdermal iontophoretic delivery of chelated agents
Embodiments provide devices, systems and methods for the transdermal delivery of chelated compounds. One embodiment provides a method for the iontophoretic transdermal delivery of a chelated iron complex for the treatment of anemia. A first patch comprising an active electrode and a chelated iron complex is applied to the skin; a second patch containing an electrode is also applied. An electrical current is then delivered to the skin from the active electrode. The chelated complex is transported across the skin via electromotive force from the current, with the iron being substantially chromogenically unreactive with the skin during transport so that there is little or no tattooing of the skin due to the formation of insoluble oxidative products. The complex is then dissociated by phagocytosis or related process to release the iron where it may be bound by transferrin or ferritin and carried to other sites for storage or metabolic use. |
| US09402903B2 |
Magnetic field-controlled movable bio-scaffold and constructing method thereof
Disclosed are a magnetic field-controlled movable bio-scaffold and a method for constructing the same. The bio-scaffold is highly biocompatible and can readily move to a target site under the control of an external magnetic field. |
| US09402901B2 |
Vectors for expression of prostate-associated antigens
The present disclosure provides (a) vectors comprising a multi-antigen construct encoding two, three, or more immunogenic PAA polypeptides; (b) compositions comprising the vectors, (c) methods relating to uses of the vectors and compositions for eliciting an immune response or for treating prostate cancers. |
| US09402896B2 |
Method of inducing tolerance to an allergen
The present invention relates generally to the field of allergies. More particularly, the present invention provides a method for treating an allergy in a subject by inducing tolerance to an allergen associated with the allergy. Medicinal kits useful in protocols to induce tolerance or reduce intolerance in a subject also form part of the present invention. |
| US09402894B2 |
Viral particles derived from an enveloped virus
The invention relates to generating a vaccine based on immunogens from viral particles that initially have replication competency but are then inactivated by chemical, biophysical or other methods. The components of this vaccine may be a non-HIV enveloped virus that contains and expresses a gene related to the HIV Envelope gene such that the Envelope protein is expressed on the surface of viral particles. These viral particles may be further treated to reduce their replication competency. The vaccine further may contain components to improve its immunogenicity, tolerability, stability and ease of manufacture. |
| US09402892B2 |
Inactivated poliovaccine
The invention provides an attenuated polio virus having a 5′ non-coding region consisting of the 5′ non-coding region of Sabin 3, modified so that it does not have a base pair mismatch in stem (a) or (b) of domain V, wherein seven or eight of the base pairs in stems (a) and (b) are U-A or A-U base pairs; and a capsid protein from the Sabin 1, Mahoney, MEF or Saukett strain. |
| US09402889B2 |
Live, oral vaccine for protection against Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1
The invention relates to Salmonella typhi Ty21a comprising core-linked Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1 O-specific polysaccharide (O-Ps) and DNA encoding O antigen biosynthesis, said DNA selected from the group consisting of: a) the DNA sequence set out in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2 and species homologs thereof; b) DNA encoding Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1 polypeptides encoded by any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2, and species homologs thereof; and c) DNA encoding a O antigen biosynthesis gene product that hybridizes under moderately stringent conditions to the DNA of (a) or (b); and related sequences, compositions of matter, vaccines, methods of using, and methods of making. |
| US09402886B2 |
Compositions and methods of using chondroitinase ABCI mutants
One aspect of the present invention relates to mutants of chondroitinase ABCI. Such chondroitinase ABCI mutants exhibit altered chondroitin lyase activity or increased resistance to inactivation from stressors including exposure to UV light or heat. Methods of using chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzymes are also provided. |
| US09402884B2 |
Methods of treating pulmonary sarcoidosis
Methods of treating pulmonary sarcoidosis are described herein. Patients in need of treatment for pulmonary sarcoidosis are administered a therapeutically effective amount of a mucolytic agent such as DNase I. In some embodiments, the DNase I is a recombinant human DNase I such as dornase alfa. |
| US09402880B2 |
Treatment for bone formation disorders by growth factor delivery
It has been discovered that that certain growth factors can delay the ossification of a tissue site, such as a cranial suture, via the promotion of fibroblast differentiation and/or inhibition of osteoblast differentiation. Provided herein are methods for treating bone formation conditions or disorders, such as synostotic conditions, or ectopic mineralization conditions, via administration of compositions comprising connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and optionally other growth factors or fibroblast or progenitor cells, to a tissue site of a subject in need thereof. |
| US09402877B2 |
Methods and compositions for oral administration of melanocortin receptor agonist compounds
Methods and compositions for oral administration of melanocortin receptor agonist compounds are disclosed herein. Methods and compositions for oral administration of melanocortin receptor agonist compounds are provided for treatment of sexual dysfunction, including male sexual dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction. Methods and compositions for oral administration of melanocortin receptor agonist compounds are provided for treatment of metabolic syndrome, obesity and/or diabetes. In some embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition comprising a peptide-based melanocortin receptor agonist, a protease inhibitor, an absorption enhancer is administered orally. |
| US09402875B2 |
Amidated dopamine neuron stimulating peptide restoration of mitochondrial activity
The present invention relates to the use of novel proteins, referred to herein as amidated glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) peptides (or “Amidated Dopamine Neuron Stimulating peptides (ADNS peptides)”), for treating brain diseases and injuries that result in dopaminergic deficiencies and mitochodrial dysfunction, e.g., reduced complex I enzyme activity. |
| US09402874B2 |
Low frequency glatiramer acetate therapy
A method of alleviating a symptom of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in a human patient suffering from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis or a patient who has experienced a first clinical episode and is determined to be at high risk of developing clinically definite multiple sclerosis comprising administering to the human patient three subcutaneous injections of a therapeutically effective dose of glatiramer acetate over a period of seven days with at least one day between every subcutaneous injection so as to thereby alleviate the symptom of the patient. |
| US09402873B2 |
Method for preventing and treating Salmonella Typhimurium infection
The present invention relates to a composition comprising STP-1, a bacteriophage isolated from nature, capable of infecting Salmonella Typhimurium so as to kill the same as an active ingredient, and a method for preventing and treating Salmonella Typhimurium infection using the said composition. According to the present invention, the bacteriophage STP-1, an active ingredient of the composition, has a killing activity against Salmonella Typhimurium and has the genome represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 1. |
| US09402869B1 |
Treated neural tissue composition
A treated composition of neural tissue is made of spinal cord tissue harvested from a spinal cord of a mammal. The spinal cord tissue is harvested from vertebral column of the mammal. The spinal cord tissue is harvested post mortem. The mammal is one of a primate, an equine, a bovine, a porcine or other mammalian animal. The spinal cord tissue is dried or has the water content in the tissue reduced or eliminated by freeze drying or hypothermic dehydration and treated with a cryopreservative. |
| US09402866B2 |
Automated methods and systems for providing platelet concentrates with reduced residual plasma volumes and storage media for such platelet concentrates
Automated systems and methods for providing platelet concentrates and synthetic storage media with reduced residual plasma volumes are disclosed. The disclosed systems and methods reduce the residual volume of plasma in platelet concentrate to obtain a platelet product having a volume of plasma that is approximately 5% or less of the total platelet product volume. The disclosed systems and methods also reduce the residual volume of plasma in platelet concentrate to obtain a washed platelet product, wherein the volume of plasma in the washed platelet product is approximately 1% or less of the total washed platelet product volume. Storage media for platelets including less than approximately 10% plasma are also disclosed. |
| US09402865B2 |
Compositions and methods for treating cancer
The invention provides compositions and methods for treating ovarian cancer. Specifically, the invention relates to administering a genetically modified T cell having α-folate receptor (FRα) binding domain and 4-1BB (CD137) costimulatory domain to treat ovarian cancer. |
| US09402862B2 |
Zeolites for delivery of nitric oxide
There is described zeolites containing releasably adsorbed nitric oxide, methods of preparing the zeolites, methods of releasing the nitric oxide into a solution or into air and uses of the zeolites in therapy. |
| US09402855B2 |
Method of treating and preventing secondary hyperparathyroidism
The method of treating elevated blood levels of iPTH by increasing or maintaining blood concentrations of both 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in a patient by administering, as necessary, both Vitamin D repletion and Vitamin D hormone replacement therapies, is disclosed. The blood concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D are increased to and maintained at or above 30 ng/mL, and blood concentrations of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D are increased to or maintained within a patient's normal historical physiological range for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D without causing substantially increased risk of hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia or over suppression of plasma iPTH in the patient. The blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D are maintained at or above 30 ng/mL between doses of Vitamin D repletion therapies, and the blood levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D are maintained in the patient's normal historical physiological range between doses of Vitamin D hormone replacement therapies. In one aspect, the disclosure includes methods wherein the blood concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D during treatment comprises predominantly 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, and/or wherein the method includes administering predominantly or solely 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 for 25-hydroxyvitamin D repletion and/or maintenance. |
| US09402853B2 |
Topical steroidal formulations
The present invention relates to formulations of poorly water soluble pharmaceutical agents of Formula I and II. The present invention also relates to compositions containing compounds of Formula I or II, and glucocorticoids, and methods for reducing side effects from glucocorticoid treatment by co-administration of compounds of Formula I and II. The compositions herein are useful for the treatment of diabetes and obesity related diseases including metabolic syndrome. |
| US09402851B2 |
Process for the preparation of a solid, orally administrable pharmaceutical composition
A process for the preparation of a solid, orally administrable pharmaceutical composition, comprising 5-chloro-N-({(5)-2-oxo-3-[4-(3-oxo-4-morpholinyl)-phenyl]-1,3-oxazolidin-5-yl}-methyl)-2-thiophenecarboxamide comprising preparing granules in hydrophilized form using fluidized bed granulation for moist granulation, adding additives, compressing to form a tablet, and coating the tablet. |
| US09402850B2 |
BAX agonist, compositions, and methods related thereto
The disclosure relates to BAX activators and therapeutic uses relates thereto. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of treating or preventing cancer, such as lung cancer, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound disclosed herein or pharmaceutically acceptable salt to a subject in need thereof. |
| US09402849B2 |
Composition for moderating alcohol metabolism and for reducing the risk of alcohol induced diseases
The present invention is directed to a composition of matter, in particular a food composition, dietary or food supplementation, and pharmaceutical composition, respectively. The composition of matter reduces the risk of neuropathy, neurodegenerative diseases including late-onset Alzheimer's disease, and cancer, in particular of pancreatic, esophageal, oropharyngolaryngeal, liver, colorectal, lung and/or breast cancer, in particular the drug and/or alcohol induced risk of said diseases. In this respect, the present invention is also directed to a composition of matter, in particular a food composition, dietary or food supplementation, and pharmaceutical composition, respectively, which supports and/or moderates the alcohol degradation process within the human body. |
| US09402847B2 |
Combinations comprising (S)-4-amino-N-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-hydroxypropyl)-1-(7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)piperidine-4-carboxamide
The present invention relates to a combination comprising (5)-4-amino-N-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-hydroxypropyl)-1-(7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)piperidine-4-carboxamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, hereafter “Compound (I)”, and a taxane. Taxanes include established cancer drugs such as docetaxel (Taxotere™) and paclitaxel (Taxol™). Such combinations may be useful in the treatment or prophylaxis of cancer. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising such Compound (I) and a taxane. The invention further relates to a method of treatment comprising the simultaneous, sequential or separate administration of Compound (I) and a taxane, to warm-blooded animal, such as man. The invention also relates to a kit comprising Compound (I) and a taxane, optionally with instructions for use. |
| US09402845B2 |
Lipid-based compositions of antiinfectives for treating pulmonary infections and methods of use thereof
A system for treating or providing prophylaxus against a pulmonary infection is disclosed comprising: a) a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a mixture of free antiinfective and antiinfective encapsulated in a lipid-based composition, and b) an inhalation delivery device. A method for providing prophylaxis against a pulmonary infection in a patient and a method of reducing the loss of antiinfective encapsulated in a lipid-based composition upon nebulization comprising administering an aerosolized pharmaceutical formulation comprising a mixture of free antiinfective and antiinfective encapsulated in a lipid-based composition is also disclosed. |
| US09402844B2 |
Methods of modulating drug plasma levels using erythrohydroxybupropion
This disclosure relates to methods administering erythrohydroxybupropion or a prodrug thereof in conjunction with dextromethorphan to a human being. Dosage forms, drug delivery systems, and methods related to dextromethorphan or dextrorphan and erythrohydroxybupropion or a prodrug of erythrohydroxybupropion are also disclosed |
| US09402843B2 |
Compositions and methods of using threohydroxybupropion for therapeutic purposes
This disclosure relates to methods administering threohydroxybupropion or a prodrug thereof in conjunction with dextromethorphan to a human being. Dosage forms, drug delivery systems, and methods related to dextromethorphan or dextrorphan and threohydroxybupropion or a prodrug of threohydroxybupropion are also disclosed. |
| US09402838B2 |
Phenoxyethyl piperidine compounds
The present invention provides a compound of the Formula II: wherein X is: R1 is H, —CN, or F; R2 is H or methyl; R3 is H; and R4 is H, methyl, or ethyl; or R3 and R4 joined together form a cyclopropyl ring; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. |
| US09402837B2 |
Method for the treatment of neurological disorders by enhancing the activity of β-glucocerebrosidase
Provided is a method of increasing the stability of wild-type β-glucocerebrosidase. Also provided are methods of treating and/or preventing an individual having a neurological disease in which increased expression or activity of β-glucocerebrosidase in the central nervous system would be beneficial. This method comprises administering an effective amount of a pharmacologic chaperone for β-glucocerebrosidase, with the proviso that the individual does not have a mutation in the gene encoding β-glucocerebrosidase. Further provided are β-glucocerebrosidase inhibitors which have been identified as specific pharmacologic chaperones and which have been shown to increase activity of β-glucocerebrosidase in vivo in the central nervous system. |
| US09402836B2 |
Indoles
Herein are disclosed indoles of formula (I) where the various groups are defined herein, and which are useful for treating cancer. |
| US09402833B2 |
Substituted pyrazolo[1,5-a] pyridine as tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) inhibitors
The present application relates to a series of substituted pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine compounds, their use as tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) family protein kinase inhibitors, method of making and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds. |
| US09402832B2 |
Fused amino pyridine as HSP90 inhibitors
The present invention relates to HSP90 inhibitors containing fused amino pyridine core that are useful as inhibitors of HSP90 and their use in the treatment of HSP90 related diseases and disorders such as cancer, an autoimmune disease, or a neurodegenerative disease. |
| US09402830B2 |
Methods of treating dyskinesia and related disorders
The present disclosure describes compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and compositions and formulations comprising the same that are useful in methods of treating dyskinesia or related disorders, and methods for treating dyskinesia or related disorders. |
| US09402828B2 |
Methods of targeting PTEN mutant diseases and compositions therefor
Provided herein are methods and compositions for treating a patient with cancer wherein the cancer is characterized by a PTEN gene mutation and/or a PI3K gene mutation. In particular embodiments, the methods comprise administering to the patient a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a PLK4 antagonist. |
| US09402821B2 |
Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for treatment of cystic fibrosis
The present invention relates to a method and compositions for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. |
| US09402818B2 |
Use of amides of mono- and dicarboxylic acids in the treatment of renal diseases
A therapy for renal diseases, in particular renal diseases, which develop in diabetic patients or patients who have been subjected to a treatment with an antitumor chemotherapy such as a platinum derivative and more generally cytotoxic drugs at renal level for treating of neoplastic diseases. More particularly, palmitoylethanolamide and diethanolamide of fumaric acid are used in the treatment of renal diseases, in particular those caused by dysmetabolic diseases or by toxic or chemotherapy agents, such as platinum derivatives. Palmitoylethanolamide is used preferably in micronized or ultra-micronized form. Diethanolamide of fumaric acid is used preferably in aqueous solution. |
| US09402814B2 |
Methods and devices for forming treatment agent carriers
A method is described including passing a solution having a biodegradable polymer, a solvent and a treatment agent through an electrocharged nozzle to form particles encapsulating the treatment agent. The particles emitted from the electrocharged nozzle may be exposed to a charge opposite that of the nozzle. The particles may be deposited in a collection assembly comprising a liquid phase. A further method including combining a biodegradable polymer, a solvent and a treatment agent to form a solution, electrodepositing the solution in a particle form wherein the particles encapsulate the treatment agent in a collection assembly comprising a liquid phase and mixing the particles with a bioerodible material capable of forming a gel is described. An apparatus having an electrocharged nozzle, a grounded electrode having an opposite charge to that of the nozzle and a collection assembly comprising a liquid phase is further disclosed. |
| US09402809B2 |
Snuff composition
Use of a nicotine-cellulose combination for the preparation of a snuff composition for achievement of a fast onset of action of nicotine after application of the snuff composition to the oral cavity of a subject, wherein the composition has a high release rate so that when subjected to an in vitro dissolution test about 45% or more of the total content of nicotine is released within 30 minutes. Moreover, the invention relates to an improved snuff composition for application to the oral cavity. |
| US09402804B2 |
Injectable formulations of taxanes for cad treatment
Medical devices, and in particular implantable medical devices, may be coated to minimize or substantially eliminate a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. The medical devices may be coated with any number of biocompatible materials. Therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may be mixed with the biocompatible materials and affixed to at least a portion of the medical device. These therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may also further reduce a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. In addition, these therapeutic drugs, agents and/or compounds may be utilized to promote healing, including the formation of blood clots. The drugs, agents, and/or compounds may also be utilized to treat specific diseases, including vulnerable plaque. Therapeutic agents may also be delivered to the region of a disease site. In regional delivery, liquid formulations may be desirable to increase the efficacy and deliverability of the particular drug. Also, the devices may be modified to promote endothelialization. Various materials and coating methodologies may be utilized to maintain the drugs, agents or compounds on the medical device until delivered and positioned. In addition, the devices utilized to deliver the implantable medical devices may be modified to reduce the potential for damaging the implantable medical device during deployment. Medical devices include stents, grafts, anastomotic devices, perivascular wraps, sutures and staples. In addition, various polymer combinations may be utilized to control the elution rates of the therapeutic drugs, agents and/or compounds from the implantable medical devices. Liquid formulations, including solutions and suspensions of the various drugs, agents and/or compounds, may be locally or regionally delivered. In each of these instances, antioxidants are utilized to prolong product integrity. |
| US09402803B2 |
Methods of wound care and treatment
Provided are electrokinetically-altered fluids (e.g., gas-enriched electrokinetic fluids) comprising an ionic aqueous solution of charge-stabilized oxygen-containing nanostructures in an amount sufficient to provide modulation of at least one of cellular membrane potential and cellular membrane conductivity, and therapeutic compositions and methods for use in treating a wound to a surface tissue or a symptom thereof. The electrokinetically-altered fluids or therapeutic compositions and methods include electrokinetically-altered ioinic aqueous fluids optionally in combination with other therapeutic agents. Particular aspects provide for regulating or modulating intracellular signal transduction associated with said inflammatory responses by modulation of at least one of cellular membranes, membrane potential, membrane proteins such as membrane receptors, including but not limited to G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCR), and intercellular junctions (e.g., tight junctions, gap junctions, zona adherins and desmasomes). Other embodiments include particular routes of administration or formulations for the electrokinetically-altered fluids (e.g., electrokinetically-altered gas-enriched fluids and solutions) and therapeutic compositions. |
| US09402800B2 |
Cosmetic compositions comprising latex film formers
Disclosed are cosmetic compositions comprising latex film formers chosen from at least one random styrene acrylate copolymer or derivatives thereof, and at least one acrylate copolymer or derivatives thereof, in combination with at least one coalescent and/or plasticizer. Also disclosed are cosmetic compositions comprising at least one latex film forming blend comprising (1) at least one random styrene acrylate copolymer and at least one acrylate copolymer or derivative thereof, or (2) at least two random styrene acrylate copolymers. Polyurethane latex dispersions may be incorporated into the compositions. Optionally, the cosmetic compositions may additionally comprise at least one coalescent and/or plasticizer in combination with the at least one latex film forming blend. |
| US09402797B2 |
Multi-tonal one step dyes III
A cosmetic agent (A) is applied to the fibers and is allowed to act for a period of 30 seconds to 30 minutes, after which a cosmetic agent (B) is applied to the keratinic fibers, which continue to be acted on by agent (A). Both agents (A) and (B) are allowed to act for a period of 5 to 45 minutes, after which the agents (A) and (B) are rinsed out. Agent (A) (a1) contains no oxidation dye precursors of the developer type, (a2) contains one or more oxidation dye precursors of the coupler type, (a3) has a pH of 8.0 to 12.0, and agent (B) (b) contains one or more oxidation dye precursors, (b2) contains one or more oxidizing agents, and (b3) has a pH of 8.0 to 12.0. |
| US09402795B2 |
Multi-tonal one-step dyes
A cosmetic agent (A) is applied to the fibers and allowed to act for a time period from 30 seconds to 30 minutes. Then a cosmetic agent (B) is applied to the keratinic fibers still being acted upon by agent (A), and both agents (A) and (B) are allowed to act for a time period from 5 to 45 minutes, whereupon agents (A) and (B) are rinsed out. Agent (A) (a1) contains one or more oxidation dye precursors of the developer type, (a2) does not contain an oxidation dye precursor of the coupler type, (a3) has a pH from 8.0 to 12.0, and agent (B) (b1) contains one or more oxidation dye precursors, (b2) contains one or more oxidizing agents, and (b3) has a pH from 8.0 to 12.0. |
| US09402792B2 |
Hair thickening compositions and methods of use
Provided is a method for increasing hair shaft diameter, the method including applying a hair care composition to a region of the hair, wherein the hair care composition includes from about 0.01% to about 5% of chlorinated resorcinol; and from about 0.1% to about 10% of a rheology modifier. |
| US09402791B1 |
Ultra-violet radiation absorbing silicon particle nanoclusters
Silicon particle nano-clusters formed with crystalline cores and amorphous shells are used for absorbing ultraviolet wavelength radiation. Silicon nano-particles are synthesized by plasma-chemical sputtering of bulk silicon crystal to form particles which are then quenched in an atmosphere of oxygen or oxygen and nitrogen. Analysis of these particles is presented for their scattering and absorption properties for use as ultraviolet protection elements. |
| US09402790B2 |
Liquid laundry detergents with perfume capsules
The present invention relates to a structured liquid composition comprising anionic surfactant, nonionic surfactant and a plurality of stable and evenly suspended encapsulated actives. The liquid composition is externally structured by incorporating a cross-linked acrylic copolymer. |
| US09402787B2 |
Device for removing a fluid from a vial
The invention relates to a device for removing a fluid from at least one container (300), from a vial for example, said container being closed by a closure (320) that can be punctured. The device comprises a base body (271) with a container receiving portion (272) and a hollow needle-like puncturing organ (277) in order to puncture the closure (320) of the container (300) in a removal position of the container (300). The aim of the invention is to enable mounting the container on the device without unintentionally puncturing the closure. This is achieved in that detent structures (274, 275) are provided which retain the container (300) on the device in a removal position and in a mounting position which is different from said removal position. Such a device can be used in particular to fill an applicator (280) with one or more fluid reservoirs from one or more vitals. |
| US09402780B2 |
Vibratory actuator and device for sexual stimulation
One variation of an interaction module for a sexual stimulation device, including: a support structure including a metallic material and defining a bore; a vibratory actuator including a rotary motor, an output shaft, and an eccentric mass coupled to the output shaft; a housing enclosing the eccentric mass and the output shaft; a first isolator arranged over the vibratory actuator opposite the eccentric mass and configured to pivotably couple the vibratory actuator to the bore of the support structure; a second isolator coupled to the vibratory actuator adjacent the first isolator and configured to contact an interior surface of the bore of the support structure to define a pivot endstop for the vibratory actuator; and a sheath arranged over the vibratory actuator and a portion of the support structure. |
| US09402779B2 |
Compression garment with perspiration relief
A compression garment includes a bladder having an inner surface and an outer surface. Wicking material may be present to wick fluid. In another version a removable absorbent material is releasably secured to the bladder. |
| US09402774B1 |
IV pole and stroller combination
An IV pole and stroller combination provides a wheel base, which, in the first and second exemplary embodiments, replaces the stroller's rear wheels. The stroller's front portion is equipped with one or more steerable front wheels, and the stroller folds up for compact storage. The IV pole is equipped with typical IV pole features, such as hooks for fluid bags and mounts for other medical equipment. The stroller portion is equipped with typical stroller features, such as a storage basket underneath the child's seat, a sun shade, and a bottle holder. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the wheel base and number of wheels are reduced; the vertical IV pole member may not be directly affixed to the wheel base, and may instead be removably affixed to a portion of the stroller frame. |
| US09402771B2 |
Method and computer program for monitoring use of an absorbent product
A method for monitoring use of an absorbent product, such as an incontinence pad or a diaper, worn by a wearer, includes registering a movement of the wearer by way of a mobile device having a movement sensing device, evaluating whether the registered movement is indicative of urinary and/or faecal voiding by the wearer, and providing product-related information to the wearer or a caregiver of the wearer based on said evaluation. In this way, the product-wearer or the caregiver can be provided with valuable information related to the use of the product, such as recommendations on when to change the product, displayed on the mobile device or a mobile device of the caregiver. |
| US09402770B2 |
Antimicrobial non-adherent dressings and related methods therefor
A wound dressing comprising a substrate comprising a plurality of fibers, at least one antimicrobial agent in the substrate, and an oil emulsion on at least a portion of the substrate is disclosed. The at least one antimicrobial agent can be polyhexamethylene biguanide, and the oil emulsion can consist essentially of a petrolatum in a range of from about 75 wt % to about 90 wt % of the oil emulsion, a mineral oil in a range of from about 10 wt % to about 20 wt % of the oil emulsion, water in a range of from about 0.1 wt % to about 1 wt % of the oil emulsion, and at least one surfactant in a range of from about 1 wt % to about 5 wt % of the oil emulsion. |
| US09402769B1 |
Infant headgear assemblies
An infant headgear assembly includes elastic, nonslip anterior and posterior head straps on either side of an elastic, nonslip middle head strap that connect left and right earguard pads to provide noise suppression and ear protection. The left and right earguard pads and the anterior, posterior, and middle head straps cooperate to define a head-receiving volume to receive the head of an infant to position the left and right earguard pads over the left and right ears of the infant for noise suppression and ear protection purposes. The anterior, posterior, and middle head straps are to elastically stretch and extend across and nonslip contact frontal, occipital, and parietal regions, respectively, of the head of the infant to hold the left and right earguard pads in place, which are connecting points for operatively anchoring ventilation therapy devices relative to a face of the infant. |
| US09402768B2 |
Ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus
An ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus includes an irradiation position obtaining unit arranged to obtain analysis result data based on a tomographic image of a patient's eye captured by an optical coherence tomography device before a treatment laser beam is irradiated, and obtain information of an irradiation position of the treatment laser beam with respect to the eye set by use of the obtained analysis result data, and a laser control unit arranged to irradiate the laser beam to the eye based on the irradiation position information obtained by the irradiation position obtaining unit. |
| US09402766B2 |
Apparatus and method for phacoemulsification
Phacoemulsification needles are configured to cause eccentric or wobble-type motion by being formed to distribute the mass of the needle non-uniformly. In one version the non-uniform property is created by angling the needle's aspiration passage with respect to the needle axis. In another, the needle tip walls are formed with non-uniform thicknesses, with or without including an off-axis configuration with respect to the needle aspiration passageway. In another, the needle tip walls are formed in a scalloped configuration. In another, external protuberances or “bumps” are formed on the needle tip exterior wall surfaces. In another, the needle tip walls have weighted inserts placed therein. In another, the needle tip is formed with skewed bevels and ridges. In another, the needle body is formed with non-uniformly shaped segments. In another, a portion of the needle tip is twisted with respect to the rest of the tip. |
| US09402763B2 |
Cold therapy apparatus having heat exchanging therapy pad
A cold therapy system includes (i) a cooling bath structured to chill and hold chilled water; (ii) a pump positioned and arranged to pump the chilled water; (iii) a to-pad line positioned and arranged to hold chilled water pumped by the pump from the cooling bath; (iv) a from-pad line positioned and arranged to hold water returning to the cooling bath; and (v) a therapy pad in fluid communication with the to- and from-pad lines, the therapy pad including a patient-contacting chamber that is in heat exchange communication with a chilled-water chamber residing outside of the patient-contacting chamber when the therapy pad is donned. |
| US09402756B2 |
Monorail
A monorail guides a guide wire introduced into an outer tube in a catheter for stent surgery. The catheter includes the outer tube having an outer hole, an inner tube installed in the outer tube, and a guide wire inserted into the outer hole and the inner tube and protruding outwards from a front end of the inner tube so that the outer tube and the inner tube move along the guide wire so as to be guide a stent. The monorail includes a separation guide which is inserted into and fixed in the outer tube and configured such that the guide wire that is inserted into the outer hole is spaced apart from the inner tube without making contact with the inner tube. |
| US09402755B2 |
Sleeve retraction system
The present disclosure describes systems for endoluminal devices utilizing a sleeve for constraining an expandable device toward a constrained configuration suitable for endoluminal delivery to a treatment site along vasculature; and a mechanism for retracting at least a portion of the sleeve. |
| US09402754B2 |
Expandable endoprostheses, systems, and methods for treating a bifurcated lumen
An endoprosthesis for treating a bifurcated lumen. The distal end of the endoprosthesis can include at least two wings and at least two troughs so the endoprosthesis can adequately scaffold the ostium of a bifurcated lumen by at least partially straddling the carina of the lumen bifurcation. The distal end of the endoprosthesis can also be configured to have increased expandability to help allow conformity to the anatomy of a bifurcated lumen. |
| US09402753B2 |
Woven prosthesis and method for manufacturing the same
A woven prosthesis, such as a woven vascular graft, woven from warp and weft yarns. Velour warp yarns forming the prosthesis are selectively incorporated into a base layer of the prosthesis so as to provide a bulbous section without compromising the porosity of the prosthesis. |
| US09402751B2 |
Devices and methods for treatment of the aortic arch
The present disclosure includes an endoprosthesis comprising a descending stent-graft, an ascending stent-graft, and/or a side-branch stent-graft. In various embodiments, an ascending stent-graft is capable of being coupled to a descending stent-graft, and/or a descending stent-graft can comprise a fenestration capable of being coupled to a side-branch stent-graft. In addition, in various embodiments, a descending and/or ascending stent-graft can comprise a reduced diameter portion that, when implanted within an aortic arch, recedes from a luminal surface of the aortic arch to allow a side-branch stent-graft to be maneuvered within the aortic arch. |
| US09402748B2 |
Prosthesis having movement lock
The present invention relates to artificial limbs generally and joints for same. The present invention provides hydraulic functional units whereby enabling movement of artificial joints to closely correspond with natural human movement. In the provision of realistic joints, as used in prosthetic limbs, an important aspect in achieving realistic movement is providing a different operating characteristic to the joint when under load. One important characteristic of an artificial leg for achieving a natural-looking walking gait corresponding with those of a stabilized knee, i.e. a knee resisting flexion when under load, is when it bears at least some of the weight of the amputee. Properties of resilient mechanical members are utilized to enable a hydro-mechanical system to be controlled so that it releases a low joint resistance mode relative to a default high resistance mode. The invention also permits alternative embodiments such as electronic, electro fluidic or electromechanical means. |
| US09402747B2 |
Femoral trial component
An orthopaedic surgical instrument including a femoral trial component configured to be coupled to a surgically-prepared distal end of a patient's femur. The femoral trial component has a fixation side configured to engage a posterior aspect of the surgically-prepared distal femur. |
| US09402746B2 |
Device for facilitating artificial prosthesis installation with measured applied pressure and method therefor
Devices and methods provide for measuring applied pressure on an article, such as a patella construct during a surgical procedure. Embodiments include a clamp having an upper frame arm, a lower frame arm and a clamp assembly, and further include a clamp with a knob assembly and a pressure monitor assembly. Differently sized bushing adapters can be interchangeably employed with a clamp stem to adapt to the relative sizes of objects being clamped. |
| US09402744B2 |
Pre-packed corpectomy device to improve fusion
Corpectomy device comprising outer component, inner component and riser. The outer component includes a first endplate and first structure. The first structure includes a window and seat in communication with the window. The seat defines an opening to be pre-packed substantially with first grafting material. The inner component includes a second endplate and second structure at least partially disposed in the first structure in a first configuration. The second structure is to be pre-packed substantially with second grafting material. The riser has a third tubular structure to be received through the window into the seat to engage at least a portion of the second structure that extends the second structure into a second configuration with respect to the first structure. The third structure is to be pre-packed substantially with third grafting material such that first, second and third grafting material remain pre-packed substantially and in communication in the second configuration. |
| US09402743B2 |
Medical implant driver with depth-limiting feature
Devices, systems, and methods for driving an implant into bone to a predetermined depth are described herein. In one embodiment, a medical driver tool is provided that includes a housing having a proximal end configured to receive an impacting force, an elongate shaft extending distally from the housing and having a distal tip configured to drive an implant into bone, and a release mechanism coupled between the housing and the elongate shaft. The release mechanism can have an engaged position in which the elongate shaft is axially immovable relative to the housing and a disengaged position in which the elongate shaft is axially movable relative to the housing. The release mechanism can be configured to move from the engaged position to the disengaged position in response to a force applied to move at least a portion of the release mechanism proximally relative to the housing. |
| US09402738B2 |
Devices and methods for correcting vertebral misalignment
Embodiments of devices and methods of correcting vertebral misalignment, including, e.g., spondylolisthesis, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a vertebral implant may include an assembly configured to be secured to a first vertebral body, wherein the assembly includes a frame made of a first material and at least one end plate made of a second material different than the first material; a reducing plate configured to be slidably received over the central portion, wherein the reducing plate is configured to be secured to a second vertebral body; and an actuator configured to move the reducing plate relative to the frame. |
| US09402729B2 |
High performance knee prostheses
Knee prostheses featuring components that more faithfully replicate the structure and function of the human knee joint in order to provide, among other benefits: greater flexion of the knee in a more natural way by promoting or at least accommodating internal tibial rotation in a controlled way, replication of the natural screw home mechanism, and controlled articulation of the tibia and femur respective to each other in a more natural way. In a preferred embodiment, such prostheses include an insert component disposed between a femoral component and a tibial component, the insert component preferably featuring among other things a reversely contoured posterolateral bearing surface that helps impart internal rotation to the tibia as the knee flexes. Other surfaces can also be specially shaped to achieve similar results, preferably using iterative automated techniques that allow testing and iterative design taking into account a manageable set of major forces acting on the knee during normal functioning, together with information that is known about natural knee joint kinetics and kinematics. |
| US09402726B2 |
Revision systems, tools and methods for revising joint arthroplasty implants
Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing an articular joint having a failed implant. The articular repair systems are customizable or highly selectable by or adaptable to individual patients and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by or adaptable to individual patients to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty including revision surgeries. |
| US09402723B2 |
Penile prosthesis implantation device
A penile prosthesis implantation device includes a barrel having a bore, and an obturator that is received within the bore and is configured to slide along a longitudinal axis of the bore relative to the barrel. A distal end of the obturator includes a needle clamp and one or more bore engaging members. The needle clamp is configured to hold a thread attachment end of a needle. Each bore engaging member includes a surface that engages an interior wall of the bore. A gap extends between a central portion of the obturator and the one or more bore engaging members. |
| US09402719B2 |
Conformable prostheses for implanting two-piece heart valves and methods for using them
A heart valve assembly includes an annular prosthesis and a valve prosthesis. The annular prosthesis includes an annular ring for dilating tissue within a biological annulus and a conformable sewing cuff extending radially from the annular member. The valve prosthesis includes a frame and a valve component. The annular ring is introduced into the biological annulus to dilate tissue surrounding the biological annulus and the sewing cuff conforms to tissue above the biological annulus. Fasteners are directed through the sewing cuff to secure the annular prosthesis to the biological annulus. The annular prosthesis may include a baleen element for biasing fabric on the annular ring outwardly to enhance sealing against the biological annulus. A valve prosthesis is then advanced into the sinus cavity, and secured relative to the annular prosthesis. The sewing cuff may enhance a seal between the valve prosthesis and annular prosthesis. |
| US09402712B2 |
Vascular remodeling device
Described herein are flexible implantable devices or stents that can conform to the shape of vessels of the neurovasculature. In some embodiments, the devices can direct blood flow within a vessel away from an aneurysm or limit blood flow to the aneurysm. In some embodiments, a vascular remodeling device includes a first section and a protruding section. During deployment, the device expands from a compressed configuration to an expanded configuration. The first section anchors the device in an afferent vessel and/or in an efferent vessel of a bifurcation and the protruding section is positioned in the junction of the bifurcation having an aneurysm and across the neck of the aneurysm or at least partially within the aneurysm. |
| US09402711B2 |
Median lobe band implant apparatus and method
A system and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders or other purposes. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device configured to deploy and implant devices for compressing, distracting and/or retracting the lobes of a prostate. |
| US09402710B2 |
Macroporous 3-D scaffolds for tissue engineering
Macroporous 3-D tissue engineering scaffold comprising elastomeric cross-linked polymer units and interconnected macropores containing living cells are produced by step of: in a mixture of the cells and elastomeric polymer units comprising activatable crosslinking groups, activating the crosslinking groups to form the scaffold. |
| US09402704B2 |
Fecal incontinence treatment device and method
Various embodiments of an implant system for treating fecal incontinence are provided. The devices and systems can include a mesh or like device that can include a variable porosity to control the degree of expansion of the anal canal. The mesh can be constructed at least in part of patterned strut members allowing for various geometric configurations, with varying load and tension properties for the designated portions of the device according to the needs for a particular patient application. |
| US09402702B2 |
Feather imping system
A feather imping system includes a plurality of feather imping pins that attach a donor feather to a receiving feather. The feather imping pin is inserted into a receiving feather shaft of the receiving feather. Feather imping is performed using the feather imping pin that connects the donor feather and the receiving feather. The feather imping pin fits inside both the receiving feather shaft of the receiving feather and a donor feather shaft of the donor feather. |
| US09402701B2 |
Positionable delivery device and method
A cartridge for delivery of a material therefrom which has a corrugated portion to allow for bending/extending to be applied to the device from which a material to be deposited can be dispensed. The bendability and extendibility allow for greater efficiency in use and application of the material into cavities, pockets, and/or crevices where one needs to deposit the material. |
| US09402699B2 |
Lithium silicate glass ceramic and lithium silicate glass comprising a trivalent metal oxide
Lithium silicate glass ceramics and glasses containing specific oxides of trivalent elements are described which crystallize at low temperatures and are suitable in particular as dental materials. |
| US09402695B2 |
Individualized jig for orthodontic braces, assembly formed by that jig, a base and a bracket, and its design methods
The invention relates to a customized jig for an orthodontic appliance, to an assembly formed by the jig, a base and a bracket, and to the associated design methods. The customized jig is used to install a bracket-bearing base on a tooth, said base forming part of an orthodontic appliance. The invention is characterized in that: the jig is a cap that covers the tooth, covering the free edge thereof and at least portions of the front and rear surfaces of same; and the shape of the jig is such that it matches that of the base in at least one portion of at least one of the edges thereof. The invention also relates to an assembly formed by a customized base bearing a bracket and a customized jig of the type mentioned above, and to methods for designing one such jig. |
| US09402692B2 |
Head fixation device and apparatus for securing components thereto
A head fixation device in the form of a skull clamp comprises an integrated rail for attaching accessories thereto. One or more clamps are configured to engage with the integrated rail. Additional accessories can be attached to the one or more clamps, which also include a starburst interface and an integrated rail. The clamps use a linear translating closure mechanism to engage the clamps to the integrated rail of the skull clamp. In some versions, the head fixation device is configured with a navigation adapter that attaches to an upper portion of the skull clamp. |
| US09402691B2 |
System for determining and tracking movement during a medical procedure
An image guidance system for tracking a surgical instrument during a surgical procedure. The image guidance system includes a plurality of cameras adapted to be located external to a surgical area for capturing images of optically visible patterns. A processing system receives and processes the images to recognize the patterns and triangulate the locations and orientations of each pattern relative to a camera. The processing system uses a reference dataset which defines a reference coordinate system based on alignment to a portion of the oral anatomy. The processing system determines the location and orientation of the tracked instrument based on the reference dataset. |
| US09402689B2 |
Control system for reducing internally generated frictional and inertial resistance to manual positioning of a surgical manipulator
A robotic control system is placed in clutch mode so that a slave manipulator holding a surgical instrument is temporarily disengaged from control by a master manipulator in order to allow manual positioning of the surgical instrument at a surgical site within a patient. Control systems implemented in a processor compensate for internally generated frictional and inertial resistance experienced during the positioning, thereby making movement more comfortable to the mover, and stabler from a control standpoint. Each control system drives a joint motor in the slave manipulator with a saturated torque command signal which has been generated to compensate for non-linear viscous forces, coulomb friction, cogging effects, and inertia forces subjected to the joint, using estimated joint angular velocities, accelerations and externally applied torques generated by an observer in the control system from sampled displacement measurements received from a sensor associated with the joint. |
| US09402688B2 |
Surgical robot system and control method thereof
A surgical robot system and a control method thereof include a slave device and a master device to control motion of the slave device. The surgical robot system further includes a monitoring device that inspects a signal transmitted within the system in real time to stop motion of the slave device if an abnormal signal is detected. |
| US09402682B2 |
Articulation joint features for articulating surgical device
An electrosurgical device comprises a body, an end effector, a cutting member, and a shaft. The end effector includes a pair of jaws that are operable to deliver RF energy to tissue that is clamped between the jaws. The cutting member is operable to sever tissue that is clamped between the jaws. The shaft extends between the body and the end effector. The shaft includes an articulation section that is operable to selectively position the end effector at non-parallel positions relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. Some versions include a rotation section that is distal to the articulation section. The rotation section is operable to rotate the end effector relative to the articulation section. |
| US09402681B2 |
Magnetic moxibustion device
A magnetic moxibustion device includes a moxibustion canister in which a moxa column (5) is hangs through a moxa column mounting base. The moxa column mounting base is mounted on the moxibustion canister in a detachable manner through a magnetic attraction structure. A magnet guiding needle (3) is further disposed in the moxa column mounting base, which passed through the moxa column (5). The magnetic field of the magnetic attraction structure is guided out of the moxibustion canister through the needle (3) and applied to the human body moxibustion application position, so as to perform the moxibustion therapy and the magnet therapy at the same time. A side wall of the moxibustion canister is provided with several air inlets (7) and air outlets (11), so the combustion speed of the moxa column (5) can be adjusted through the size of the air outlets, thereby adjusting the temperature and time of the moxibustion. |
| US09402679B2 |
Surgical instrument and method
A surgical instrument includes an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a bore extending between the distal and proximal ends, a pair of jaws for severing vessel mounted on the distal end of the body, wherein at least one of the jaws has an electrically conductive material, and a handle coupled to the proximal end of the elongated body, wherein in a first mode of operation, the electrically conductive material is for receiving energy from a DC source, and in a second mode of operation, the electrically conductive material is for receiving energy from a RF source. |
| US09402676B2 |
Cryoablation balloon catheter and related method
Cryoablation balloon catheters and methods are described herein. The cryoablation balloon catheter comprises a distal end section and an inflatable balloon member disposed along the distal end section for contacting a target tissue. The balloon member may be inflated with a thermally conductive liquid. One or more cooling microtubes are positioned within the balloon and a single phase liquid coolant is transported from a liquid source, through the microtubes to the distal section, and returned to a reservoir. Cryogenic energy is transferred from the microtubes, through the conductive liquid filling the balloon, through the wall of the balloon, and to the tissue. In a cryoablation balloon catheter, a plurality of flexible microtubes are adhered to a surface of the expandable balloon. Cryoenergy from the microtubes is directly transferred to the tissue. |
| US09402671B2 |
Valve control mechanism and method
A valve controller includes a housing, and a lever extending from the housing. The lever includes a protrusion rigidly attached to the lever, and the lever is biased to an initial position. A switch has an open and a closed position. A linkage is pivotally connected to the switch, and the linkage includes a centrally disposed slot configured to receive the protrusion such that movement of the switch controls movement of the linkage and the lever such that moving the switch to the closed position closes a valve controlled by the lever regardless of a position of the lever. |
| US09402670B2 |
Subchondral treatment of joint pain of the spine
Methods for altering the natural history of degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis of the spine are proposed. The methods focus on the prevention, or delayed onset or progression of, subchondral defects such as bone marrow edema or bone marrow lesion, and subchondral treatment to prevent the progression of osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease in the spine and thereby treat pain. |
| US09402666B2 |
Vertebral fixation device
A spinal fixation device is provided, comprising a body member having a first side and an opposite second side, and an elongate flexible strap having a first section and a second section. The first section of the strap is attached or attachable to attachment means of the body member arranged at a first location thereof. The second section of the strap is sized and shaped to pass through a passageway arranged at a second location of the body member. The strap has a series of teeth and the passageway of the body member has a latch configured for engaging one of the teeth. The teeth and the latch are configured to allow a movement of the second section of the strap through the passageway in a tightening direction from the first side to the second side of the body member, and to prevent a movement of the second section in the opposite direction. |
| US09402660B2 |
Surgical instrument and method
A surgical instrument includes a first member defining a longitudinal axis. A second member is disposed with the first member and is axially translatable relative to the first member. A first body is connected to the first member and is translatable along an arcuate path relative to the first member. The first body is connected to a first implant support. A second body is connected to the second member and is translatable along an arcuate path relative to the second member. The second body is connected to a second implant support. Systems and methods of use are disclosed. |
| US09402659B2 |
Spinal implant system
A surgical instrument comprises a first member including a first body connected to at least one second body. The first body is configured for disposal of an implant support having an outer surface. The at least one second body includes a capture element configured to dispose an implant support having an outer surface with the at least one second body such that the outer surfaces are spaced apart and each of the implant supports are engageable with a first implant. A second member is connected with the first member and is engageable with a second implant. The members are relatively movable to dispose the second implant with the implant supports and to align the second implant with at least one of the first implants. Systems and methods are disclosed. |
| US09402655B2 |
Interspinous spacer assembly
An interspinous spacer assembly (100) for insertion and/or implantation between spinous processes of adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae includes an interspinous spacer member (110) sized and configured for insertion into the interspinous space located between adjacent spinous processes and an engagement mechanism (105) for operatively coupling the spacer member to the adjacent spinous processes and for preventing migration of the assembly once implanted. The interspinous spacer assembly is adjustable to conform to the individual anatomy of a patient's spine. |
| US09402653B2 |
Enhanced pedicle rod clamp device
An enhanced pedicle rod clamp device for connecting two or more pedicle rods in spinal surgery is disclosed. The device may include an arm, an upper clamp, and a lower clamp, which are configured for coupling to a pedicle rod. The upper clamp may be coupled to the arm, and the lower clamp may be coupled to the upper clamp. The upper clamp may be rotationally and/or translationally movable with respect to at least one of the arm and the lower clamp. The lower clamp may be rotationally and/or translationally movable with respect to at least one of the arm and the upper clamp. |
| US09402651B2 |
Fixation clamp
A fixation clamp for use in an external fixation system for holding bone fragments adjacent to each other with the help of fixation elements, has of at least one clamping assembly having at least one reception provided by means of grooves to accommodate a fixation element along the longitudinal axis of the reception. At least one locking element extends through the clamping assemblies for blocking the position of the clamping assemblies in a defined angular position. The clamping assembly comprises a first jaw and a second jaw which are in contact with each other via respective contact surfaces. The clamping assembly comprises at least two orientation devices that extend from and/or into said contact surfaces which at least two orientation devices serve to orient the first jaw with respect to the second jaw. |
| US09402649B2 |
Systems and methods for percutaneous occlusion crossing
The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for crossing or bypassing total or near total occlusions of vessels through the use of elongate members and specialized catheters that include a piercing catheter, a reentry catheter, a multi-lumen, reentry catheter, and combinations thereof. A piercing catheter comprises a distal tip used to pierce an occlusion in a crossing procedure and can be configured to microdissect the occlusion or provide support for an elongate member. A reentry catheter comprises a distal side port and ramp to facilitate the reentry or perforation of a vessel wall. A multi-lumen, reentry catheter comprises a tearable lumen divider and a distal side port and ramp. |
| US09402648B2 |
Retractable device to dissect and evacuate ligamentum flavum in lumbar spinal stenosis
A cutting device for performing a surgical procedure includes an elongated shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end, a first cutting element, and a second cutting element. The elongated shaft of the cutting device includes an inner surface defining a passageway. The first cutting element extends from the distal end of the elongated shaft so as to contact tissue. The second cutting element is disposed at least partially within the passageway and extends from the distal end of the elongated shaft. The second cutting element is configured for retractable extension beyond the distal end of the elongated shaft so as to contact tissue. The cutting device also includes a deployment mechanism disposed with the proximal end of the elongated shaft for engaging and actuating the second element. |
| US09402645B2 |
Method of endoscopically removing tissue
A method of endoscopically removing tissue including providing a surgical cutting instrument including a first elongated member having a cutting tip, a second tubular member forming a cutting window, and a handpiece. The first elongated member is co-axially disposed within the second tubular member such that the cutting tip is exposed at the cutting window and combines to define a cutting implement. The first and second members are coupled to the handpiece. The method includes grasping the handpiece, deploying the instrument such that the cutting implement is adjacent a target site with the cutting window positioned at a first spatial orientation relative to the handpiece, rotating the cutting window relative to the handpiece such that the cutting window is positioned at a second spatial orientation, and moving the first elongated member relative to the second tubular member such that the cutting tip removes tissue from the target site. |
| US09402644B2 |
Reverse seam ripper dissector
A surgical instrument includes an elongate body defining a longitudinal axis, an actuation rod extending through the elongate body and a tool assembly coupled to the elongate body. The tool assembly includes a coupling member coupling the tool assembly to the elongate body and a tool portion pivotally associated with the coupling member. The tool portion includes a projection member including a blunt end portion and a cutting member extending distally outward from the projection member. The tool portion is operatively coupled to the actuation rod. Translation of the actuation rod causes pivotal movement of the tool assembly. |
| US09402641B2 |
Pedicle drill guide for spinal surgery
A Pedicle Drill Guide is a radiolucent device which allows preliminary positioning of a needle/trochar near the pedicle in the AP view and adjusting the final position of the lateral view without changing the initial position of the AP position. This guide allows simultaneous alignment of both AP and Lateral views for ultimate ideal or perfect pathway for the pedicle cannulization. |
| US09402638B2 |
Cutting burr shank configuration
A cutting burr that includes a pair of axially spaced diamond-shaped portions designed to be keyed into a spindle of a locking mechanism of a high speed surgical drilling instrument and adapted to fit into a single pawl thereof to lock said cutting burr in place so as to prevent axial movement thereof and provide concentric rotation of said cutting burr without any wobbling. The orientation of both portions may be identical with respect to a center plan and diamond shape in the portion at the proximal end of the shank of the cutting tool may be larger than the intermediately located diamond shape of the other portion. The apexes of the facets of the six-sided diamond shape may be disposed below the surface of the shank of the cutting burr. |
| US09402633B2 |
Torque alleviating intra-airway lung volume reduction compressive implant structures
A device for enhancing the breathing efficiency of a patient is provided. The implantable device may include a deployed configuration with one or more helical sections with proximal end in a stand-off proximal end configuration. The stand-off proximal end configuration may reduce migration of the deployed device and may preserve implant tissue compression. Alternative configurations may include two or more helical sections with a transition section disposed between the two or more helical sections. A device may include a right-handed helical section and a left-handed helical section and the transition section comprises a switchback transition section. The switchback section may provide greater control of the device during deployment by limiting recoiling forces of a device comprising a spring material. The deployed device may compress the lung to increase a gas filling resistance of the compressed portion of the lung, and/or increase tension and elastic recoil in other portions of the lung. |
| US09402632B2 |
Lung volume reduction devices, methods, and systems
The invention provides improved medical devices, therapeutic treatment systems, and treatment methods for treatment of the lung. A lung volume reduction system includes an implantable device having an elongate body that is sized and shaped for delivery via the airway system to a lung airway of a patient. The implant is inserted and positioned while the implant is in a delivery configuration, and is reconfigured to a deployed configuration so as to locally compress adjacent tissue of the lung, with portions of the elongate body generally moving laterally within the airway so as to laterally compress lung tissue. A plurality of such implants will often be used to treat a lung of a patient. |
| US09402629B2 |
Surgical fastener applying apparatus
The present disclosure relates to surgical fastener applying apparatus for sequentially applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue. The surgical fastener applying apparatus includes a replaceable cartridge assembly receivable in a distal end portion of a cartridge receiving half-section, the cartridge assembly including a safety lockout pivotably disposed along the upper surface of the cartridge assembly and movable from an unlocked orientation permitting assembly of an anvil half-section to the cartridge receiving half-section, to a locked orientation preventing assembly of the anvil half-section to the cartridge receiving-half section. |
| US09402627B2 |
Folded buttress for use with a surgical apparatus
An end effector for use with a surgical apparatus. The end effector comprising a staple cartridge having a tissue contacting surface defining a central longitudinal slot and an anvil plate having a tissue contacting surface defining a central longitudinal slot. A folded surgical buttress configured to overlie each of the tissue contacting surfaces of the staple cartridge and anvil plate and configured to retain the surgical buttress to the tissue contacting surfaces of each of the staple cartridge and anvil plate. The surgical buttress having a first longitudinal portion, a second longitudinal portion, and middle longitudinal portion between the first and second longitudinal portions, wherein the middle longitudinal portion is folded and configured to fit within the central longitudinal slot of each of the staple cartridge and anvil plate. |
| US09402626B2 |
Rotary actuatable surgical fastener and cutter
Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device. In one embodiment, methods and devices are provided for moving an end effector on a distal end of a surgical fastening device. Movement can include rotational movement of the end effector about an axis of the shaft, articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft, and actuation of an end effector, e.g., closing, firing, and/or cutting. In other embodiments, a single cable actuator is provided and is movable between a first position, in which it is effective to rotate an end effector without actuating (i.e., closing and firing) the end effector, and a second position, in which it is effective to actuate the end effector without rotating the end effector. In other aspects, methods and devices are provided for moving a flexible neck formed on a distal end of an accessory channel for use with an endoscope. Movement of the flexible neck can be used to control positioning of a tool extending through the flexible neck. |
| US09402622B2 |
External suture securement devices and methods
Described are devices, methods and systems for securing sutures external to the body. In certain aspects, a suture securement device includes a housing member defining an internal cavity and a wedge member moveable within the cavity between a suture-release position to a suture-retention position. The wedge member defines a suture aperture extending therethrough. At the suture-retention position, the housing member is configured to compress the wedge member to clamp the suture, thereby substantially preventing the suture from moving within the aperture. |
| US09402613B2 |
Expandable thoracic access port
A surgical access assembly includes a body having first and second body members. Each body member has an opposed side and an outer side. The body members are coupled to one another by a connector and are moveable with respect to one another between an approximated position and a spread position wherein the opposed sides are flexed outwardly and apart from one another to define a passageway therebetween. A flexible membrane is coupled to the first and second body members and extends therefrom such that translating the flexible membrane radially outwardly moves the body members from the approximated position to the spread position. |
| US09402612B2 |
Methods and devices for the prevention of incisional surgical site infections
A surgical access device for facilitating access through an incision to a surgical site in a patient's body has a pliable membrane which is configured to engage and expand the incision. The pliable membrane includes a base layer, a permeable membrane attached to the base layer, and a fluid channel disposed between the layers. The fluid channel is fluidly coupled to a fluid source. The fluid is delivered to the surgical site via the permeable membrane. The surgical access device may also have a locking mechanism for holding the device in a desired configuration. |
| US09402610B2 |
Rib-protecting devices for thoracoscopic surgery, and related methods
Methods and devices are disclosed to reduce tissue trauma when a surgeon performs surgery by thoracoscopy. Methods and devices are disclosed for protecting tissues adjacent to an intercostal incision from trauma caused by impingement of instruments into an intercostal incision. In one part, these methods and devices include devices that have controls that stick up out of the incision, permitting adjustment by the surgeon. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for smaller devices that reside entirely under this skin and require no adjustment by the surgeon. |
| US09402607B2 |
Impedance guided tunneling tool
A system includes a first electrode at a tip of a tunneling tool and a second electrode. The system includes a circuit configured to determine whether the tip of the tunneling tool is within subcutaneous fat tissue or muscle tissue of a patient based on a measurement of an impedance between the first electrode and the second electrode. |
| US09402606B2 |
Snap-on vascular closure device and methods
A tissue puncture closure assembly including a wire assembly and a sealing pad delivery device. The wire assembly includes a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a temporary expandable anchor positioned at the distal end portion. The sealing pad delivery device includes a carrier tube, a sealing pad positioned in the carrier tube, and a lateral wire slot. The lateral wire slot is defined in an outer surface of the sealing pad delivery device and extends along at least a portion of a length of the sealing pad delivery device. The lateral wire slot is configured to permit mounting of the sealing pad delivery device to the wire assembly in a lateral direction. |
| US09402605B2 |
Magnetically retained incision closure devices and methods of incision closure using same
An incision closure device includes an elongated handle portion including a distal end, a first connector detachably affixed to the distal end of the handle portion, and a second connector adapted to be axially moveable along the handle portion, wherein the first and second connectors are magnetically attracted to one another. |
| US09402602B2 |
Tissue sampling apparatus
The current invention presents a tissue sampling apparatus and methods to reliably obtain solid and liquid bone marrow samples in sequence in a single insertion of the apparatus to a target area. The apparatus comprises a proximal handle assembly, a distal cutting assembly and a shaft assembly connecting both assemblies. The handle assembly comprises an upper handle connected to an inner cutting tube and a lower handle connected to an outer cannula. The lower handle transmits axial rotation of the upper handle to longitudinal movement of the inner cutting tube. Axial rotation of an engaged upper handle longitudinally pulls out from the outer cannula the inner cutting tube that spirally holds fast a solid marrow sample inside a distal end of said inner cutting tube. Following acquisition of the solid marrow sample, a liquid marrow sample is aspirated through the outer cannula. |
| US09402601B1 |
Methods for controlling an ultrasound imaging procedure and providing ultrasound images to an external non-ultrasound application via a network
A hand-held ultrasound system includes integrated electronics within an ergonomic housing. The electronics includes control circuitry, beamforming and circuitry transducer drive circuitry. The electronics communicate with a host computer using an industry standard high speed serial bus. The ultrasonic imaging system is operable on a standard, commercially available, user computing device without specific hardware modifications, and is adapted to interface with an external application without modification to the ultrasonic imaging system to allow a user to gather ultrasonic data on a standard user computing device such as a PC, and employ the data so gathered via an independent external application without requiring a custom system, expensive hardware modifications, or system rebuilds. An integrated interface program allows such ultrasonic data to be invoked by a variety of such external applications having access to the integrated interface program via a standard, predetermined platform such as visual basic or c++. |
| US09402597B1 |
Mobile vascular health evaluation processes
In an embodiment, a data processing method comprises receiving, from a portable physiological measuring device configured for temporary attachment to a human body, data representing one or more physiological metrics or parameters of the body; receiving, from one or more Doppler vascular sensors configured for temporary attachment to peripheral artery locations of the body and a portable Doppler vascular signal measuring device coupled to the Doppler vascular sensors, vascular function information for the body; determining medical condition data indicating one or more medical conditions of the patient based on analysis and correlations of the vascular function information and the patient physiological metrics; generating and providing output records specifying one or more of: recommendations for actions that an individual or healthcare provider should take in response to the recommendations or parameters; or one or more reports, animations or figures; wherein the method is performed by one or more computing devices. |
| US09402591B2 |
Dynamic alignment of sparse photon counting detectors
An apparatus and method for controlling movement of a plurality of fixed detectors arranged in a computed tomography (CT) system that includes a rotating X-ray source. The method including obtaining a view angle of the X-ray source, determining a tilt angle for a detector of the plurality of detectors that is within a scan field-of-view of the X-ray source at the obtained view angle so that an outer face of the detector directly faces the X-ray source, and causing the detector to be moved to the determined tilt angle. |
| US09402590B2 |
Three-dimensional image processing apparatus and X-ray diagnostic apparatus
Data of a plurality of projected images, which is photographed from different directions, regarding an object of interest is stored in an image data storage section. A feature point coordinates acquisition section acquires the three-dimensional coordinates regarding the axis of the object of interest on the basis of the feature information and photographing directions regarding the axis of the object of interest on at least two of the plurality of projected images stored in the image data storage section. A coordinates transformation section sets the three-dimensional coordinates system, which has the axis of the object of interest as one axis, on the basis of the three-dimensional coordinates information. A reconstruction processing section reconstructs three-dimensional image data based on the set three-dimensional coordinates system from the plurality of projected images stored in the image data storage section. |
| US09402589B2 |
X-ray CT apparatus and method for controlling the same
An X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment includes: an X-ray irradiator configured to emit X-rays to the examinee on a table; an X-ray detector configured to detect X-rays transmitted through the examinee on the table; a data collector configured to collect transmission data on those X-rays; a movement drive unit configured to move one of the table and the X-ray irradiator relative to the other in an outward direction and then in a homeward direction, the outward direction and homeward direction being opposite directions along a body axis of the examinee on the table; a position detector configured to detect a relative position between the table and the X-ray irradiator; and a data collection controller configured to control timings for starting and stopping data collection by the data collector, based on the relative position between the table and the X-ray irradiator. |
| US09402587B2 |
Method for recording projections during a spiral scan, method for imaging and multi-slice computed tomography device
In an embodiment, a method includes at least moving a patient table through a measurement region of the computed tomography device, the movement of the patient having at least one phase of variable speed during the projection recording, time-solved determination or recording of the patient table position, time-resolved recording of projections of at least one part of an examination object moving with the table, the number of the slices contributing to the recording being varied during the at least one phase of variable speed of the patient table as a function of the table speed in such a way that the quotient formed from the current table speed divided by the number of the slices contributing to the recording is constant so that the pitch factor is kept constant during the projection recording, and time-resolved determination or recording of the number or slices contributing to the projection recording. |
| US09402585B2 |
Biological information monitor and biological information monitoring system
A biological information monitor includes: a displaying section on which a biological information display screen is displayed, the biological information display screen including a first display region on which a trend graph of first biological information is displayed and a second display region on which a histogram of second biological information is displayed; and a display controlling section which is configured to control contents displayed on the biological information display screen, and which is configured to cause the trend graph for a plurality of days and the histogram for the plurality of days to be simultaneously displayed in the first display region and the second display region, respectively. |
| US09402576B2 |
Electronic communication warning and modification
Techniques for electronic communication warning and modification. A method includes automatically detecting an emotional state of a sender of an electronic communication, encoding the detected emotional state of the sender, using input from at least one additional source, as metadata, embedding the metadata in the electronic communication to create an annotated version of the electronic communication, and transmitting the annotated version of the electronic communication to a recipient. |
| US09402571B2 |
Biological tissue function analysis
Disclosed herein is a framework for facilitating biological tissue function analysis. In accordance with one aspect, saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen (SPO2) signal data is synchronized with respiration signal data. One or more waveform parameters may be generated based on the synchronized SPO2 signal data and the respiration signal data. One or more respiration-SPO2 parameters may then be determined based on the one or more waveform parameters and used to characterize the biological tissue function. |
| US09402569B2 |
System and/or method for glucose sensor calibration
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems, methods and/or devices for calibrating sensor data to be used in estimating a blood glucose concentration. A relationship between sensor signal values and reference readings may be used to estimate a relationship between sensor signal values and measurements of blood glucose concentration. |
| US09402558B2 |
System and method for pain detection and computation of a pain quantification index
A method of detecting pain in a subject, comprises the steps of generating brain wave data based on brain wave activity of the subject and comparing the brain wave data to reference data to generate result data, the reference data corresponding to at least one of (i) population normative data indicative of brain wave activity of a first plurality of individuals in an absence of pain, (ii) population reference data indicative of brain wave activity of a second plurality of individuals generated in response to pain events inflicted on the second plurality of individuals, (iii) subjective population reference data indicative of brain wave activity of a third plurality of individuals reporting a sensation of pain, and (iv) population of reference data indicative of brain wave activity of a fourth population of individuals following an intervention which has changed a subjective report of pain in combination with determining a presence of pain experienced by the subject as a function of the result data. |
| US09402556B2 |
Compensation for heart movement in a body coordinate system
A method, including inserting a flexible probe into a living subject and positioning a distal end of the probe in a heart of the subject, the distal end including a position sensor configured to generate position signals indicative of a position of the distal end, and an electrode configured to convey electrical signals from the heart. The method further includes formulating, in response to the position signals, a first indication of a change in a mean position of the heart within the living subject and deriving a second indication of a change in the electrical signals. The method also includes determining, in response to the first and second indications, a new mean position of the heart. |
| US09402555B2 |
Drive assembly for use in a robotic control and guidance system
A drive assembly for use in a robotic control and guidance system comprises a cartridge having an outer housing and a rotatable medical device assembly disposed therein. The rotatable assembly includes a medical device having proximal and distal ends, and a housing having first and second ends, and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough. The proximal end of the medical device is disposed within the housing, and the housing further comprises an opening through which the medical device extends outwardly from said housing. The rotatable assembly further comprises a drive interface coupled with the housing. The drive assembly further comprises a manipulation base comprising a mounting plate onto which the cartridge is removably attached, and a drive system mounted to the mounting plate. The drive system is configured to operatively engage the cartridge drive interface and to impart rotational movement onto the rotatable assembly through the drive interface. |
| US09402552B2 |
Heart rate data collection
One innovative aspect is directed to heartrate data collection. In some implementations, a circuit includes a light detector for generating a detected signal based on received light. The circuit includes a switching circuit configured to receive a first signal based on the detected signal and to switch among a first and a second configuration. In some implementations, the circuit includes a first and a second sampling circuit for sampling a value of the first signal when the switching circuit is in the first configuration and second configurations, respectively. In some implementations, the circuit includes an ambient light cancellation circuit for countering a first component of the first signal while the first switching circuit is in the first configuration. In some implementations, the circuit includes an adjustable gain circuit for adjusting a gain of the first signal while the first switching circuit is in the first configuration. |
| US09402550B2 |
Dynamic heart rate threshold for neurological event detection
A method may include sensing a time of beat sequence of a patient's heart and processing said time of beat sequence with a medical device to identify a change in heart rate of a patient from a first heart rate to a second heart rate. The method may continue by determining with the medical device at least one of a) a ratio of the second heart rate to the first heart rate and b) a difference between the second heart rate and the first heart rate. The method may include determining with the medical device at least one of a) a dynamic ratio threshold for the ratio and b) a dynamic difference threshold for the difference, wherein the at least one threshold is based upon the first heart rate. The ratio and/or the difference may be compared to the threshold(s) to detect a neurological event, for example, an epileptic seizure. |
| US09402547B2 |
Prostate glove with receiver fibers
Systems and methods are provided herein that generally involve measuring a prostate or other object. In some embodiments, a membrane can be sealed over a digit extension to form a closed volume. The closed volume can be inflated via an inflation tube, and a reference pattern can be disposed within the closed volume along with a measurement assembly. In use, a user can put on the glove, position the membrane in proximity to a rectal wall overlying a prostate, and inflate the membrane. As the user slides their finger across the rectal wall, optical fibers in the measurement assembly can move relative to a reference pattern, and a controller can sense light reflected through the fibers from the reference pattern. The controller can calculate or estimate various attributes of the prostate based on the reflected light, such as the palpable surface width or volume. |
| US09402544B2 |
Analyte sensor and apparatus for insertion of the sensor
An apparatus for insertion of a medical device in the skin of a subject is provided. |
| US09402539B2 |
Heads up displays for optical coherence tomography integrated surgical microscopes
Surgical microscope systems are provided including an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system; an objective lens; oculars for direct viewing of a subject distal to the objective lens; a heads up display module configured to direct an optical image through the oculars to be visible to a user of at least one ocular; and a coupling element connected to the surgical microscope coupling the OCT system, the heads up display module and the objective lens. The coupling element has first and second faces, the first face positioned toward the oculars of the surgical microscope and the second face positioned toward the subject. The coupling element is configured to receive a heads up optical display signal at the first face of the coupling element and reflect the signal in a wavelength band of the heads up display module; and receive a signal on the second face of the coupling element and reflect the signal in a wavelength band of the OCT system. |
| US09402538B2 |
Photorefraction ocular screening device and methods
A photorefraction ocular screening device for assessing vision and corresponding disorders associated with the human ocular system is provided. More specifically, the present invention provides for a photorefraction ocular screening device employing advanced methods of pupil detection and refractive error analysis. The photorefraction ocular screening device is comprised of an LED arrangement configured with a plurality of irradiation sources serving as visual stimuli, wherein the visual stimuli may be presented in varying illumination patterns to the pupils of an examinee for expanding the range of ocular responses that can be used to determine refractive error. |
| US09402536B2 |
Obturator features for mating with cannula tube
A surgical assembly includes a cannula and an obturator. The cannula has open proximal and distal ends defining a lumen therebetween. The lumen defines an inner surface of the cannula having a mating structure. The obturator is generally tubular and has an outer surface including a corresponding mating structure. The respective mating structures of the obturator and the cannula engage each other so as prevent relative rotation of the obturator and cannula, and to prevent inadvertent disconnection of an upper valve housing attached to the cannula. |
| US09402524B2 |
Debris detecting unit and robot cleaning device having the same
A robot cleaning device includes a debris detecting unit. The robot cleaning device includes a body, a driving unit to enable the body to travel, a drum brush unit provided at the body, to sweep up debris, using a brush and a rotating drum, a debris box to store the debris swept up by the drum brush unit, a debris detecting unit to detect whether debris has been introduced into the debris box through the drum brush unit during a cleaning operation, and a controller to determine whether debris is introduced into the debris box and whether debris has been accumulated in the debris box in a predetermined amount, based on introduction or non-introduction of debris detected by the debris detecting unit. |
| US09402523B2 |
Rotary surface cleaning tool
A rotary surface cleaning machine for cleaning floors, including both carpeted floors and uncarpeted hard floor surfaces including but not limited to wood, tile, linoleum and natural stone flooring. The rotary surface cleaning machine has a rotary surface cleaning tool mounted on a frame and coupled for high speed rotary motion relative to the frame. The rotary surface cleaning tool has a substantially circular operational surface that performs the cleaning operation. The rotary surface cleaning tool is driven by an on-board power plant to rotate at high speed. The rotary surface cleaning tool is coupled to a supply of pressurized hot liquid solution of cleaning fluid and a powerful vacuum suction source. |
| US09402522B2 |
Cyclonic separation device
A cyclonic separation device comprises a plurality of cyclonic separators fluidly arranged in parallel with each other, each cyclonic separator comprising a chamber 18 having a circular-section side wall 19, a fluid inlet 20 and a fluid outlet 21 disposed at one end of the cyclone chamber 18, and an opening at the second end of the cyclone chamber 18 through which separated matter passes out of the chamber for collection. The cyclonic separators are arranged in a rotatable body 17 such that their respective cyclone axes B are outwardly inclined relative to an axis A of rotation of the body 17 and such that the second end of each cyclone chamber 18 is disposed radially outwardly of its first end with respect to the axis A of rotation. A motor 15 rotates the body 17 about its axis A of rotation and so imparts a radially outward force on separated matter forced against the side wall 19 by the cyclonic action, the radial force serving to rapidly force the matter axially of the towards the opening. The separation efficiency is thereby improved by the radial force. |
| US09402521B2 |
Cyclonic separation device
A cyclonic separation device comprises a cyclone chamber 11 having a cyclone axis A, a fluid outlet at one end of the cyclone chamber and a tubular apertured shroud 14 extending concentrically with the cyclone axis A. In use a motor 15 rotates the shroud 14 in the direction of a rotational airflow in the chamber 11 at a rotational speed which is over 1500 rpm and/or over 70% of the airflow speed around the shroud 14. The high speed of rotation of the shroud 14 is sufficient to dislodge any dust on the shroud by centrifugal action. Also, the high rotational speed of shroud 14 means that the air does not to need to decelerate to pass through the shroud 14 apertures and hence the risk of pressure drop and a loss of suction is avoided. |
| US09402518B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling cleaning in robotic cleaner
An operation of a robotic cleaner includes generating at least one map including information regarding a space to be cleaned by using information measured by at least one sensor. The operation also includes setting a cleaning path by using the at least one map, and cleaning according to the cleaning path. |
| US09402515B2 |
Cleaning apparatus
A cleaning apparatus includes different combinations of a reduced compressible material substrate and a thicker paddle head, and a reduced radius tip to clean sharp corners. A slide lock holds one pin end of the handle to the cleaning head. A small sized cleaning head with at least two reduced radius tips is also disclosed. |
| US09402514B2 |
Glass wiper
A windows wiper, which includes a base with a transversal arm and a vertical handle; a wiping board; and a bottom board, wherein the wiping board is able to rotate until the upper surface of the transversal arm rests against the bottom surface of the wiping board and the scraping edge extends forward beyond the surrounding edge of the wiping board. The windows wiper of the present invention has the two functions of scraping and wiping. The number of components of the windows wiper is small, and the configuration is simple too. Further more, when the scraping edge is used to scrape the glass or the wiping towel on the wiping board is used to wipe the glass, the direction of operation is parallel to the vertical portion of the base, which makes the operation convenient. |
| US09402509B2 |
Fire safe camp stove and fire pit
A fire safe camp stove and fire pit device is disclosed. An example device includes a fire chamber. A first cooking surface is provided directly over the fire chamber. A lid is movable between an open position and a closed position. The lid in the open position provides access to the first cooking surface. The lid in the closed position provides a second cooking surface above the first cooking surface. |
| US09402497B1 |
Female boxes system
A mail post removably-coupled to a mailbox system includes: a mail post removably-couplable to a mailbox assembly having a hollow and transparent mail post including a first open end having internal male threads, a least one item insertable into the hollow and transparent mail post via the first open end, and a second end having an end-cap; a connector for removably-coupling the mail post to a mailbox having a top surfacing mounting plate, and a hollow cylindrical collar including internal female threads coupled to the top surface mounting plate; the mailbox having a side wall, a flat base having a plurality of fasteners, a first end having a rotatable hinged door, a closed end, and a hollow shaped interior volume for collecting mail. The mail post removably-coupled to a mailbox system comprises said mail post removably-coupled to a mailbox assembly. |
| US09402491B1 |
Pizza box and cup holder in combination
Herein disclosed is a novel and uniquely shaped pizza box and cup holder in combination. In a first embodiment the pizza box is of a shape and size to contain a single slice of pizza and support at least one beverage therein. The pizza box with the beverage is easily carried with one hand and the box when opened is functional as a plate and cup holder. The box may be produced in various sizes of engineering choice. The box is easily made and integrally formed from one piece of material. A further embodiment includes the pizza box being of a shape and size to carry more than one slice of pizza and more than one beverage. |
| US09402487B2 |
Hanging device for belts
A hanging mechanism includes a portion which is insertable into a belt buckle of a belt to engage a ratchet mechanism associated with the belt buckle. The hanging mechanism is used to suspend the belt for display purposes or for storage in a closet, etc. |
| US09402486B2 |
Centering adapter plate for camera sensor
An adapter plate for securing an item of merchandise to a merchandise security device is provided. For example, the adapter plate includes a body configured to be secured to an item of merchandise, wherein at least one slot is defined in the body. The at least one slot is configured to receive a first fastener for securing the body to the item of merchandise, and the body is laterally adjustable relative to the item of merchandise via engagement of the first fastener with the at least one slot. The body is configured to engage a second fastener for securing the body to the merchandise security device. |
| US09402485B2 |
Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism
A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed and one or more dividers for separating product into rows. The one or more dividers may be engaged to a front rail in two different conditions, locked and unlocked. In a locked condition, the relationship between the divider and the front rail resists alteration in any direction with respect to each other. In the unlocked condition, the dividers may be freely slid laterally along the front rail, while remaining perpendicular to the front rail. The one or more dividers may lock to the front rail through the use of corresponding teeth, resilient surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar and/or a cam. |
| US09402475B2 |
Mounting apparatus for slide rail
A mounting apparatus for mounting a slide rail to either a first bracket or a second bracket includes a retaining member, a first locking member pivotably attached to the retaining member, and a second locking member pivotably attached to the first locking member. The retaining member includes a sidewall forming a positioning pole. The positioning pole includes a first positioning portion and a second positioning portion. When mounting the slide rail to the first bracket, the first positioning portion engages in a through hole of the first bracket, a first abutting portion abuts against the first bracket. When mounting the slide rail to the second bracket, the second positioning portion engages in a through hole of the second bracket, a second abutting portion and the first abutting portion engage with the second bracket. |
| US09402473B2 |
Mechanism for ganging tables
A ganging mechanism is configured to releasably attach a first object to a second object. The ganging mechanism includes a first part that is coupled to the first object. The first part includes a movable portion that carries a first ganging member. The movable portion is positionable between a stowed position and an extended position. The second part is coupled to the second object. The second part includes a receiver portion that receives the movable portion in the extended position. The second part includes a second ganging member that is configured to couple to the first ganging member resulting in the first object being ganged to the second object. The first and second ganging members are releasably coupled to one another by magnetic attraction. |
| US09402472B1 |
Electrical appliance holder system
A power cord management system for managing flexible electrical power cords associated with hair or bathroom handheld appliances includes a power cord storage body. A pair of spaced apart cord wrapping elements are coupled to the power storage body about which the flexible electrical power cord may be wrapped for storage. At least one of the cord wrapping elements is movable between a storage and release position. The cord wrapping elements are configured to retain the wrapped power cord upon the power cord storage body when the at least one of the cord wrapping elements is in the storage position and wherein the wrapped power cord may be removed from the power cord storage body without unwrapping the wrapped power cord when the at least one of the cord wrapping elements is moved to the release position. A power cord coupling mechanism is coupled to the power cord storage body for facilitating releasable retaining of a free end or other portion of the flexible electrical power cord to the power cord storage body. |
| US09402470B2 |
Rack mounting kit for telecommunications equipment and rack cross brace
A rack mounting kit is configured to allow mounting of a telecommunications equipment chassis into a rack by a single person. The rack mounting kit includes two complimentary brackets that form a shelf-like feature. The complimentary brackets also include a mating latch for interfacing with a chassis to secure the chassis in place. Additionally, a cross brace is provided that is removably installed onto the two complimentary brackets to provide additionally rigidity to a rack while a chassis is being installed. The cross brace can be removed once installation of the chassis is complete. |
| US09402469B2 |
Detachable utility holder for table umbrella
Described is a device that can be used to hold a plurality of items such as plates, bowls and glasses on a patio table. The device is attached to the pole of the table umbrella and can be attached or detached in seconds without the use of any tools. |
| US09402466B2 |
Sanitizing device for toothbrushes
A sanitizing device for toothbrushes is described. The device has a lower housing body, and a vessel for containing a sanitizing liquid being connected to the lower housing body in an upper position according to a vertical axis. The lower housing body has removable basins adapted to contain a head of the toothbrush substantially arranged along the vertical axis. The removable basins are hydraulically connected to the vessel for the controlled flowing down of the sanitizing liquid from the vessel to the basins. The lower housing body is removably associated to a cap in an upper position according to the vertical axis, the cap being cup-shaped to enclose the vessel and possible portions of the toothbrush that project upwards from the lower body. |
| US09402465B1 |
Shaving brush with vented holder
A combination shaving brush and hollow vented holder for the brush. The holder is provided with a female threaded end and an opposite non-threaded end. The brush has male threads on the handle. The brush handle enters the holder via the non-threaded end and the male threads engage the female threaded end to secure the brush within the holder with the bristles of the brush suspended centrally within the holder where they can air dry. A vented cap snaps onto the second end of the holder to protect the bristles of the brush during transport and also serving as a base for resting the holder on a surface. The brush is removed from the holder via the threaded first end without disturbing the bristles of the brush by rotating the brush in the same direction as when securing to the holder to disengage the male threads from the female threads. |
| US09402459B2 |
Belt loop array for a carry pouch or holster
A belt loop array for mounting a pouch or holster to waist belts of three or more different widths. The belt loop array consists of a plurality (five shown) of belt loop straps: a single intermediate strap, a pair of short straps and a pair of long straps, which are sewn or otherwise affixed to the back of a pouch or holster to form belt loops of three different widths. The loop straps are affixed to the pouch in a side by side arrangement with the intermediate strap interposed between the short loop straps and long loop straps. |
| US09402454B2 |
Fluid application device
A fluid application device for applying a fluid to a surface and removing the same as necessary. The device may generally comprise a fluid applicator and a textile base member for sanitizing gym equipment, wiping windows, applying sunscreen, and the like. The fluid applicator may comprise a spray applicator, a permeable bladder, and the like. The textile base member may include but is not limited to a hand towel, a wristband, and any other known textile configurations. In one embodiment, the present invention may be used by gym patrons to sanitized gym equipment before and/or after use. The present invention may also be used to clean other surfaces including but not limited to household windows, vehicle windows, and the like. Additional embodiments of the present invention may also be used either to apply sunscreen on a user or as a fishing towel to clean hands and remove odor. |
| US09402452B2 |
Method of making a smartphone case with a battery
A case for a smartphone electronic device protects and extends the battery life of the smartphone. The case has a first case portion and a second case portion, which assemble together to protect the top, side, and bottom edges of the smartphone. The lower case portion includes a battery to extend the battery life of the electronic device. |
| US09402444B2 |
Articles of footwear with tensile strand elements
An upper for an article of footwear may have material layers and a plurality of strand segments. The material layers are located adjacent to each other and in an overlapping configuration, and the material layers are located in a lace region and a lower region of the upper. The strand segments extend from the lace region to the lower region. The strand segments may be located and secured between the material layers in the lace region and the lower region. The strand segments may form both an exterior surface of the upper and an opposite interior surface of the upper in an area between the lace region and the lower region. The material layers may define an opening between the lace region and the lower region, and the strand segments extend across the opening. |
| US09402442B2 |
Sole structure and article of footwear including same
An article of footwear sole structure includes a flexible web. The flexible web is surrounded by a ridge extending downward from a bottom side of the web. Traction elements also extend downward from the web bottom side. When standing or casually walking, a substantial portion of the wearer's weight is transferred to the ground by the ridge. During golf play, increased downward force of the wearer on the web deforms the web and transfers more of the wearer weight onto various portions of the traction elements. |
| US09402441B2 |
Sole and article of footwear
Articles of footwear and soles are disclosed. The article of footwear may include an upper; an outer midsole having a base coupled to the upper, and a rim portion extending from the periphery of the base, wherein the rim portion defines a plurality of spaced apart gaps; and an inner midsole disposed interiorly to the rim portion, wherein a portion of the inner midsole is disposed in at least one gap. |
| US09402439B2 |
Auxetic structures and footwear with soles having auxetic structures
A material that includes at least one layer made of an auxetic structure and articles of footwear having soles comprising the materials. When the material is under tension, it expands in both the direction under tension and in the directional orthogonal to the direction under tension. The articles of footwear have soles that have at least one layer made of a material that has a pattern of geometrical patterns with polygonal apertures. The geometrical patterns have hinged polygons that rotate with respect to each other when the sole is under lateral or longitudinal tension, thus increasing the lateral and longitudinal dimensions of the sole. |
| US09402437B2 |
Foot support article
An article of footwear includes a sole, an upper defining a foot cavity, and a brace member. The brace member is comprised of a non-elastic resilient material. The brace member is positioned within a pocket in the upper and extends from a heel portion to above an ankle portion of the upper. The brace member may be provided with a top plate member and a base plate member with a central shaft extending between the top plate member and the base plate member. The central shaft may have a C-shape that curves around an ankle of a human foot positioned within the foot cavity. |
| US09402436B2 |
Customizable replacement strap converter system for flip flop sandals
A customizable replacement strap converter system for flip flop sandals provides the ability to create a customized strap arrangement for a pair of flip flop sandals. Converter pegs are inserted into a stock sandal sole after the stock strap arrangement has been removed, providing a number of cord loops through which a plurality of straps may be threaded. A strap tie ring and a decorative embellishment may also be incorporated for added aesthetic appeal. |
| US09402435B2 |
Article of footwear with a removable heel member
A sizing system for an article of footwear includes an insert attachable to the upper of the article of footwear. The insert is positioned within a pocket formed between the lining of the upper and the exterior shell of the upper. When attached to the upper, the insert forms a part of the exterior surface of the article of footwear. When the insert is removed, part of the pocket forms a portion of the exterior surface of the article of footwear or a flap is extended over the pocket to form a portion of the exterior surface of the article of footwear. The insert may be secured within the pocket using a mechanical fastener. |
| US09402431B1 |
Clothing adjustment device
The clothing adjustment device enables the adjustment of an article of clothing. In one embodiment, the clothing adjustment device is placed upon a user's clothing, such as pants, shorts, skirts, or other clothing at waist level. The clothing adjustment device provides an adjustment head, an inner body, and an outer body. Both the inner body and the outer body provide a pair of fingers with an insertion aperture. The user inserts the section of the article of clothing to be cinched within the insertion aperture between the pair of fingers of the inner body and the outer body. The inner body then rotates in relation to the outer body to cause at least a portion of the article of clothing to be wound upon the inner body. The adjustment head and inner body are secured with a geared system that prevents the adjustment head from rotating allowing the clothing to unwind from the inner body. |
| US09402427B2 |
Self-contained thermal distribution and regulation device for cold weather apparel
A thermal distribution and regulation system for a garment that includes a self-contained heat source, such as a catalytic heat source. A heat manifold extends about a surface of the heat source and is mechanically adjusted relative to the surface of the heat source to control the contact surface area between the heat source and heat manifold to regulate heat conducted from the heat source. The heat manifold is configured to engage the surface of the heat source at more than one predetermined location to prevent inadvertent movement between the heat source and heat manifold. The system also includes a plurality of heat conductors coupled to the heat manifold and affixed to the garment. An end of each heat conductor is coupled to the heat manifold for conducting heat from the heat manifold to the garment to warm the garment. |
| US09402426B2 |
Upper garment
Patterns for bodies and sleeves are devised to reduce the pull of the bodies from the sleeves when an arm is moved up, down, forward and backward. In an upper garment 1, portions 67 and 87 to be sewn to a first sewing reference position 6 on a front body 2 in a front portion to be sewn 54 in a front sleeve portion 51 project toward the front body 2 relative to a shoulder point SP, and project toward the front body 2 relative to a boundary point 65 between the front portion to be sewn 54 and the first end portion to be sewn 6, and portions 72 and 89 to be sewn to a second sewing reference position 12 on a back body 3 in a back portion to be sewn 55 in a back sleeve portion 52 project toward the back body 3 relative to the shoulder point SP, and project toward the back body 3 relative to a boundary point 70 between the back portion to be sewn 55 and the second end portion to be sewn 12. |
| US09402425B2 |
Garment for selectively supporting shields for expressing milk
A nursing garment configured to be worn by a wearer having a breast includes an interior layer, an intermediate layer, and an exterior layer. The interior layer is positioned immediately adjacent the wearer during use of the nursing garment and defines soft cups for supporting the breasts. Each of the soft cups defines an opening therethrough providing access to a different one of the breasts. The intermediate layer defines padded cups, is coupled to the interior layer, and is positioned immediately adjacent the interior layer. The padded cups overlie the soft cups of the interior layer covering the openings of the interior layer. The exterior layer extends over the intermediate layer opposite the interior layer substantially covering the intermediate layer. To permit nursing, the intermediate layer and the exterior layer collectively fold down away from the interior layer permitting access to the breasts via the openings in the interior layer. |
| US09402423B2 |
Leg wear
A leg wear according to an embodiment of the present invention has a heel portion for covering a heel. In a plan view of a sole of the leg wear folded in a instep and sole planar shape, the length of a perpendicular line extending from a heel central point located at a center between a heel-side end of an outer gore line of the heel portion and a heel-side end of an inner gore line to an outer contour line is longer than the length of a perpendicular line extending from the heel central point to an inner contour line. |
| US09402420B2 |
Smoking accessory kit system
A smoking accessory kit system facilitates the process of hand-rolling cigarettes, cigars or the like. The system includes a primary tray having a bottom wall and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall. A top edge of the perimeter wall defines an access opening into an interior of the primary tray. A plurality of magnets is attached to the primary tray. A plurality of attachments is magnetically attachable to the primary tray. |
| US09402416B2 |
Detection system
A method for assessing the acceptability of product filter rods, filters or filter elements which include a longitudinally extending core of filtering material including a longitudinal channel extending from an end of the core. |
| US09402415B2 |
Tobacco seed-derived components and materials
A tobacco composition for use in a smoking article or a smokeless tobacco composition is provided, the composition including a component derived from a seed of the Nicotiana species. The component can be a seed of the Nicotiana species or a portion thereof in particulate form or in the form of seed isolate derived from a seed of the Nicotiana species. In certain embodiments, the seed isolate is in the form of a chemically transformed seed isolate, the chemical transformation being selected from hydrogenation, acid/base reaction, hydrolysis, thermal treatment, and enzymatic treatment. The invention also provides smoking articles and smokeless tobacco compositions that include the seed components described herein, and methods for preparing a component derived from a seed of the Nicotiana species for addition to a tobacco composition. |
| US09402400B2 |
Titanium dioxide photocatalytic compositions and uses thereof
Provided is a photocatalytic composition comprising zinc (Zn) doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, wherein the ratio of titanium dioxide nanoparticles to zinc is from about 5 to about 150. The photocatalytic composition absorbs electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range from about 200 nm to about 500 nm, and the absorbance of light of wavelengths longer than about 450 nm is less than 50% the absorbance of light of wavelengths shorter than about 350 nm. Further provided is a method for treating or preventing microbial diseases and infestations in a plant and a method for increasing crop yield of a plant by applying the photocatalytic compositions taught herein to the surface of a plant. Also provided is a method for treating microbial diseases on a surface by applying the photocatalytic compositions taught herein to a surface illuminated by artificial light. |
| US09402398B2 |
Herbicidal compounds
The present invention relates to compounds of Formula (I); or an agronomically acceptable salt of said compounds wherein A1a, A1b, A2, A3, A4, X, R1 and R2 are as defined herein. The invention further relates to herbicidal compositions which comprise a compound of Formula (I), and to their use for controlling weeds, in particular in crops of useful plants. |
| US09402395B2 |
Insecticidal compounds
The present invention relates to novel triazole derivatives of formula (I) having insecticidal activity, to processes and intermediates for preparing them, to insecticidal, acaricidal, nematicidal or molluscicidal compositions comprising them and to methods of using them to combat and control insect, acarine, nematode or mollusc pests wherein R1, R2, G1, G2, Q1 and Q2 are as defined in claim 1; or salts thereof. |
| US09402394B2 |
Anion-paired cationic metallocene-containing compounds and polymers as antimicrobial agents
Anion-paired metallocene-containing compounds are generally provided, along with methods of making the same. In one embodiment, the anion-paired metallocene-containing compound includes a cationic metallocene moiety covalently connected to an organic functional group, and an anion paired to the cationic metallocene moiety. Generally, the cationic metallocene moiety comprises two cyclopentadienyl anions bound to a metal center in the oxidation state I. |
| US09402393B2 |
Methods and compositions for use with gel dispensers
A method is provided for reducing the frequency of mis-directed output of hydroalcoholic gel from a dispenser. The hydroalcoholic gel includes at least 30 wt. % of a C1-4 alcohol, a polyacrylate thickener, and a plug-preventing additive that may be a C6-10 alkane diol. A method of reducing the formation of coagulated gel deposits, and dispensable hydroalcoholic gel compositions are also provided. |
| US09402391B2 |
Stabilized oil-in-water emulsions including agriculturally active ingredients
The present invention relates to stable, agricultural oil-in-water emulsion compositions. |
| US09402387B2 |
Waterfowl decoy motion system and method
A waterfowl decoy motion system comprises a self-propelled floating decoy tethered to a submerged line supported below the surface of a body of water by stakes driven into the water bottom. A thruster is attached to the bottom of the decoy such that the direction of propulsion is offset from a longitudinal axis extending along the length of the decoy by an angle of at least one degree. The tether is slidably attached to the submerged line, and a swivel located on the tether allows the decoy to rotate freely. The decoy is guided by the line as it moves across the surface of the water. When the tether reaches a stopper near each end of the line, the offset propulsion angle causes the decoy to turn in an arcing path, turn around, and travel in the opposite direction. The decoy repeats this process in a continuous loop. |
| US09402386B1 |
Method and apparatus for collapsible decoy
Method and apparatus for a collapsible turkey decoy having a central upright rod having an upper cap thereon along with a lower sliding collar wherein a plurality of ribs or lateral frame members extend from the upper cap to the lower sliding collar so that when the lower sliding collar is in a first upward position the ribs expand outwardly to form the body of the decoy and when the lower sliding collar is in a second lower position the ribs collapse into a folded position. The ribs also have both neck and tail frame members mounted thereon over which the cover of the turkey body is mounted along with an optional tail piece assembly. |
| US09402380B2 |
Dual-bearing reel pinion gear and dual-bearing reel
In the present dual-bearing reel, a pinion gear has a body, a first support part, a second support part, a gear part and a narrowed part. The first support part is disposed on a first end side of the body. The second support part is disposed on a second end side of the body. The gear part is disposed so as to be spaced from the first support part at an interval between the first support part and the second support part. The narrowed part is disposed between the first support part and the gear part. The narrowed part includes an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the second support part and less than a root circle diameter of the gear part. |
| US09402377B2 |
Human SIRPAalpha transgenic animals and their methods of use
The invention relates generally to compositions and methods of using transgenic non-human animals expressing human SIRPα that are engrafted with a human hematopoietic system. In various embodiments, the human hematopoietic system engrafted, human SIRPα transgenic non-human animals of the invention are useful as systems for the in vivo evaluation of the growth and differentiation of hematopoietic and immune cells, for the in vivo assessment of an immune response, for the in vivo evaluation of vaccines and vaccination regimens, for in vivo production and collection of immune mediators, including human antibodies, and for use in testing the effect of agents that modulate hematopoietic and immune cell function. |
| US09402372B2 |
Height adjustable feeding trough
A feeding trough which is accessible to livestock animals is disclosed, and is defined at the bottom and laterally by a bottom wall and side walls, respectively, wherein one of the side walls demarcates the trough interior for an access side from which the animals take up feed from the trough interior. The side wall on the access side has an upper side wall edge over which an animal's head must reach at least partly so that the animal can take up feed from the trough interior and a trough frame to which the feeding trough is fixed. An adjustment mechanism is provided for adjusting the height of the side wall edge on the access side relative to the trough frame. |
| US09402368B2 |
Birth monitoring and heating system for piglets
The number of piglets dying at birth is reduced by providing a temperature sensor in a farrowing crate at the piglet area thereof on a movable cover so that, when the sow is expected to give birth, the sensor is located in the crate at a location to detect the presence of one or more piglets after birth. On detection by a control unit using the sensor signal of the one or more piglets, the sensor communicates a signal to a pager carried by an operator indicating to the operator that birth of piglets is in progress and activates a heating lamp for the piglets in the pen to attract them away from the area of the sow to reduce crushing. The control unit and the sensor also control the heat output. The cover can slide along the piglet area and can lift to expose the piglet area. |
| US09402366B2 |
Customized laser epithelial ablation systems and methods
Systems and methods to treat a region of a cornea of an eye having an epithelial layer disposed over a stromal layer. The system comprises a device to map a thickness of the epithelial layer over the region of the cornea to generate a map of epithelial thickness over the region, and a laser to generate a laser beam of an ablative radiation. A movable scan component is coupled to the laser to scan the laser beam over the region. A processor system is coupled to the laser and the movable scan component, and the processor system is configured to arrange pulses of laser beam to ablate the epithelial layer of the region in response to the map of epithelial thickness. |
| US09402364B2 |
Robot milking arm and a method of attaching milking cups
A robotic milking system suitable for use with conventional milking clusters. Clusters are withdrawn to a generally known position upon release from a cow with the cups hanging down below the bowl. The cups are then located in a confined region from where they are picked up by a robotic arm and attached to teats of a cow. The arrangement allows a single robotic arm to service multiple bales of a rotary milking parlor. |
| US09402363B1 |
Peronospora resistance in spinacia oleracea
The present invention relates to a spinach plant which may comprise an allele conferring resistance to downy mildew, propagation material of said spinach plant, a cell of said spinach plant, seed of said spinach plant, and to harvested leaves of said spinach plant. The invention further relates to use of a spinach plant in breeding to confer resistance against downy mildew. |
| US09402361B1 |
Maize hybrid X95D021
A novel maize variety designated X95D021 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X95D021 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X95D021 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X95D021, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X95D021. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X95D021. |
| US09402360B1 |
Maize hybrid X18D805
A novel maize variety designated X18D805 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X18D805 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X18D805 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X18D805, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X18D805. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X18D805. |
| US09402358B2 |
AAD-1 event DAS-40278-9, related transgenic corn lines, and event-specific identification thereof
This invention relates in part to plant breeding and herbicide tolerant plants. This invention includes a novel aad-1 transformation event in corn plants comprising a polynucleotide sequence, as described herein, inserted into a specific site within the genome of a corn cell. In some embodiments, said event/polynucleotide sequence can be “stacked” with other traits, including, for example, other herbicide tolerance gene(s) and/or insect-inhibitory proteins. Additionally, the subject invention provides assays for detecting the presence of the subject event in a sample (of corn grain, for example). The assays can be based on the DNA sequence of the recombinant construct, inserted into the corn genome, and on the genomic sequences flanking the insertion site. Kits and conditions useful in conducting the assays are also provided. |
| US09402357B1 |
Tetraploid watermelon line 4XDKFD55G
The present invention provides novel watermelon line 4XDKFD55G and plant parts, seed, and tissue culture therefrom. The invention also provides methods for producing a watermelon plant by crossing the watermelon plants of the invention with themselves or another watermelon plant. The invention also provides watermelon plants produced from such a crossing as well as plant parts, seed, and tissue culture therefrom. Further provided are methods of producing triploid watermelon seed and plants and seedless watermelon fruit produced therefrom as well as the triploid watermelon seed and plants and the seedless fruits produced by such methods. |