| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09452574B2 |
Fabrication of seamless large area master templates for imprint lithography using step and repeat tools
Described are methods of forming large area templates useful for patterning large area optical devices including e.g. wire grid polarizers (WGPs). Such methods provide for seamless patterning of such large area devices. |
| US09452568B2 |
VARTM flow modifications for low viscosity resin systems
A vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) method is disclosed, the method comprising: providing a vacuum-assisted resin transfer mold assembly comprising a mold having a first mold surface and a second mold surface arranged to enclose a laminate assembly within a space between the first and second mold surfaces when the laminate assembly is placed on the first mold surface; providing a laminate assembly comprising a laminate pre-form, a peel ply, and a resin distribution media pervious to the flow of a resin, the laminate pre-form having first and second surfaces, the first surface of the pre-form positioned to be in contact with the first mold surface, the peel ply positioned such that the second surface of the laminate pre-form is in contact with the peel ply, and the resin distribution media positioned to be contained within the first and second mold surfaces; positioning at least one resin flow control structure to modify the flow of resin within the resin distribution media; providing at least one inlet and at least one outlet in the laminate assembly such that the resin can be introduced into the assembly through the inlet; arranging and sealing the second mold surface to enclose the laminate assembly within the space between the first and second mold surfaces such that a vacuum can be pulled on the laminate assembly contained within the space between the first and second mold surfaces; applying a vacuum to the mold assembly; allowing the resin to flow into the laminate assembly through the at least one inlet such that the resin flow into the resin distribution media; allowing the resin to flow out of the laminate assembly through the at least one outlet; and allowing the resin to cure in the laminate material. An article of manufacture made by said VARTM method. |
| US09452567B2 |
Stereolithography apparatus
A stereolithography apparatus includes a supporting frame assembly, a tank supported on the supporting frame assembly, a vertically moving module, and a build platform. The tank has an anchored portion anchored to the supporting frame assembly. The build platform is vertically moved relative to the tank by the vertically moving module. After a resin layer is solidified and adhered to the bottom of the tank and the build platform, the tank is peeled away from the resin layer starting from a portion of the resin layer adjacent to the anchored portion and partially moves upward relative to the supporting frame assembly around the anchored portion when the build platform leaves the supporting frame assembly. To further reduce the separation force between the cured resin layer and the tank, the bottom of the tank is covered with materials that are transparent, chemically resistant, impact resistant or/and elastic. |
| US09452564B2 |
Multi-scale wrinkles for functional alignment of stem cells and cardiac derivatives
Provided are methods of preparing a biocompatible textured surface on a thermoplastic material comprising treating the material with a plasma and subsequently shrinking the substrate to induce formation of textures. The textured surfaces are useful in one aspect, to align cells such as stem cells. |
| US09452563B2 |
Transfer system and transfer method
A transfer system 1 comprising: a conveying/positioning device 3 configured to convey and position a flat sheet-shaped mold MA in a predetermined direction, on which a fine transfer pattern M1 is formed; a transfer device 5 configured to transfer the fine transfer pattern M1 to a molding target W, the transfer device 5 being provided on an upstream side in the conveying direction of the sheet-shaped mold MA; and a peeling device 7 configured to peel off the sheet-shaped mold MA and the molding target from those mutually clinging to each other, after the transfer by the transfer device 5 is performed and the conveyance by the conveying/positioning device 3 is performed, the peeling device 7 being provided on a downstream side in the conveying direction of the sheet-shaped mold MA. |
| US09452557B2 |
Hot runner system
A valve gated hot runner system that includes a single movable plate (or movable frame) that retains multiple valve pins. A linear actuator is coupled to rigid transmission elements that convey a linear motion from the actuator to several rotary components via a direct or indirect contact between at least a portion of the rigid transmission elements and the rotary components. The rigid transmission elements and the rotary components are connected to a common plate. The rotary components are further coupled to the movable plate (frame) and through their full rotation or turning lift or translate the movable plate (frame) with the valve pins to open and close the communication between hot runner nozzles and corresponding mold cavities. The actuator can be electrical, electro-magnetic, pneumatic or hydraulic. |
| US09452553B2 |
Surface structure of article
Disclosed is a surface structure of an article (1) including multiple protrusions (3) on the surface. A height H of the protrusions (3) is equal to or larger than 5 μm, and equal to or smaller than 32 μm, as well as at least one of a distance P between each two neighboring protrusions (3) and a distance W between each neighboring two of recesses (5) formed between the protrusions (3) is larger than the height H of the protrusions (3). |
| US09452552B2 |
Pressure-controlling foam molding method
A pressure-controlling foam molding method and a device thereof. The device includes a first mold and a second mold positioned on different levels. The first mold molds polymer material into a blank and is opened in a high pressure environment to limit the extent to which the molded blank foams. The foamed blank is compressed to have a volume approximately equal to or smaller than that of the second mold cavity of the second mold. Then the foamed blank is moved from the first mold pit of the first mold into the second mold pit of the second mold along a moving axis parallel to gravity line. Prior to transfer, with the plane on which the opening of the second mold pit is positioned as a projection face, the shape and position of the opening of the second mold pit correspond to vertical projective shape and position of the blank. |
| US09452547B2 |
Block mold having moveable liner
A method of operating a mold assembly having a plurality of liner plates forming a mold cavity. The method includes driving a master drive element back and forth in a continuous loop about at least a portion of exterior perimeter sides of the mold cavity to provide a first and second linear forces in first and second directions substantially in parallel with each perimeter side of the mold cavity about which the primary drive element is routed, and driving a secondary drive element, which engages the at least one moveable liner plate, with the first and second linear forces to drive at least one moveable liner plate toward and away from the interior of the mold cavity. |
| US09452546B2 |
Method and plant for producing material boards, and a device for compressing the narrow sides of a pressed-material mat
A method for producing material panels includes scattering material onto a belt with a scattering device to form a mat to be compressed, and compressing narrow sides of the mat transversely to the production direction with a compaction device. A plant for producing material panels includes at least one compaction device arranged between a press and a scattering device and configured for compressing a mat by displacing narrow sides of the mat in the direction of the longitudinal central axis of the mat and/or by compressing a region adjoining the narrow sides of the surface side of the mat. A device for producing material panels includes at least one compaction device for compressing a mat by displacing narrow sides of the mat in the direction of the longitudinal central axis of the mat and/or by compressing a region adjoining the narrow sides of the surface side of the mat. |
| US09452543B2 |
Cutter for a printer
A cutter for a printer is provided, together with corresponding methods. The cutter has a fixed blade and a movable blade. The fixed blade is arranged on a cover bracket. The cover bracket is movable between an open and a closed position. The movable blade is arranged on a printer frame. The movable blade is adapted to move from a home position into engagement with the fixed blade for cutting paper media during a cutting action. In the open position of the cover bracket, the fixed blade and movable blade are separated, enabling paper jams to be cleared and paper to be loaded. |
| US09452542B2 |
Card overlay trimmer
Systems and methods for utilizing a trimming device to trim an edge of a plastic card having round corners, are provided. The plastic card has an overlay laminated on a major surface of the plastic card. The periphery of the overlay overhangs the edge of the plastic card. The trimming device trims the overhanging part of the laminated overlay by moving the trimming device along the edge of the personalized document in a direction generally parallel to the major surface of the plastic card. |
| US09452540B2 |
Safety cutter apparatus and system
A cutter system includes a cutter and a holster. The cutter includes a housing with two recessed portions on opposite sides thereof, the cutter being adapted to support a blade and to facilitate selectively extending the blade from or retracting the blade into the housing. The holster is shaped to receive the cutter in two different orientations corresponding to left- and right-handed use, respectively, the holster including an interior surface formed with protrusions on opposites sides thereof, the protrusions each being sized to fit into either of the recessed portions. |
| US09452539B2 |
Glove port safety mechanism
A safety device for a glove port includes a hatch that is rotatably fixable by a hinge to an outer frame of a glove port so as to rotate between a closing position and an opening position for preventing or allowing access to the glove port, respectively. The device further includes a sensor associated with the glove port and arranged for engaging and/or detecting an abutment portion of said the hatch in the closing condition and generating an alarm signal when the abutment portion does not engage the sensor means, in particular when the hatch is not in the closing position. |
| US09452533B2 |
Robot modeling and positioning
In an example embodiment, a robot positioning device includes a first interface configured to communicate with a robot and a second interface configured to communicate with a location measuring system. The robot positioning device includes a calibrator, a modeler, and an instructor. The calibrator is configured to direct the location measuring system to determine robot calibration locations when robot joints are positioned in calibration joint positions. The modeler is configured to create a calibrated model relating robot joint positions to robot locations based at least in part on the robot calibration locations received from the location measuring system and associated calibration joint positions of the robot joints. The instructor is configured to receive a goal location from the robot. The instructor is further configured to transmit goal joint positions to the robot, the goal joint positions based at least in part on the goal location and the calibrated model. |
| US09452524B1 |
Composite tool holder
A composite tool holder includes a base, a socket set and a hand tool set. The base includes a substrate, a first track formed on the substrate, and a second track formed on the first track. At least one slot is formed through the substrate. The first track includes a sliding slot. The second track includes an engaging slot. The socket set is combined with the base and includes a positioning plate disposed in the engaging slot of the second track and multiple positioning blocks disposed in the sliding slot. The hand tool set is combined with the base and includes a holding component combined with the substrate. The holding component includes a combining portion disposed in one of the at least one slot and a holding portion formed on a top surface. The composite tool holder can store both hand tools and sleeves at the same time. |
| US09452520B2 |
Electric power tool
An electric power tool includes a motor having a drive shaft, a tool output shaft rotated by rotational force of the drive shaft, a clutch unit that connects or disconnects a torque transmission line between the drive shaft and the tool output shaft according to load torque of the tool output shaft, a load detector that outputs a load torque signal in accordance with the load torque of the tool output shaft, and a control unit that performs a rising detection mode, which detects rising of the load torque signal to stop rotation of the motor, and a falling detection mode, which detects falling of the load torque signal to stop rotation of the motor. The control unit selects the rising detection mode or the falling detection mode according to a usage condition signal indicating a usage condition of the electric power tool. |
| US09452518B2 |
Hammer device
An improved sledge hammer device is disclosed having first and second head portions attached to a central rod and a hand guard which is substantially parallel to the central rod. In operation, the hammer is held by the central rod, or optionally by the hand guard and is brought vertically or horizontally in contact with its target by the user. The device is particularly advantageous in situations where the typical central handle and/or wide swing arc is impractical due to space constraints. |
| US09452515B2 |
Pivotal assembly for hand tool
A hand tool includes a body and a ratchet head which is pivotably connected to the body. A pawl and a controller are connected to the body. The ratchet head is engaged with the pawl by first and second engaging teeth. The controller has a recess which has two curved faces. The controller has two grooves and each groove has a first stop face and a second stop face. The first and second stop faces contact the two curved faces. The pawl is not moveable, and the first engaging teeth are engaged with the second engaging teeth so as to fix the ratchet head relative to the body at an angle. When the two curved faces are moved to face the two grooves, the controller is moved, and the ratchet head is pivotable relative to the body. |
| US09452510B2 |
Asymmetrical toothed wheel
A device comprises supports (3, 4) which can be moved relative to each other, and on mutually facing walls of which toothed profiles (6, 7) are provided. Each toothed profile interacts with opposing segments (31, 32) of a rotatable gear (2), by the rotation of which the supports (3, 4) can be moved in opposite directions simultaneously in a synchronized manner. The gear (2) has a varying tip circle diameter (d) along the gear circumference, wherein the tip circle diameter (d) increases along a segment (31, 32), and an effective outer diameter (dw) of the gear (2) is arranged between the supports (3, 4) in a clamped rotational position, so that the effective outer diameter (dw) matches a target diameter. |
| US09452509B2 |
Sapphire pad conditioner
A sapphire pad conditioner includes a sapphire substrate having multiple protrusions on a surface and a holder arranged to hold the sapphire substrate. The sapphire substrate is used for conditioning a chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) pad. |
| US09452505B2 |
Textured membrane for a multi-chamber carrier head
A flexible membrane for use in a carrier head has a generally circular main portion with a lower surface, an annular outer portion for connection to a base assembly, and an annular flap extending from the main portion on a side opposite the lower surface for connection to the base assembly. At least one surface of the flap has a surface texture to prevent adhesion. |
| US09452501B2 |
Tool magazine and machine using the same
A tool magazine of a machine includes a receiving assembly, a tool bracket, a driving member, and a linking assembly. The receiving assembly defines an opening and includes a mounting gate sealing the opening. The tool bracket is slidably received in the receiving assembly. The driving member is connected to the tool bracket and moves the tool bracket out of the opening. The linking assembly includes a linking member and a first pushing rod. The linking member is fixed to the mounting gate and defines a first pushing groove in its periphery. The first pushing rod slides along the direction of the first pushing groove, causing the mounting gate to rotate open and close. |
| US09452500B2 |
System and method for assembly manufacturing
A system for assembly manufacturing may include at least one tacking cell configured to perform at least one tack fastening operation on a workpiece, at least one fastening cell configured to perform at least one final fastening operation on the workpiece and a material-handling system linking the tacking cell and the fastening cell, wherein the material-handling system positions the workpiece within the tacking cell and wherein the material-handling system transfers the workpiece from the tacking cell to the fastening cell. |
| US09452499B2 |
Method for applying heat resistant protection components onto a surface of a heat exposed component
The invention refers to a method for applying heat resistant protection components onto the surface of a heat exposed component. The method including providing at least two separate heat protection components, and joining the at least two separate heat protection components onto their top surface and/or bottom surface and/or at least one side surface by flexible means for obtaining an integrally handable entity. The method further includes fixing the integrally handable entity by applying and brazing the surface of each heat protection component on the surface of the heat exposed component. The materials of the flexible means and for joining the flexible means on the separate heat protection components are selected such that the materials withstand brazing being performed under protective atmosphere, i.e. an atmosphere without or with reduced amount of oxygen, at process temperatures between 700° C. and 1200° C., and that the materials are burned out after brazing during a following oxidizing thermal step. |
| US09452495B1 |
Laser slicer of crystal ingots and a method of slicing gallium nitride ingots using a laser slicer
The present invention discloses a new tool to slice crystal ingots by using laser beams. Ingot crystals of III-nitride such as GaN are immersed in alkali solutions and irradiated with scanned lines of laser beams to slice wafers out of the ingots. The method is expected to achieve approximately one order of magnitude smaller slicing loss with minimized slicing damage. |
| US09452492B2 |
Systems and methods for forming apertures in microfeature workpieces
Systems and methods for forming apertures in microfeature workpieces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes directing a laser beam toward a microfeature workpiece to form an aperture and sensing the laser beam pass through the microfeature workpiece in real time. The method can further include determining a number of pulses of the laser beam and/or an elapsed time to form the aperture and controlling the laser beam based on the determined number of pulses and/or the determined elapsed time to form a second aperture in the microfeature workpiece. |
| US09452491B1 |
Friction pull plug and material configuration for anti-chatter friction pull plug weld
A friction pull plug is provided for use in forming a plug weld in a hole in a material. The friction pull plug includes a shank and a series of three frustoconical sections. The relative sizes of the sections assure that a central one of the sections defines the initial contact point between the hole's sides. The angle defined by the central one of the sections reduces or eliminates chatter as the plug is pulled into the hole. |
| US09452487B1 |
Exothermic cutting rod
An exothermic cutting rod that comprises a tube and a plurality of wires. The wires may be cored wires that comprise various mixtures of powdered metals and other additives. The cored wires may be disposed within the inner circumference of the tube. The wires filled with powdered metals may allow the manufacturer to more quickly adjust the mixture ratios and develop a combination that has better performance characteristics, such as a reduced requirement of pure or substantially pure oxygen, or compressed gas. |
| US09452486B2 |
Automatic fluxing machine
An automatic fluxing machine is provided and includes a dispensing section including a surface having through holes formed therein through which flux material is dispensable toward a braze joint and a plugging section disposed below the braze joint to prevent downward flow of dispensed flux material. |
| US09452484B2 |
Method for component machining by ablation and controlled recast layer removal by fluoride ion cleaning
Components, such as turbine blades or vanes, are formed to a desired shape and dimensions by ablation machining a work piece surface. Recast layer material created on the work piece surface during the ablation machining is subsequently removed by fluoride ion cleaning (FIC). Exemplary ablation machining methods include laser machining and electric discharge machining (EDM). The work piece material may include superalloys commonly used for fabrication of turbine blades or vanes, which are susceptible to recast layer formation during EDM or laser machining. Post ablation FIC recast layer removal is easier than known methods, such as mechanical grinding, secondary EDM machining of the layer at lower speeds and/or current intensity, or chemical etching processes. Ablation machining processes can be optimized for speed and efficiency without regard for recast layer avoidance, with knowledge that the recast layer will be subsequently removed by the complimentary FIC process. |
| US09452483B2 |
Electric discharge machining die sinking device and related method of operation
Systems and methods for controlled and precise EDM manufacturing of a component are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes: a tank for holding a fluid; a first electrode array in the tank, the first electrode array including a plurality of electrodes configured to shape a workpiece; a workpiece fixture for positioning the workpiece at least partially immersed in the fluid and proximate the first electrode array; a pulse generator for creating an electric discharge between the workpiece and the first electrode array to remove material from the workpiece; a gap sensing circuit communicatively connected to the workpiece and the first electrode array, the gap sensing circuit configured to monitor the electric discharge between the workpiece and the first electrode array; and a computing device communicatively connected to the gap sensing circuit and the workpiece fixture, the computing device manipulating a position of the workpiece in the tank relative the first electrode array based upon data obtained from the gap sensing circuit. |
| US09452479B2 |
Machining tool for machining and method for cutting a component made of fiber-reinforced plastics
A face cutter for machining fiber-reinforced materials such as carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics, glass-fiber-reinforced plastics or plastics reinforced with polyester threads is provided which includes main flutes which form with trailing premachining lands cutting wedges with premachining cutting edges, and auxiliary flutes, the number of which corresponds to a number of the main flutes, each trail one of the main flutes in the peripheral sense, each distance in the peripheral sense a postmachining land from the premachining land leading in the peripheral sense, and form with the postmachining land a cutting wedge with a postmachining cutting edge. The premachining cutting edges extend alternately with right-hand twist about and untwisted along the tool axis, the postmachining cutting edges trailing the right-hand twisted premachining cutting edges extend untwisted along the tool axis, and the postmachining cutting edges trailing the untwisted premachining cutting edges extend with a right-hand twist about the tool axis. |
| US09452477B2 |
Clamping device
A clamping device for clamping a work piece includes a chuck, a collet positioned inside the chuck, and a bayonet fastener operatively arranged so that the collet is fastenable in the chuck and is removable from the chuck solely by manual operation of the bayonet fastener without the use of auxiliary tools. |
| US09452473B2 |
Methods for casting against gravity
Methods of manufacturing castings are described. The method can include heating a ceramic mold having a gate inlet, and melting a metallic composition. The method can also include presenting the ceramic mold to a casting station such that the gate inlet is in fluid communication with the molten metallic composition, and casting against gravity the molten metallic composition into the heated mold through the gate inlet. Furthermore, the method can include rotating the mold to position with the gate inlet in an upward direction while the metallic composition is at least partially molten within the mold, and quenching the molten metallic composition in a liquid quench medium to solidify the molten metallic composition within the mold. |
| US09452472B2 |
Wear-resistant castings and method of fabrication thereof
A wear resistant casting and method of fabrication thereof, the casting comprising inserts embedded in a matrix; each insert having a form such that a ratio A/B in any mutually perpendicular section that passes through the center of mass of the insert is comprised between 0.4 and 2.5, and a distance C between two insert is at least two times smaller that a width thereof; the inserts forming at least one grid. |
| US09452470B2 |
System and method for high temperature die casting tooling
A die casting and a method for die casting a metal having a melting temperature of at least 1500° F. (815° C.) are disclosed. A molten volume of metal is injected to a casting die which includes a main cavity corresponding to an as-cast structure, a first reservoir, and a first runner arrangement. The first runner arrangement is configured to fluidly communicate molten metal between the first reservoir and the main cavity. After the injecting step, the casting die is sealed. The injected molten volume of metal is equiaxially solidified generally from a first portion of the main cavity distal to the first reservoir toward a second portion of the main cavity proximal to the first reservoir. During the equiaxial solidifying step, the main cavity is backfilled with at least a portion of the injected molten volume via the first runner arrangement. |
| US09452467B2 |
Method for producing a net, in particular for a basket for pisciculture
A net is particularly suitable for a basket for pisciculture, which may be placed in sea or fresh water. The net is made of a wire material, producible from individual spiral or similarly bent longitudinal elements, wherein adjacent threads are woven together. The net is simple and economical to produce, for example, by threading each longitudinal element into engagement with another longitudinal element while it has a shape of a spiral or screw to thereby provide it with a cylindrical form, and compressing each longitudinal element, when having the cylindrical form and after being threaded into engagement with the another longitudinal element, to provide the longitudinal element with substantially straight wire sections. The threading and compression steps are repeated to form a net after compression of several longitudinal elements threaded to one another. |
| US09452464B2 |
Method of forming a tubular member
A method for roll-forming a tubular member is provided. The method includes providing a roll-forming machine having a pair of rollers and a forming roller adjacent the pair of rollers. Further, cutting a strip of sheet metal to form a segment having free leading and trailing ends extending between a predetermined length; feeding the segment between the pair rollers; calculating the thickness of the segment via feedback from the pair of rollers; automatically adjusting the position of the forming roller in response to the determined thickness of the segment; advancing the segment between the pair of rollers and against the forming roller to form an annulus; and forming a weld joint between the free ends. |
| US09452463B2 |
Synthetic jet ejector and design thereof to facilitate mass production
A method is provided for making a synthetic jet ejector. The method comprises (a) providing first and second voice coil bodies (131) having first and second sets of channels defined therein, respectively; (b) inserting first and second sets of electrically conductive terminals (139) into the first and second sets of channels, respectively; (c) wrapping first and second coils of wire (151) around said first and second voice coil bodies, respectively, such that the first coil is in electrical contact with the first set of terminals and such that the second coil is in electrical contact with the second set of terminals; (d) forming a voice coil subassembly by attaching first and second ends of a flexible, electrically conductive connector (161) to said first and second voice coil bodies, respectively, wherein the first end of the connector is attached such that it is in electrical contact with the first set of terminals, and wherein the second end of the connector is attached such that it is in electrical contact with the second set of terminals; and (e) incorporating the voice coil subassembly into a synthetic jet ejector (103) having first and second voice coils such that said first coil forms a portion of said first voice coil, and such that said second coil forms a portion of said second voice coil. |
| US09452461B2 |
Press forming method
A press forming apparatus (1a) consecutively carries out: a first step of pushing a flat plate-shaped workpiece into a die (14) by a forming punch (11), to form the workpiece into a cup-shaped workpiece (B); a second step of making the cup-shaped workpiece (B) move relatively to a position where a space (S2) is formed between a cup bottom part (B2) and the forming punch (11) by a holding down member (12) abutting on an end part of a cup vertical wall part (B1); and a third step of making a counter punch (13) approach the forming punch (11), to push a cup bottom part (B2) to a forming punch (11) side so that the cup bottom part (B2) is compressed by the forming punch (11) and the counter punch (13), making a material of the cup vertical wall part (B1) flow to a cup shoulder part (B3), thereby to thicken the cup shoulder part (B3). |
| US09452459B2 |
Method for manufacturing shaped steel the cross-sectional shape of which changes in the longitudinal direction, and roll forming device
A roll forming device, for roll forming for the purpose of manufacturing shaped steel the cross-sectional shape of which varies in the longitudinal direction, is equipped with: first die rolls having an annular ridge part the cross-sectional shape of which varies in the circumferential direction; second die rolls having an annular groove part the cross-sectional shape of which varies in the circumferential direction; and a drive device for the first die rolls and the second die rolls. A gap is provided at the side surfaces of the annular ridge part of the first die rolls, across the entire circumference in the circumferential direction, such that the gap with respect to the side surfaces of the annual groove parts of the second die rolls widens inward in the radial direction. |
| US09452458B2 |
Compositions of matter and uses thereof in the treatment of waste materials
Disclosed are compositions of matter comprising at least one anaerobic degrading microorganism, particulate active carbon and a polymeric solid support wherein the anaerobic degrading microorganism and particulate active carbon are entrapped in the polymeric support and processes for preparing the same. The disclosed compositions of matter are used in processes of anaerobic degradation of waste materials resulting in high yields of biogas production. |
| US09452456B2 |
Continuous substrate treatment plant and cleaning method
A substrate treatment plant includes a process chamber delimited by chamber walls and in the process chamber a substrate conveying unit for the horizontal conveyance of slab-shaped substrates in one conveying plane and in one conveying direction. The substrate conveying unit includes an arrangement of rotatably mounted, cylindrical conveying rollers transversely arranged to the conveying direction, the topmost generatrices of the conveying rollers defining the conveying plane, and at least one substrate treatment unit, which is located above the conveying plane, and at least one gas inlet. In the region of the substrate treatment unit at least one additional heating unit is located below the conveying plane and a condensation unit is located under the substrate conveying unit. |
| US09452454B2 |
Dry type cleaning housing and dry type cleaning apparatus
A dry type cleaning housing which causes a cleaning medium to fly with an air flow and places the cleaning medium on a cleaning object to clean the cleaning object is disclosed. The dry type cleaning housing includes an inner space which causes the cleaning medium to fly; an opening which abuts the cleaning medium against the cleaning object to collide the cleaning medium with the cleaning object; a ventilation path which passes air from outside into the inner space; a suction opening which suctions the air introduced into the inner space via the ventilation path to generate a revolving air flow in the inner space; a porous unit which passes removed matter removed from the cleaning object to the suction opening side; and a revolving air flow adjusting unit which arbitrarily reduces or stops the revolving air flow. |
| US09452449B2 |
Shift and hold conveyor assembly for removal of oversize parcels
A conveyor assembly insertable within a conveying system including a low friction conveying surface having both forward and lateral conveying forces for moving articles toward a parallel lateral sidewall and a downstream conveyor. A first diverging sidewall gradually converges parcels toward the center of the conveyor. An inwardly directed offset extends from a first diverging sidewall to a second lateral sidewall for shifting parcels inwardly toward a second lateral sidewall. A raised high friction conveying surface or rail belt extends along an outer edge of the low friction conveyor. At least a portion of the high friction belt is raised above the surface of the adjacent conveying surface in flow communication with the low friction conveying surface. Parcels contacting the high friction belt are prevented from shifting over toward the sidewall and parcels having a center of gravity outside the tipover point fall over the belt onto a recirculation conveyor. |
| US09452447B2 |
Ultrasound transducer and ultrasound imaging system with a variable thickness dematching layer
An ultrasound transducer and an ultrasound imaging system including an acoustic layer with a plurality of transducer elements and a dematching layer coupled to the acoustic layer. The dematching layer has an acoustic impedance greater than the acoustic layer and the dematching layer has a thickness that varies in order to alter a bandwidth of the ultrasound probe. |
| US09452444B2 |
Method of manufacturing spline telescopic shaft
A method of manufacturing a spline telescopic shaft, includes a sliding step of sliding in an axial direction an inner shaft manufacturing intermediate member and an outer shaft manufacturing intermediate member, in one of which a resin coating is disposed on splines. In the sliding step, a sliding load of the inner shaft manufacturing intermediate member and the outer shaft manufacturing intermediate member is detected, and sliding is ended at a timing when the detected sliding load reaches a threshold load which is determined based on an initial sliding load detected at a start of the sliding. |
| US09452443B2 |
Motorized viscous material dispenser and a method if operating a dispenser
A motorized viscous material dispenser, especially a caulking gun, comprises a motor (27), an operation parameter sensor (51), a data processing device (35), a memory device (37), and at least one operator activated switch (7, 10). The dispenser has a first dispensing mode in which the data processing device (53) records operation parameter values read by the operation parameter sensor (51), when a switch (7) is activated by an operator, and stores at least one operation parameter value in the memory device (37), the motor (27) being activated in accordance with the activation of said switch (7), and a second dispensing mode in which the data processing device (35) activates the motor (27) in accordance with the operation parameter values stored in the memory device (37) when a switch (7) is activated by an operator. |
| US09452442B2 |
Electronic spray device improvements
An electronic spray device comprising a spray generator and a spray controller for providing a drive signal to the spray generator, wherein the spray generator includes a perforate membrane which vibrates ultrasonically in response to the drive signal, said vibration causing liquid droplets to be ejected from one side of the perforate membrane, wherein the spray controller is adapted to modulate the drive signal sent to the spray generator, wherein such modulation of the drive signal is arranged to set the mean power level supplied to the spray generator to a target level. |
| US09452439B2 |
Liquid dispensing apparatus
An airbrush having a nozzle (22) through which gas can flow, the end of the nozzle having an inclined surface (30). The apparatus also includes support means for a liquid source (28) which, in use, is directed towards the inclined surface of the nozzle. |
| US09452430B1 |
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. |
| US09452426B2 |
Polymer adsorbent
ProblemTo provide a method for easily producing an adsorbing material used for the removal and recovery of metals and ions in a solution, which is highly durable and has various adsorptive functional groups and forms applicable for various purposes.Means for ResolutionA polymer adsorbent for metals and ions, which is highly durable and has various adsorptive functional groups and forms applicable for various purposes, is produced by a) preparing a reactive polymer having a large number of halogenated alkyl groups or glycidyl groups in the molecule, b) preparing a base material polymer insoluble in water and alcohols, c) dissolving the reactive polymer and the base material polymer in an organic solvent to give a mixed solution, d) removing the organic solvent to give a solid carrier in a desired form, and e) allowing a halogenated alkyl group or a glycidyl group in the solid carrier to react with an amine compound having a functional group capable of adsorbing metals and ions, thereby introducing an adsorptive functional group. |
| US09452425B2 |
Compositions containing ionic liquids and their uses, in particular in organic synthesis
An ionic liquid is used as liquid matrix for organic synthesis in homogeneous phase on soluble support, the ionic liquid being presented in liquid or solid form at ambient temperature, of formula A1+X1−, A1+ representing a cation, functional or non-functional, or a mixture of cations in which either none of the cations is functional or at least one of the cations is functional, and X1− an anion, functional or non-functional, or a mixture of anions in which either none of the anions is functional or at least one of the anions is functional. |
| US09452424B2 |
Zeolite ZSM-18, its synthesis and its use
ZSM-18 is synthesized from a mixture comprising water, a source of an oxide of a tetravalent element (Y), a source of an oxide of a trivalent element (X), a source of a first cation Q selected from either butamethonium cations or N,N,N,-trimethyl-N-butylammonium cations and a source of at least one second cation M, wherein the second cation M is selected from lithium, strontium, sodium, tetraalkylammonium and mixtures thereof when the first cation, Q is butamethonium cations, and wherein the second cation M is tetramethylammonium when the first cation Q is N,N,N,-trimethyl-N-butylammonium cations. |
| US09452422B2 |
Catalysts and processes for the production of aromatic compounds from lignin
Hydrotreating catalysts and processes useful for the conversion of methoxylated aromatic compounds to simple aromatic compounds are provided. The catalysts comprise transition metal selected from the group consisting of Group 8 metals, Group 9 metals, Group 10 metals, Group 11 metals, and mixtures thereof, and catalyst support selected from the group consisting of shape-selective zeolite, silica, titania, zirconia, and mixtures thereof. |
| US09452418B2 |
Gold loaded TiO2 nanotube-multiwalled carbon nanotube composites as active photocatalysts for cyclohexane oxidation
A gold/titanium nanotube-multiwalled carbon nanotube composite (Au/TNT-MWCNT) is presented. The gold composition comprises at least 3% weight of the nanotube composite based on the total weight of the nanotube composite and the gold composition is located in at least one of the wall of the titanium nanotube and the wall of the multiwalled carbon nanotube. Photocatalytic oxidation of neat cyclohexane (CHA) with H2O2 as an oxidant was carried out. Au/TNT-MWCNT catalysts promoted partial CHA oxidation with high conversion (6-7.5%) and selectivity (60-75%) to cyclohexanone. |
| US09452416B2 |
Compositions and processes for synthesizing cubic mesoporous silicas having “noodle-like” morphology
Cubic mesoporous silicas having substantially cylindrical morphology may be prepared using a combination of a first structure-directing template, such as tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide; water; a second structure-directing template, such as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide; a morphology-directing template, such as a poloxamer having a weight average molecular weight ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 Daltons; and a silica source; in the substantial absence of an alcohol solvent. The resulting materials may exhibit a three-dimensional channel structure, a length from 3 to 10 micrometers and a width from 300 nanometers to 10 micrometers, resulting in an aspect ratio from 1 to 300. Further characterization may include a surface area from 1300 to 1500 square meters per gram, an average pore diameter from 20 to 26 angstroms, and an average pore volume ranging from 0.7 to 1.1 cubic centimeters per gram. These materials are useful for molecular transport and release applications in a variety of uses, including, for example, membrane separations, metal incorporation, electronic devices, drug delivery, and adsorption. |
| US09452415B2 |
Sorbent comprising on its surface a cationic or protonizable aliphatic residue for the purification of organic molecules
The present invention relates to a sorbent comprising a solid support material, the surface of which comprises a residue of a general formula (I), wherein the residue is attached via a covalent single bond to a functional group on the surface of either the bulk solid support material itself or of a polymer film on the surface of the solid support material. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of the sorbent according to the invention for the purification of organic molecules, in particular pharmaceutically active compounds, preferably in chromatographic application. |
| US09452406B2 |
Bubble encapsulation via silicilic acid complexation
Disclosed are methods of preparing stable gas-in-water dispersions by silicic acid complexation of micron-sized gas bubbles, and stable dispersions prepared by silicic acid complexation. Compositions and products comprising the dispersions are also disclosed. Dispersions may be stable over an extended period of time at room temperature. |
| US09452404B2 |
Fluid cracking process and apparatus for maximizing light olefins or middle distillates and light olefins
A fluid catalytic cracking apparatus and process is disclosed, providing for efficient conversion of heavy hydrocarbon feeds to light olefins, aromatics, and gasoline. A countercurrent flow reactor operating in bubbling or turbulent fluidization regimes is integrated with a fluid catalytic cracking riser reactor. A heavy hydrocarbon feed is catalytically cracked to naphtha and light olefins in the riser reactor, a co-current flow reactor. To enhance the yields and selectivity to light olefins, cracked hydrocarbon products from the riser reactor, such as C4 and naphtha range hydrocarbons, may be recycled and processed in the countercurrent flow reactor. The integration of the countercurrent flow reactor with a conventional FCC riser reactor and catalyst regeneration system may overcome heat balance issues commonly associated with two-stage cracking processes, may substantially increase the overall conversion and light olefins yield, and/or may increases the capability to process heavier feedstocks. |
| US09452403B2 |
Using wavelet decomposition to determine the fluidization quality in a fluidized bed reactor
A method and apparatus for determining the fluidization quality of a fluidized bed reactor is disclosed. The method includes measuring pressure within the fluidized bed reactor to obtain a pressure signal. The pressure signal is then transformed using wavelet decomposition into higher-frequency details and lower-frequency approximations. The dominance of the various features is then calculated based on the energy of each feature in relation to the normalized wavelet energies. The fluidization quality of the fluidized bed reactor is then determined from a comparison over time of the calculated energies. |
| US09452402B2 |
Integrated reactors, methods of making same, and methods of conducting simultaneous exothermic and endothermic reactions
Integrated Combustion Reactors (ICRs) and methods of making ICRs are described in which combustion chambers (or channels) are in direct thermal contact to reaction chambers for an endothermic reaction. Superior results were achieved for combustion chambers which contained a gap for free flow through the chamber. Particular reactor designs are also described. Processes of conducting reactions in integrated combustion reactors are described and results presented. Some of these processes are characterized by unexpected and superior results. |
| US09452399B2 |
Pneumatic system for dense loading of catalyst into bayonet tubes for a steam reforming exchanger-reactor using an auxiliary tube for introducing solid particles
The present invention describes a device and a method for dense and homogeneous loading of catalyst into the annular space 4 of bayonet tubes defined by an external tube 6 and an internal tube 5 used in a steam reforming reactor, said device using a rigid auxiliary tube 7 for introducing solid particles into said annular zone 4. |
| US09452398B2 |
Fluid bed granulation process
Fluid bed granulation process comprising the steps of: —forming a fluid bed of seeds (S1) of a chosen substance, —feeding said fluid bed with a continuous fluid flow (L) comprising a growth liquid, —inducing and maintaining a continuous vortex (V) in said fluid bed, the vortex (V) having a substantially horizontal axis, characterized in that said fluid flow (L) is fed into predetermined first zones (Z1) of said fluid bed, said first zones (Z1) being alternated to second zones (Z2) of said fluid bed in which said fluid flow (L) is not fed. |
| US09452395B2 |
Water-soluble polymer dispersion appliance
Device for dispersing a water-soluble polymer including a rotor equipped with knives, a fixed stator, over all or part of the periphery of the chamber, a ring fed by a secondary water circuit, characterised in that the rotor knives and the stator are made out of austeno-ferritic stainless steel and in that the stator comes in the form of a cylinder in the wall of which are cut vertical slits produced on part of the height of the wall, the slits having a width of between 150 and 700 micrometers. |
| US09452394B2 |
Viscous fluid dilution system and method thereof
A dilution system for a hydraulic fracturing fluid, the dilution system including a dilution manifold; a hydration unit configured to provide a source of liquid; a diluent line connecting the hydration unit to the dilution manifold. A diluent flow control valve on the diluent line. A hydration tank configured to hydrate a mixed additive. A gravity-driven viscous fluid line connecting an exit of the hydration tank to the dilution manifold. A viscous fluid flow meter on the viscous fluid line; and, a viscous fluid control valve on the viscous fluid line. Also included is a method of processing a fracturing fluid. |
| US09452393B2 |
Dispenser kits and method of increasing versatility of inline dispensers
A kit for increasing the capacity and versatility of an inline dispenser with the kit including a set of stackable dispenser cartridges and an extension for increasing the capacity of the system with the extensions having fasteners thereon for changing the capacity of the system without having to replace existing components of the system. |
| US09452392B2 |
Gas separation composite membrane and method of producing the same, and gas separating module, gas separation apparatus and gas separation method using the same
A gas separation composite membrane, containing a gas-permeable supporting layer and a gas separating layer containing a crosslinked organic-inorganic hybrid resin over the gas-permeable supporting layer, in which the crosslinked organic-inorganic hybrid resin has a structure in which a polymer incorporating therein an oxanthrene unit, or a polyimide compound has been crosslinked via a specific crosslinking chain. |
| US09452378B2 |
Apparatus and method for regulating filter media pack pleat spacing
Apparatus and method related to a cartridge filter having self-regulated pleat spacing. An elastic adhesive bead is used on an outer surface of a cylindrically formed pleated filter media to maintain pleat spacing without damaging the pleats or the filter media. In this way, a cylindrical pleated filter media may be formed from a planar filter media without the need for manually spacing the pleats during or after formation into a cylinder. |
| US09452372B2 |
Method for preparing a porous fluoropolymer and preparing an article of same
A method for preparing a porous fluoropolymer precursor includes combining a fluoropolymer and a removable additive to form a composition, the removable additive having a thermal decomposition temperature greater than a sintering temperature of the fluoropolymer, compressing the composition to form a preform, and sintering the preform to form the porous fluoropolymer precursor. A method for preparing a porous fluoropolymer includes disposing the porous fluoropolymer precursor in a removing agent, contacting the removable additive with the removing agent, and removing, by the removing agent, the removable additive from the porous fluoropolymer precursor to form the porous fluoropolymer, wherein the porous fluoropolymer comprises a plurality of pores formed by removing the removable additive. |
| US09452369B2 |
Vaporizer
The invention relates to a vaporizer comprising a housing, a housing cap, which covers an end of the housing and has a vapor discharge opening, and a heating element, which sits in the housing and protrudes into the housing cap, wherein an annular gap is provided between the heating element and the housing and also between the heating element and the housing cap and connects an inlet opening in the housing to the vapor discharge opening. In accordance with this disclosure, the annular gap has a starting portion, a middle portion and an end portion, wherein the starting portion and the middle portion are arranged in the housing and the end portion is arranged in the housing cap, and wherein the annular gap is wider in the middle portion than in the starting portion. |
| US09452364B1 |
System and method for allowing affiliations to utilize in-game items to assist other players
One aspect of the disclosure relates to a system configured to provide a virtual space, in accordance with one or more implementations. Users of virtual spaces may encounter barriers in a game. During these barriers, users may receive and/or provide assistance to other affiliation members. One aspect of the disclosure relates to allowing affiliations or other groups to utilize in-game items to assist other players in game progress in an online game. This may incent positive player actions towards affiliation members, may enhance engagement between affiliation members, may provide an incentive for users to join an affiliation, and/or have other results. These results may ultimately contribute to enhanced retention, enhanced monetization, enhanced user satisfaction, and/or other enhancements. |
| US09452363B2 |
Multi-player video game environment for single-player use
A multi-player game environment is created for single-player use. A user may select a single-player game or a multi-player game. When the user chooses a multi-player game, the user is prompted to select one or more customized AI characters. The AI characters may be available individually or in themed “packs.” The selected AI character or pack may be downloaded, stored, or otherwise made accessible to an electronic entertainment system. The user may select a mode or skill level for each AI character. The user may begin playing the game in a multi-player mode with the game environment populated with an avatar effectuating behaviors of the selected AI character or characters. |
| US09452358B2 |
System and method for playing a music video game with a drum system game controller
A system and method for playing a multi-player music video game with a drum system video game controller is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for providing a drum solo with a music based multi-player video game. In another embodiment, the invention relates to a system for providing analog input from one or more drum sensors used in game play associated with a music based multi-player video game. In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a method for preventing interference between the one or more drum sensors. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for mapping digital information indicative of input to a video game controller in a first form to information in a second form, the second form conforming to a protocol for inputs to a video game console executing a music based multi-player video game. |
| US09452357B2 |
Game system, game control method, and storage medium for customizing with regards to arrangement and size of panel image
A game system which a customization in regard to an arrangement and a size of a panel image can be done with an easy operation is provided. A panel image including an operation panel image corresponded to an operation associated with a game progress is displayed on the second display unit having a touch panel. When an operation on an operation panel image is detected by the touch panel, a game image in which a processing corresponding to the operation is performed is displayed and supplied to a first display unit. In a customization mode for customizing, a panel image display area and a candidate image which is a candidate of the panel image displayed in the panel image display area are displayed on the second display unit. A selection operation of the candidate image is detected by the touch panel, and the candidate image operated for selection is arranged and displayed in the panel image display area as the panel image. |
| US09452355B1 |
Game design based CAPTCHAs
A system and method configured to enhance gameplay between users in an online game and to deter the use of automated scripts in connection with online gameplay in order to achieve one or more advantages. In some implementations, the challenges are presented in-game as a pop-up window such that the player is presented with the challenge in this respect from time to time. In some implementations, the user is awarded virtual items in connection with a positive outcome response to the challenge while the user is penalized in some manner in connection with a negative outcome response. In some implementations, awards and penalties correlate to additions and subtractions of virtual items associated with the users inventory of virtual items. In some implementations, the negative value associated with a penalty is greater than the corresponding positive value of an award in connection with an applicable challenge. |
| US09452353B2 |
Game card including payment identifier
A payment card is disclosed. The payment card may comprise a substrate, and an issuer identifier, and a game code printed on the substrate. The payment card may be a stored value card or a gift card, and can be used in an open loop payment system. A removable layer can be present over the game code. |
| US09452349B2 |
Modular dealing shoe for casino table card games
A playing card delivery shoe used in the play of the casino table card game of blackjack. The shoe may include an area for receiving a first set of playing cards, a first card mover that moves playing cards from the first set of playing cards to a playing card staging area, a second playing card mover that moves playing cards from the playing card staging area to a delivery area, and playing card-reading sensors that read at least one playing card value of each playing card separately after each playing card has been removed from the area for receiving the first set of playing cards and before removal from the playing card delivery area. A processor analyzes the data and displays certain game-related data on a display device. Methods of providing cards to a dealer in a casino table card game of blackjack are disclosed. |
| US09452344B2 |
Puck system
A puck system achieves adjustable stance in three degrees of freedom—foot placement, foot angulation, and crosswise centering—on a snow gliding board. The puck system includes pairs of puck assemblies for each rider's foot. Puck assemblies are formed from a sliderblock, a flanged disk, and fasteners for each puck. To achieve crosswise centering, the sliderblock is patterned on a top face so as to engage a detent on the underside of the flanged disk in one of many crosswise positions. In a preferred embodiment, the patterned surface includes stepwise offset circular grooves, the grooves providing rotational freedom of angulation at multiple axes of rotation according to the crosswise displacement of the sliderblock in the mounting channel, thereby realizing independent, finely granular adjustment of stance and center of balance for the first time. The system may be used with most boot binding interfaces on the market and may be adapted for either splitboards or snowboards. Also offered are alignment tools for improving and simplifying ride mode interface setup. Advantageously, the system preserves optimal torsional stiffness K, a key parameter of performance in splitboarding and snowboarding. |
| US09452341B2 |
Running form diagnosis system and method for scoring running form
A running form diagnosis system capable of automatically scoring a running form of a runner is provided. The running form diagnosis system obtains body motion information as to a test subject running on a treadmill, and calculate a running form score of the test subject by applying obtained characteristics to a given operation expression. The operation expression is generated based on correlation between characteristics of a plurality of test runners and comprehensive evaluation given by an expert with respect to the plurality of test runners. |
| US09452340B2 |
Ball launching device
A ball launcher includes a base and a thrower arm defining a ball cradle. An arm holder is disposed on the base and pivotally supports the thrower arm about a first axis of rotation, the thrower arm spring biased about the first axis of rotation. A rotating shaft defines a second axis of rotation substantially parallel to the fore-aft axis. A ball loader is coupled to the rotating shaft for common rotation about the second axis of rotation, the ball loader defining a ball receptacle. A loader arm is releasably connected to the rotating shaft for common rotation about the second axis of rotation. The loader arm defines a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the second axis of rotation of the rotating shaft and has a length extending away from the rotating shaft. |
| US09452338B1 |
Golf swing head movement detection system
A system and method of detecting head movement during a golf swing includes wirelessly coupled sensor devices at the golfer's head and hand, each including an accelerometer, processor, and communication module. The hand sensor device measures forces at the hand, and the head sensor device measures movement at the head. During a swing, the accelerometer in the hand sensor device measures forces in three directions and generates swing data. The processor in the hand sensor device detects an impact time in the swing data, and that impact time is transmitted to the head sensor device. The accelerometer in the head sensor device continuously measures forces in three directions and generates head data. The processor in the head sensor device processes the head data around the impact time to detect head movement. The processor in the head sensor device then issues an alert if the head movement exceeds a threshold. |
| US09452331B2 |
Golf club shaft fitting method
A fitting method of a shaft of a golf club for selecting a shaft matching a golfer based on a swing of the golfer. The method includes the steps of obtaining measurement values from a sensor attached to a grip of a golf club; determining address, top, and impact of a swing from the measurement values; and selecting a shaft that matches a golfer through a usage of the swing characteristic amounts and values. |
| US09452326B2 |
Grooves of golf club heads and methods to manufacture grooves of golf club heads
Embodiments of grooves of golf club heads and methods to manufacture grooves of golf club heads are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US09452325B2 |
Golf club head having a composite crown
A golf club head having a high COR that is durable and has desirable acoustic qualities. The club head includes a body portion, a striking face and a crown forming a hollow cavity of at least 150 cc in volume. The body portion defines a front opening and an upper opening, and it includes a sole and a side section that extends rearward of the front opening. The striking plate is secured to the body portion, enclosing the front opening. While partially assembled, final weighting and/or other attachment of other members to the inner surface of the club head can be preformed, as desired. The crown is secured to the body portion, enclosing the upper opening. A surface veil may also be provided about a junction of the crown and body. The crown has a maximum thickness no greater than about 2 mm. The density of the crown is less than the density of the body portion. At least one of the striking plate and the crown is attached to the second portion by adhesive bonding, and the golf club head has a maximum coefficient of restitution of at least 0.80. |
| US09452321B2 |
Process for designing rugged pattern on golf ball surface
A golf ball 2 has, on a surface thereof, a rugged pattern composed of a land 10 and a large number of dimples 8. A process for designing the rugged pattern includes the steps of: (1) arranging a large number of generating points on a surface of a phantom sphere; (2) assuming a large number of Voronoi regions on the surface of the phantom sphere by a Voronoi tessellation based on the large number of generating points; (3) calculating centers of gravity of the Voronoi regions and setting the centers of gravity as new generating points; (4) assuming a large number of new Voronoi regions on the surface of the phantom sphere by a Voronoi tessellation based on a large number of the new generating points; and (5) assigning dimples and a land to the surface of the phantom sphere based on contours of the new Voronoi regions. |
| US09452313B2 |
Weightlifting bar in weightlifting frame
A weightlifting frame includes a base, and first and second rigid frame members defining respective vertically-oriented channels. A weightlifting bar includes first and second terminal sections, a middle section, first and second plate abutments fixed to the weightlifting bar, and first and second frame abutments fixed to the bar. First and second bar spaces are respectively defined by first and second plate and frame abutments. The bar engages the frame with the first frame member disposed between the first frame abutment and the first plate abutment, and with the second frame member disposed between the second frame abutment and the second plate abutment, such that the first and second frame abutments abut the first and second frame members when the bar reaches a predetermined angle from horizontal. |
| US09452311B1 |
Versatile exercise apparatus
An exercise apparatus includes a base frame formed of a pair of spaced, circular inner rails, each having an angularly-adjustable, semicircular side rail attached thereto. The upper portion of the base frame includes a pair of handlebars for performing certain pulling exercises. An elastomeric resistance band is securable to any one of a plurality of spaced rings positioned on the entire inner circumference of the inner rails and the side rails. An opposing end of the resistance band is secured to a wearable accessory to allow a user to perform virtually any desired exercise at various angles. |
| US09452307B2 |
Decontamination method for organic compound
A method for efficiently and simply achieving decontamination of organic compounds, in particular, gaseous organic compounds diffused in the atmosphere, is provided by carrying out an in-situ treatment under in-situ environmental conditions. The method involves exposing organic compounds to a processing gas at normal temperature, thereby achieving decontamination, in which the processing gas includes a hydroxylmethyl radical, a hydroperoxy radical, a hydrogen radical, and a hydroxyl radical which are generated by allowing a catalyst to act on methanol gas. |
| US09452306B1 |
Composition and method for remediation of heavy metal contaminated surfaces and soils
The present invention relates to a composition and method for remediation of heavy metal contaminated substances. More particularly, the present invention relates to a composition and method for remediating soil, paint chips, paint dusts, surfaces, and other substances contaminated with heavy metals by application of an aqueous suspension of phosphate compound. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to remediating soil, paint chips, paint dusts, surfaces, and other substances contaminated with lead by at least one application of an aqueous suspension of tricalcium phosphate, surfactant, hydrophobically-modified hydroxyethylcellulose, and a chloride source. |
| US09452303B2 |
Valve device and method for preventing explosion propagation
A valve device includes a housing and a closing body for closing a passage in the housing in mechanical manner, wherein the closing body is movable between an open position and a closing position; a reservoir for a flame-extinguishing substance; and an injecting means configured to inject the flame-extinguishing substance into the passage in order to prevent explosion propagation resulting from a non-fully sealed closure by the closing body. |
| US09452301B2 |
Inner gantry
A system includes a patient support and an outer gantry on which an accelerator is mounted to enable the accelerator to move through a range of positions around a patient on the patient support. The accelerator is configured to produce a proton or ion beam having an energy level sufficient to reach a target in the patient. An inner gantry includes an aperture for directing the proton or ion beam towards the target. |
| US09452299B2 |
Flexible applicator for radiation therapy
An applicator for use in radiation therapy comprises: a main body for holding a radiation source, wherein the main body has a cavity extending along a main axis of the main body in the interior thereof; and an absorption body which is movably connected to the main body and influences the radiation emerging from the radiation source in such a way that a preferred radiation direction is defined, wherein the absorption body is movable with respect to the main body in such a way that the preferred radiation direction can be tilted into a plurality of different positions relative to the main axis of the main body. |
| US09452297B2 |
Hybrid infra-red laser and pulsed electromagnetic medical apparatus and methods of use
Apparatus and methods for simultaneously providing an infra-red laser beam and a concentrated uni-polar, pulsed electromagnetic field to a region of interest in the body of a patient are disclosed. The apparatus produces the infrared laser beam from a laser diode and the pulsed electromagnetic field from an electrically conductive coil. The infra-red laser beam and the pulsed electromagnetic field are produced concurrently along a common axis. A focusing magnet is provided to concentrate the lines of flux so that they extend along the laser beam. The apparatus includes a body of Mu-metal shielding surrounding the components of the apparatus except for one pole of the coil from which the lines of flux of the electromagnetic field extend to further concentrate the field and render it effectively uni-polar. |
| US09452296B2 |
Method and system for controlling supply of energy to an implantable medical device
A method and system for supplying energy to an electrically operable, medical device (100) implanted in ′ a patient. Wireless energy is transferred from an external energy source (104) located outside the patient to an internal energy receiver (102) located inside the patient and connected to the medical device. An internal control unit (108) determines an amount of energy currently required for the operation of said medical device. A control signal is transmitted to the external energy source, reflecting the required amount of energy. An external control unit (106) controls the amount of transferred energy in response to the control signal, by adjusting the energy transfer efficiency from the external energy source to the internal energy receiver. The energy transfer efficiency is adjusted by adjusting the position of a primary coil, serving as the external energy source, relative to an implanted secondary coil, serving as the internal energy source. |
| US09452293B2 |
Hybrid communication channel for communicating with an implantable medical device
An apparatus comprises a communication channel comprising a plurality of disparate sequential communication links configured to facilitate bi-direction communication between an implantable medical device (IMD) and a programmer. A transceiver is configured to communicate with the programmer via a first communication link of the plurality of disparate communication links. A telemetry device is configured to communicate with the IMD via a second communication link of the plurality of disparate communication links. A third communication link communicatively couples the transceiver and the telemetry device. A power source is coupled to the transceiver and to the telemetry apparatus. An operational status of at least the first and second communication links can be individually determined in real-time. |
| US09452288B2 |
Multimodal neurostimulation systems and methods
A system for performing a neurostimulation trial comprises an external trial stimulator capable of delivering stimulation energy to a plurality of electrodes carried by one or more stimulation leads. The external trial stimulator is configurable to operate in a plurality of stimulation energy delivery modes to respectively emulate one of different neurostimulator types. The system may further comprise a programmer capable of configuring the external trial stimulator to operate in one of the stimulation energy delivery modes. The programmer may be capable of generating a first programming screen capable of allowing a first set of stimulation parameters to be defined for the first neurostimulator type, and a second programming screen capable of allowing a second set of stimulation parameters to be defined for a second neurostimulator type. |
| US09452286B2 |
Systems and methods for implantable leadless tissue stimulation
Systems and methods are disclosed to stimulate tissue to treat medical conditions involving tissues such as the bone, spine, stomach, nerves, brain and the cochlea. The disclosed invention uses electrical stimulation of the tissue, where vibrational (or acoustic) energy from a source is received by an implanted device and converted to electrical energy and the converted electrical energy is used by implanted electrodes to stimulate the pre-determined tissue sites. The vibrational energy is generated by a controller-transmitter, which could be either implanted or located externally. The vibrational energy is received by a receiver-stimulator, which could be located at or close to the stimulation site. |
| US09452285B2 |
Electroporation devices and methods of using same for electroporation of cells in mammals
Aspects of the present invention relate to electroporation devices and methods of using same to effectively facilitate the introduction of a biomolecule into cells of a selected tissue in a body, in particular skin such as intradermic or subcutaneous tissue. In some aspects, the present invention is a skin EP device, which produces a pulse of energy and delivers same to the skin tissue using a skin electrode array and maintains a constant current in the same skin tissue based on user input, including a preset current, and allows the storage and acquisition of current waveform data. |
| US09452284B2 |
Termination of a shield within an implantable medical lead
A shield located within an implantable medical lead may be terminated in various ways at a metal connector. The shield may be terminated by various joints including butt, scarf, lap, or other joints between insulation layers surrounding the lead and an insulation extension. The shield may terminate with a physical and electrical connection to a single metal connector. The shield may terminate with a physical and electrical connection by passing between an overlapping pair of inner and outer metal connectors. The metal connectors may include features such as teeth or threads that penetrate the insulation layers of the lead. The shield may terminate with a physical and electrical connection by exiting a jacket of a lead adjacent to a metal connector and lapping onto the metal connector. |
| US09452283B2 |
Cuff electrode with integrated tendril
A neurostimulation lead includes a lead body having a proximal portion and a distal portion and a first conductor extending through the lead body. An electrode cuff can be secured relative to the distal portion of the lead body. The electrode cuff includes a cuff body, a first tendril extending from a first region of the cuff body, a second tendril extending from a second region of the cuff body and a first electrode disposed on the cuff body and electrically connected to the first conductor. |
| US09452282B2 |
Electrode set and stimulating device
The electrode set for a stimulation device, such as a TENS or EMS stimulation device comprises at least a plurality of neighboring electrically active zones close to each other said active zones forming a succession of poles of alternating polarity or being grouped to form groups of poles of alternating polarity, wherein at least one of said active zone or group of zones has a lateral size (D2) of approximately 1 mm to 40 mm, wherein at least one of spacing (D1) between neighboring active zones or groups of zones is approximately of 1 mm to 40 mm, and said set further comprises contacting means connected to said active zones or groups of active zones. |
| US09452276B2 |
Catheter with removable vision probe
A medical system includes a catheter and a vision probe that can be removed from the catheter and replaced with a medical probe. The vision probe can thus be used to steer and pose the catheter, and then be removed and replaced with the medical probe when a medical task such as a lung biopsy is performed. A sensor system in the catheter at least partly measures a pose of the catheter, and control logic controls actuation of the catheter to maintain the desired working configuration when the medical probe is used. A small diameter catheter can thus provide vision and biopsy functionality. |
| US09452274B2 |
Metered dose atomizer
An atomizer has a venturi nozzle positioned at an outlet end of an air line and has a discharge end and is oriented horizontally when in use and forms a mixing chamber at its discharge end. A valve is positioned at a canister port and actuable to allow a metered flow of gas at a predetermined pressure and time through the air line and venturi nozzle. A suction line extends from the venturi nozzle and mixing chamber to a medication receiver and draws medication upward and mixes it with gas passing through the venturi nozzle into the mixing chamber and atomizes the medication into a mist. |
| US09452272B2 |
Delivery devices
A breath-actuated delivery device includes a mouthpiece through which a subject in use exhales, an air channel which is in fluid communication with the mouthpiece, and a flexible diaphragm which is disposed in the air channel. The diaphragm provides for at least a restricted air flow through the air channel until a predeterminable actuation pressure is developed in the mouthpiece, and, on generation of the predeterminable actuation pressure in the mouthpiece, provides for an air flow through the air channel. |
| US09452269B2 |
Method, retention device and medical treatment device for stable support of a needle to be inserted into a patient
A method for stable support of a needle to be introduced into a patient, a body to be penetrated by the needle is arranged on the patient. The body is made of a substance corresponding in terms of its mechanical properties to body tissue (in particular corresponding to body tissue in terms of visco-elastic coefficients and density) and/or is made of a gel-like substance. |
| US09452266B2 |
Injection pen with mechanical dose display comprising large ciphers
The present invention relates to an injection device (1) having a mechanical dose size display wherein a first scale drum (10) carrying a series of first ciphers (11) and a second scale drum (20) carrying a series of second ciphers (21) are both rotatable able and axially moveable relatively to a housing (2) of the injection device in such a way that one of the first ciphers (11) and one of the a second ciphers (21) appears simultaneously in a window provided in the housing (2) thereby informing the user of the set dose. Both the first scale drum (10) and the second drum (20) preferable carries five ciphers (11, 21) around one full circumferential perimeter. The ciphers (11, 21) are provided in different circumferential circles and/or helically provided. |
| US09452263B2 |
Plunger rod with dose setting means and injection device
The present invention relates to a plunger rod for an injection device, having a distal element slidingly coupled to a proximal element having at least one radially flexible branch. The plunger rod includes a lock for selectively locking the distal element and the proximal element in a plurality of relative axial positions defining a plurality of intermediate positions of the plunger rod, wherein the lock is movable from a locked state, in which the distal element and the proximal element are fixed with respect to each other in the axial direction, and an unlocked state, in which the distal element and the proximal element are displaceable in the axial direction with respect to each other, when the at least one radially flexible branch is displaced radially. The invention also relates to an injection device having such a plunger rod. |
| US09452262B2 |
Drug delivery device and associated packaging
The present invention relates to a drug delivery device and in particular to temperature sensitive labelling of such devices. The drug delivery device is designed for dispensing of a dose of a medicinal product and includes a housing, and a drive mechanism comprising an axially displaceable piston rod to act on a piston of a cartridge containing the medicinal product to be dispensed. The device is further provided with an indicator adapted to irreversibly change at least one of its visually perceptible properties in response to the ambient temperature rising above and/or dropping below at least one predefined threshold. The indicator is preferably designed as a protective cover arranged across a functional component of the device. |
| US09452261B2 |
Low volume accurate injector
Substance-administration apparatus (20) is provided, including a housing (22), and a needle (80), couplable to the housing (22), having a skin-insertion portion 0.3-2.5 mm in length and an outer diameter less than 0.23 mm. A dosage regulator (60) regulates a dosage of substance injected in a single injection through the needle (80). Dosage is selectable by a setting of the dosage regulator (60) as one of a plurality of selectable dosages. At least one dosage is less than or equal to 10 ul. An injection driver (54), activatable by a user, drives the substance through the needle (80). A motor coupled to the injection driver (54) is actuated by the dosage regulator (60) in a pulsatile manner to produce brief periods of high pressure in the apparatus (20) that expel a predetermined volume of the substance through the needle (80) at a controlled rate. Other applications are also described. |
| US09452258B2 |
Integrated insulin delivery system with continuous glucose sensor
Systems and methods for integrating a continuous glucose sensor 12, including a receiver 14, a medicament delivery device 16, a controller module, and optionally a single point glucose monitor 18 are provided. Integration may be manual, semi-automated and/or fully automated. |
| US09452251B2 |
Degassing membrane for dialysis
The degasser can have a degassing membrane that can be constructed from non-porous silica. The degassing membrane can be highly permeable to carbon dioxide but less permeable oxygen or nitrogen gases. Pressure in the dialysate and the degasser can be controlled in order to control the amount of carbon dioxide and other gases in dialysate leaving the degasser. The degassing membrane may be placed in a degassing module in a dialysate flow path to remove dissolved carbon dioxide from the dialysate. |
| US09452250B2 |
Device for pumping blood in an extracorporeal circuit
A device for pumping blood in an extracorporeal circuit includes a centrifugal pump that suctions the blood to be pumped via a venous hose line connected to a suction side of the pump and releases it via an arterial hose line connected to a release side of the pump. The device includes a flow sensor that detects a released quantity on the release side of the pump and emits a measurement signal corresponding to the released quantity, a pressure sensor that detects the pressure on the release side of the pump and emits a measurement signal corresponding to the pressure, and an evaluation unit to which the measurement signals of the sensors are fed and which determines a value corresponding to the pressure on the suction side of the pump, taking into consideration the two measurements signals and the rotational speed of the centrifugal pump. |
| US09452241B2 |
Neurosurgical instruments
A catheter assembly for insertion into the brain. The assembly comprises a first length of tubing made of a first material. A second material surrounds the first length of tubing, the second material being more flexible than the first material and having a hardness of less than 50 Rockwell E. The second material provides damping to the first length of tubing. |
| US09452237B2 |
Smart, self-decontaminating polymer and method for inhibiting the growth of a bacteria and fungus
A smart antimicrobial material and dressing to inhibit microbial growth is provided. Endogenous chemicals, such as metabolites produced from bacteria are utilized as chemical substrates and converted by enzymes to produce a disinfecting compound that will in turn inhibit the targeted microorganism. The material shall remain passive until such time as it encounters a microbe which expresses and/or secretes specific metabolites or markers. The enzyme or enzymes embedded in the smart material converts the metabolite into a disinfecting compound, which in turn either kills the microorganism or prevents it from multiplying on the surface of the material. |
| US09452230B2 |
Washer/disinfector
A washer/disinfector having a washing chamber dimensioned to receive articles to be washed. The washing chamber has a sump at the bottom thereof for collecting fluids used in the washing chamber. A fluid-heating system comprised of a steam generator is connected to a steam-to-fluid heat exchanger. The fluid-heating system has an exhaust port disposed in the washing chamber for exhausting residual steam from the heat exchanger into the washing chamber. |
| US09452229B2 |
Highly concentrated, biocidally active compositions and aqueous mixtures and methods of making the same
The present invention relates to liquid mixtures and compositions having high bromine concentrations that find use as biocides and processes for preparing them. |
| US09452224B2 |
Sialic acid derivatives for protein derivatisation and conjugation
Derivatives are synthesized of starting materials, usually polysaccharides, having sialic acid at the reducing terminal end, in which the reducing terminal unit is transformed into an aldehyde group. Where the polysaccharide has a sialic acid unit at the non-reducing end it may be passivated, for instance by converting into hydroxyl-substituted moiety. The derivatives may be reacted with substrates, for instance containing amine or hydrazine groups, to form non-cross-linked polysialylated compounds. The substrates may, for instance, be therapeutically useful drugs peptides or proteins or drug delivery systems. |
| US09452220B2 |
Coupling compounds of NSAID anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs and EGFR kinase inhibitors, synthesis methods and applications thereof
The present invention discloses coupling compounds of a structure as shown in Formula I, II or III formed by connecting NSAID anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs and EGFR inhibitors by ester bonds or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or stereoisomers thereof or prodrug molecules thereof: where R is a NSAID anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug. In the present invention, the coupling compounds obtained by coupling NSAID anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs with EGFR inhibitors have excellent therapeutic effects of tumors and provide new drugs for clinic treatment options. |
| US09452218B2 |
Compositions and methods for delivery of kinase inhibiting peptides
The invention relates to compositions and methods for the treatment of inflammatory disease states. In particular, the invention relates to the use of a nanoparticle incorporated kinase inhibiting peptide to treat inflammatory disease states. |
| US09452217B2 |
Methods for potentiating immune response for the treatment of infectious diseases and cancer
Compositions and methods including at least one PNP inhibitor or at least one PNP inhibitor in combination with one or more agents identified as endogenous adjuvants useful in the treatment of pathogen infection and cancer are disclosed. The compositions may be formulated as pharmaceutical dosage forms and components may be assembled as kits. Methods for increasing levels of endogenous adjuvants to enhance an immune response and to potentiate/augment antiviral, antibacterial or anticancer effects of therapeutic agents are also disclosed. |
| US09452215B2 |
Bourvadin derivatives and therapeutic uses thereof
The present invention is directed at bouvardin analogs arid related compounds for the treatment of disorders including cancer. Provided herein are bouvardin analogs and related compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising at least one bouvardin analog or related compound, and methods for treating disorders including cancer. In some aspects the compounds inhibit translation elongation at the ribosome. The compounds are used in combination with radiation therapy or with known chemotherapeutic compositions. |
| US09452214B2 |
Garment fabric
A garment fabric comprises a fabric support (11) for defining the shape of a garment and having a surface to at least a part of which there is secured a therapeutic fabric layer (14) by means of a flexible adhesive which comprises a herb ingredient, said flexible adhesive at least partially penetrating into each of the fabric support and the therapeutic fabric layer to provide chemical adhesion and a mechanical interlock between said layers. For forming the garment fabric the fabric support and the therapeutic fabric layer each have a layer (15, 16) of adhesive applied thereto prior to bringing the two layers of fabric into contact with one another, with the adhesive material sandwiched therebetween. |
| US09452209B2 |
Influenza vaccine
The present invention provides an immunogenic influenza composition in a dose volume suitable for human use, comprising an influenza virus antigen or antigenic preparation thereof and an adjuvant composition comprising an oil-in-water emulsion, wherein said oil-in-water emulsion comprises a metabolisable oil at a level of below 11 mg and an emulsifying agent at a level of below 5 mg and optionally a tocol or a sterol at a level of below 12 mg. Suitably the amount of influenza antigen per strain per dose is 15 μg HA or a low amount such as less than 15 μg HA. |
| US09452203B2 |
Use of C1-inhibitor for the treatment of secondary edema of the central nervous system
The subject of the present invention is, in the most general aspect, the prevention and/or treatment of a secondary edema. In particular, the present invention relates to a C1-Inhibitor for use in a method of preventing the formation and/or reducing the size of a secondary edema of the central nervous system (CNS) in a subject wherein the subject has or has had at least one disorder selected from the group consisting of stroke, ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, perinatal stroke, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury. Preferably the secondary edema of the CNS is a secondary brain edema. Another subject of the present invention is the treatment of disorders associated with an increased permeability of the blood brain barrier or the blood spinal cord barrier. And a third subject is a plasma-derived C1-inhibitor for use in a method of preventing, reducing or treating brain ischemia-reperfusion injury. |
| US09452196B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition for treating medical conditions and a method for treating alimentary disorders and related diseases
The present invention refers to a pharmaceutical composition that includes an active ingredient, such as a peptide, which acts as an antagonist and/or inverse agonist of a G protein-coupled receptor and pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. The pharmaceutical composition may be used for the treatment of obesity and the prevention of and the treatment of diabetes. |
| US09452192B2 |
Composition for preventing or improving metabolic syndrome comprising tea plant leaf, flower and seed extract
Disclosed is a composition for preventing or improving metabolic syndrome, including a tea plant leaf extract, a tea plant flower extract and a tea plant seed extract as active ingredients. |
| US09452187B2 |
In vivo and ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem cells with a targeted combination of clinically tested, FDA approved drugs
The present invention provides a therapeutic approach to maintain and expand HSCs in vivo using currently available medications that target GSK-3 and mTOR. The present invention also provides a system and method for the ex vivo culturing of HSCs, where an mTOR inhibitor is combined with a GSK-3 inhibitor within the culturing conditions. |
| US09452185B2 |
Mesenchymal stem cells and supports for tissue regeneration, repair and reconstruction
Materials and methods for preparing mesenchymal stem cells are described such that the mesenchymal stem cells remain for a longer period of time than would normally be found at a site of tissue healing. The mesenchymal stem cells are pretreated to exhibit osteogenic characteristics and, when combined with extracellular matrix components produced from the pretreated cells, improve tissue healing. Co-administration of the pretreated cells and their secreted extracellular matrix components at an injured site or defect allowed the mesenchymal stem cells to co-localize at or near the injured or defect site for a longer period. The combination improves overall repair of the tissue by extending the retention signal of mesenchymal stem cells. A three-dimensional scaffold containing the pretreated cells with or without addition of the secreted extracellular matrix is also described. The conditioned scaffold is suitable for use in vivo and may be preserved cryogenically prior to use. |
| US09452174B2 |
Oral transmucosal pharmaceutical compositions including testosterone and a C-SERM
Formulations for oral transmucosal compositions including a synergistic combination of low doses of testosterone with a clomiphene-like selective estrogen receptor modulator (C-SERM) that are combined with transmucosal absorption enhancers are disclosed. Oral transmucosal compositions can be for fast release or slow release, and can be administered to increase bloodstream testosterone levels and thereby reduce symptoms of testosterone deficiency. Oral transmucosal compositions include liquid dosage forms, solid dosage forms, and chewing gums. Further dosage forms include mucoadhesive thin strips, thin films, tablets, patches, and tapes, among others. Other dosage forms are: mucoadhesive liquids such as gel-forming liquids; gel-forming semisolids; and gel-forming powders, among other dosage forms that exhibit mucoadhesive properties, and provide oral transmucosal delivery of testosterone and C-SERM. Oral transmucosal compositions will deliver testosterone and C-SERM directly into the patient's bloodstream, and provide high bioavailability of testosterone and C-SERM; therefore, the required doses are lower. |
| US09452169B2 |
Substituted diketopiperazines and their use as oxytocin antagonists
Compounds of formula (1) wherein R1 is 2-indanyl, R2 is 1-methylpropyl, R3 is 2-methyl-1,3-oxazol-4-yl and R4 and R5 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached represents morpholino, process for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in medicine. |
| US09452168B2 |
Pyrrole antifungal agents
The invention provides compounds of formula (I), and pharmaceutically and agriculturally acceptable salts thereof; wherein: R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, A1, L1 and n are as defined herein. These compounds and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts are useful in prevention or treatment of a fungal disease. Compounds of formula (I), and agriculturally acceptable salts thereof, may also be used as agricultural fungicides. |
| US09452163B2 |
Abuse resistant pharmaceutical compositions
The present invention relates to a composition comprising pharmaceutical active ingredients which are susceptible to, or have potential for, abuse. The invention provides an oral pharmaceutical composition comprising a first population of beads and a second population of beads. The first bead population comprises a pharmaceutically active ingredient susceptible to, or having the potential for, abuse. The second bead population comprises a gelling agent and a coating substantially surrounding the gelling agent, but containing no pharmaceutically active ingredient. The first bead population and the second bead population are physically separable, but visually indistinguishable to the naked eye. Upon ingress of water into the second population of beads, the gelling agent is caused to swell forming a viscous mass inhibiting or preventing the extraction of the active ingredient. |
| US09452161B2 |
Biphenyl compounds useful as muscarinic receptor antagonists
This invention provides compounds of formula I: wherein a, b, c, d, m, n, p, s, t, W, Ar1, R1, R2, R3, R4, R6, R7, and R8 are as defined in the specification. The compounds of formula I are muscarinic receptor antagonists. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, processes and intermediates for preparing such compounds and methods of using such compounds to treat pulmonary disorders. |
| US09452149B2 |
Dialysis composition comprising citrate, calcium and magnesium
Dialysis fluid compositions including 0.5 to 3 mM citrate, 1 to 5 mM total calcium, and 0 to 1.5 mM total magnesium. These dialysis fluid compositions include 0.10 to 0.2 mM more total calcium per 1 mM citrate within the dialysis fluid as compared to the calcium concentration ordinarily prescribed for a non-citrate containing dialysis fluid. |
| US09452146B2 |
Product and method for improving bioavailability of therapeutic compounds
Disclosed is a method for improving the bioavailability of a variety of compounds such as phenolic acids, polyphenols, hydroxyl-cinnamic acids, curcumin, curcumin analogs, curcuminoids, etc., using milk protein concentrate and/or similar milk protein products. |
| US09452142B2 |
Calcium supplement
An oral dosage form for administration to an animal comprising a biologically utilizable form of calcium and an extended release system that maintains the calcium level in the animal's bloodstream at a substantially beneficial level for a defined period of time. |
| US09452141B1 |
Acid resistant capsule shell composition, acid resistant capsule shell and its preparing process
The present invention provides an acid resistant capsule shell composition comprising a water-soluble enteric polymer, a water-soluble film forming polymer, a coagulant, and a gelling aid. The water-soluble enteric polymer comprises hydrophobic functional groups and hydrophilic functional groups. The present invention further provides a process for preparing an acid resistant capsule shell comprising: dissolving said acid resistant capsule shell composition in deionized water to form a capsule shell solution; heating and then cooling the capsule shell solution to form a capsule shell stock solution; dipping a pin into the capsule shell stock solution and then removing the pin to form a film-coated pin; and drying the film-coated pin to form the acid resistant capsule shell. The acid resistant capsule shell has acidic resistance and the process for preparing the acid resistant capsule shell involves no organic solvent; hence, the problem of organic solvent residues can be prevented. |
| US09452135B2 |
Gelling agent-based dosage form
The present invention generally relates to dosage forms for oral administration including one or more gelling agents. In particular, the present invention is directed to gelling agent-based dosage forms that are easily administered and taken, or swallowed. The present invention is also directed to gelling agent-based dosage forms that exhibit relatively low syneresis, are thermally stable, exhibit substantially constant active ingredient concentration, and/or exhibit one or more advantageous rheological properties. In particular, the present invention is directed to such gels containing one or more omega-3 fatty acids. The gelling agent-based dosage forms of the present invention are suitable for administration of a relatively large dose of active ingredient. The gelling agent-based dosage forms of the present invention are also suitable for administration of multiple active ingredients. Dosage forms of the present invention also provide tamper resistance and, thus, prevent recovery or diversion of active ingredients contained therein. The gelling agent-based dosage forms are also suitable for use as gastro-retentive and sustained release dosage forms. |
| US09452124B2 |
Oral care composition for enhancing delivery of active agents to mucosa/soft oral tissue and tooth surfaces in the oral cavity
Oral care compositions comprising one or more active agents and hydroxypropyl cellulose, and that are liquid at or below room temperature and which form a two-phase cloudy system at body temperature. In certain embodiments the active agent is a mineralizing agent, an anti-caries agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, an antibacterial agent, an antifungal agent, an anti-malodour agent or a mixture thereof. |
| US09452122B2 |
Composition for improving skin conditions, containing extracellular domain of human bone morphogenetic protein receptor 1a as active ingredient
The present invention provides a composition for improving skin conditions, containing the extracellular domain of human bone morphogenetic protein receptor 1a as an active ingredient. The present invention contains the extracellular domain of human bone morphogenetic protein receptor 1a as an active ingredient inside a nanoliposome comprising hydrogenated lecithin as a constituent component, and the particle size is 50-250 nm. The composition of the present invention reduces wrinkles and alleviates atopic dermatitis. In addition, the present invention provides a method for improving skin conditions, comprising the step of administering a composition containing the extracellular domain of human bone morphogenetic protein receptor 1a as an active ingredient to a subject. |
| US09452119B2 |
Nitrone compounds and their use in personal care
Provided are compounds and compositions thereof that are useful as antioxidants in personal care formulations. The compounds are of the formula I: wherein R, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are as defined herein. |
| US09452118B2 |
Nitrone compounds and their use in personal care
Provided are compounds and compositions thereof that are useful as antioxidants in personal care formulations. The compounds are of the formula I: wherein R, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are as defined herein. |
| US09452113B2 |
Method for treating oily skin
The present invention relates to a method for the cosmetic (non-therapeutic) treatment of oily skin, including the steps: a) exposing the oily skin to a first quasi-monochromatic light of artificial origin having a dominant wavelength peak between 300 and 700 nm, better still between 400 and 600 nm, even better still between 560 and 620 nm, and in particular of around 590 nm, and b) applying to the oily skin a cosmetic composition comprising at least 1% by weight of hollow particles and preferably from 2% to 6% by weight of hollow particles, relative to the total weight of said composition, the hollow particles being hydrophobic silica aerogel particles. |
| US09452108B2 |
Device for encouraging adherence to medication schedule and proper administration technique
A method of using a device for encouraging adherence to a medication schedule and proper administration technique includes placing the device on a surface. The device includes a body, a timer associated with the body for measuring and displaying an elapsed time since an immediately prior medication dose was administered; and a button on the body that, when depressed relative to the body, resets the timer. The button is sized and shaped for accommodating a medication container used to store or activate the medication. The button and the body are configured for cooperating with the medication container for facilitating mixing of the medication. The method further includes engaging the medication container with the button and resetting the timer. |
| US09452106B2 |
Method for delivering interferon-β
The method described herein reduces the amount of aggregating metal released into solutions of Interferon-.beta. |
| US09452099B2 |
Cleaning apparatus for cleaning articles
A cleaning apparatus for cleaning articles is proposed. The cleaning apparatus comprises at least one cleaning chamber for receiving the articles. The cleaning apparatus comprises, in the cleaning chamber, at least one fluid source for subjecting the articles to the action of at least one cleaning fluid. The cleaning apparatus furthermore comprises at least one plasma source, which is designed to ignite at least one plasma in at least one gas and to generate at least one reactive gas. The cleaning apparatus is designed to bring the reactive gas into contact with the articles, at least in part. |
| US09452098B1 |
Wheelchair mountable tank carrier
The wheelchair mountable tank carrier comprises a holder and a support. The holder is a container that is adapted to hold an oxygen tank. The holder is attached to the support, which is a structure that is adapted to attach to a wheel chair. The wheelchair mountable tank carrier is designed to collapse with the wheelchair when the wheelchair is collapsed. |
| US09452094B2 |
Absorbent members having density profile
Absorbent members and methods of making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the absorbent member is a unitary absorbent fibrous web having a density profile through its thickness. In such an embodiment, the density profile may be relatively centered through the thickness of the web and the maximum density of the web is located between about 35% and about 65% of the distance through the thickness of the web. |
| US09452091B2 |
Absorbent article having low rigidity sections
The absorbent article includes a chassis, a crotch region, an absorbent body, and an elastic member arranged along a side edge in width direction of the crotch region. The oblong absorbent body arranged in the crotch region includes a first narrow width section, a second narrow width section, a center low rigidity section formed along a center line that halves the absorbent article in the width direction and a pair of lateral low rigidity sections provided at both sides of the center low rigidity section in the width direction with a substantially equal interval. Skin contacting face-side sheets and non-skin contacting face-side sheets 6 and 10 are arranged in the crotch region. The initial tensile strength of the skin contacting face-side sheets is lower than that of the non-skin contacting face-side sheets or that of the chassis 2. |
| US09452090B2 |
Disposable wearable absorbent articles with gender specific indicia
A disposable wearable absorbent article including a visual wetness indicator and gender specific indicia. |
| US09452089B2 |
Methods of making absorbent members having density profile
Absorbent members and methods of making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the absorbent member is a unitary absorbent fibrous web having a density profile through its thickness. In one embodiment, the density profile is relatively centered through the thickness of the web and the maximum density of the web is located between about 35% and about 65% of the distance through the thickness of the web. In one embodiment, the method involves subjecting a precursor web to at least one cycle (or pass) through a mechanical deformation process. Typically, the method involves subjecting the precursor web to multiples cycles (or passes) through a mechanical deformation process. |
| US09452086B2 |
Hydrocellular absorbent dressing, and uses thereof for the treatment of chronic and acute wounds
The present invention relates to an absorbent dressing comprising a breathable impermeable substrate (4) and an absorbent foam (2), which is particularly suitable for use in the care of chronic or acute wounds.The invention relates to a dressing comprising an absorbent foam (2) and a protective substrate (4) that is impermeable to fluids, but permeable to water vapor, said substrate being formed by assembling a film (4a) and an openwork reinforcement that is coated with an adhesive silicone gel (4b) without blocking the openings in the reinforcement. In addition, the dressing comprises a non-absorbent web (5) which is disposed between the absorbent foam (2) and the substrate (4), which adheres to the adhesive silicone gel coating on the reinforcement, and which adheres to the absorbent foam (2). |
| US09452084B2 |
Apparatus and method for phacoemulsification
Apparatus and methods for phacoemulsification combine a phacoemulsification needle having an offset feature with handpieces capable of producing various vibratory motions using motive systems that produce selected hybrid motions to create a hybrid phacoemulsification effect that is more efficient than conventional longitudinal handpiece-needle combinations and has been demonstrated under certain conditions to be more efficient than needles used with handpieces providing torsional motion. The phacoemulsification needle is of the type having a hollow passageway that terminates in a straight needle tip formed off-axis from the passageway, allowing the needle tip to move eccentrically when the needle is subjected to torsional or longitudinal vibratory motion. The tip may be flared or may be coextensive with the needle body. The tip may also be angled with respect to the needle body. The aspiration passageway formed through the needle body may be positioned or shaped to be off-axis from the needle body axis. |
| US09452082B2 |
Inserter
The present invention relates to an inserter for an intrauterine system comprising a handle (3), and an insertion tube (6) having a first end and a second end, and being arranged in connection with the handle. The inserter is characterized in that the first end of the insertion tube (6) comprises at least one frame slot for receiving a frame of the intrauterine system. The invention also relates to a kit comprising an inserter according to the present invention and an intrauterine system, wherein the intrauterine system (1) comprises a therapeutic component (1b) and a continuous, closed frame (1a), the therapeutic component (1b) being connected to the frame (1a) at least one point, and therapeutic component (1b) of the intrauterine system (1) is at least mainly arranged inside the first end of the insertion tube (6) and the frame (1a) of the intrauterine system (1) is at least mainly arranged outside the first end of the insertion tube (6). |
| US09452079B2 |
Ostomy appliance wafer with liner system
A wafer adapted for use with an ostomy appliance includes a backing layer, an adhesive layer applied to the backing layer and providing an adhesive surface, and a liner system disposed over an entirety of the adhesive surface. The adhesive surface includes a mid-section. The liner system includes a first side liner placed on a first lateral side of the mid-section of the adhesive surface, a second side liner placed on a second lateral side of the mid-section of the adhesive surface, and a third middle liner having folded edge portions and covering the mid-section of the adhesive surface. |
| US09452074B2 |
Orthotic device and method
An orthotic device includes a resilient portion configured to apply a force in one or more predetermined directions to assist or restrict movement of a part of a wearer's body, and a rigid portion configured to restrict movement of the body part. The rigid portion is removably-couplable to the resilient portion so that it can be removed from, and coupled to, the resilient portion while the device is being worn. |
| US09452072B2 |
Apparatus and methods for anchoring in the stomach and the duodenum
A suprapyloric anchor assembly includes an antral cap having at least three stabilizing members configured to reside in an antrum and engage tissue circumscribing a pyloric valve. A duodenal member is configured to reside at least partially in a duodenal bulb, and one or more tethers connect the antral cap to the duodenal member. The tether(s) is/are configured to allow passage of stomach contents through the pyloric valve. Optionally, one or more gastric balloon(s) may attached to the suprapyloric anchor and be inflated with the gastric cavity. |
| US09452068B2 |
Expandable slide and lock stent
An expandable slide and lock stent comprises a tubular member that can be expanded from a collapsed state to an expanded state. The tubular member can comprise a reversing helical backbone and at least one rail member extending from the helical backbone in a circumferential direction. The backbone can have at least one engagement element that can be configured to receive a rail member to form the tubular member. In some embodiments, the reversing helical backbone can comprise a plurality of discrete segments having a variable profile and/or wave form. |
| US09452067B2 |
Apparatus for attaching radiopaque markers to a stent
A mandrel for supporting a stent and rollers for pressing a radiopaque marker into a stent are disclosed. The mandrel can have a forward portion for carrying the stent and a rear portion for urging the stent forward portion into a gap between the rollers. The mandrel may be pushed or pulled into the gap, which is sized to allow the rollers to press the marker into engagement with the stent. Prior to moving the mandrel into the gap, the marker may be placed on a surface of the stent or partially inside a recess in the stent. Several markers can be efficiently and uniformly pressed onto the stent by moving the mandrel into the gap in one continuous movement in an axial or lateral direction. Markers can also be pressed onto the stent by placing the stent in the gap and rotating the stent about its central axis. |
| US09452065B1 |
Sacroiliac joint exposure, fusion, and debridement
A surgical method for exposure of the sacroiliac joint using a posterior approach begins with a longitudinal incision over the posterior iliac crest, centered on the posterior iliac spine. Holes which will be used to repair the iliac osteotomy are made obliquely from the medial to lateral to cross the plane of exposure. A cut through the bone is made lateral to the drill holes and centered over the sacroiliac complex with the aid of fluoroscope or radiograph imaging. The medial part of the iliac crest is freed from the back of the sacrum and displaced medially for the sacroiliac joint complex to be inspected, debrided, or curettaged for fusion. The closure and subsequent healing are facilitated by the predrilled oblique holes. These are used to re-attach the medial iliac bone to the remaining lateral ilium. |
| US09452063B2 |
Expandable fusion device and method of installation thereof
The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations. |
| US09452061B2 |
Spinal fusion cage
The invention is directed to a spinal fusion cage for implantation between two adjacent vertebrae, wherein the total cage has, under a load, a maximum compression that is higher than 0.05% of the original height of the spinal fusion cage and the maximum compression does not change the structural integrity of the cage. |
| US09452058B2 |
Artificial implant for carpometacarpal joint
An artificial implant for a carpometacarpal (CMC) joint used for replacing a CMC joint surface of the first metacarpal bone is provided and has: an insert portion having an inserting end for inserting into a bone marrow cavity exposed from an incision of the first metacarpal bone, and a front end; an articular replacement portion connected to the front end of the inserting portion and disposed outside the incision of the first metacarpal bone, and having an articular profile surface to replace the CMC joint surface of the first metacarpal bone; and an attached flange protruded from a peripheral of the articular replacement portion, attached to an outer bone surface of the first metacarpal bone adjacent to the incision, and having at least one suture hole, through which at least one suture passes for assisting to fix an abductor pollicis longus (APL) to the outer bone surface. |
| US09452057B2 |
Bone implants and cutting apparatuses and methods
Implant devices and cutting clamp apparatuses and methods for creating the implants for insertion into a patient's joint to restore anatomic length and assist in final positioning of the bones following removal of cartilage and/or bone in preparation for fusion. A first implant is a biplanar implant having a shape to mimic the normal anatomical shape of the bones the implant is configured to mate with. The first implant may be cut using a cutting clamp and jig having the anatomical shape of the bones the implant will be inserted within or between. A second implant is a cylindrical piece of bone having a convex end and a concave end for mating with bones reamed to have the opposite mating surfaces. The second implant is created using cup and cone reamers having dimensions corresponding to the size of the patient's bones. Surgical methods for inserting the implants within a patient. |
| US09452055B2 |
Method of using rotatable reverse metaglene kit
A method of implanting a glenoid component includes selecting a metaglene component having a body portion and an augment extending medially from the body based upon a defect in a scapula, inserting the selected metaglene component into the scapula, inserting a portion of a first fastener through a body fastener hole of the body portion into a void defined by the body portion and a portion of the augment, inserting the portion of the first fastener into a first augment fastener hole extending through the augment and aligned with the body fastener hole, and inserting the portion of the first fastener into the scapula. |
| US09452054B2 |
Rotating hinge knee prosthesis
A knee prosthesis is provided having a femoral component (1) with a pair of laterally spaced condylar formations (2) at one end, and a tibial component (3) having a transverse platform (4) supporting a shock absorbing bumper (5) interposed between the platform and condylar formations with the tibial component supporting a ball (6) of a ball and socket joint. The socket (8) is provided in a generally cylindrical bearing (9) having an axis extending generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the femoral component. The bearing is held captive in a recess that is between the two laterally spaced condylar formations and is formed in the region of said end of the femoral component. The axis of the bearing is preferably inclined laterally at an angle of about 5° relative to the axis of the femoral component so that it is able to line up with a mechanical axis of a lower limb. |
| US09452051B2 |
Stabilized knee prosthesis
A knee prosthesis includes a femoral component, a tibial component, and a coupling component interconnecting the femoral component and the tibial component. The tibial component includes ball. The femoral component is configured to move relative to the tibial component. The coupling component defines an internal cavity including a first spherical end portion and a second spherical end portion. The internal cavity is dimensioned to receive the ball of the tibial component. The ball is repositioned between the first spherical end portion and the second spherical end portion of the internal cavity upon movement of the femoral component relative to the tibial component. |
| US09452042B2 |
Methods and systems for material fixation
A system and method for making an orthopedic repair by fixing a soft tissue graft to bone, utilizes an implant including a body wedge having first and second outwardly expandable wedge portions, a wing portion having outwardly expandable wings, and a deployment member which is movable distally into the implant to deploy the wedge portions and the wings into an expanded deployed orientation. |
| US09452041B2 |
Delivery system for intravascular device with netting
In a cardiac double stent having an outer netting over an inner scaffolding, a limiting ridge for defining advancement of the outer netting over the inner scaffolding, and locking clips integrated in the outer netting for engaging the scaffolding at the insertion limit, assures definite placement and avoids shifting or movement from retracting of the delivery device. The delivery device further includes restricting ridges limiting advancement of the inner netting to overlie the inner scaffolding a substantially equal portion on the proximate and distal ends of a guide wire such that balloon catheter expands first at the overlying portion outside the inner scaffolding to sealably contact the lumen wall on each side of the scaffolding to prevent contamination. |
| US09452040B2 |
Embolic protection devices with an improved filter membrane
Embolic protection filtering devices and methods for making and using the same. An example embolic protection filter device may include an elongate shaft. A filter may be coupled to the shaft. The filter may include a filter frame and a filter membrane having a plurality of apertures formed therein attached to the filter frame. The filter may be configured to shift between a first collapsed configuration and a second expanded configuration. The apertures may have a first shape when the filter is in the first configuration and a second shape when the filter is in the second configuration. |
| US09452038B2 |
Pelvic implants and related methods
Described are surgical implants that include a central support portion adapted to be positioned to support pelvic tissue, between mesh end portions adapted to be passed through body tissue, wherein edges of the end portions exhibit extensions that are resistant to deformation. |
| US09452028B1 |
Externally-threaded, externally micro-grooved, endosseous dental implants
An externally-threaded, endosseous dental implant includes an elongated body that is straight or tapered, and that includes external, distal regular threads, external micro-threads proximal to the regular threads, and external micro-grooves proximal to the micro-threads, with an internal passage in the body of the implant, the passage including internal threads, or internal multi-sided adaptor-engaging surfaces, or both. |
| US09452027B2 |
Dental composite applicator and related methods
A vibrating applicator is provided for applying a dental composite material onto a tooth. The applicator has an elongated body and a tip that is coupled to the elongated body to apply the dental composite material onto the tooth. The applicator further has a vibrating apparatus for vibrating the tip and a sensor for sensing a condition of the dental composite material. A controller is operatively coupled to the vibrating apparatus and to the sensor and is configured to automatically vary an output frequency of the vibrating apparatus in response to the condition sensed by the sensor. |
| US09452026B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring a length between implanted bone anchors
An apparatus for measuring a distance between first and second implanted bone anchors includes a caliper body and first and second caliper arms. The caliper body has a first longitudinal axis. The first caliper arm is slidably coupled to the caliper body and has a second longitudinal axis. The second caliper arm is rotatably coupled to the caliper body and has a third longitudinal axis. The first, second and third longitudinal axes define a plane. The second caliper arm is rotatable within the plane between a first position and a second position. |
| US09452023B2 |
Operating room surgical field device and method therefore
At least one embodiment is directed toward one or more disposable devices suitable for use in a surgical field of an operating room. One device includes a sensor communicatively coupled to a wand to register points of interest on a first or second bone of a muscular-skeletal system and transmits location data related to the points of interest to the sensor to assess orthopedic alignment with the points of interest. |
| US09452021B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatus for resuspending cells from surgical laundry
Systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture provide for resuspending and/or collecting blood or other types of cells from used surgical sponges and/or other types of surgical articles. |
| US09452015B2 |
Intravascular arterial to venous anastomosis and tissue welding catheter
A device for creating an arteriovenous (AV) fistula comprises an elongate member, a distal member connected to the elongate member and movable relative to the elongate member, and a heating member disposed on at least one of the movable distal member and the elongate member. The distal member comprises structure for capturing tissue to be cut to create the fistula, and the heating member is adapted to cut through the tissue to create the fistula. The elongate member comprises an elongate outer tube. A shaft connects the distal member to the elongate member, and is extendable and retractable to extend and retract the distal member relative to the elongate member. |
| US09452013B2 |
Apparatus for dermatological treatment using chromophores
The present invention encompasses methods that use heat and/or electromagnetic radiation for dermatological treatment and more particularly to a method that uses heat and/or electromagnetic radiation in combination with chromophores for fractional wounding and, in particular, discontinuous fractional damage of skin tissue. |
| US09452012B2 |
Bipolar forceps
A bipolar forceps may include a first forceps arm having a first forceps arm aperture, a first forceps jaw, and a first forceps arm conductor tip; a second forceps arm having a first forceps arm aperture, a second forceps jaw, and a second forceps arm conductor tip; and an input conductor isolation mechanism having a first forceps arm housing and a second forceps arm housing. The first forceps arm may be disposed in the first forceps arm housing and the second forceps arm may be disposed in the second forceps arm housing. An application of a force to a lateral portion of the forceps arms may be configured to close the forceps jaws. A reduction of a force applied to a lateral portion of the forceps arms may be configured to open the forceps jaws. |
| US09452011B2 |
Combination electrosurgical device
An electrosurgical device comprising: (a) forceps including: (i) a first working arm and (ii) a second working arm; (b) a blade electrode; wherein the electrosurgical device is capable of being switched between a first electrical configuration so that the electrosurgical device delivers a first therapy current through the first working arm, the second working arm, or both, and a second electrical configuration so that the electrosurgical device delivers a second therapy current through the blade electrode; and wherein the first working arm and the second working arm of the forceps are immobilized in the second electrical configuration so that both the forceps and the first therapy current are disabled. |
| US09452009B2 |
Combination electrosurgical device
An electrosurgical device: forceps having: a first working arm, a second working arm, wherein the electrosurgical device has a first electrosurgical configuration where the first working arm and the second working arm are in an opposed position so that the forceps deliver a first therapy current that flows between the first working arm and the second working arm; and wherein the electrosurgical device has a second electrosurgical configuration when the first working arm, the second working arm, or both are repositionable relative to each other so that the first working arm is extended with respect to the second working arm or vice versa and a second therapy current is delivered from the first working arm to a remote electrode. |
| US09452008B2 |
Systems and methods for limiting joint temperature
Joint temperature monitoring and control systems and methods are described herein in which the temperature of a fluid within a body or joint space is determined and/or monitored despite the energy generated during treatment by an ablation probe. One or more temperature sensors are positioned along the probe proximally of the electrode assembly and measure the temperature of an electrically conductive fluid without being overly influenced by the surgical effect occurring proximate the electrode assembly. The controller coupled to the probe can also be configured to set temperature limits and treatment times as well as moderating joint temperature by altering the electrically conductive fluid flow. |
| US09452004B2 |
Device for compressing two bone parts
The present invention relates to a device for moving together and compressing two bone parts, consisting of: a) a plate (2) provided with a plurality of through-openings (12, 14, 16, 17); and b) a means (3, 4) for moving said two bone parts together, including: a base (20), suitable for being attached to said plate (2), comprising at least one oblong through-opening (28), at least one of the side edges (28b) of which comprises a rack (28b′); and a control tool (4) including a head (46) provided with (i) an end rod (47) to be inserted into a hole made in said bone material and (ii) a pinion (48) for meshing with said rack (28b′) of the base (20), such that rotating said head (46) about said stationary axis of rotation (4′) causes the translation of said base (20) and of said associated plate (2) relative to said head (46), so as to achieve the sought action of moving together and compressing. |
| US09451999B2 |
Surgical instrument adaptor
A surgical instrument adaptor comprises a member that defines a longitudinal axis. The member is configured for connection to an image guide that is configured to generate a signal representative of a position of a surgical instrument. The member extends between a first end and a second end. The first end includes a first mating part configured for releasable engagement with a mating part of an actuator. The second end includes a second mating part configured for releasable engagement with a mating part of the surgical instrument. Systems and methods are described. |
| US09451998B2 |
Spinal implant system and method
An extender comprises an inner member including a wall defining a thread form and at least one extension defining a first axial cavity and a second axial cavity, each cavity including first, second and third portions. An outer member includes an actuator and at least one arm having projections disposable with the portions of the axial cavities. The actuator is rotatable to axially translate the inner member such that the projections are disposable between a first position, a second position and a third position. Methods of use are disclosed. |
| US09451997B2 |
Facet device and method
A spine implant includes an insert positioned between facets of a zygapophyseal joint. In various embodiments, the insert is configured to exert a distraction force on one or more facets of the zygapophyseal joint. The insert may comprise one or more members having one or more opposing facet interfacing portions. A securing member is configured to interface with the insert to secure the facets. |
| US09451996B2 |
Facet lamina plate system
An apparatus for securing facet joints of a spine of a patient is provided. The apparatus may include a first connection device configured to be positioned directly through a first facet joint of the spine of the patient. Additionally, the apparatus may include a second connection device configured to be positioned directly through a second facet joint of the spine of the patient. Furthermore, the apparatus may include a plate configured to engage the first and second connection devices after the first and second connection devices are positioned through the first and second facet joints respectively. The plate may include a first slot configured to engage the first connection device and a second slot configured to engage the second connection device. The first slot may be perpendicular to the second slot, and the first slot may be perpendicular to a long axis of the spine of the patient. |
| US09451995B1 |
Anterior cervical plate with fixed angle caudal screws
The anterior cervical plate includes multiple pairs of holes passing therethrough including at least a pair of caudal holes and a pair of cephalad holes. The caudal holes pass through the anterior cervical plate at a fixed angle extending both in a caudal direction and toward a midline of the anterior cervical plate. The cephalad holes are configured to allow fastening screws to pass at differing angles through the cephalad holes. Windows are provided passing through the plate at locations between the pairs of caudal and cephalad holes. Locking plates are provided which pivotably attach to the plate in positions either covering or exposing the pairs of holes, to assist in keeping fastening screws securely attached to the anterior cervical plate. |
| US09451992B2 |
Variable angle bone screw fixation arrangement
A fixation apparatus comprises a holder and a tension sleeve receiving a bone screw, wherein the bone screw has a shaft with a front thread and a head at the rear end, and the holder has a through borehole with a receiving seat, in which the tension sleeve is mounted and able to swivel, while the shaft has a thickening in a rear region, to the front of the head, whose width increases toward the head, and the width of the tension sleeve is larger than the width of the shaft immediately before the thickening and smaller than the greatest width of the thickening. When screwed in, the thickening widens the tension sleeve so that it is pressed by its envelope against the wall of the receiving seat. In this way, an angle-stable pressing is achieved for any given orientation of the bone screw. |
| US09451991B2 |
Bone screw
A bone fixation system with variable z-axis translation is provided. The bone fixation system includes an outer tulip coupled to a bone fastener. An inner tulip, which provides a seat for an elongate fixation rod, is located inside the outer tulip. The inner tulip together with a seated rod is permitted to translate along the z-axis in an unlocked position. Also in the unlocked position, the bone fastener is free to angulate relative to the outer tulip. The bone fixation system includes a locked position in which the z-axis position of the inner tulip and rod relative to the outer tulip is fixed. Also in the locked position, the bone fastener is locked with respect to the outer tulip. The system may be adjusted between the locked and unlocked positions by way of a set screw or independently by rotation of the inner tulip relative to the outer tulip. |
| US09451989B2 |
Dynamic stabilization members with elastic and inelastic sections
An improved dynamic longitudinal connecting member includes a rod portion joined with a tensioned cord portion, for use in a medical implant assembly having at least two bone attachment structures, a spacer covering the join of the rod and cord portions and extending between the at least two bone attachment structures, a sleeve, a bumper and a cord blocker. The spacer and bumper are compressed. The cord portion is slidable with respect to at least one of the bone attachment members. |
| US09451984B2 |
Subintimal re-entry catheter with actuatable orientation mechanism
A recanalization catheter for facilitating re-entry into a lumen of a blood vessel from a subintimal space. The recanalization catheter includes first and second mechanically actuatable wings positioned at a distal region of the elongate shaft of the catheter that are actuatable between a retracted position and an expanded position. In the retracted position the mechanically actuatable wings are positioned in first and second elongate channels defined in the elongate shaft, and in the expanded position the mechanically actuatable wings extend outward from the first and second elongate channels. The actuatable wings extend in an arcuate path away from the elongate shaft in the expanded position to be positionable in a circumferential orientation within a subintimal space formed in a vessel wall to automatically orient a lateral port of the elongate shaft toward the true lumen. |
| US09451983B2 |
Cannula and kit for evaluation and preparation of bone tissue
A cannula with a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen penetrating from the proximal end to the distal end. The cannula includes a shaft portion including a rear end and a front end, a tip portion coaxially extending from the front end of the shaft portion to the distal end of the cannula, and a cutting edge. A coupling portion, which is suitable for being connected to a surgical tool or instrument, is terminally arranged towards the proximal end of the cannula and extends to the rear end of the shaft portion. A removable obturator is insertable in the lumen. The obturator seals the lumen at the distal end of the cannula. A method for improved fracture fixation using the cannula, a method for intraoperative surgical decision making using the cannula and a method for irrigation of bone tissue and subsequent injection of bone cement using the cannula. |
| US09451976B2 |
Medical handle
A medical handle comprises a drive unit and a control device or circuit for driving a medical tool. The control device or circuit comprises a control and/or regulating circuit for controlling and/or regulating the drive unit, the drive unit comprises at least one magnetic element and a sensor system for determining the alignment of the at least one magnetic element. To achieve simpler assembly and a greater resistance to the ambient conditions that prevail during sterilization in comparison with known handles, the sensor system and the control and/or regulating circuit are combined in a joint control module, and the at least one magnetic element is arranged in the medical handle in such a way that at least a part of the control module can be positioned in the immediate vicinity of the at least one magnetic element and that the sensor system is arranged in the control module in such a way that it can be positioned in the immediate vicinity of the at least one magnetic element. |
| US09451973B2 |
Patient specific glenoid guide
A patient-specific guide tool for guiding an object toward a glenoid face of a scapula of a patient for implantation of a shoulder prosthetic device is disclosed. The guide tool includes a guide portion that includes a guide surface. The guide surface is configured to guide movement of the object toward the glenoid face. Furthermore, the guide tool includes a patient-specific portion that is operably coupled to the glenoid portion. The patient-specific portion includes at least one patient-specific surface that is three-dimensionally contoured and that is configured to nest and closely conform to a corresponding surface of the scapula to thereby position the guide surface at a predetermined position relative to the glenoid face. |
| US09451971B2 |
Intramedullary fixation assembly and devices and methods for installing the same
An intramedullary fixation assembly usable with different long bone types and a guide assembly for guiding deployment of the intramedullary fixation assembly. The intramedullary fixation assembly includes a fixation member that has ends and a curved body extending between the ends. The curved body of the fixation member has a radius of curvature configured to extend through the medullary canal regardless of the long bone anatomy. Fasteners fix the fixation member to the bone fragments and are guided by a guide assembly. The guide assembly includes a guide body defining openings configured to guide the fasteners through openings defined in the fixation member and into the bone fragments. A fixation end of the guide body includes a pair of opposing, converging surfaces that are configured to engage in a positive fit with an exposed end of the fixation member accessible through the side aperture in the first fragment. |
| US09451963B2 |
Embolization device constructed from expansile polymer
Devices for the occlusion of body cavities, such as the embolization of vascular aneurysms and the like, and methods for making and using such devices. The devices may be comprised of novel expansile materials, novel infrastructure design, or both. The devices provided are very flexible and enable deployment with reduced or no damage to bodily tissues, conduits, cavities, etceteras. |
| US09451960B2 |
Devices and methods for gastrointestinal bypass
Devices and methods for gastrointestinal bypass are described. A gastrointestinal bypass device includes a gastrointestinal cuff and a gastrointestinal sleeve. The cuff may be configured to be attached in the esophagus, and may be sufficiently flexible to expand and collapse to conform with the inside of the esophagus to allow the esophagus to function substantially normally. The sleeve is configured to be coupled to the cuff, and may be made of a material that is floppy or flaccid but does not substantially expand radially. |
| US09451957B2 |
Bone staple extrusion instrument and method of use and manufacturing
A bone staple extrusion instruments used for fixation of bone and soft tissue of the musculoskeletal system and the methods for their use and manufacture. The bone staple extrusion instruments are used for insertion of staples into bones, which staples change shape through their metallurgic properties and the release from the bone staple extrusion instruments. In some embodiments, the bone staples pull together and compress bone once released from the bone staple extrusion instruments. In other embodiments, the staples push outward to place the bones in tension once released from the bone staple extrusion instrument. |
| US09451953B2 |
Knotless collapsible sutures and methods for suturing
Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for improved surgical sutures, suture systems, and methods for suturing. In general, the sutures, suture systems, and methods can allow a suture to form a secure, closed loop without tying a knot. The suture can include a barbed portion configured to be threaded through a hollow portion. The barbed portion can have a plurality of barbs thereon, which can grasp onto an inner wall of the hollow portion when disposed therein to help secure the loop at a desired size. The barbs can all be oriented in one direction that corresponds to a direction of movement of the suture when the loop is being tightened. Thus, the barbs can be configured to allow for a size of the loop to be easily reduced to any desired size to approximate tissue, but can be configured to resist subsequent expansion of the loop to ensure that the tissue remains in place. |
| US09451951B2 |
Suture snare with retractable sleeve
A delivery device (suture passer or suture snare) that may be used in both open and endoscopic surgical procedures. The delivery device is designed with an internal member terminating in a snare and a retractable outer sheath (sleeve). The device is passed through tissue, and the outer sheath is retracted (moved back), allowing the snare to open. The suture is captured by the snare, and the outer sheath is then released so that it returns to its distal position, closing the snare and securing the captured suture. Since the snare is exposed by retracting the outer sheath (sleeve), rather than advancing the snare, the space requirement for the device is reduced, as is the possibility that the snare will undesirably contact sensitive tissue. |
| US09451948B2 |
Apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing
An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle; and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle. |
| US09451946B2 |
Laparoscopic suturing instrument with parallel concentric shaft pairs
A suture needle driving instrument comprises a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a grasping actuation assembly. The end effector is located at the distal end of the shaft assembly and includes a pair of grasping arms. Each grasping arm comprises a respective pair of jaws. Each pair of jaws is operable to cooperate to grasp and release a suture needle. The grasping actuation assembly is operable to drive one jaw of each pair in one direction while simultaneously driving the other jaw of the pair in an opposite direction, to selectively grasp or release the suture needle. The shaft assembly includes two pairs of parallel concentric shafts, which form part of the actuation assembly. Each shaft pair is operable to drive a respective internal drive shaft having separate threaded regions with opposing pitch. The instrument may be used through a trocar during minimally invasive surgery. |
| US09451944B2 |
Digital fixation method of implanting a support in a patient
A method of implanting a support in a patient includes providing an anchor introducer that is wearable on a finger, and wearing the anchor introducer on the finger and positioning the anchor introducer such that at least a distal tip of the finger is available for palpating tissue internal to the patient. The method also includes attaching an anchor to the anchor introducer, and inserting the finger that is wearing the anchor introducer into an incision and palpating a tissue landmark inside a pelvis of the patient with the distal tip of the finger. The method additionally includes driving the anchor into the tissue landmark inside the pelvis of the patient, detaching the anchor from the anchor introducer, associating the support with the anchor, and securing the support to the tissue landmark inside the pelvis of the patient. |
| US09451943B2 |
Method and apparatus for re-attaching the labrum to the acetabulum, including the provision and use of a novel suture anchor system
Apparatus for securing a first object to a second object, the apparatus comprising: an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end, the lumen comprising a first section and a second section, the first section of the lumen being disposed distal to the second section of the lumen, and with the first section of the lumen having a wider diameter than the second section of the lumen; at least one longitudinally-extending slit extending through the side wall of the elongated body and communicating with the lumen, the at least one longitudinally-extending slit having a distal end and a proximal end, with the distal end of the at least one longitudinally-extending slit being spaced from the distal end of the elongated body; and an elongated element extending through the lumen of the elongated body. |
| US09451940B2 |
Method of retroperitoneal lateral insertion of spinal implants
A method is disclosed for introducing a spinal disc implant into an intervertebral space of a subject. The subject is placed in a lateral position, and the anterior face of the spinal disc intervertebral space is accessed, between the L5 and S1 vertebrae, from an anterior and lateral retroperitoneal approach. An operative corridor to the anterior face of the spinal disc space is established by introducing a retractor instrument anterolaterally to the spinal disc space between the anterior superior iliac spine and the anterior inferior iliac spine. The damaged spinal disc contents are removed from the intervertebral space through the operative corridor, and the implant is advanced into the intervertebral space at an oblique angle and pivoted to position the implant substantially laterally within the intervertebral space. Elongated retractor and insertion instruments, as well as a modified disc implant, are also disclosed for carrying out the method. |
| US09451937B2 |
Percutaneous instrument with collet locking mechanisms
A surgical device comprises an elongate shaft comprising an outer tube and an inner rod positioned in the outer tube, the outer tube and inner rod each comprising a distal end and a proximal end. An actuator is operably connected to the proximal ends of the outer tube and the inner rod. An end effector is adapted for in vivo attachment to and detachment from the distal ends of the outer tube and the inner rod, the end effector comprising a collet for locking engagement with the distal end of the inner rod. The end effector may further comprise a second collet for locking engagement with the outer tube. The surgical device may further comprise a loader comprising a collet for locking the end effector in the loader. |
| US09451936B2 |
Endoscopic surgical tool
The present invention is related to an endoscopic treatment tool which is inserted to a body cavity endoscopically including a wire, a surgical section which is disposed on a first end of the wire and used for treatment inside the body cavity, and an operator section which is disposed on the second end of the wire and moves in conjunction with the wire so as to rotate by a rotary operation; and the movement of the operator section in conjunction with the wire is released upon exerting more than a predetermined torsional load on the wire. |
| US09451935B2 |
Biological sample collection, storage, and transport system and method
A cytological cell sample collection, storage, and transport device is disclosed. The device comprises a sheath, a collection assembly, a base, and a containment vial. The collection assembly is slideably coupled to the base to expose a swab head comprising the collection assembly. The containment vial may be configured to enclose the sheath and collection assembly within the internal volume defined by the containment vial and the base. |
| US09451934B2 |
Method, apparatus, and ultrasonic machine for generating a fused ultrasonic image
The present invention relates to a method, apparatus, and ultrasonic machine for generating a fused ultrasonic image. The method comprises extracting an anatomical location from a stored ultrasonic image, and generating the fused ultrasonic image according to the anatomical location and a currently obtained ultrasonic image. The apparatus comprises an extraction module for extracting an anatomical location from a stored ultrasonic image, and a generation module for generating the fused ultrasonic image according to the anatomical location and a currently obtained ultrasonic image. |
| US09451932B2 |
Clutter suppression in ultrasonic imaging systems
A method of ultrasound imaging is provided herein. The method includes the following stages: transmitting ultrasound radiation towards a target and receiving reflections of the ultrasound radiation from a region of the target in a main reflected signal and one or more auxiliary reflected signals, wherein each one of the reflected signals comprises an input dataset and is associated with a beam with a different and distinct beam pattern; compounding the input datasets from the main reflected signal and one or more auxiliary reflected signals, by the use of a compounding function, said compounding function using parameters derived from spatial analysis of the input datasets. |
| US09451930B2 |
Ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus, ultrasonic image processing apparatus, and recording medium on which ultrasonic image processing program is recorded
The average velocity of a tissue is calculated for each frame in accordance with compression/release, and a reference waveform is generated by using the calculated velocity. A time phase in which the average velocity becomes 0 is specified by the reference waveform. In strain computation, time integration is performed for strain computation in a compression period or a release period with reference to the specified stationary time phase. This can properly and automatically visualize how the contraction of the tissue is accumulated from the start of compression or the contraction of the tissue becomes maximum in a compression end time phase in a compression period and how the tissue expands from the start of release or the expansion of the tissue becomes maximum in a release end time phase in a release time phase. |
| US09451929B2 |
Degassing intravascular ultrasound imaging systems with sealed catheters filled with an acoustically-favorable medium and methods of making and using
A catheter assembly for an intravascular ultrasound system includes a catheter and an imaging core. The catheter has a longitudinal length, a distal end, and a proximal end. The catheter includes a sealable lumen extending along the longitudinal length of the catheter from the proximal end to the distal end, and a movable plunger or a movable seal in fluid communication with the lumen. The movable plunger or the movable seal provides a gas-tight seal. The movable plunger or the movable seal is configured and arranged for adjusting to changes in volume of the lumen when the lumen is filled with an acoustically-favorable medium and sealed. The imaging core is configured and arranged for inserting into the sealable lumen and for coupling to a control module. |
| US09451922B2 |
Radiation protection arrangement
A radiation protection arrangement, in particular for attachment to at least one support rail which is preferably attached with a fastening device to one or more sides of the treatment table, comprising a fastening device at the at least one lamella which comprises a material for protection against radiation, preferably X-ray radiation, is preferably pivotably mounted, wherein the fastening device comprises a holder which can be attached to the support rail, wherein the holder comprises: at least one pivotably mounted handle, the handle having a free end and an end on which the handle is pivotably mounted, a locking mechanism suitable for locking the holder on the support rail, wherein the locking mechanism can be actuated by a pivotal movement of the at least one handle that is pivotably mounted on the holder.The invention further relates to a radiation protection arrangement, in particular for attachment to at least one support rail which is preferably attached to one or more sides of the treatment table, comprising a holder which can be attached to the support rail and at least one detachable lamella which can be attached to the holder at various positions, the radiation protection arrangement being preferably combinable with one of the preceding radiation protection arrangements. |
| US09451919B2 |
Method for detecting body parameters
A biometric sensor includes a prosthesis for at least one joint having one or more biometric transceivers. The one or more biometric transceivers are capable of transmitting at least one energy wave into a procedure area, quantitatively assessing a behavior of the at least one energy wave, and assessing particulate matter using the at least one energy wave. |
| US09451917B2 |
3T sodium and proton composite array for magnetic resonance imaging
The present invention is a dual resonant breast coil design for combined sodium and proton breast MRI with increased SNR at 3T when compared to a coil with a single proton and sodium channel. The coil consists of a 7-channel sodium receive phased array, a large sodium transmit coil, and a 4-channel hydrogen transceive array. An interleaved overlapping coil layout is used to reduce coupling between sodium and proton coil elements. The new composite array coil demonstrates a 2-5× improvement in SNR for sodium imaging when compared to a simple single-loop dual resonant design. |
| US09451915B1 |
Performance of a diagnostic procedure using a wearable computing device
The present disclosure describes example systems and methods for identifying an indication of an injury of a user of a wearable computing device. The systems and methods may be directed to determining that an acceleration experienced by the wearable computing device exceeds a threshold value. In response, the wearable computing device may perform a diagnostic procedure in order to identify an indication of an injury experienced by the user of the wearable computing device. The diagnostic procedure may include one or more of an eye response test, a verbal response test, a motor response test, and a visual diagnostic test. |
| US09451910B2 |
Transcutaneous analyte sensor
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host. |
| US09451904B2 |
Method and apparatus for endoscopic examination of lesions
An apparatus is provided, which utilizes an adjustment platform for supporting a subject during the endoscopic examination. Additionally, a method for performing an endoscopic examination is also provided in which an endoscope is inserted into a subject and the endoscope is maintained at a generally fixed position while the position of the subject is adjusted to advance the endoscope into the subject. Further still, a method is provided for estimating the size of sample tissue using an endoscope and a reference element. Based on known parameters of the reference element, the size of the area being examined can be estimated. |
| US09451898B2 |
Method and system for extracting ventricular fibrillation signals in electrocardiogram using spline interpolation with uniform phase ensembles
This invention discloses a system and a method for extracting VF signal in ECG recorded during uninterrupted CPR. The present invention provides a method for extracting a Ventricular fibrillation (VF) signal in Electrocardiography (ECG), comprising: receiving an ECG signal; adding a plurality of shadowing functions to the ECG signal, to obtain a plurality of modification signals; decomposing the plurality of modification signals by using an Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) method, to generate a plurality of Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs); calculating the sum of IMFs in different frequency regions based on time sequence, dividing by a number of the shadowing signal, to obtain a plurality of modification intrinsic mode functions; combining the plurality of modification IMFs with the same property, to obtain a shape function; modeling the shape functions to obtain a compression signal; and subtracting the compression signal from the ECG signal based on time sequence, to obtain the VF signal. |
| US09451896B2 |
Hand-manipulable, ECG and acoustic, cardiography device
Compact, single-handedly manipulable, cardiography devices, structured for personal use in two, selectively different, functional-cardiography styles, enabling, respectively, one or both of (a) non-acoustic, and (b) acoustic, cardiography, such use involving, as appropriate to the particular functional-cardiography style to be implemented, the collecting and recording of personal cardiography-relevant data—ECG only in a non-acoustic case, and both ECG and heart-sound together in an acoustic case—suitable for subsequent data-analysis processing, and associated cardiovascular diagnosis. Two, representative device overall configurations are illustrated, including (1) a stylus pen-like shape, and (2) a finger-mountable ring-like shape. Collected-data analysis processing, and associated cardiovascular diagnosis, may be performed by device-included electronic information-handling structure, or may, via operation of such electronic structure, be communicated appropriately “outwardly” from the relevant device for external processing and analysis. |
| US09451894B2 |
Detecting or validating a detection of a state change from a template of heart rate derivative shape or heart beat wave complex
Methods, systems, and apparatus for detecting and/or validating a detection of a state change by matching the shape of one or more of an cardiac data series, a heart rate variability data series, or at least a portion of a heart beat complex, derived from cardiac data, to an appropriate template. |
| US09451891B2 |
Differential neurostimulation therapy driven by physiological therapy
An implantable neurostimulator system adapted to provide therapy for various neurological disorders is capable of varying therapy delivery strategies based on the context, physiological or otherwise, into which the therapy is to be delivered. Responsive and scheduled therapies can be varied depending on various sensor measurements, calculations, inferences, and device states (including elapsed times and times of day) to deliver an appropriate course of therapy under the circumstances. |
| US09451888B1 |
Method and apparatus for determination of left ventricular stroke volume and cardiac output using the arteries of the forearm
An apparatus and method for determining stroke volume by bioimpedance from a person that includes two or more spaced apart alternating current flow electrodes positionable on a person's forearm, two or more spaced apart voltage sensing electrodes positionable on the person's forearm and between the alternating current flow electrodes, an alternating current source providing an alternating current to the current flow electrodes, a voltmeter configured to generate a voltage signal from a voltage sensed by the voltage sensing electrodes, and a processing unit configured to determine a stroke volume (SV) using the voltage signal and at least one of two equations that include, among other terms, the person's weight, a peak time rate of change of a transradioulnar impedance pulse variation (dZ/dtmax), a transradioulnar quasi-static base impedance (Z0), a systolic flow time (TSF), and a volume conductor (Vc). |
| US09451887B2 |
Systems and methods for measuring electromechanical delay of the heart
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for measuring the electromechanical delay of the heart of a patient. An electrocardiogram (EKG) signal may be used to detect heart electrical activity. Photoplethysmograph (PPG) signals may be used to detect heart mechanical activity. The electromechanical delay may be calculated based at least in part on the timing of an EKG signal and at least two PPG signals. |
| US09451877B2 |
Single port device having integral filter/vent
A laparoscopic port device includes a compliant port body having a distal and proximal end having a lumen extending therethrough. The lumen has a filtering agent configured to retain or treat particulate contaminates present in insufflation gases. The laparoscopic port device further includes a valve operatively connected with the lumen to selectively regulate flow of the insufflation gases therethrough. |
| US09451876B2 |
Endoscope system and focus control method for endoscope system
An endoscope system includes an in-focus object plane position switch section that switches an in-focus object plane position of an imaging section, a target in-focus position determination section that calculates an in-focus evaluation value, and determines a target in-focus position based on the in-focus evaluation value, and a change-in-scene detection section that detects whether or not a change in scene has occurred based on a captured image. The target in-focus position determination section determines whether or not the in-focus evaluation value satisfies a determination criterion until the change-in-scene detection section detects that the change in scene has occurred, and selects the first in-focus object plane position or the second in-focus object plane position that is not currently selected by the in-focus object plane position switch section when it has been determined that the in-focus evaluation value does not satisfy the determination criterion. |
| US09451868B2 |
Dishwasher and method for detecting the water level within a dishwasher
The invention relates to a method for detecting a water level in a dishwasher comprising a circulation pump and a TRIAC connected to the circulation pump for providing electrical power to a motor (20) of the circulation pump. According to the invention, a firing angle condition (18) of the TRIAC is used to derive the water level in the dishwasher.The invention further relates to a dishwasher comprising a circulation pump and a TRIAC connected to the circulation pump for providing electrical power to a motor of the circulation pump, a drain pump connected to a sump of the dishwasher, means for detecting a firing angle condition of the TRIAC. Control means are provided for starting the drain pump and/or supplying additional water when predefined conditions of the TRIAC firing angle are reached. |
| US09451867B2 |
Dishwasher and ozone generator
A dishwasher comprising a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber in which liquid may be sprayed from at least one sprayer for the treating of dishes within the treating chamber. A liquid recirculation system may be provided for recirculating the sprayed liquid back to the at least one sprayer. An ozone generator may be provided in communication with the treating chamber to supply ozone to the treating chamber. |
| US09451865B2 |
Dishwasher
The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) produced without mounting the water softener unit (Y) that is offered for use in places where water hardness is low, but when the water hardness level increases and the water softener unit (Y) is desired to be adapted, only the stopper (10) closing the outlet of the accumulative chamber (6), the lid (11) closing the opening (7) under the tub (2) and the insulations at the electrical connection terminals (8) are removed and the hydraulic, mechanical and electrical connections of the water softener unit (Y) can be easily made by the serviceman. |
| US09451858B2 |
Cleaning appliance
A cleaning appliance comprising a body that is connectable to a separating apparatus at an interface that defines an axis. The interface includes a first interface portion and a second interface portion that are connected to one another by a connector, wherein the connector includes at least one radially interlocking region extending about at least a portion of the interface. |
| US09451857B2 |
Bearing arrangement of a rotating brush roller
A rotating brush roller for a floor cleaning device has its ends supported via a bearing in a support arrangement of a brush housing. A brush strip is received in a spiral groove in an outer circumferential surface of the brush roller. The support arrangement includes a stationary cover and defines an access opening. A removable cover is releasably secured to the brush housing by a catch element, and selectively covers or uncovers the access opening, allowing access to the brush strip at an end of the spiral groove. A first deflector element on the stationary cover and a second deflector element on the removable cover together form a thread deflector that cooperates with a counter element on the end of the brush roller. |
| US09451856B2 |
Surface treating head
A surface treating head comprising a first body defining an inner aperture, and a support body defining an outer aperture, the outer aperture surrounding the inner aperture, and the support body being moveable relative to the first body to allow for relative movement between the inner and outer apertures in a substantially vertical direction, wherein the surface treating head further comprises a bellow seal provided between the first body and the support body that maintains a substantially airtight seal between the first body and support body irrespective of their relative positions and movements. |
| US09451850B2 |
Ice shaving machine
An ice shaving machine includes a bottom board, a drive unit located above the bottom board, a limit bracket secured on the bottom of the drive unit, a shaving frame detachably connected with the limit bracket, and a base frame detachably connected with the shaving frame. The limit bracket has a bottom provided with a plurality of first locking grooves. The shaving frame has an interior provided with a receiving chamber. The shaving frame has an upper end provided with a plurality of first locking pieces that are detachably locked in the first locking grooves of the limit bracket and a lower end provided with a plurality of second locking pieces. The base frame has a top provided with a plurality of second locking grooves that are detachably locked onto the second locking pieces of the shaving frame. |
| US09451849B2 |
Roasting and basting device
A cooking device for roasting and basting food. The cooking device includes a roasting pan and lid forming a defined interior volume. The roasting pan includes a base, one or more sidewalls, and an open upper end. Along the interior of the sidewalls of the roasting pan, one or more tubes extend upwardly onto the lid and towards a centrally located reservoir. A pump is disposed on the exterior of the lid and allows a user to selectively baste food during the cooking process. The tubes and reservoir are operably connected to the pump, wherein the pump, once actuated, draws fluids through each tube and into the reservoir. The reservoir includes one or more openings for dispersing the fluids therefrom for basting food located within the roasting pan. |
| US09451847B2 |
Cartridge and method for the preparation of beverages
A cartridge for use in a beverage preparation machine, the cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the cartridge comprising an inlet for the introduction of an aqueous medium into the cartridge and an outlet for discharge of a beverage produced from the one or more beverage ingredients, wherein the one or more beverage ingredients is a liquid chocolate ingredient. |
| US09451846B2 |
Capsule for use in a food preparation machine
The present invention concerns a capsule (1) for containing a food ingredient, adapted for use in a food preparation machine able to inject a fluid under pressure inside said capsule to prepare a food product, said capsule comprising a capsule body with side walls (2), a top wall (3), and an impermeable flexible pierceable bottom membrane (4), characterized in that it further comprises a rigid support structure (5, 7) located adjacent and outside of said flexible pierceable bottom membrane, such that said structure covers and supports partially said membrane (4). |
| US09451845B2 |
Brewing chamber for a beverage production device
The invention relates to a brewing or preparation chamber (1) of a beverage preparation device, which is suitable for receiving and extracting a portion capsule (17) filled with powdered or liquid base beverage materials and which consists, completely or partly, of electrically conductive material, and the brewing or preparation chamber (1) comprises a stationary first chamber part (2), and a second chamber part, wherein two electrically conductive contacts are arranged in the first chamber part and in the second chamber part. |
| US09451843B2 |
Insertion aids
A device for assisting the introduction of a body part into a tightly-fitting garment or footwear, comprising an elongate flexible laminar element of low friction material having load spreading means at one end of the element, operable, when a force is applied thereto, to spread the force across substantially the entire width of the laminar element, and handle means for manually gripping the load spreading means to assist in effecting withdrawal of the said laminar element from the interspace between a body part and a garment or footwear into which it has been introduced. |
| US09451838B2 |
Snap-in card top riser
A snap-in card top riser is provided having a riser and a display module. The riser has a hook profile that is adapted to be received into a channel on the display module so that the riser is secured to the display module in a manner that restricts removal of the riser from the display module. The channel has one or more tabs that are configured to cause the hook profile to compress while the tabs are engaging with the hook profile. The hook profile, once fully received into the channel, returns to an original or uncompressed position to prevent removal of the hook profile from the channel. |
| US09451833B2 |
Leg assembly for a support frame
A support system includes a support frame and at least one modular leg assembly mounted to and supporting the support frame. The leg assembly includes a first leg member and a second leg member. The second leg member has a top-to-bottom length that is greater than the top-to-bottom length of the first leg member. The first and second leg members are connected individually or in combination to the support frame such that at least three leg heights are selectably provided. The leg members may each have a threaded connecting element extending therefrom for connecting the leg member to another leg member or to the support frame. The support system may be a mattress support frame. The at least one modular leg assembly may be a plurality of modular leg assemblies. |
| US09451831B2 |
Tattoo stool or a chair
An apparatus that supports a tattoo artist in a variety of positions to comfortably apply one or more tattoos to skin of a subject is herein disclosed. The apparatus can be reconfigured to optimally position and support the arms and/or chest of the tattoo artist. A method for using a tattoo stool can involve rotating armrests of the apparatus from a stowed position to a deployed position. The armrests can support the user's forearms while supporting the user's chest such that the user can comfortably tattoo a portion of the subject positioned in front of the stool. |
| US09451828B2 |
Rocking chair apparatus
A rocking chair including a base portion having at least one retaining member, a rockable seat portion mounted upon the base portion, an axle mounted on the seat portion, the axle being arranged for pivotal movement about an axis, at least one toothed rack mounted upon the axle and arranged for pivotal movement about the axis between a locked closed position and a locked open position, the toothed rack having a multiplicity of forward facing grooves arranged for selectable retaining engagement with the at least one retaining member, the selectable retaining engagement being operative to selectably limit forward and rearward extents of the rocking movement, and at least one adjustable forward limiting member operative, to limit the extent of forward pivotal movement of the at least one toothed rack in the first plane to be rearward of a second plane which intersects the at least one retaining member. |
| US09451826B2 |
Chair assembly
A chair assembly includes a base structure, a seat support structure pivotably coupled to the base structure, and a back support structure pivotably coupled to the base structure and including an upwardly-extending portion adapted to move between upright and reclined positions and a lower portion extending forwardly of the upwardly-extending portion, and wherein the upwardly-extending portion is operably coupled to the forwardly-extending portion by a first quick connect assembly. The chair assembly further includes a generally forwardly-facing back support assembly and having an upper portion operably coupled to the upwardly-extending portion of the back support and a lower portion, and a back link releasably coupled to the lower portion of the back support surface by a second quick connect assembly and operably coupled to the seat support structure. |
| US09451825B2 |
Tension adjust device for a chair and chair
A tension adjust device (20) for a chair comprises a carrier member (21), an actuation member (22), a ratchet mechanism and a disengagement mechanism. The actuation member (22) is rotatable in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction and is coupled to the carrier member (21) to rotate the carrier member (21). The ratchet mechanism (31-33) is coupled between the actuation member (22) and the carrier member (21) and comprises a locking pawl (31) and a profile (32) having a plurality of recesses for engagement with the locking pawl (31). The disengagement mechanism is configured to maintain the ratchet mechanism (31-33) in a disengaged state when the actuation member (22) rotates the carrier member (21) in the second direction. The locking pawl (31) remains disengaged from the recesses of the profile (32) while the ratchet mechanism (31-33) is in the disengaged state. |
| US09451824B1 |
Collapsible television support assembly with dual support shafts and separable buckle hinges
A television support assembly that provides enhanced lateral stability and hinges that pivot up to 90° and separate for facilitated collapsibility and assemblage. The assembly provides elongated arms, legs, connecting bars, and a rear frame that hingedly interconnect through separable buckle hinges and simple hinges to easily move between an expanded position and a collapsed position. The assembly also provides a pair of support shafts disposed transversely across the assembly for enhancing lateral stability in the expanded position. The rigidity of the support shafts enhances lateral structural integrity for supporting the weight of the television. An attachable vertical bracket can be detachably fastened to hold a flat screen television. Shelves can be installed between the arms for storage or additional entertainment components. Doors and windows may also be added for functionality or aesthetics. |
| US09451820B2 |
Attachment to a mechanic's toolbelt
A cover for use with a pouch accessory to a toolbelt. The pouch accessory includes a pouch having a first opening into an interior of the pouch, and at least one sidewall defining the first opening. The first opening is configured to receive a worker's hand. The cover includes a deformable web anchored along its periphery to a frame. The web has a second opening that is smaller than the first opening. The frame is configured to be inserted into the first opening of the pouch. Together, the web and the frame are configured to completely close the first opening with only the second opening providing access to the interior of the pouch when the frame is inserted into the first opening of the pouch. |
| US09451819B2 |
Tool cinch with stabilizing wings
A tool cinch is provided for securement to a tool, the cinch then being connectable to a lanyard for preventing the tool from falling if dropped before, during, or after use. The cinch includes radially projecting wings that are secured to the tool with tape or the like to further buttress securement of the tool. |
| US09451810B2 |
Automated identification of shoe parts
Manufacturing of a shoe or a portion of a shoe is enhanced by automated placement of shoe parts. For example, a part-recognition system analyzes an image of a shoe part to identify the part and determine a location of the part. Once the part is identified and located, the part can be manipulated in an automated manner. |
| US09451804B2 |
Article of footwear having a sole structure with heel-arch stability
An article of footwear may include an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure may include an outsole including ground engaging members and a reinforcement member. The reinforcement member may extend between (1) a first mounting member located in a forefoot region of the outsole and configured to connect the reinforcement member to the outsole, and (2) a second mounting member located in a heel region of the outsole and configured to connect the reinforcement member to the outsole. The first mounting member may be located adjacent to a ground engaging member in the forefoot region of the outsole and the second mounting member is located adjacent to a ground engaging member in the heel region of the outsole. |
| US09451801B2 |
Headgear accessory attachment apparatus
A headgear accessory attachment apparatus includes a band having an adjustable size for fitting about a circumference of various outdoor sports helmets such as bicycle, skateboarding, snow sport, mountaineering, equestrian helmets, military helmets, and hard hats used in material moving, dock loading, and airport baggage handling. The accessory attachment apparatus provides the wearer an easy means to attach headgear accessories such as headlamps, helmet cameras, rear lights, goggles, visors, brims, and decorative embellishments to the helmet. The accessories may be permanently or temporarily secured to the accessory apparatus. In one headgear accessory attachment apparatus, the band includes a stop surface that opposes a bottom surface of the headgear when the apparatus is affixed to the headgear such that the apparatus is prevented from becoming dislodged during use. |
| US09451795B2 |
Impact reduction system
A wearable impact reduction device and method are disclosed. The wearable device and method comprise three layers, the middle layer of which comprises a resilient element that displaces as a result of an impact. The device and method also comprise the use of a motion sensor and a physiologic biosensor. In at least one embodiment, one of the layers of the device can be responsive to one of the sensors. In at least one embodiment, the motion sensor can comprise an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, an acoustic sensor, an infrared sensor, or a GPS (global positioning system) receiver and the motion sensor can be responsive to acceleration, position, or velocity. In at least one embodiment, the physiologic biosensor can sense blood pressure, body temperature, blood volume, calorie consumption, electro-cardio activity, heart rate, hematocrit, hemoglobin, infrared thermographic information, neural/brain activity, percent oxygenation, respiratory acidosis, respiratory rate, rhythm disturbance, vital signs, or a blood chemistry characteristic such as alcohol level, electrolyte level, glucose level, hydration level, pH, or oxygen saturation. |
| US09451786B2 |
Dilutable products
A retorted liquid soup concentrate package (of about 70 to 100 g contents) expressible from the package when opened and dilutable with boiling or near boiling water (at a dilution ratio water/concentrate of from 1.9:1 to 2.5:1) to a lump free ready to eat soup form at at least 55° C. (preferably 60 to 65° C.) and a target volume less than 400 mls (preferably 250-300 mls). |
| US09451783B2 |
Phytase variants
The present invention relates to a phytase which has at least 74% identity to a phytase derived from Citrobacter braakii and comprises at least one alteration as compared to this phytase. These phytase variants have amended, preferably improved, properties, such as thermostability, temperature profile, pH profile, specific activity, performance in animal feed, reduced protease sensitiliby, and/or an amended glycosylation pattern. The invention also relates to DNA encoding these phytases, methods of their production, as well as the use thereof, e.g., in animal feed and animal feed additives. |
| US09451770B2 |
Method of activating immune response in plants
A method of enhancing plant immunity is provided. The method comprises the step of administering to a plant a small molecule that binds to NPR1, or a functionally equivalent homolog thereof, that disrupts the interaction between N-terminal BTB/POZ domain and the C-terminal transactivation domain of NPR1. A method of screening for small molecule compounds that enhance plant immunity is also provided. |
| US09451769B2 |
Fungicidal composition comprising mancozeb and chlorothalonil
Disclosed herein is a fungicidal composition comprising combination of fungicidally effective amount of mancozeb and a fungicidally effective amount of chlorothalonil in a predetermined ratio. |
| US09451768B2 |
Biocidal compositions and methods of use
Provided are biocidal compositions comprising 2,2-dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide and a compound selected from the group consisting of 1-(3-chloroallyl)-3,5,7-triaza-1-azoniaadamantane; tris(hydroxymethyl)-nitromethane; and a hexahydrotriazine compound. The compositions are useful for controlling microorganisms in aqueous or water containing systems. |
| US09451766B2 |
Treated biodiesel glycerin
Disclosed are compositions that include treated biodiesel glycerin. The disclosed compositions may be utilized as soil-amendments for controlling pests, weeds and for enhancing growth of plants. The biodiesel glycerin utilized in the disclosed compositions may be treated by one or more steps including neutralization, heating, refluxing, condensing, and distilling. |
| US09451765B2 |
Biological decontamination gel and method for decontaminating surfaces by using this gel
A biological decontamination gel, consisting of a colloidal solution comprising from 5 to 30% by mass, preferably 5 to 25% by mass, still preferably 8 to 20% by mass, based on the mass of the gel, of at least one inorganic viscosifying agent: 0.5 to 10 mol/L of gel, preferably 1 to 10 mol/L of gel, of at least one active biological decontamination agent; 0.05 to 5% by mass, preferably 0.05 to 2% by mass, based on the mass of the gel, of at least one super-absorbent polymer; 0.1 to 2% by mass, based on the mass of the gel, of at least one surfactant; and the remainder of solvent.A biological decontamination method applying this gel. |
| US09451763B2 |
Disinfectant formulation
An aqueous disinfectant formulation comprising at least one phenolic compound of natural origin; a surfactant sufficient to form a solution or dispersion of the essential oil in an aqueous carrier; a solvent, and sufficient water to make 100 weight percent is described herein. |
| US09451762B2 |
Floral preservative
An electrochemically treated solution and method for cut flower and plant preservation, the solution having potassium, hypochlorous acid, dissolved oxygen, and a surfactant. |
| US09451758B2 |
Box type pet dryer
A box-type pet dryer is provided, by using a unitization and modularization technique of an electric control device and a casing. An electric control device has a function to adjust air volume and temperature by a temperature sensor and controls a rotational speed of a fan motor by a humidity sensor. A partition plate is provided to divide between the electric control device and a side opening part of the casing A filtered window is attached to the partition plate, and a warm air discharge port is formed in a lower part of the partition plate. A door is attached to a front surface of the casing, and a side plate is attached to a side surface opposite from the side opening part. The pet dryer is configured to be easily assemblable and disassemblable by coupling the electric control device and the casing at the side opening part. |
| US09451757B1 |
Maize hybrid X03F675
A novel maize variety designated X03F675 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X03F675 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X03F675 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X03F675, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X03F675. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X03F675. |
| US09451753B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH713238
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH713238. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH713238, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH713238 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH713238. |
| US09451752B2 |
Catharanthus variety PAS1053045
The invention provides seed and plants of Catharanthus hybrid ‘PAS1053045’ and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of Catharanthus hybrid ‘PAS1053045’ and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a Catharanthus plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another Catharanthus plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants. |
| US09451750B2 |
Catharanthus variety PAS1053044
The invention provides seed and plants of Catharanthus hybrid ‘PAS1053044’ and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of Catharanthus hybrid ‘PAS1053044’ and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a Catharanthus plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another Catharanthus plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants. |
| US09451748B2 |
Catharanthus variety PAS1053043
The invention provides seed and plants of Catharanthus hybrid ‘PAS1053043’ and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of Catharanthus hybrid ‘PAS1053043’ and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a Catharanthus plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another Catharanthus plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants. |
| US09451746B2 |
Cotton variety FM 1944GLB2
The cotton variety FM 1944GLB2 is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and cotton lint as well as to hybrid cotton plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety FM 1944GLB2 with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of FM 1944GLB2 and to plants of FM 1944GLB2 reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from FM 1944GLB2. |
| US09451744B1 |
Wind defender, dust control process
An improved process for minimizing the rising of airborne dust from a substantially non-vegetated, wind-swept, ground surface (i.e., the ground surface to-be-treated, GSTBT) includes the steps of: (a) spreading directly on this GSTBT a continuous layer of a thin, porous, polymeric fabric, (b) adhering portions of the boundary edge of the fabric to the GSTBT at a plurality of locations that are proximate the GSTBT's perimeter edge, (c) utilizing this thin, porous, polymeric fabric in the form of a roll having a uniform roll width, (d) wherein the spreading step further includes unrolling a roll of the fabric so as to lay down and cover the GSTBT with parallel and adjoining strips of the fabric that have over-lapped edges, and (e) adhering together the over-lapped edges of the adjoining strips so as to create a continuous fabric that covers the GSTBT. |
| US09451740B2 |
Singulation-style seeding system
A singulation-style seeding system is provided that may include planter row units arranged on a drill that may have a front rank and a back rank. The planter units may singulate and deliver seeds from a first segment of the drill, which may correspond to one of the front and back ranks. A high-volume fertilizer may be delivered from a second segment of the drill, which may correspond to the other one of the front and back ranks and may be delivered at a relatively high delivery rate. A starter fertilizer may be delivered at a relatively lower delivery rate at or near seed furrows. |
| US09451739B2 |
Agricultural undercut implements and methods
An agricultural undercut implement includes a frame carrying ground-engaging rolling means, a cutting disk arrangement to cut parallel slits in the ground soil, and an undercut assembly having upright cutting edges each aligned to follow a slit, and a transverse blade with a horizontal cutting edge disposed to undercut the ground soil between slits, as the frame rolls over the ground, such as when towed behind a tractor. The transverse blade is configured to sever the strip of ground soil undercut by the cutting edge, and then move the undercut soil strip up and over the blade before replacing it intact on the ground. A method of agricultural crop management includes non-terminatingly retarding the growth of a permanent cover crop by using the implement to undercut and replace intact the ground soil beneath the cover crop. Some examples include drive units configured to drive blades through pluralities of blade positions. |