| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09493324B2 |
Detacher for roll and image forming apparatus including same
A detacher for detaching from a roll a spool supporting the roll, and the detacher includes a detacher body; and a plurality of hooking parts disposed on a circumference of the detacher body to engage a plurality of projections of a flange disposed at an end of the spool. With the hooking parts engaging the projections of the flange, the roll and the detacher are relatively displaced so that the spool is detached from the roll. |
| US09493322B1 |
Manual tape applicator
An improved manually operated taping device provides for control of the leading end or a tape being applied, which may be obtained by a brake action of adhesive grip or both and may also include controlled tape cutting action and a safety cutting knife retaining mechanism. |
| US09493320B2 |
Feeding device
A feeding device in manufacturing which is configured to feed a carrier tape includes a transmission mechanism and a buffering mechanism. The transmission mechanism is configured to receive the carrier tape and transfer the carrier tape to the buffering mechanism. The buffering mechanism includes a slide assembly, a feeder assembly, and an inductor. The slidable feeder assembly is mounted to the slide assembly, and is configured to receive the carrier tape transferred from the transmission mechanism. The slide assembly moves the feeder assembly. The inductor is mounted to one side of the slide assembly, and senses distances from the feeder assembly, to control a feeding speed of the transmission mechanism. |
| US09493319B2 |
Automatic document feeder and image forming apparatus
An automatic document feeder includes a sheet feeding tray on which a document is stacked; a slit glass on which the document is scanned while moving; a discharge path in which the document is conveyed after the document is scanned; a document discharge unit to which the document is discharged through the discharge path; and a stamp device that makes a mark on a scanned surface of the document being in the discharge path. The stamp device includes a printing unit that faces the scanned surface of the document. The printing unit is movable between a first position at which the printing unit faces the document being in the discharge path and a second position at which the printing unit is retracted from the discharge path. |
| US09493311B1 |
Fodder-feeding disc wire driving device having tension management unit
The present invention generally relates to a fodder-feeding disc wire driving device having a tension management unit, the driving device including: a drive motor; a drive sprocket having multiple protrusions on a circumference thereof; an idle wheel provided at a position adjacent to the drive sprocket such that the disc wire moved by the drive sprocket passes over the idle wheel; a tension adjustment unit connected to a central shaft of the idle wheel, the tension adjustment unit being movably provided on a line extending between a central axis of the drive sprocket and a central axis of the idle wheel; a casing having a disc wire inlet and a disc wire outlet; a tension measurement unit mechanically provided between the casing and the tension adjustment unit. |
| US09493310B2 |
Sync motor with reduced noise level
Disclosed is a conveyor having an axle extending along a longitudinal axis, a drum body mounted rotatably on the axle, a drive unit having a motor which is disposed inside the drum body and which includes a rotor and a stator, wherein either one of the rotor or the stator is coupled torque-resistantly with a drive output shaft which is mounted rotatably about a drive axle and the other one of said rotor and stator is a torque support and is coupled torque-resistantly with the axle, and a connector member which is disposed inside the drum body and torque-resistantly coupled with the drum body and the drive output shaft of the drive motor, wherein a first flexible elastic coupling is disposed between the torque support and the axle, and that a second flexible elastic coupling is disposed between the drive output shaft and the drum body. |
| US09493307B2 |
Conveyors for box making machines
A vacuum belt conveyor sequentially delivers sheet articles to a digital printer. The sheets are held in position by vacuum on the underside of the sheets through apertures in the belts and covered by the sheets. A plurality of independent plenums on the underside of the belt have chambers respectively communicating with rows of apertures extending along the belt. Vacuum is selectively applied from a manifold only to the plenum chambers that supply apertures that are covered by the sheets so that the ink from the printer will not be directed from its intended position on the sheet by vacuum from adjacent uncovered belt apertures. The sheets are fed to the conveyor in synchronism with the conveyor speed by a timed feeder so that the sheets are carried by the conveyor with a predetermined gap between the sheets and no belt apertures in the gap. A sensor counts the apertures in the belt and activates the feeder at predetermined time intervals. |
| US09493305B2 |
Conveyor roller with reinforcement element
The invention relates to a conveyor roller for conveyor installations for the purpose of conveying containers, pallets and the like, comprising a roller body with a roller axis, the outer peripheral area of which represents a bearing surface for items to be conveyed, and a head element that is inserted with an insertion section having a cylindrical outer surface into a hollow end of the roller body, whereby the insertion section of the head element has a reinforcement element. |
| US09493302B2 |
Waste disposal services and methods
Waste disposal devices and methods are provided. The device includes a housing, a lid, a bucket frame, a pair of members, and a foot pedal. The foot pedal is operatively associated with the lid and the pair of members so that the lid is in the closed position and the pair of members is in the non-use position when the foot pedal is in the upper position. Further, the foot pedal is operatively associated with the lid and the pair of members so that the lid is in the open position and the pair of members is in the use position when the foot pedal is in the lower position. |
| US09493301B2 |
Bin retainer panel
A bin retainer panel has a planar wall having a first end having a bent edge extending along a length of the first end; and first and second side ends each having edges bent at an acute angle with respect to the planar wall. The first and second side edges each has a plurality of protrusions formed thereon. A bin retainer panel has a planar wall having a first end having a bent edge and a second, opposite end having a bent edge; and first and second side ends. The first side end has an edge bent at an acute angle with respect to the planar wall. The first side end edge has a plurality of protrusions formed thereon. |
| US09493299B2 |
Lifting bag
A lifting bag having at least one side wall and a closed bottom forming an interior, the bag further having a closable top portion connected to the sidewall and adapted to close the interior of the bag. The opening is a single slit centered on the bag top and closable with a zipper. The lifting bag includes a sling coupled to the bag, generally through a edge strip positioned at ore near the top edge of the bag. The bag can be constructed from a single multilayered sheet. The bag is used in conjunction with a lifting strap system. |
| US09493293B2 |
Actuator for a dispensing apparatus
The invention relates to a dispensing apparatus for containing a pressurized composition. The dispensing apparatus comprises a reservoir for containing the composition, a flow conduit in fluid communication with the reservoir having a distal end forming a flow conduit orifice; and a displaceable actuator head comprising a side wall having an interior surface and a dispensing orifice formed through the side wall. An intermediate member having an aperture extending there through is interposed between the interior surface of the displaceable actuator head and the distal end of the flow conduit. The intermediate member is affixed to either the interior surface of the actuator head aligning the aperture with the dispensing orifice or to the distal end of the flow conduit aligning the aperture with the flow conduit orifice. The intermediate member seals the dispensing orifice when the displaceable actuator head is biased to an at-rest position. |
| US09493292B2 |
Variable spray head
The invention relates to a spray head (1) for a spray can with the spray head to be placed on a valve having an inner valve seat, wherein said spray head (1) being provided with a tubular hollow cylinder (2) extending coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the spray can, said cylinder being coupleable to the valve and designed to include a passage (3) for the spraying product contained in the spray can, said passage (3) ending in an outlet nozzle (4) pointing in radial direction and said hollow cylinder (2) having an opening (5) on one of its longitudinal sides at its valve-side end so that actuating the spray head (1) allows the product to be sprayed to enter the hollow cylinder (2) through said opening (5), and wherein a rotatable regulating pin (6) extends through the passage (3) in the hollow cylinder (2), the outer diameter of said regulating pin (6) corresponding at its valve-side end to the inside diameter of the passage (3) arranged in the hollow cylinder (2) and said regulating pin (6) having at its valve-side end on one of its longitudinal sides a cutout (7) that, when said cutout (7) coincides with the opening (5) in the hollow cylinder (2), enables sprayed product to enter the passage (3), with the regulating pin (6) at its end facing away from the valve being connected to a rotatable regulator (8) accessible from the outside. In this manner a spray head (1) is provided that enables the discharge rate to be varied and effectively avoids an uncontrolled discharge of sprayed product from spray head (1). The invention is of special significance in the field of paint spray cans. |
| US09493289B2 |
Self-supporting cartridge, dispensing apparatus for such as well as method for using the cartridge
A self-supporting cartridge is proposed having at least one reception chamber for a medium to be dispensed extending in a longitudinal direction, having a cartridge base and having a cartridge wall all of which define the reception chamber, wherein the cartridge is made by a thermoforming process or by a blow molding process and the cartridge is adapted to be collapsible in a controlled manner. Further a dispensing apparatus for at least one cartridge in accordance with the invention is provided having a support cartridge for the reception of at least one cartridge having a closure device provided at a first axial end of the support cartridge as well as a dispensing plunger provided at the second axial end of the support cartridge for the controlled collapse of the at least one cartridge. |
| US09493285B2 |
Stackable bag packaging
A method for producing a tightly sealed bag packaging and to a tightly sealed bag packaging having at least one perforation and a receiving area surrounded by a plate-shaped edge region for the inert packaging of a product containing active ingredients, wherein the bag packaging comprises cover films or cover film segments bounding the receiving area and forming the edge region. The cover films or cover film segments are each provided with a channel system having at least one channel. The channel system crosses the part of the cover film or the cover film segment covering the receiving area. At one end, each channel is provided with a branching into two channel branches, Furthermore, a slit is arranged between the two channel branches, interrupting a peripheral edge of the bag packaging. |
| US09493284B2 |
Capped spout
A capped spout of the present invention has a spout (1) and a cap (30) that engages with the spout. Spout (1) has a cylindrical body (3) and a welding part (4). Cylindrical body (2) has an interior that serves as a discharge passage (2) for discharging liquid content in a bag-shaped package, wherein the cap (30) is attached to the cylindrical body (2) in order to close an opening of an outlet end of the discharge passage. The welding part (4) is formed outside the cylindrical body (3) and is welded to an opening of the package. The capped spout of the present invention further has a thin film part (11) that is formed inside the cylindrical body (2) in order to close an opening of an inlet end of the discharge passage. Thin film part (11) has a first surface that faces an interior of the cylindrical body, the interior being closed by the cap (30) and the thin film part (11). A circular groove (12) that is concentric with the thin film part is formed on the first surface. The circular groove (12) is formed of an arc-shaped first groove (12a) and an arc-shaped second groove (12b) that is longer than the first groove (12a). Third linear grooves (13a, 13b) extend on the first surface outwardly from each of both ends of the second groove (12b) in a radial direction of the cylindrical body (2). The first groove (12a) is unbreakable and the second (12b) and third grooves (13a, 13b) are breakable. An arc-shaped fourth groove (14) is further formed on the first surface, wherein the fourth groove is located radially outward of the first groove (12a) between a pair of the third grooves (13a, 13b). The fourth groove (14) is unbreakable. |
| US09493283B2 |
Bottle cap attachment mechanism
A bottle cap attachment mechanism that secures a cap to a bottle even when the cap is removed from the bottle. The cap stays secure to the bottle even while a user is drinking the contents of the bottle. |
| US09493282B2 |
Condiment container attachment device
A condiment container attachment device (1) for attaching a condiment container (50) to a food or a beverage container (100), the container (100) being of a type having—an upwardly facing opening (110); —at least one inwardly facing first surface (140, 240); and—a bead (130) or downwardly facing skirt (230) encircling said opening (110), said bead or skirt having an inwardly facing second surface (131, 231) and a downwardly facing edge (132, 232) said condiment container attachment device (1) comprising—first attachment means (10) adapted for engagement with said inwardly facing first surface (140, 240) of the food or beverage container (100); and—second attachment means (20) adapted for engagement with said bead (130) or downwardly facing skirt (230). |
| US09493281B2 |
Sealing barrier arrangement
The present invention relates to a barrier membrane arrangement for a medical device for providing a substantially liquid tight seal between a piercing member and a barrier member and a method for manufacturing such a barrier member arrangement. The present invention also relates to a method for connecting a first and a second medical device at the barrier member arrangement. The barrier member arrangement comprises a first member, a second member and a barrier member. The second member can be interlocked to the first member by means of a connection arrangement at an optional stage by a user. After interlocking the second member to the first member, the barrier member has been compressed to provide for an increased leakage security. The barrier member arrangement also provides for a prolonged working life of the barrier member and any medical device which comprises such a barrier member arrangement. |
| US09493273B2 |
Device for packaging and dispensing
The present invention relates to a device (1) for packaging and dispensing a composition sensitive to oxidation by atmospheric oxygen, comprising a body (2) formed at least partially from a sheet of a multilayer complex, comprising within one layer at least one pulverulent filler in a mass proportion, within the layer, of preferably greater than or equal to 5%. |
| US09493272B2 |
Film bag
A film bag has a body formed by a plurality of panels. All but one of the panels of the bag body is formed of an inelastic film, and the one panel of the bag body is formed at least partly by an elastic film that can be elastically stretched in at least one direction. |
| US09493270B2 |
Large load carrier
A large load carrier having a rectangular, pallet-like floor part and lengthwise and crosswise side walls that rise from the floor part. Either the lengthwise side walls or the crosswise side walls have contact points for several frames disposed one above the other, in the region against the other side walls, as carriers for the inserts (layers) that carry the goods to be transported. The side walls can be folded on top of one another towards the inside, and the frames are releasably mounted in the contact points. |
| US09493268B2 |
Package with strap handle
A carton (8) has a top wall (120), end walls and a strap carrying handle (16). The carrying handle (16) includes a strap section (72, 74) that is formed at least partially in a top wall (120) of the carton (8). The strap section (72, 74) is deployable above the top wall (120) and is attached to each end of the carton (8). The carrying handle (16) further includes a handle structure (6) affixed to the underside of the strap section (72, 74). The handle structure (6) includes a series of foldably interconnected panels that is foldable into a substantially tubular structure having three or more sides disposed at least partially beneath the strap section (72, 74) of the carrying handle (16). |
| US09493261B2 |
Sterilizable containment for implantable medical device
A sterilizable containment that includes an inner packaging and an outer packaging. The outer packaging encloses the inner packaging and includes at least two electric feedthroughs. The inner packaging includes at least two electric contacts, wherein each of the at least two electric contacts of the inner packaging matches one of the at least two electric feedthroughs of the outer packaging to provide an electric connection between a respective feedthrough and the corresponding contact when the inner and the outer packaging are closed. Each of the contacts of the inner packaging feed electrical charge from outside of the inner packaging to the inside of the inner packaging and vice versa. The inner packaging includes electrically conducting media that allows propagation of electrical charge between the contacts of the inner packaging and an implantable medical device included inside in a packaging when the containment is filled. |
| US09493260B2 |
Apparatus and method for packaging articles
An apparatus for packaging articles in a box blank which has folding lines and also side flaps and/or lid flaps and/or base flaps. The apparatus includes a device for feeding a stream of articles, a device for dividing up the articles into groups and/or assemblies of articles, a device for feeding individual box blanks to the groups of articles and/or for combining the groups of articles and the box blanks, and a device for forming a box and for folding in the side flaps by folding-in elements, which rotate about an axis which is more or less perpendicular to the conveying plane and/or conveying direction of the box blanks. The folding-in elements each have at least one pair of folding-in devices, which can be moved in a common plane and which can be moved and/or controlled and regulated independently of one another.A method and a folding element is also provided. |
| US09493259B2 |
Apparatus and method for inserting one or more goods into a moveable cover
An apparatus for inserting one or more goods into a moveable cover includes a goods conveyor configured to move the one or more goods with a first velocity, at least one filling aid, and a cover conveyor configured to move the cover with a second velocity, the second velocity being different from the first velocity. |
| US09493258B2 |
Method and production system for producing and/or packaging cigarettes
A method for producing and/or packaging cigarettes, in a system in which at least one production unit is fed packaging units from a lower packaging level, and the production unit packages the packaging units in associated packaging units from a higher level, and the packaging units from the higher packaging level each comprise one or more packaging units from the lower packaging level. A camera records images of the packs of the packaging units from the lower level which are to be fed, or have been fed, to the production unit, and a camera records images of the packs of the packaging units from the higher level which are respectively assigned to the packaging units from the lower level, and the recorded images of the packs of the respectively associated packaging units are each assigned to a common identifier, preferably to a machine-internal counting number of the production unit. |
| US09493257B2 |
Device and method for forming packing units
A container-packer includes a compartment and/or compressor unit, applicators, a linear transporter for transporting along a direction, and displaceable head guides. The unit compartmentalizes and compresses containers into packs. The applicators apply adhesive to a container contact surface. The linear transporter comprises three sections. A first section has first through third part regions. In the first, transport surfaces are parallel. In the second, the transport surfaces are brought together to form respective part-packs. In the third, the part packs are transverse to the direction and transported in a direction of the second section of the linear transporter in whose first and second sections the applicators are provided. The displaceable head guides are for single-container transport in the first section. The second section comprises a turning-and-feeding section for the part-packs. The third section brings part packs together oriented in the direction to produce a complete pack. |
| US09493251B2 |
Security check method and system
A method and a system for transferring a person and the person's carry-on items from a site upstream of a security check point to a site downstream of the security check point comprises loading the person's carry-on items onto a trolley at the upstream site, separating the person from the trolley at the upstream site, and subsequently x-raying the trolley at the security check point while the carry-on items remain loaded onto the trolley, and while a security check of the person is performed. Subsequently, the person and the trolley are united, while the carry-on items remain loaded onto the trolley. The trolley may be made from non-metallic material, such as plastics composite materials, and may optionally comprise a display monitor for displaying user-specific information. The invention is particularly useful for promoting security checks at airports. |
| US09493249B2 |
System and method for providing an aircraft noise advisory during departure and arrival of an aircraft
A system and method for providing an aircraft noise advisory during departure and/or arrival of an aircraft are disclosed. In one embodiment, predefined allowable aircraft noise level information associated with a plurality of aircraft noise sensors located in the vicinity of airports are obtained. Further, predefined allowable aircraft noise level information associated with one or more of the plurality of aircraft noise sensors is presented on a display device in the aircraft, based on a current location of the aircraft, upon receiving noise data request from a pilot. Furthermore, current aircraft noise level information is obtained from one of the one or more aircraft noise sensors. In addition, the current aircraft noise level information is compared with predefined allowable aircraft noise level information associated with the one of the one or more aircraft noise sensors. Also, the aircraft noise advisory is displayed based on an outcome of the comparison. |
| US09493248B1 |
Remote display of flight deck information from a legacy display system
A liquid crystal display (LCD) only Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System (EICAS) for Boeing 757 and Boeing 767 aircraft which utilizes Engine Alert Processors from a previously certified CRT EICAS and minimizes changes in hardware and software design by simultaneously generating both cathode ray tube (CRT) drive commands and LCD drive commands while only using the LCD drive commands for display of EICAS information during flight. |
| US09493245B2 |
Aircraft using turbo-electric hybrid propulsion system
An air vehicle incorporating a hybrid propulsion system. The system includes a gas turbine engine as a first motive power source, and one or more battery packs as a second motive power source. Through selective coupling to a DC electric motor that can in turn be connected to a bladed rotor or other lift-producing device, the motive sources provide differing ways in which an aircraft can operate. In one example, the gas turbine engine can provide operation for a majority of the flight envelope of the aircraft, while the battery packs can provide operation during such times when gas turbine-based motive power is unavailable or particularly disadvantageous. In another example, both sources of motive power may be decoupled from the bladed rotor such that the vehicle can operate as an autogyro. |
| US09493234B2 |
Method and a system for determining an angular velocity in turning for a rotary wing aircraft
A method and a system for determining an angular velocity in turning for a rotary wing aircraft in order to make turns that are coordinated relative to the ground or else relative to the air and in order to manage the transition between ground coordination and air coordination while taking account of the wind to which the aircraft is subjected. The method serving to determine an angular velocity in yaw using an anticipation value and a correction value on the basis in particular of speeds of advance of the aircraft relative to the ground and relative to the air of its lateral acceleration and of its lateral load factor. |
| US09493233B2 |
Cavity acoustic tones suppression
A cavity system that tends to increase the thickness (28) of the shear layer (22), comprising: a cavity (2) and a plurality of rods (4), for example between two and six rods; the rods (4) are positioned in the proximity of a leading edge (14) of the cavity (2) and extending across at least a part of a width of the cavity (2) in a perpendicular or oblique angle to the actual or intended flow direction (6). One or more of the rods (4) may be positioned further along the flow direction (6) compared to one or more of the other rods (4), for example to provide a zig-zag pattern of rod positions. One or more flow alteration elements (34, 38), for example channels (34) passing through the rods (4) and/or protrusions (38) extending from the rods (4), may be provided on one or more of the rods (4). |
| US09493229B2 |
Retractable equipment system including a device optimized for driving protection flaps
A system for retractable equipment including movable protection flaps in which a flap drive device serves to drive the flaps in optimized movement, providing a mechanical coupling between the flaps and the retractable equipment such that a common motor member can be used for driving both the equipment and the flaps between respective retracted and deployed positions. The flap drive device includes a cam in the form of a sliding channel secured to a frame of the system and a cam follower in the form of a translating pivot mechanically coupled to both the retractable equipment and a flap drive member. The path followed by the retractable equipment is accordingly optimized. |
| US09493228B2 |
High heat transfer rate reusable thermal protection system
A system and methods for high heat transfer rate reusable thermal protection are presented. A porous skin comprises an exposed exterior surface and a non-exposed surface, and a coolant reservoir comprises perforations coupled to the non-exposed surface, and valves. The valves regulate a flow of coolant from the coolant reservoir to the porous skin in response to a temperature of the porous skin. |
| US09493223B2 |
System, method and apparatus for widespread commercialization of hydrogen as a carbon-free alternative fuel source
A system for efficiently transporting hydrogen from where it can be economically made to where it is most needed using specially designed airships. Technologies such as geothermal, wind, solar, wave tidal or hydropower can be used to generate electricity in-situ or very near to the primary energy sources. This electricity can then be used to produce hydrogen directly from water through various methods known in the art. Hydrogen can be delivered from the place where it is produced to the place where it is needed using an airship. The hydrogen can provide propulsion energy and serve ancillary needs. In other embodiments of the invention, the airship of the present invention can be used to dramatically reduce the cost of transportation of freight, the cost of passenger transportation, and to save on the area required for landing at the points of loading/unloading and embarkation/debarkation. |
| US09493217B2 |
Floating offshore facility and a method for drilling a well
A floating offshore facility for offshore hydrocarbon production, comprising an upper deck, a lower deck, a well bay comprising a plurality of drilling slots and a plurality of production slots surrounding said drilling slots, a cart supporting a drilling riser and being movable together with said drilling riser inside the opening of the plurality of the drilling slots, and a drilling rig movable above the well bay to drill the well through the drilling riser. |
| US09493216B2 |
Systems and methods for floating dockside liquefaction of natural gas
System and methods for floating dockside liquefaction of natural gas are described. A system for floating dockside liquefaction of natural gas comprises a natural gas pretreatment facility located onshore proximate a dock, wherein the natural gas pretreatment facility is configured to process pipeline quality gas into pretreated natural gas, a floating liquefaction unit moored at the dock, wherein the floating liquefaction unit further comprises a natural gas liquefaction module on a deck, and an LNG storage tank for storing produced LNG below the deck, a pipeline coupling the onshore pretreatment facility to the dock, wherein the pipeline is configured to transport pretreated natural gas onto the dock, and a high pressure gas arm fluidly coupling the pipeline to the floating liquefaction unit, wherein the gas arm is configured to transfer pretreated natural gas to the floating liquefaction unit. |
| US09493215B2 |
Floating debris harvesting system
An apparatus for removing floating waterbourne debris. The apparatus includes a capture section comprising a carrier and a motive member mounted on the carrier, with the motive member adapted to contact and direct floating debris rearwardly. The apparatus further includes a collection and pumping section positioned rearward of the capture section for collecting and removing debris directed from the capture section. The collection and pumping section includes a hopper having opposed first and second ends, the first end thereof positioned adjacent the motive member and comprising an opening adapted to receive debris directed by the motive member, and the second end presenting a port for passing debris therethrough, and a pump mounted to the hopper adjacent the port and in fluid communication with the hopper for transporting the debris received from the hopper to a remote location. |
| US09493210B2 |
Electric power storage holder
An electric power storage holder is inserted in a seat tube of a bicycle frame and holds an electric power storage member. The electric power storage holder includes a restricting section and a holding section. The restricting section contacts an end edge of an open end section of a seat tube to restrict axial movement of the holder in one of axial directions of the seat tube, the one of the axial directions being a direction in which the seat tithe extends. The holding section holds the electric power storage member. |
| US09493209B2 |
Bicycle pedal, cleat and bicycle pedal system
A bicycle pedal is detachable and engageable with a cleat that can be attached to shoes. The bicycle pedal basically includes a pedal shaft having a rotational center axis, a pedal main body and a clamp part. The pedal main body includes a first surface and a second surface. The second surface is on the opposite side of the first surface. The pedal main body is rotatably supported by the pedal shaft around the rotational center axis. The clamp part has at least three cleat clamping portions that detachably retain the cleat on at least the first surface of the pedal main body. |
| US09493205B2 |
Tricycle with foldable double-wheel assembly
A tricycle with foldable double wheel assembly comprises: a frame, a single-wheel assembly and a double-wheel assembly respectively disposed at front end and rear end of the frame, and a handlebar assembly matching with the single-wheel assembly to control steering, the double-wheel assembly comprising a supporting beam and two wheels disposed on the supporting beam, wherein the supporting beam comprises two branches of same structures, the two wheels being respectively disposed on the two branches, the supporting beam having a first stable state where the two branches are open, and a second stable state where the two branches are put together side by side. The supporting beam in the double-wheel assembly of the present utility model is foldable so that it is not necessary to occupy a relatively large space to carry/store the tricycle and the usage convenience of the tricycle is thus improved. |
| US09493202B2 |
Overhead conveying device having a self-supporting supporting framework
The invention relates to an overhead conveying device (01) for integration in an assembly plant for transporting vehicle components, having a supporting framework (03) and at least one conveying device, wherein the supporting framework (03) has a length of more than 5 m and a width of more than 2 m and comprises longitudinally and/or transversely oriented and/or diagonal interconnected supporting beam elements (04, 05, 07), wherein the conveying device is mounted on the supporting framework (03) and can implement transport of vehicle components, wherein the supporting framework (03) has bearing means (08.5, 08.6) for bearing the overhead conveying device (01) in the assembly plant, wherein the supporting framework (03) is designed to be self-supporting and can be transported in preassembled form from the place of manufacture to the place of use. |
| US09493200B2 |
Couplable drive unit and steering unit
A drive unit couples to a steering unit for a multi-axle vehicle for conveying a passenger. The drive unit includes a chassis configured as a supporting structure of the drive unit, a drive module with a motor and a first axle with wheels for driving the vehicle, a coupling device for coupling the drive unit to the steering unit, an operating element for operating the drive module, and a seat arrangement for supporting the passenger. The drive unit is also configured such that a total center of mass of the drive unit is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in front of the first axle. A corresponding steering unit and a vehicle comprising a corresponding drive unit and a steering unit are also disclosed. |
| US09493198B2 |
Sealing assembly and hinge of a track having the sealing assembly
A sealing assembly is disposed so as to provide a sealing function between two parts of a track that are movable relative to each other. The sealing assembly includes an elastic ring having a radially-encircling sealing lip that fixedly and sealingly abuts on a first part of the track. The sealing assembly also includes a support ring that is rotatable relative to a sealing ring having a sealing edge. The support ring has a slip surface, on which the sealing edge sealingly abuts. |
| US09493195B1 |
Systems, devices, and methods for extending a floor
A system, machine, device, and/or manufacture that is configured for, relates to, and/or results from, and/or a method for activities that can comprise and/or relate to, extending a floor, such as a floor of deck, patio, platform, and/or a vehicle, such as a trailer and/or truck from a compressed arrangement to an extended arrangement. |
| US09493189B2 |
Subframe for vehicle including lever for detaching subframe from underbody during front impact
A chassis assembly of a vehicle includes a frame, an underbody supported by the frame, and a subframe connected to the underbody. A connection connects the subframe and the underbody. A lever extends from the subframe to the frame. During a frontal impact of the vehicle, the lever leverages against the frame to detach the connection from the underbody. This movement of the subframe relative to the frame and the detachment of the connection from the underbody absorbs energy during the frontal impact and results in a softer pulse and a reduced Vehicle Pulse Index. |
| US09493188B2 |
Vehicle lower portion structure
A vehicle lower portion structure has: a tunnel portion disposed at a vehicle transverse direction central portion of a floor portion; a front side member whose rear portion is disposed at a vehicle lower side of the floor portion and a vehicle transverse direction outer side of the tunnel portion; a first member including a first horizontal wall that extends from the rear portion toward a vehicle transverse direction inner side, and a first vertical wall bent toward a vehicle upper side from the first horizontal wall; and a second member spanning an opening portion of the tunnel portion. The second member includes a second horizontal wall joined to the first horizontal wall, and a second vertical wall that is bent toward the vehicle upper side from the second horizontal wall, is disposed parallel to the first vertical wall, and is joined to the first vertical wall. |
| US09493184B2 |
Steer maneuvers for materials handling vehicles
A materials handling vehicle implements a steer maneuver to hug an object. A controller on the vehicle receives sensor data from at least one sensing device and detects that a selected object is in an environment proximate the vehicle using the received sensor data. The controller performs a steer maneuver by causing the vehicle to steer such that the vehicle is substantially maintained at a desired distance from the selected object as the vehicle travels on a desired heading. |
| US09493183B2 |
Friction compensation logic of motor driven power steering system and method thereof
A friction compensation logic of an MDPS (motor driven power steering) system to receive and to process a column torque signal and to output a friction compensation torque comprises: an accumulation speed adjusting portion to adjust an accumulation speed of a compensation section information set in the column torque signal; and a compensation amount adjusting portion in accordance with a vehicle speed to control so that the accumulation speed adjusting portion adjusts the accumulation speed of the compensation section information fast or slow in accordance with the vehicle speed, to adjust a compensation amount gain small or large in accordance with the vehicle speed, and to output a friction compensation torque. |
| US09493182B2 |
System and method for compensating friction according to rack bending of MDPS
Disclosed are a system and a method for compensating friction due to rack bending in a motor driven power steering system. The system for compensating friction may include a rack bending signal processor and a friction compensation controller. The rack bending signal processor may determine whether a rack bar bends when a lateral force is transmitted to the rack bar in turn of a vehicle. The friction compensation controller may calculates a friction compensation torque by adding a counter-rack bending torque according to a bending displacement of the rack bar to a basic steering torque of a motor and control a current supplied to the motor to apply the friction compensation torque if it is determined that the rack bar bends. |
| US09493178B2 |
Child support apparatus
A foldable child support apparatus including a seat with a seat back pivotal relative to a seat base between at least one open condition for seating a child when the apparatus is unfolded and a closed condition when the apparatus is folded. A frame is provided including a handle member and front and rear leg members, which pivot about at least one frame pivot between an unfolded condition in which the handle member and the front leg members extend on generally opposite sides of the pivot and a folded condition in which the frame members are located on the same side of the pivot with the front leg members located between the handle member and rear leg members. The frame is arranged to transfer the seat between a forward facing unfolded position and a forward facing folded position and vice versa. |
| US09493176B2 |
Method for operating a railway safety system, and railway safety system
A method operates a railway safety system having at least one trackside device while taking into account a measured velocity value recorded when the rail vehicle drives into a switch-on section of the railway safety system. In order to minimize the closing times for a level crossing by such a method, the measured velocity value is used as the basis for checking whether a correction time for forwarding a signal from the one trackside device to an associated railway safety assembly is to be set according to the measured velocity value when the rail vehicle drives into the switch-on section. Thereafter, a set correction time is checked to determine if the set correction time should remain effective according to at least one further influencing variable of the rail vehicle that determines the travel time. A railway safety system for carrying out the method is also provided. |
| US09493174B2 |
Plate spring unit and railcar bogie using same
A railcar bogie includes a cross beam to support a carbody of a railcar, a pair of front and rear axles between which the cross beam is located and arranged, respectively, in front of and behind the cross beam in a railcar longitudinal direction and extending in a railcar width direction, bearings provided at both railcar width direction sides of the axles to rotatably support the axles, axle boxes to respectively accommodate the bearings, and a plate spring extending in the railcar longitudinal direction to support one of both railcar width direction end portions of the cross beam and including both longitudinal direction end portions supported by the axle boxes. The plate spring unit includes a plurality of plate springs to elastically deform in an upper-lower thickness direction. The plate springs are arranged in a line in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction. |
| US09493169B2 |
Method and control system for operating a motor vehicle
A method and control system for operating a motor vehicle, sense a gesture directed at an object from a vehicle occupant using a gesture recognition unit, interpret the gesture and identify of the object using a data processing unit and generate a corresponding control command on the basis of the interpreted gesture and the identified object. An assistance system of the motor vehicle is actuated in accordance with the control command using the data processing unit. A voice command, uttered by the vehicle occupant is sensed before, during or after the sensing of the gesture, using a voice recognition unit. A combined interpretation of the gesture, the identified object and the voice command is performed, and the control command is generated on the basis of the combined interpretation, using the data processing unit. |
| US09493164B2 |
Method for increasing vacuum production for a vehicle
Methods and systems for providing vacuum to a vehicle are described. In one example, a method adjusts an application force of a transmission clutch in response to a request for additional vacuum. |
| US09493159B2 |
High assurance lane fusion system
A lane centering fusion system including a primary controller determining whether a vehicle is centered within a lane of travel. The primary controller includes a primary lane fusion unit for fusing lane sensed data for identifying a lane center position. A secondary controller determines whether a vehicle is centered within a lane of travel. The secondary controller includes a secondary lane fusion unit for fusing lane sensed data for identifying the lane center position. The primary controller and secondary controller are asynchronous controllers. A lane centering control unit maintains the vehicle centered within the lane of travel. The lane centering control unit utilizes fusion data output from the primary controller for maintaining lane centering control. The lane centering control unit utilizes fusion data output from the secondary controller in response to a detection of a fault with respect to the primary controller. |
| US09493158B2 |
Methods and devices for safe operation of undersize autonomous vehicles on public roads
A miniature autonomous vehicle for operation on the public roads is disclosed. The small size allows efficiency for small payloads, but produces a danger of being overlooked by other vehicles. The size of the vehicle is less than driver operated vehicles and may be restricted to less than 200 pounds. Sensors determine the vehicles speed and the presence of environmental vehicles and use a processor to calculate the need for additional visibility. A visibility structure and support structure with lights or markers is controlled by the processor. The markers are controlled in their operation or position by the processor on the basis of the sensor data. Extending or raising and retracting or lowering the structure affects the air resistance and stability of the vehicle. The structure can be raised when the vehicle stops or is in traffic and lowered at road speeds in light or absent traffic. |
| US09493155B2 |
Method for controlling driving of hybrid vehicle
A method for controlling a driving of a hybrid vehicle in which a motor may be selectively connected to a transmission side, may include measuring a rotating speed of the motor in an electric vehicle (EV) mode, increasing the rotating speed of the motor by performing a slip control on a clutch connected to the transmission side when the rotating speed of the motor may be less than a reference speed, at a time of switching the EV mode into a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) mode, starting an engine, and joining an engine clutch disposed between the motor and the engine when the rotating speed of the motor may be increased to reach a rotating speed of the engine. |
| US09493149B2 |
Driver authentication system and method for monitoring and controlling vehicle usage
A driver authentication and safety system and method for monitoring and controlling vehicle usage by high-risk drivers. A centralized database comprising a software application can be accessed by an authorized user via a data communications network utilizing a remote computer in order to configure a desired operating profile that matches requirements of the high-risk driver. The operating profile can be loaded to a driver identification and data logging module in conjunction with the remote computer. A master control unit receives a unique identification code from the data logging device to authenticate the high-risk driver and to operate the vehicle within the desired operating profile. A slave control unit receives commands from the master control unit and generates a real time alarm signal if the driver violates the preprogrammed operating profile unique to the driver. |
| US09493147B1 |
Automated smear making apparatus
An automated smear making apparatus used to prepare and smear samples on glass slides. In one embodiment, there is provided a smearing subsystem that generally includes a smear cartridge having: an input reel; at least one roll bar; a take-up reel; and a smearing tape. The smearing tape is initially wound within the input reel and coupled to the take-up reel such that the smearing tape can be drawn from the input reel and into the take-up reel. The smearing tape may include a plurality of perforations formed therein. The smearing tape may then be wrapped around the roll bar such that each of the plurality of perforations forms a blade that extends from the smearing tape to expose a smear surface as the smearing tape is drawn into the take-up reel. Alternatively, the smearing tape may be bent such that an edge of the smearing tape forms a smear surface between two roll bars. A slide transport surface is also provided to move a slide across the smear surface. |
| US09493146B1 |
Brake-aiding device
A brake-aiding device includes a casing and a drive mechanism installed in the casing. The drive mechanism has a revolving axle, and first revolver, a second revolver and a driven revolver that rotate against the revolving axle. The driven revolver has at least one propping portion for providing unidirectional stop to the first revolver and the second revolver. When brake lever cables of a two-wheeled vehicle are connected to the first and second revolver, and front- and rear-wheel brake cables of the vehicle are connected to the driven revolver, by operating either of the vehicle's left and right brake levers, both of the vehicle's front and rear wheels are braked. During the braking, the rear wheel is brakes before the front wheel is brakes, and a braking force at the rear wheel keeps greater than a braking force at the front wheel braking force. |
| US09493144B2 |
Vehicle braking apparatus
A vehicle braking apparatus varies a relationship of a pressure increase characteristic of rear-wheel brake oil pressure with respect to a pressure increase characteristic of front-wheel brake oil pressure according to a determination result of a likelihood of a collision with an obstacle. Preferably, when the likelihood of a collision with an obstacle is lower than a predetermined level, the relationship of the pressure increase characteristic of the rear-wheel brake oil pressure with respect to the pressure increase characteristic of the front-wheel brake oil pressure is caused to be a relationship in which a wheel cylinder pressure of the rear wheel increases not earlier than wheel cylinder pressure of the front wheel. |
| US09493143B2 |
System and method for controlling velocity of a vehicle
A control system includes an onboard controller, a location determination system, and a speed sensor. The controller identifies a designated area along a route that includes a downhill section, an airflow restricted area, a banked section, a section to be cleaned, an adverse environmental area, an adverse vehicular condition area, and/or a section where travel is restricted. The designated area is associated with an operating rule that requires the vehicle to travel at least as fast as a lower speed limit. The location determination system monitors actual locations of the vehicle as the vehicle travels along the route. The speed sensor obtains speed data representative of an actual velocity of the vehicle. The controller restricts control of the vehicle such that the actual velocity of the vehicle is at least as fast as the lower speed limit of the designated area when the vehicle is in the designated area. |
| US09493141B2 |
Wiper blade arrangement and connecting arrangement having a wiper blade arrangement and a wiper arm
A wiper blade arrangement having an attachment element that holds a wiper blade, which can be secured on a wiper arm of a windscreen wiper system of a vehicle. The wiper blade is coupleable via the attachment element to at least one channel for washer fluid, which can be introduced from the wiper arm into the attachment element. The attachment element allows a relative movement of the wiper blade with respect to the wiper arm. For this, the attachment element has a rider designed for holding a spring strip of the wiper blade, which includes a wiper-arm-side upper part and a wiper-blade-side lower part, which are connected to each other via a central part of the rider, which encloses at least one line for the washer fluid, wherein the central part has greater elasticity than the upper part and the lower part of the rider. |
| US09493138B2 |
Obturating element, gas generator provided with the latter and method for manufacturing same
A metal obturating element is capable of being resistance-welded to the outer side of an edge of a hole of a metal wall of a pressurized gas reservoir of a gas generator, including on a first side, a portion dimensioned for covering the hole and having an end intended to be inserted into the hole, and a portion for connecting the portion to the peripheral edge, having a surface tilted rearwards relatively to the end and around the portion, this surface intended to be welded to the outer side of the edge of the hole. The element is formed with a deep-drawn part. The tilted surface forms around the central portion an angle greater than or equal to 50° and less than or equal to 80° relatively to the axis. The part includes in a second side located opposite to the first side another surface tilted rearwards relatively to the end and this by at least one angle greater than or equal to 10° and less than or equal to 80° relatively to the axis. |
| US09493137B2 |
Hydrogen storage enclosure
A gas generator for an airbag includes a storage container and at least one chamber defined by the storage container. The at least one chamber infludes a metal wall and contains at least gaseous hydrogen. A coating layer of iron oxide is disposed on at least a surface portion of the metal wall to prevent diffusion of hydrogen atoms through the metal wall. |
| US09493130B2 |
Methods and systems for communicating content to connected vehicle users based detected tone/mood in voice input
Methods, systems and cloud processing are provided for coordinating and processing user input provided to vehicles during use. One example is for processing voice inputs at a vehicle to identify a mood of a user and then modifying or customizing the vehicle response based on the detected mood, physical characteristic and/or physiological characteristic of the user. One example includes sending, to a cloud processing server, data from the vehicle. The vehicle includes an on-board computer for processing instructions for the vehicle and processing wireless communication to exchange data with the cloud processing server. The method then receives, at the vehicle, data for a user account to use the vehicle. The cloud processing server uses the user account to identify a user profile of a user. Then, receiving, from the cloud processing server, voice profiles for the user profile. Each voice profile is associated with a tone identifier or audio signature. The voice profiles for the user are learned from a plurality of voice inputs made to the vehicle by the user in one or more prior sessions of use of the vehicle. The method further includes receiving, by on-board computer, a voice input. For the voice input, processing, by on-board computer, the voice input to identify a voice profile that is correlated to the voice input and generating a vehicle response for the voice input. The vehicle response is moderated based on the tone identifier of the identified voice profile. In one example, the tone identifier is used to infer a mood of the user, and the moderation of the vehicle response assists in selecting a type of response by the vehicle and/or setting made to a vehicle system. |
| US09493129B2 |
Drive control apparatus and method for providing a drive control to a hybrid electric vehicle, and hybrid electric vehicle
An arrangement which prevents excessive engine speed, satisfies a driver's requested torque and protects a battery from overvoltage. A control apparatus provides a torque control to a hybrid electric vehicle, and calculates an engine speed final target so that an engine speed temporary target does not exceed an upper limit. In addition, the control recalculates an engine operating point target based on the calculated engine speed final target, and calculates an engine power final target based on the recalculated engine operating point target. An electrical power target is calculated and may not exceed an upper limit for battery charging and an upper limit for battery discharging. Engine torque is controlled based on the calculated engine operating point target (especially the engine torque final target). Motor generators are controlled to operate based on the calculated engine operating point target and electrical power target. |
| US09493120B2 |
Image generator
An image acquisition part acquires a plurality of shot images captured by a plurality of cameras disposed on a vehicle, each of the plurality of shot images showing a periphery of the vehicle. An image composer projects data of the plurality of shot images onto a virtual projection surface corresponding to the periphery of the vehicle, and generates a composite image showing the periphery of the vehicle viewed from a virtual viewpoint, using the data projected onto the virtual projection surface. The image composer uses, as the virtual projection surface, a special virtual projection surface that includes a curved area having an upward convex curve. The curved area includes an area where a distance from a location of the vehicle is relatively short and a slope is relatively high, and another area where the distance from the location of the vehicle is relatively long and the slope is relatively low. |
| US09493118B1 |
Cognitive driver assist with variable warning for automated vehicles
A cognitive-driver-assist system includes an object-detection device, an operator-detection device, and a controller. The object-detection device is operable to detect when an object is proximate to a host-vehicle. The operator-detection device is operable to determine when an operator of the host-vehicle is aware of the object. The controller is configured to output a warning-signal for the operator of the host-vehicle when the object-detection device detects the object. The warning-signal is characterized by a warning-intensity that is variable. The controller is configured to increase the warning-intensity when the operator is not aware of the object. |
| US09493113B2 |
Photoluminescent cargo area illumination
A vehicle illumination apparatus is disclosed. The illumination apparatus comprises a storage compartment forming an interior cavity disposed in a cargo area and a cover. The cover comprises a handle configured to facilitate access to the storage compartment from a closed position to an open position. The illumination apparatus further comprises at least one photoluminescent portion disposed proximate the storage compartment configured to illuminate at least a portion of the handle in the closed position. |
| US09493110B2 |
Vehicular headlamp
A vehicular headlamp has a light source portion that provides a low beam lighting mode, a high beam lighting mode, and a dimming lighting mode, a light source power supply portion that supplies to the light source portion a lighting current having a current value according to lighting mode, a light distribution mechanism portion that switches light distribution of illumination light by the light source portion according to the lighting mode, and a control portion that, at least in the dimming lighting mode, causes the light source power supply portion to supply lighting current having a second current value lower than a first current value for the low beam lighting mode. |
| US09493109B2 |
Method and control device for highlighting an expected movement path of a vehicle
A method for highlighting an expected movement path of a vehicle, the method including a step of determining a traffic situation using an item of information concerning a surrounding environment of the vehicle. In addition, the method includes a step of determining the expected movement path based on the traffic situation. In addition, the method includes a step of providing a control signal for controlling a roadway marking device using the movement path in order to highlight the expected movement path. |
| US09493104B2 |
Feeder trailer
In some embodiments, a trailer feeder system may include a trailer. The trailer may transport animals during use. The trailer may include a first container which contains, during use, animal feed. The first container may include a dispensing mechanism for dispensing feed in the first container to a surface adjacent the trailer. The trailer may include a transport ramp. The transport ramp may connect the first container to an opening in a cover. The transport ramp may include a plurality of openings. The trailer may include a second container which functions to contain animal feed. In some embodiments, the plurality of openings may be sized to allow feed of a predetermined size and smaller to be conveyed from the opening to the second container. In some embodiments, the trailer may include a transport mechanism which functions to elevate a bale of hay off of a surface. |
| US09493100B2 |
Chair for use in a vehicle
A chair for use with a vehicle is provided. The chair includes a base and a chair assembly slidably coupled to the base. The chair assembly includes a support frame, a seat coupled to the support frame, an upper back support coupled to the support frame, and a lower back support coupled to the support frame and independently rotatable with respect to the upper back support. |
| US09493092B2 |
Electric automobile
When a control device of an electric automobile carries out fixing control for fixing the energization or cut-off of semiconductor switches in each of at least one switching cycle, at least one cut-off control is implemented among a first cut-off control for cutting off both a power generation path and a power charging path of one power system, and a second cut-off control for cutting off all of the power generation paths or the power charging paths of all the power systems. When only the first cut-off control is implemented, the energization or the cut-off of the semiconductor switches is controlled so that the number of power systems, implementing the first cut-off control is N−1 {N being an integer of at least 2 representing the number of power supplies and semiconductor switches}. |
| US09493090B2 |
Dynamic battery system voltage control through mixed dynamic series and parallel cell connections
An electrified powertrain for a vehicle includes a battery system configured to switch individual battery modules between series, parallel, and bypassed connections, thereby eliminating the need for a DC-DC converter. The battery system is also configured to generate (via a set of drive switches) AC voltages for an electric motor, thereby eliminating the need for an inverter. Control methods for the electrified powertrain, which could be implemented in a controller of the vehicle, include controlling the switches of the battery system to maintain a constant desired output voltage during both discharging and recharging. The control methods also include controlling the series, parallel, and/or bypass switches of the battery system to bypass malfunctioning battery modules and/or to decrease the output voltage of the battery system below a voltage threshold that requires electrical isolation. |
| US09493089B2 |
Prediction of battery power requirements for electric vehicles
An efficient way of predicting the power requirements of electric vehicles is proposed based on a history of vehicle power consumption, speed and acceleration as well as road information. By using this information and the operator's driving pattern, a model extracts the vehicles history of speed and acceleration, which in turn enables the prediction of the vehicle's future power requirements. That is, the power requirement prediction is achieved by combining a real-time power requirement model and the estimation of vehicle's acceleration and speed. |
| US09493088B2 |
Electric automobile and integrated control system thereof
An integrated control system for an electric vehicle, comprising: an integrated driving and charge-discharge controller connected with a power battery via a high-voltage distribution box, connected with a motor and a charge-discharge socket respectively, and configured to drive the motor when the electric vehicle is in a driving mode and to control to charge and discharge the power battery via the charge-discharge socket when the electric vehicle is in a charge-discharge mode; an auxiliary high-voltage element connected with the power battery via the high-voltage distribution box; a first DC/DC module connected with the power battery via the high-voltage distribution box; and a controller connected with the high-voltage distribution box and configured to control the high-voltage distribution box so as to perform a pre-charging via the high-voltage distribution box before the integrated driving and charge-discharge controller, the auxiliary high-voltage element and the first DC/DC module are powered on. |
| US09493084B2 |
Source device and method for controlling magnetic field using two source resonators in wireless power transmission system
A source device and a method for controlling a magnetic field using two source resonators in a wireless power transmission system are provided. A device configured to control a magnetic field, includes resonators configured to form the magnetic field to transmit power to another device. The device further includes a magnetic field shape determining unit configured to determine a shape of the magnetic field. The device further includes a phase changing unit configured to change a phase of at least one of the resonators to form the magnetic field in the determined shape. |
| US09493082B1 |
Battery charging station
A method of operating an electric vehicle charging system utilizing a plurality of charging units and charging points and a vehicle charging system are disclosed. The method includes determining a rate of charge to be delivered to each vehicle and then allocating a respective portion of the total charging capacity of the charging station to each vehicle. |
| US09493081B2 |
Power supply system, vehicle equipped with the same, and control method for power supply system
A power conversion unit including a bidirectional converter, a sub DC-DC converter, and a main DC-DC converter selectively performs first power conversion converting power supplied from outside of a vehicle into charging power for a power storage unit, and second power conversion converting power stored in the power storage unit into output power to the outside of the vehicle. When charging of the power storage unit from the outside of the vehicle is performed in an emergency where power or a power amount to be output to the outside of the vehicle when the second power conversion is performed is requested to be greater than usual, the power conversion unit performs the first power conversion such that a state quantity indicating a state of charge of the power storage unit becomes greater than usual. |
| US09493079B2 |
Method and device for charging an energy store of a vehicle
When an energy store of a vehicle is charged via a charging device, a voltage (U) which is made available by the charging device, at a terminal of the vehicle, is measured. A charging current (I) which is made available by the charging device and which charges the energy store is regulated as a function of this voltage (U) in order to limit the power loss during charging. |
| US09493076B2 |
Rotating electric machine control system
A rotating electric machine control system having a power control unit equipped with a voltage converter and a controller. The controller is equipped with an operation unit having a time corrector for obtaining time from first and second timers with reference to an ignition signal and correcting a relative time difference between the timers. The operation unit obtains electric angles at a preset cycle after correcting time. A communicator obtains electric currents and voltages when obtaining the electric angles for generating a communication frame, and outputs the communication frame to the operation unit via the multiplex communication line. The operation unit simultaneously performs an operation for controlling an inverter and a booster converter based on the obtained electric currents, the voltages, and the electric angles, for reducing the number of communication lines between the power control unit and the controller without compromising controllability of the voltage converter. |
| US09493073B2 |
Device for displaying information in a hybrid vehicle
A device for displaying information in a hybrid vehicle has a display instrument which has a plurality of regions for displaying the current operating state of at least one internal combustion engine and at least one electric motor of the hybrid vehicle. The display instrument has a display region in which it is possible to display whether it is possible to drive the hybrid vehicle solely using the electric motor. |
| US09493072B2 |
Safety confirmation support system for vehicle driver and method for supporting safety confirmation of vehicle driver
In a driver's safety confirmation support system, a moving object detection section detects a moving object approaching to a vehicle in any of detection areas around a vehicle. When the moving object detection section detects the moving object in the detection area on a left side of the vehicle, a display control section controls a right display section provided in a right area relative to a driver's seat to display information regarding the moving object detected. When the moving object detection section detects the moving object in the detection area on a right side of the vehicle, the display control section controls a left display section provided in a left area relative to the driver's seat to display information regarding the moving object. |
| US09493070B2 |
Vehicle acceleration suppression device and vehicle acceleration suppression method
A total certainty factor indicating a total degree of certainty of the parking frame certainty degree and the parking frame entering certainty degree is calculated based on a parking frame certainty degree indicating the degree of certainty that a parking frame is present in a travel direction of a vehicle, and a parking frame entering certainty degree indicating the degree of certainty that the vehicle enters the parking frame. When the total certainty factor is low, acceleration of the vehicle controlled according to an operation amount of an accelerator pedal for instructing a driving force by operation of a driver is suppressed with a low suppression degree, as compared with a case where the total certainty factor is high. Further, the acceleration of the vehicle is suppressed at a low suppression degree according to the travel direction of the vehicle. |
| US09493069B2 |
Motor vehicle with disconnectable all-wheel drive system
A vehicle with a primary driveline that is configured to distribute rotary power to a first set of vehicle wheels and a power transmitting device that can be selectively operated to transmit rotary power to a secondary driveline. The power transmitting device has an input member, which is driven by the primary driveline, and an output member that is selectively coupled to the input member to receive rotary power therefrom. The secondary driveline comprises a differential, a pair of shafts, and a side shaft coupling that selectively interrupts power transmission between the differential and one of the shafts. |
| US09493063B2 |
Method to allow trickle-charging on a strong hybrid vehicle to balance accessory loads
A control-module implemented method for controlling a powertrain system comprising an internal combustion engine, at least one electric machine, a high-voltage battery and an electro-mechanical transmission operative to transmit torque to a driveline includes monitoring a state of charge (SOC) of a high-voltage battery configured to provide stored electrical power to a first electric machine, a second electric machine and at least one auxiliary load. A trickle-charging event is enabled only when the SOC of the high-voltage battery is less than a first SOC threshold. The trickle-charging event activates the first clutch coupled to a first planetary gear set. The trickle-charging event further coordinates a torque capacity of the activated first clutch and a charging set of torque commands between the engine, the first electric machine and the second electric machine to establish a net zero output torque condition. |
| US09493062B2 |
Vehicle drive device
A vehicle drive device comprising: an engine, a first electric motor, and a second electric motor disposed on a first axis; a first axis output portion outputting power of the first axis; a second axis input portion that is an input portion of a second axis to which power from the first axis output portion is input, the second axis being parallel to the first axis; a second axis output portion outputting power of the second axis; a transmission changing speed between the second axis input portion and the second axis output portion, the transmission being disposed on the second axis; and a third axis input portion that is an input portion of a third axis to which power from the second axis output portion is input, the third axis being parallel to the first axis, the first axis output portion, the second axis input portion, the second axis output portion, and the third axis input portion all being disposed between the first electric motor and the second electric motor in a direction of the first axis, the transmission including at least a first planetary gear device and a second planetary gear device, the second axis input portion and the second axis output portion being disposed between the first planetary gear device and the second planetary gear device in a direction of the second axis. |
| US09493053B2 |
Ventilation box for actuators
An air damper drive for adjusting at least one air damper, which is provided on a frame, between at least two different relative positions including an actuator having an actuator casing and a movement output member received therein, and further including a duct which is coupled in liquid-tight manner to the actuator and extends along a duct path (K) and has a duct sheath and a duct volume surrounded by the latter, wherein the duct sheath is coupled to the actuator casing in liquid-tight manner such that the duct volume communicates with an actuator inner volume that is surrounded by the actuator casing, and in that the air damper drive has an equalization casing to which the duct sheath is connected in liquid-tight manner such that the duct volume communicates with an equalization volume that is surrounded by the equalization casing. |
| US09493045B2 |
Method and apparatus for multilayer shear band reinforcement
A method is provided for reinforcement of a multiple layer shear band as may be used in a non-pneumatic tire. More particularly, a method of improving the performance characteristics (such as e.g., increasing the bending stiffness) of a shear band without increasing its thickness or to reducing the thickness of a shear band while maintaining its performance characteristics and to shear bands constructed according to such method is provided as well as shear bands constructed according to such method. |
| US09493044B2 |
Tire valve and molding seal for a tire valve
A tire valve having a valve body engaging in a rim bore of a rim, in particular vehicle rim, which valve body forms a lower valve body section arranged on a side of the rim, in particular in the rim interior, in the assembled state, and an upper valve body section projecting from the rim bore, and in the region of the upper valve body section is designed to cooperate with a union nut, wherein the lower valve body section forms a ring shoulder offering an abutment for a flat edge section of the rim bore, and in which a ring groove which is open to the edge section is molded, and against which the edge section can be gripped by tightening the union nut, and a molded seal made from resilient material is provided to seal the rim bore with respect to the valve body, so that in the assembled and gripped state, an annular chamber section of the molded seal engages in the ring groove and rests in sealing manner on the edge section of the rim bore. |
| US09493042B2 |
Method of venting a tire inflation system and control unit utilized therein
A method of venting a tire inflation system includes providing a housing and providing a first valve assembly within the housing. The first valve assembly venting a first fluid conduit disposed within the housing. A second valve assembly is provided and attached to the first fluid conduit. The second valve assembly venting a first fluid control circuit. |
| US09493041B2 |
Run-flat tire
The present invention relates to a run-flat tire employing a rubber composition capable of improving processability without reducing the durability during run-flat traveling. More specifically, the present invention relates to a run-flat tire comprising a bead filler 7 and a pair of side-reinforcing rubber layers 8. At least one of the bead filler 7 and the side-reinforcing rubber layer 8 employs a rubber composition obtained by adding 3 to 10 parts by mass of sulfur and 0.1 to 30 parts by mass of a low-molecular-weight conjugated diene-based polymer (B) having a weight average molecular weight in the range of 2,000 to 10,000, to 100 parts by mass of a rubber component (A) containing at least a natural rubber or polyisoprene rubber and having a weight average molecular weight in the range of 150,000 to 2,000,000. |
| US09493035B2 |
Flanged hub-bearing unit
A hub-bearing unit includes a bearing unit having a stationary radially outer ring, a rotatable radially inner ring, and a double row of rolling bodies. The first row of rolling bodies, are axially outwards, interposed between the radially outer ring and a rotor-hub. The rolling bodies centers are located along a radius of a first circle, respective to a hub-bearing unit symmetry axis. The second row of rolling bodies, axially inwards, being interposed between the radially outer ring and the radially inner ring. The radially inner ring is assembled on top of the rotatable rotor-hub. A flange portion is axially external and steadily fixed to a tubular portion of the rotor-hub. The flange includes a plurality of fixing holes, whose axes are located along a radius of a second circle, respective to the hub-bearing unit symmetry axis. The first circle radius is greater than the second circle radius. |
| US09493033B2 |
Aircraft wheel bearing arrangement
A bearing arrangement for an aircraft landing gear wheel is provided that effectively supports the wheel on an axle while maximizing internal wheel volume available for mounting a non-engine drive motor used to power the wheel and/or brakes or other structures within the maximized wheel volume. The bearing arrangement is preferably employed with a two-part aircraft wheel mounted on a landing gear axle and includes bearing structures located only on wheel sections adjacent to the axle. A specifically configured cantilevered joint portion of inboard and outboard wheel sections supports weight and loads bearing structures, eliminating the need for and space required by a high speed bearing. Stiffness necessary for strength and structural integrity is provided by the materials selected to form the wheel sections. |
| US09493031B2 |
Vehicle wheel
A vehicle wheel has a rim and spokes supporting the rim on a hub section. A clearance is formed between two mutually adjacent spokes and is covered by a flat covering element. In this case, the covering element, which is assigned to only one such clearance, is made of a fiber-reinforced synthetic material and, on an exterior side of the wheel, is glued onto the spokes which, on their mutually facing edges, have a slight step toward the interior side of the wheel, as well as onto the hub section which, in the area of this clearance on its side facing the rim, also has such a slight step. Not all clearances between two mutually adjacent spokes of the vehicle wheel are covered in such a manner. |
| US09493028B2 |
Rotating-operation type of writing tool
A rotating-operation type of writing tool is provided in which a front axial cylinder and a rear axial cylinder are separable and a tip portion of the writing tool is caused to protrude from a front portion of the front axial cylinder by a rotating operation of the rear axial cylinder. When the rear axial cylinder (3) is rotated, the cam cylinder (17) is also rotated, thereby the cam protrusion (18a) moves forward due to the functions of the cam groove (17a) and the slit (18b), so that the slider (18) moves forward to cause the writing body (14) to move forward against a biasing force by the biasing member (15). The slider (18) has the hollow body (18m), the coil spring (18c) and the flange body (18f). The O-ring (19) is provided on the outer circumference of the flange body (18f). |
| US09493024B2 |
System and method to derive structure from image
A method and system creates a printed substrate suitable for conversion into a three-dimensional object. A template generator identifies a printing template having die line data representing a cutting path and folding position data representing a folding path. Foreground image data representative of a first image is automatically applied the selected printing template to define a target location for the first image, and also to define a second die line around a portion of the target location to form a second cutting path based on the foreground image data. A printer prints the first image onto a substrate at the target location, a cutting device cuts the substrate along the first cutting path and the second cutting path, and a scoring device scores the substrate along the folding path to generate a printed substrate that will fold into a three-dimensional object. |
| US09493018B2 |
Printing apparatus with cut unit configured to cut a sheet according to an operator's instructions
A printing apparatus configured to perform printing on a sheet that is wound in a roll shape, the printing apparatus including: a feeding unit configured to feed a sheet that is drawn out of a roll sheet of a loaded sheet; a cut unit configured to cut the sheet fed by the feeding unit; and an operation unit configured to operate the feeding unit and the cut unit to function. The operation unit can operate the feeding unit and the cut unit to convey the sheet by an arbitrary amount and cut before the sheet is first printed. |
| US09493017B2 |
Modular print drive assembly and platen assembly
A modular print drive assembly and platen assembly are provided. The modular print drive assembly is structured for insertion and removal from a printer, the modular print drive assembly and includes a print drive housing defining a plurality of printer mount fasteners, a printhead coupled to and supported by the print drive housing, a platen latch assembly coupled to and supported by the print drive housing. The platen latch assembly is structured to removably receive a platen in position to define a nip between the platen and the printhead The modular print drive also includes a platen drive motor coupled to and supported by the print housing, wherein the platen drive motor is supported by the print housing in position to drive the platen upon receipt within the platen latch assembly. |
| US09493012B2 |
Apparatus for and method of ejecting droplets
A droplet ejecting apparatus includes a liquid filling chamber filled with a liquid, and a plurality of pressure chambers in communication with the liquid filling chamber and filled with the liquid. Each of the pressure chambers includes a communication port in communication with the liquid filling chamber, a pressure generating element for exerting pressure on the liquid which fills the interior of each pressure chamber, and a nozzle for ejecting the liquid in each pressure chamber therefrom in the form of droplets. A recovery controller brings the pressure generating element corresponding to the communication port included in a partial region of the liquid filling chamber into operation to cause the corresponding nozzle to eject the droplets. This produces a flow of the liquid directed toward the partial region in the liquid filling chamber to efficiently diffuse precipitable ingredients accumulating in the liquid filling chamber, thereby efficiently eliminating the accumulation of the precipitable ingredients in the liquid filling chamber in communication with the pressure chambers. |
| US09493011B2 |
Filling liquid for distribution of ink jet head, ink jet head, and distribution method for ink jet head
A filling liquid for distribution of an ink jet head of a thermal type, the filling liquid filling a nozzle flow path during distribution of the ink jet head, a hydrophilic region formed on a periphery of an ink discharge port having an opening area of from 100 to 350 μm2, the filling liquid including: an aqueous medium having at least a water-soluble organic compound and water as constituents; and a dye dissolved in the aqueous medium, a concentration of the dye in the filling liquid being 0.2 mass % or more and 1 mass % or less with respect to a total mass of the filling liquid and the concentration of the dye being equal to or less than saturation solubility with respect to the water-soluble organic compound, wherein the filling liquid has a surface tension of 25 mN/m or more and 34 mN/m or less. |
| US09493010B2 |
Liquid container
A liquid container includes a container portion configured to contain ink; an air chamber configured to contain the air that is introduced into the container portion; a first air introducing path configured to introduce the outside air into the air chamber; and a second air introducing path configured to introduce the air contained in the air chamber into the container portion. The first introducing port is located vertically above a liquid level in the air chamber of the ink flowing from the container portion into the air chamber, in a first attitude that the container portion and the air chamber are aligned in a direction intersecting with a vertical direction and that a first introducing port of the first air introducing path is located vertically above a delivery port of the second air introducing path. |
| US09493008B2 |
Printhead assembly with fluid interconnect cover
In one example implementation, a printhead assembly includes a fluid intake section, a fluid interconnect integrated with the fluid intake section to receive fluid from an ink supply assembly, and an air-permeable, fluid-resistant, fluid interconnect cover installed over the fluid interconnect. |
| US09493004B2 |
Liquid discharge apparatus and method for controlling the same
A liquid discharge apparatus comprises a head having a discharge port surface on which a discharge port is provided for discharging a liquid, and a liquid moving unit arranged apart from the discharge port surface and configured to be movable along the discharge port surface, wherein, the liquid moving unit moves a liquid on the discharge port surface to a collection position in which the discharge port is not provided, with a moving of the liquid moving unit. |
| US09493002B2 |
Printhead condition detection system
A fluid printhead including at least one fluid ejection element. The fluid ejection element includes a fluid chamber, a throat portion through which fluid is provided to the fluid chamber, and a heater element disposed within the fluid chamber. The fluid ejection element also includes a printhead condition detection system. The printhead condition detection system includes a first electrode at least a portion of which is disposed within the fluid chamber, the first electrode configured to receive a step voltage, a second electrode disposed within the throat portion, and a sense circuit electrically connected to the second electrode that generates an output based on the application of the step voltage to the first electrode as an indication of printhead condition. |
| US09492999B2 |
Drop detection methods and apparatus for use with drop dispensing apparatus
Drop detection are disclosed. An example liquid dispensing device includes a controller to control dispensing of a first drop from a first orifice and a second drop from a second orifice, a sensor to monitor the first orifice to detect at least one of a presence or an absence of a drop from the first orifice and, in response to the sensor detecting an absence of the first drop, the controller is to classify the first orifice as at least one of occluded or non-functioning. |
| US09492997B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head in which liquid is ejected from a nozzle as liquid droplets using a driving signal generated by a driving signal generation unit, wherein the driving signal generation unit fits a difference between a maximum voltage and a minimum voltage, and generates a first driving signal that is transmitted when an ambient temperature is within a predetermined low temperature range, and a second driving signal that is transmitted when the temperature is within a predetermined high temperature range, further the first and second driving signals include a first element that forms a liquid column by pressurizing the pressure chamber and projecting the liquid in the nozzle, and a second element that projects the pressure chamber in a projecting direction of the liquid column from a position where a liquid surface inside the nozzle is connected to an internal surface of the nozzle. |
| US09492995B2 |
Roll printing machine and method of roll printing using same
The present application relates to a roll printing apparatus and a roll printing method using the same, and the roll printing apparatus according to the present application comprises a printing roll support, a printing roll, a blanket which is provided on an outer surface of the printing roll, a coater which coats a surface of the blanket with ink, a cliche, and a printing object, in which the printing roll is provided to be fixed to the printing roll support so as to perform rotational motion, and the cliche is conveyed by the rotational motion of the printing roll. |
| US09492993B2 |
Chiplet display with multiple passive-matrix controllers
A display device includes a substrate having a display area; row electrodes formed over the substrate in the display area extending in a row direction and column electrodes formed over the substrate in the display area extending in a column direction different from the row direction, the row and column electrodes overlapping to form pixels; wherein the pixels are divided into two or more separate pixel groups, each pixel group having group row electrodes and separate group column electrodes; two or more spaced column driver chiplets located in the display area, each column driver chiplet uniquely connected to a different pixel group wherein in at least one of the column driver chiplets is located between pixel groups, and the two or more spaced column driver chiplets adapted to drive the group column electrodes of the one pixel group; and one or more row driver(s) connected to the row electrodes. |
| US09492991B2 |
Encapsulation of electrically energized articles
In one aspect the present invention relates to a method of making an encapsulated electrically energized device, the method comprising: providing a first layer and a second layer each independently comprising a copolyester, a polycarbonate, a polyacrylate, polycarbonate/polyester miscible blends, or mixtures thereof, providing the electrically energized between the first and second layer, thermocompressively fusing the first layer and the second layer to encapsulate the electrically energized device by applying pressure at a temperature, sufficient to form the article, to a perimeter of the surface of the first and second layers, wherein the perimeter does not overlap the electrically energized device, wherein the temperature at the interface of the first and second layers is equal to or greater than Tg of the first layer and the second layer, and wherein the polyester layers have a flow during encapsulation less than the flow that induces fractures in the electrically energized device. |
| US09492990B2 |
Room temperature glass-to-glass, glass-to-plastic and glass-to-ceramic/semiconductor bonding
A process for room temperature substrate bonding employs a first substrate substantially transparent to a laser wavelength is selected. A second substrate for mating at an interface with the first substrate is then selected. A transmissivity change at the interface is created and the first and second substrates are mated at the interface. The first substrate is then irradiated with a laser of the transparency wavelength substantially focused at the interface and a localized high temperature at the interface from energy supplied by the laser is created. The first and second substrates immediately adjacent the interface are softened with diffusion across the interface to fuse the substrates. |
| US09492979B2 |
Filament wound inflators
An apparatus for filament wrapping a composite material around an object includes a fixture onto which the object can be rotationally fixed at a selected angle from vertical designated α, where 90°>α>0°. The fixture is secured to a rotatable planar platform. The rotatable platform permits the fixture to be rotated about an axis perpendicular to the planar platform. An eyelet is provided wherethrough a composite material filament can be released to wrap the object rotationally fixed onto the fixture. Also provided are corresponding or associated methods for filament wrapping a composite material around an object and helically wrapping a composite material filament around an inflator device subassembly. |
| US09492976B2 |
Sealant bottle for tire repair of vehicle
The present invention relates to a tire repair tool and further discloses a sealant bottle for tire repair of vehicle. The sealant bottle comprises a bottle body for holding sealant and a sealant hose arranged within the bottle body. The sealant within the bottle body is led out by combination of the sealant hose and a connection tube of sealant bottle. The sealant hose is connected with a one-way valve at one end. The one-way valve includes a valve body, a sealing plug and a valve cover, while the valve cover is arranged at one end of the valve body. The one-way valve is arranged with a gravitational shell which surrounds the one-way valve. In the present invention, it is possible to make full use of the sealant inside the sealant body by virtue of the gravitational shell. Besides, the sealant bottle is easy in structure and convenient in usage. |
| US09492974B2 |
Method for producing a fiber composite component for aviation and spaceflight
A method for producing a fiber composite component, in particular for aerospace, includes the following method steps: introducing an elastic core sleeve into a prestressing mechanism; expanding the core sleeve that is introduced, for elastic prestressing of the same, by activating the prestressing mechanism; introducing a core body through an opening of the expanded core sleeve; releasing the core sleeve by deactivating the prestressing mechanism, for the snug enclosing of the core body by the core sleeve and thus for the forming of the molding core (14); and at least partly laying at least one semifinished fiber product on the molding core that is formed, for the shaping of the fiber composite component to be produced. |
| US09492970B2 |
Method for manufacturing the impeller of a centrifugal compressor
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing the impeller of a centrifugal, that is, a radial compressor or radial blower, said impeller being mounted directly on the shaft of an electric motor. An essential feature of the invention is that the composite material impeller is made using an RTM process, wherein the RTM mold has a core and accurately trimmed fabrics placed therein in such a manner that the fabric layers, or preforms, are pulled onto the core thus achieving a maximally optimized use of materials in the structure. |
| US09492968B2 |
Three-dimensional powder molding
A system and a method of fabricating a complex three dimensional part are described. The system comprises a rapid prototyping machine configured to provide a disposable mold having a negative imprint of a complex three dimensional structure, a mixer, an injection molding machine, and a furnace system. A slurry comprising a powder and a binder is introduced into the disposable mold, the binder is cured, the disposable mold is removed, and the binder is removed, leaving an intact cured structure. The cured structure is sintered to fabricate the complex three dimensional part. |
| US09492964B2 |
Method for producing inorganic substance powder highly-oriented thin film sheet
The problem addressed by the invention lies in providing a method for producing an inorganic substance powder highly-oriented thin film sheet with which it is possible to produce a sheet of uniform thickness while preventing the generation of impurities, improving sheet surface properties, adjusting apparent specific gravity, and the like. The method for producing a thin film sheet comprises a step for preparing a predetermined inorganic substance powder, thermoplastic resin, and auxiliary agent, a step for exposing the starting materials mixed at a predetermined mixture ratio to high shear stress while kneading, a step for feeding the kneaded starting materials to a T die-type extrusion molding device and molding a sheet, and a step for adjusting the apparent gravity as desired by stretching under predetermined conditions. |
| US09492963B2 |
Process for making tailored polyetheylene resins for sheets
This invention relates to coupling of polyethylene resins, more specifically coupling of polyethylene resins for use in extruded profiles, especially extruded profiles for sheet extrusion and cut sheet thermoforming applications and geomembranes. The process involves conveying a HDPE resin through an extruder, wherein the extruder comprises a feed zone, a first melt zone downstream of the feed zone, a second melt zone downstream of the first melt zone, and a third melt zone downstream of the second melt zone. The resin is melted in the first zone, contacted with oxygen in the second melt zone, and contacted antioxidant in the third melt zone. |
| US09492959B2 |
Self-balancing hot runner with independent flow and pressure control
The present invention relates to a method for use in injection molding with the capability to have precise and adjustable control of the molten plastic flow when molding at least two (2) non-identical (i.e. with more than 50% difference in weight or form) or identical complex-shaped and intricate plastic parts at the same time, utilizing a mold with at least two (2) parting layers via a standard conventional injection machine. This invention incorporates the principle of having two (2) valve pins in which their movements are back-to-back and can be independently opened and closed as controlled by stepper, servo or linear motors linked to a separate independent tool controller. The two (2) valve pins are positioned at the floating half of the mold for sequential, stack or multi-layer mold with multiple cavities. |
| US09492958B2 |
Case having speaker mesh module and manufacturing method thereof
A case having a speaker mesh module and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The case includes a base, a speaker mesh module and a combination member. The base is formed with a filling port and an opening in which the speaker mesh module is correspondingly placed. The speaker mesh module is formed with a buckle part and a sound output part. The combination member is secured on the base through the filling port with an injection molding means and served to cover the speaker mesh module. The combination member is formed with a combining part mutually fastened with the buckle part and a penetrated hole corresponding to the sound output part. Accordingly, the speaker mesh module is able to be sealed in the opening with a means other than adhering, thereby allowing the case to be provided with a stable and excellent waterproof performance. |
| US09492956B2 |
Three-dimensional image forming apparatus and three-dimensional image forming method
A three-dimensional image forming apparatus and a three-dimensional image forming method convert a specific portion selectively extracted from an image to be printed into an image of a color having a high thermal energy absorptivity, print the conversion image on a foaming layer side surface or a back face of a thermally expandable sheet, and form a three-dimensional image by irradiating light on the thermally expandable sheet from a light/heat irradiator having a light/heat irradiation temperature of a first body part lower than that of a second body part, in which an image density of an area in the conversion image of the specific portion corresponding to the first body part is controlled to be higher than an image density of an area in the conversion image of the specific portion corresponding to the second body part when the conversion image is printed on the thermally expandable sheet. |
| US09492954B2 |
Method of manufacturing plate-shaped bonded body, bonding device, and plate-shaped bonded body
A method for quickly applying and spreading adhesive between substrates without leaving air bubbles. The method includes holding two substrates apart from each other with adhesive sides facing, a second substrate being positioned above a first substrate. The second substrate is suspended in a manner so as to cause a portion to warp towards the first substrate. After a liquid filler is applied between the two substrates, rollers are lowered onto the second substrate and moved so as to disperse the liquid filler between the first and second substrates. In accordance with the rolling of the rollers, end portions of the second substrate are lowered towards the first substrate. |
| US09492950B2 |
Plastic preform
A preform (1) of plastic material for manufacturing bottles through a blow-moulding process includes a substantially cylindrical central body (3) having an open end (2) and a closed end (4). In correspondence of the central area of the closed end (4) there is provided a hollow appendix (5), projecting outwards of the preform, capable of internally housing the tip end of a stretching rod of the preform (1). Both the hollow appendix (5) and the remaining side portion of the closed end (4) of the preform may be spherical, conical, elliptical or parabolic. |
| US09492946B2 |
System for utilizing recycled asphalt pavement and methods thereof
A method for utilizing recycled asphalt is provided. In exemplary embodiments, the method may comprise: mixing input feed with at least one of an asphalt rejuvenator and virgin liquid asphalt in a pre-coater/mixer; allowing the at least one of the asphalt rejuvenator and the virgin liquid to soften residual asphalt in the input feed and encapsulate any fine particles; discharging the mixture into a spiral section; feeding the mixture into a rotary dryer comprising a counterflow zone and a temperature elevation zone; activating the drying process and directing a heated air stream into the rotary dryer through a rotating chamber; allowing a portion of the heated air to escape through the counterflow zone and into the temperature elevation zone; liberating surface moisture from the mixture along with a portion of the heated air via an outlet; processing the exhaust from the system; and discharging a finished mixture. |
| US09492945B2 |
Carbon dioxide treatment of concrete upstream from product mold
Fresh concrete is treated with carbon dioxide prior to delivery to a product mold for forming concrete products. Carbon dioxide gas is directed through a manifold, which may be coupled to a feedbox or a hopper, upstream from the product mold. Treating the fresh concrete with the carbon dioxide gas while it is in a loose state prior to placement in the product mold may generally promote uniform and enhanced carbon dioxide uptake. |
| US09492942B2 |
Material forming apparatus
A material forming apparatus is disclosed herein having a plurality of bed arms or members, a plurality of clamps connected to the bed arms or members and positioned to receive a piece of material to be formed, and the bed arms or members are movable to bend the piece of material to be formed into a desired shape. |
| US09492940B2 |
Stationery punching device for creating a decorative craft
A stationery punching device for creating a decorative craft that includes a die support frame, a punch guiding frame aligned with the die support frame, a punch, a pivot seat connected to at least one of ends of the die support frame and the punch guiding frame, an operating lever pivoted to the pivot seat, and an urging member for urging the punch. The pivot seat is spaced apart from the punch guiding frame by first and second slits, so that when an upward pulling force acts on the pivot seat, the upward pulling force cannot be transmitted from the pivot seat directly to the two sides and one end of the punch guiding frame. |
| US09492938B2 |
Lifting device for stripping and blanking operations
A deflectable lifting device can be mounted to a frame, work surface or other support in a material conveyance system. The device can have a base mounted in the support, and a bendable arm arranged in the pathway of the conveyance system. When a sheet or web of material travels over the deflectable lifting device, the bendable arm can bend and deflect downwardly, but still contact and lift the sheet or web, providing a small margin of elevation or lift to the sheet or web. The sheet or web can therefore be elevated above edges, holes, or other obstructions in the pathway that could jam or snag the delivery of the material. |
| US09492931B2 |
Utility knife
A utility knife includes a handle, a blade assembly secured to the handle, a blade cover mechanically coupled to the handle facilitating manipulability of the blade cover to an extended position over the blade assembly, and a slider that is repositionable along the handle to release the blade cover from the extended position, the slider being pivotally coupled to the blade assembly. |
| US09492929B1 |
Flat gripper actuator
Examples described here include a device that has a housing defining a cavity, and a force sensor. The device also includes a first hydraulic actuator positioned in the cavity, and a second hydraulic actuator positioned in the cavity. The first and second hydraulic actuators move between respectively relaxing modes and thrusting modes along respective longitudinal axes. The longitudinal axis of the first hydraulic actuator is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second hydraulic actuator. The device also includes a first actuated member coupled to the first hydraulic actuator, and a second actuated member coupled to the second hydraulic actuator. |
| US09492928B2 |
Interconnected phalanges for robotic gripping
A robotic gripping device allows for pinch and power grasps using interconnected phalanges with configurable connections. A distal phalange is rotatably connected to a proximal phalange. A contact phalange is rotatably connected to the proximal phalange. The contact phalange is rotatably connected to the distal phalange via a contact-distal pivot or rotation connection. In response to sufficient contact between the contact phalange and an object, the contact phalange is configured to rotate in a first direction toward the proximal phalange. The rotation of the contact phalange causes rotation of the distal phalange in a second direction toward the object. The contact-distal connection may be a configurable gear connection for adjusting the movement ratio of the contact and distal phalanges. |
| US09492924B2 |
Moveable apparatuses having robotic manipulators and conveyors to facilitate object movement
Example embodiments provide for robotic apparatuses that facilitate moving objects within an environment, such as to load or unload boxes or to construct or deconstruct pallets (e.g., from a container or truck bed). One example apparatus includes a horizontal conveyor and a robotic manipulator that are both provided on a moveable cart. A first end of the robotic manipulator is mounted to the moveable cart and a second end of the robotic manipulator has an end effector, such as a grasper. The apparatus also includes a control system configured to receive sensor data indicative of an environment containing a plurality of objects, and then cause the robotic manipulator to place an object from the plurality of objects on the horizontal conveyor. |
| US09492923B2 |
Generating robotic grasping instructions for inventory items
Robotic arms may be utilized to grasp inventory items within an inventory system. Information about an inventory item to be grasped can be detected and used to determine a grasping strategy in conjunction with information from a database. Instructions for grasping an inventory item can be generated based on the detected information and the database. |
| US09492921B2 |
Robot controller having detachable teaching pendant
A robot controller for ensuring safety of an operator, which is capable of reducing operational cost by avoiding unnecessary emergency stop of a robot. A teaching pendant has an emergency stop button for interrupting drive power for the robot, and a main body of the controller has a signal part which receives an emergency stop signal from the teaching pendant when the emergency stop button is pushed, and a power interrupting part which interrupts the drive power for the robot when the signal part receives the emergency stop signal under a predetermined condition. Until a first predetermined period of time has passed after a connection/disconnection switch is operated, the power interrupting part does not interrupt the drive power when a connection-recognition signal representing that the teaching pendant is connected to the main body is not generated, even when the emergency stop signal is input from the teaching pendant. |
| US09492920B2 |
Control apparatus and control method for master-slave robot, master-slave robot, control program for master-slave robot, and integrated electronic circuit for controlling master-slave robot
A master motion information obtaining unit obtains at least one or more pieces of master motion information including a position, a posture, a speed, and an angular velocity of a master arm mechanism. A physical information obtaining unit obtains physical information of an operator including an arm weight of the operator. A master motion information correcting unit generates corrected master motion information where an amount of correction of the master motion information is corrected such that heavier the arm weight of the operator included in the physical information, larger a movement of a slave arm. A slave controller controls a slave arm mechanism, according to the corrected master motion information. |
| US09492918B2 |
Anti-off structure of tool box
An anti-off structure of a tool box is provided. The tool box includes a first cover and a second cover pivoted with and correspondingly coverable on each other on a side thereof The first cover has a pivoting base, and the second cover has a clasping base. The anti-off structure includes an engaging member and a positioning member. The engaging member includes an engaging portion, and an end thereof is pivoted to the pivoting base via a pivoting connection mechanism; therefore, the engaging portion is buckleable with the clasping base when the first and second covers cover on each other. The positioning member is connected with the pivoting connection mechanism and the pivoting base to positionably restrict the pivoting connection mechanism. |
| US09492917B2 |
Multi-function hopper gun stand/tool holder/work platform
An apparatus includes a frame having a generally trapezoidal shape with a front side and a back side. The frame includes two pairs of legs in which each pair comprises a top joining rail. A base bar joins the two pairs at bottom ends on the front side. The top joining rails are operable for supporting a hopper of a texture gun. A hinged work surface has is rotatably joined to the frame between the top joining rails. The hinged work surface is rotatable from a first position, where the hinged work surface rests on top of the joining rails, to a second position where the hinged work surface hangs downward between the pairs of legs. A stretcher joins the legs at a distance above the base bar where an open side of the stretcher faces the front side and the distance is chosen to be above typical construction debris. |
| US09492915B2 |
High efficiency engine for combustion nailer
A combustion tool is provided, including an engine with a ratio of cylinder volume to combustion chamber volume of at least 1.1. |
| US09492909B2 |
Low pressure polishing method and apparatus
A low pressure, low speed concrete polishing apparatus and method of cleaning and polishing a floor a polishing pad and interchangeable polymer strips. The interchangeable polymer strips are slideably received within the housing of the pad. The polymer strips have an abrasive material embedded therein which collectively work to polish the floor while cleaning the floor during normal speed floor cleaning conditions. |
| US09492907B2 |
Surface media blasting system and method
The system delivers media blasting material to an interior surface of a large storage tank comprises a substantially upright support structure secured to the surface to be blasted. The upright support structure is preferably vertical. A frame extends across the upright support structure. An extendable arm is affixed to the frame at a section. The section is securely and pivotably attached to the section in such a way to enable the arm to rotate freely inside the large storage tank, so that the blaster secured at the end of the extendable arm can blast the entire interior surface of the large storage tank while the upright support structure remains in place. A robot blaster is positioned at the end of the extendable arm and performs the media blasting. A work station is located nearby the site of the large storage tank and controls the position of the extendable arm relative to the interior surface being blasted via a processor and the operation of the blasting delivery system. The surfaces to be blasted may also include the exterior surface of all types of large storage tanks and structures, ship hulls, exterior and interior building wall surfaces. |
| US09492905B2 |
Retaining ring with selected stiffness and thickness
A retaining ring for holding a substrate below a carrier head during chemical mechanical polishing includes an annular lower portion and an annular upper portion secured to the lower portion. The annular lower portion has a main body with a bottom surface for contacting a polishing pad during polishing, and is a first material. A top surface of the upper portion is configured to be secured to the carrier head. The upper portion is a second material that is more rigid than the first material. A thickness and stiffness of the lower portion is selected for a particular polishing environment to improve polishing uniformity near an edge of the substrate. |
| US09492903B2 |
Automatic tool storing mechanism
An automatic tool storing mechanism has a plurality of main magazines, transporting apparatus, and a tool exchanging arm. Each main magazine holds a large number of pots with tools. The transporting apparatus transports the pots with tools one by one between the main magazine and the waiting position close to the main spindle. The tool exchanging arm takes out an unused or preused pot with tool which is waiting at the waiting position and attaches it to the main spindle and also removes the used tool from the main spindle and places it in the pot. |
| US09492902B2 |
Machine tool
A machine tool includes a base column having a base portion and a column portion provided on the base portion, a first saddle supported behind the column portion and movable in a left-right direction, a second saddle supported on the first saddle and movable in a vertical direction, a spindle unit supported on the second saddle and movable in a front-back direction, a pair of X-axis guide mechanisms for guiding movements of the first saddle in the left-right direction, a pair of Y-axis guide mechanisms for guiding movements of the second saddle in the vertical direction, and a pair of Z-axis guide mechanisms for guiding movements of the spindle unit in the front-back direction. |
| US09492901B2 |
Optical measurement of fastener preload
A fastener comprises a head, and a shank having an outer surface and an axially-extending channel in the outer surface. Optically transmissive, strain-sensitive fills the channel. |
| US09492898B2 |
Refrigerator including a refrigerant pipe assembly and manufacturing method thereof
A refrigerator in which a refrigerant pipe assembly including a refrigerant pipe and a refrigerant pipe insulator coupled to the refrigerant pipe is inserted into an inner case in an inward direction from an outside of the inner case through an opening of the inner case. A portion of the refrigerant pipe insulator is disposed in the ice making chamber, and a remaining portion of the refrigerant pipe insulator is disposed between the inner case and the outer case. The refrigerant pipe insulator portion disposed between the inner case and the outer case is supported by a body insulator foamed between the inner case and the outer case. In accordance with this structure, it is possible not only to insulate the refrigerant pipe, but also to easily insert the refrigerant pipe into the ice making chamber and to keep the refrigerant pipe in a firmly-supported state. |
| US09492897B2 |
Blank and method of manufacturing rack shaft using the same
A blank is provided with a first shaft portion, a second shaft portion, and a machining target portion. The machining target portion is formed at a position closer to a shaft end portion of the first shaft portion than a shaft end portion of the second shaft portion. A first large-volume portion is formed at the first end portion of the machining target portion close to the first shaft portion, and a second large-volume portion is formed at the second end portion of the machining target portion close to the second shaft portion, respectively. The volumes per unit length of the first and second large-volume portions are greater than the volume per unit length of the intermediate portion in the axial direction of the machining target portion. Furthermore, the volume of the second large-volume portion is greater than the overall volume of the first large-volume portion. |
| US09492890B2 |
Laser machining device
There is proposed a laser machining device (10) for a laser workpiece machining operation, having a laser (14) for producing laser radiation (50), and having at least two laser tools (18, 18′), to which the laser radiation (50) can be supplied by means of an optical-fiber cable (16). According to the invention, the optical-fiber cable (16) has an input-side end (20) having at least two optical fiber cores (22, 22′) and a plurality of output-side ends (26, 26′) each having one of the optical fiber cores (22, 22′), the optical fiber cores (22, 22′) each being connected to one of the laser tools (18, 18′). A switching device (28) is preferably provided for selectively coupling the laser radiation (50) in one or more of the optical fiber cores (22, 22′) of the optical-fiber cable (16). |
| US09492889B2 |
Laser processing machine
A processing machine includes mirrors and to reflect a beam L oscillated from a laser oscillator to a predetermined surface on which a workpiece is arranged, optical axis operating mechanisms and to position an optical axis of the beam L at a desired target irradiation position by changing directions of the mirrors and, a camera sensor to capture an image of the target irradiation position and its periphery reflected in the mirror, and an error calibration mechanism to detect an error between the target irradiation position instructed to the optical axis operating mechanisms and an actual position of the optical axis of the beam L in the predetermined surface by referring to the image captured by the camera sensor. A correction amount to the optical axis operating mechanisms and is determined based on the error to irradiate the target irradiation position with the beam L during processing. |
| US09492888B2 |
Welding position detecting apparatus and welding position detecting method for laser beam welding
A welding position detecting apparatus for laser beam welding includes: an imaging device that captures, at a predetermined time interval, images of an irradiated portion of a welding material irradiated with a welding laser beam, and a surrounding area thereof, of a welding material; an image processing device that identifies a position of the irradiated portion irradiated with the welding laser beam by performing image processing calculating, from two or more images acquired by the imaging device, a direction and an amount of parallel movement of points in the images; and a display device that displays the position of the irradiated portion irradiated with the welding laser beam, the position being identified by the image processing device. |
| US09492886B2 |
Method and device for monitoring a laser processing operation to be performed on a workpiece and laser processing head having such a device
A method for monitoring a laser machining operation to be performed on a workpiece by detecting at least two current measured valued by at least one sensor which monitors the laser machining operation and determining at least two current characteristic values from the at least two current measured value, wherein the at least two current characteristic values jointly represent a current fingerprint in a characteristic value space and providing a predetermined point set in a characteristic value space, and classifying the laser machining operation by\detecting the position of the current fingerprint relative to the predetermined point set in the characteristic value space. |
| US09492882B2 |
Plasma cutting method and plasma cutting apparatus
The present invention relates to a cutting method for cutting an upper edge and a lower edge of a cutting plane into a curved shape, when a cutting object is cut by supplying plasma gas to the periphery of an electrode of a plasma torch and ejecting plasma arc from a nozzle. In order to melt the upper edge and the lower edge of the cutting plane to form a curved shape, at least one condition selected from plural conditions including a cutting electric current, cutting speed, height of a plasma torch, angle of the plasma torch, and flow rate of plasma gas upon performing the vertical cutting for forming the upper edge and the lower edge of the cutting object substantially at right angles is changed. |
| US09492880B2 |
Welding power supply with digital controller
A welding power supply including power conversion circuitry adapted to receive a primary source of power, to utilize one or more power semiconductor switches to chop the primary source of power, and to convert the chopped power to a welding output is provided. The provided welding power supply includes a pulse width modulated (PWM) digital controller including gate drive circuitry that generates a PWM output signal that controls the switching of the one or more power semiconductor switches. The PWM output signal includes a duty cycle term corrected for one or more sources of error in the welding system. |
| US09492879B2 |
Method for controlling a welder
A method for controlling a welder including a fusible electrode stores the values of the welding parameters required for a welding process in a storage device and saves the values as so-called characteristic curves through at least one support point per characteristic curve. A working point is set by a value for the heat input into a workpiece and a value for the wire feed speed. Upon adjustment of any of the values to a welding application the other value is kept constant by a calculation method designed such that a plurality of characteristic curves that are compatible with one another are combined to form a characteristic curve field per welding process and the welding parameters of all support points of the characteristic curves of the characteristic curve field are saved according to defined values of specific welding parameters. |
| US09492878B2 |
Toolset and method for producing a metal liner
A method and a toolset for manufacturing a metal liner for a composite vessel includes a mandrel configured in several mandrel elements forming support elements of primary parts constituting the metal liner. |
| US09492876B2 |
Coupling device and cutting tool
A coupling device couples a first member and a second member. The coupling device includes: two protruding portions provided on the first member; a through hole formed to pass through the second member; two reception holes provided in the second member and each formed to connect to the through hole; and a fixing member having a first pressing portion and a second pressing portion. The fixing member is configured to, when being disposed in the through hole, change a distance between the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion due to application of a force to one end portion of the fixing member. The first pressing portion and the second pressing portion are formed to exert a fixing force on either corresponding one of the two protruding portions received in the two reception holes. |
| US09492873B2 |
Clamp mechanism of cutting insert, cutting tool, cutting insert, and clamp member
A clamp mechanism includes a plug element (24) extending from a main section of a first member of a clamp member (20) and a cutting insert (1), and a concave portion (5) extending inside a second member. The plug element (24) and the concave portion (5) each include a swollen section (24a, 5a) having a first dimension in a width direction, and a narrow section (24b, 5b) disposed in an area closer to the main section of the first member than the swollen section (24a, 5a) and having a second dimension smaller in the width direction than the swollen section (24a, 5a). The narrow section (5b) of the concave portion (5) interferes with the swollen section (24a) of the plug element (24) to suppress separation of the cutting insert (1) in the guide direction (A) from the clamp member (20). |
| US09492872B2 |
Surface-modified, WC-based cemented carbide member, hard-coated, WC-based cemented carbide member, and their production methods
The ion bombardment of Cr, etc. onto a surface of a WC-based cemented carbide substrate in a nitrogen-based gas forms a modified phase having a bcc structure on the substrate surface, and a hard coating containing at least Cr formed thereon has high adhesion to the substrate by the modified phase. |
| US09492869B2 |
Double-alloy NdFeB rare earth permanent magnetic material and manufacturing method thereof
A double-alloy NdFeB rare earth permanent magnetic material and manufacturing method thereof are provided. The method comprises respectively melting an A1 alloy comprising heavy rare earth such as Dy, Tb, Ho and Gd as well as an A2 alloy comprising light rare earth such as La, Ce, Pr and Nd; mixing the A1 alloy and the A2 alloy by a two-dimensional or three-dimensional mixer with a ratio of A1/A2=0˜0.5 under protection of nitrogen; producing powder in a jet mill after mixing; collecting fine powder; putting and mixing the powder and the fine powder in the two-dimensional or three-dimensional mixer; putting into a magnetic field pressing machine for pressing under the protection of the nitrogen after mixing and producing permanent magnetic products by sintering, aging, etc. The present invention can obviously decrease rare earth utilization and increase a magnetic energy product and coercivity of the rare earth permanent magnet. |
| US09492868B2 |
Process for producing a lead-free sliding bearing material
In a process for producing a lead-free sliding bearing material, a material which is based on copper and contains iron and phosphorous is atomized to form a powder. |
| US09492865B2 |
Take out device of wheel die casting machine
The present invention provides a take out device of the wheel die casting machine, consisting of a guide sleeve, a guide post, a cylinder, a motor, a fixture and a bearing seat, etc. When in use, the take out device provided by the present invention can stably receive the wheels produced by die-casting and then remove the four joint flashes, so that the problems that the wheel directly drops onto a tray to cause knock damage on the facade and the flashes become hard and are difficult to be removed after the wheel is cooled by dipping in water are solved, and meanwhile, the take out device has the advantages of simple structure, low manufacturing cost and safe and stable performance. |
| US09492864B2 |
Mold apparatus for casting cylinder block
A mold apparatus for casting a cylinder block having a cast-in cylinder liner by installing the cylinder liner inside a cavity and pouring a melt into the cavity, the mold apparatus includes a first mold and a bore pin. The first mold defines a deck surface of the cylinder block. The bore pin is in the first mold so as to hold the cylinder liner inside the cavity when the mold is closed. The bore pin is configured to hold the cylinder liner interposed by a gap, and the gap is arranged so as to enable gas produced during the cast-molding to be discharged therethrough. |
| US09492860B2 |
Tube end molding method
The present invention provides a tube end molding method comprising: a tube shrinking step for forming a tapered portion and a small diameter tube portion at one end of an original tube; a preparing step for preparing a holding die having an original tube bore and a tube expanding bore; and a tube expanding step including a first step for mounting the original tube at the original tube bore of the holding die, a second step for folding the small diameter tube portion inside the original tube beginning at the tapered portion, and a third step for pressing the folded portion against an inner wall of the tube expanding bore. |
| US09492857B2 |
Hand held flaring tool
A hand held flaring tool includes a receiving portion for receiving an end of a tube, a stop element, a locking mechanism and a flaring mechanism. The stop element is movably disposed at the receiving portion and is movable between a stopping position, where the stop element limits insertion of the tube at the receiving portion to set the tube at an appropriate location for flaring the end of the tube, and a flaring position, where the stop element is moved to a position remote from the end of the tube. The locking mechanism is operable to lock the tube at the receiving portion when the tube is inserted into engagement with the stop element. The flaring mechanism is operable to move a flaring mandrel towards and into engagement with the end of the tube to flare the end of the tube. |
| US09492856B2 |
Element wire, electric wire and process for producing element wire
An element wire, an electric wire including the element wire or the element wires, and a process for producing an element wire are provided, by which ductility of a core wire consisting of the element wires can be improved. The element wire is made of metal, at least one element wire being coated with an electrically insulating coating so as to constitute an electric wire. The crystal grains constituting the entire element wire are fine isometric grains. In the process for producing the element wire, an electrically conductive material is subjected to drawing so as to reduce a diameter of the material and subsequently subjected to successive bending along a longitudinal direction of the material. |
| US09492854B2 |
Food waste management system
A food waste management system includes a tank having an internal chamber for containing food waste and sufficient water for fully submersing the food waste. The system further includes a water supply system for supplying water to the internal chamber, a gas supply system for supplying a gas to the internal chamber, a discharge system for discharging water and food waste from the internal chamber, a grinder system for grinding the food waste, the grinder system being disposed in the internal chamber to be fully submersed in the water, a circulation system disposed in the internal chamber for circulating water and food waste and a control system for controlling operation of the food waste management system in accordance with a desired control process. The system further includes a nutrient additive to be supplied to the internal chamber in predetermined amounts at predetermined intervals. |
| US09492842B2 |
Cell culture membrane, cell culture substrate, and method for manufacturing cell culture substrate
Provided is: a cell culture membrane, which is free from materials derived from living organisms, can easily be industrially mass-produced, exhibits superior long-term storage properties and chemical resistance, has excellent cell adhesion properties and long-term culture properties and is capable of replicating a cell adhesion morphology that is similar to that of collagen derived from living organisms and being used for conventional cell cultivation. Also provided are a cell culture substrate, and a method for manufacturing the cell culture substrate. In the present invention, as a cell adhesion layer, a polymer membrane represented by formula (I) is formed on the base of a cell culture substrate so as to have a membrane thickness equal to or greater than 0.2 μm (in the formula, R1 and R2 represent a —(CH2)n—NH2 moiety (n is an integer of 1-10 inclusive.) or H, with at least one of R1 and R2 being a —(CH2)n—NH2 moiety. Moreover, l and m are positive integers expressing polymerization degree). |
| US09492841B2 |
Method for pore sealing of porous materials using polyimide langmuir-blodgett film
Method for pore sealing a porous substrate, comprising: forming a continuous monolayer of a polyimide precursor on a liquid surface, transferring said polyimide precursor monolayer onto the porous substrate with the Langmuir-Blodgett technique, and imidization of the transferred polyimide precursor monolayers, thereby forming a polyimide sealing layer on the porous substrate. Porous substrate having at least one surface on which a sealing layer is provided to seal pores of the substrate, wherein the sealing layer is a polyimide having a thickness of a few monolayers and wherein there is no penetration of the polyimide into the pores. |
| US09492840B2 |
Methods of removing surface ligand compounds
A method for removing an organic ligand from a surface of a particle including: obtaining a particle having an organic ligand disposed on a surface thereof; contacting the particle with an alkylammonium salt represented by Chemical Formula 1: NR′4+A− Chemical Formula 1 wherein groups R′ are the same or different and are each independently hydrogen or a C1 to C20 alkyl group, provided that at least one group R′ is an alkyl group, and A is a hydroxide anion, a halide anion, a borohydride anion, a nitrate anion, a phosphate anion, or a sulfate anion; and heat-treating the particle to carry out a reaction between the alkylammonium salt and the organic ligand. |
| US09492836B2 |
Coating module
A coating module is suitable to coat a liquid onto a substrate and includes two plates and a diversion structure, in which there is a slot between the plates, and the slot has a slot inlet and a slot outlet, and one of the plates has an injecting port. The diversion structure makes the injecting port communicated with the slot inlet, in which the liquid is configured to enter the diversion structure via the injecting port, and flow to the slot inlet through the diversion structure, then flow into the slot via the slot inlet and then outflows from the slot via the slot outlet to be coated onto the substrate. |
| US09492830B2 |
Method of producing a dispenser, dispenser, and mould therefor
A perforated plate produced as a plastics component by injection moulding, there being provided for this purpose a mould with two mould halves which together define a cavity filled with plastics material during injection moulding, wherein the first mould half has a planar abutment surface directed towards the cavity, and the second mould half has a multiplicity of elevations rising up over a base surface, wherein, in the closed state of the mould, distal contact regions at the distal ends of the elevations butt against the abutment surface, and therefore keep the dispensing openings free of plastics material when the plastics material is being injected. |
| US09492829B2 |
Multi-spindle spray nozzle assembly
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a multi-spindle spray nozzle assembly for a steam desuperheating or attemperator device. The nozzle assembly features a nozzle holder which accommodates two small, spring-loaded nozzles, each of which is adapted to produce a spray pattern of reduced cone angle (e.g., approximately 60°) in comparison to currently know nozzle designs. The two nozzles are positioned within the nozzle holder such that they diverge from the axis thereof as allows the spray pattern generated thereby to be effectively tilted into the flow of steam within a desuperheating device having the nozzle assembly interfaced thereto. |
| US09492827B2 |
Roll assemblies including superhard inserts, high pressure grinder roll apparatuses using same, and methods of use
Embodiments of the invention are directed to roll assemblies configured to exhibit improved wear resistance of stud elements. Accordingly, the roll assemblies of may improve and/or increase the useful life of high pressure grinding roll apparatuses. In an embodiment, one or more stud elements may include superhard material, which may provide superior wear resistance characteristics and may increase the useful life of the rolls assemblies and high pressure grinding roll apparatuses. |
| US09492822B2 |
Microfluidic feedback using impedance detection
Methods comprising measuring the impedance of the electrode produced by the excitation signal, wherein the impedance indicates presence of liquid at the electrode are disclosed. Computer readable mediums storing processor executable instructions for performing the method, and systems are also disclosed. The systems comprise a processor, memory and code stored in the memory that when executed cause the processor at least to: receive an output voltage signal, superimpose an excitation signal onto the output voltage signal to produce a superimposed signal, connect the superimposed signal to an electrode in a droplet actuator, suppress the output voltage signal, when detecting an impedance of the electrode, and measure the impedance of the electrode produced by the excitation signal, wherein the impedance indicates presence of liquid at the electrode. |
| US09492821B2 |
Liquid feeder and chemical analyzer including same
In some examples, a liquid feeding device includes a main flow passage in which a fluid may be fed between an upstream side and a downstream side. A first flow passage may branch from the main flow passage, and may include a narrow flow passage at a terminal end portion, having a smaller cross-sectional area than the first flow passage. A liquid feeding mechanism may feed the fluid to the main flow passage and the first flow passage. The narrow flow passage may suppress the fluid from leaking from first flow passage. Thus, the liquid feeding device may quantitatively determine a first volume of the fluid by filling the first flow passage with the fluid, and subsequently feeding the quantitatively determined fluid back to the main flow passage. |
| US09492816B2 |
Dehydrofluorination of pentafluoroalkanes to form tetrafluoroolefins
A method for producing a tetrafluoroolefin, such as 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf), comprises dehydrofluorinating a pentafluoroalkane in a gas phase in the presence of a catalyst comprising chromium oxyfluoride. In a preferred embodiment, 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf) is produced by forming a catalyst comprising chromium oxyfluoride by calcining CrF3?xH2O, where x is 1-10, in the presence of a flowing gas comprising nitrogen to form a calcined chromium oxyfluoride, and dehydrofluorinating 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane (HFC-245cb) in a gas phase in the presence of the catalyst to form the 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf). |
| US09492812B2 |
Component with an antimicrobial surface and use thereof
The surface of a component includes metallic fractions of Ag and/or Ni, touching MnO2 fractions which provide an antimicrobial effect. When using toxicologically safe Ni, these antimicrobial surfaces can be used in the food industry, for example. The surface can, for example, be applied by way of a coating on the component with the metallic fraction and the MnO2 fraction applied in two layers. |
| US09492810B2 |
Photocatalyst
The present invention relates to a photocatalyst and a method of manufacturing a photocatalyst. More specifically, the present invention relates to a high surface area TiO 2 photocatalyst formed by electrolytic discharge oxidation (EDO) of a substrate comprising titanium. A flexible high surface area photocatalyst architecture comprising a compliant, cohesive, well-adhered and highly porous surface layer of the anatase phase of titanium dioxide is provided. The highly porous surface layer of the anatase phase of titanium dioxide is formed in a single step by the electrolytic oxidation of a titanium surface on a permeable, flexible, and electrically conductive substrate sponge structure. |
| US09492807B2 |
Gas/solid phase reaction
The invention relates to a process and reactor for the quasi-continuous performance of a chemical reaction on the surface of a fixed reactant in a gas/solid phase reaction. In particular, the invention relates to a thermal process and a reactor for the continuous preparation of hydrogen from water vapor on the surface of a metal oxide in a gas/solid phase reaction. |
| US09492803B2 |
Process for performing an endothermic reaction
Process for performing an endothermic reaction in a reactor containing catalyst tubes, the catalyst tubes containing a catalyst promoting the endothermic reaction, the process comprising the steps of, a. contacting the catalyst contained in the catalyst tubes with a feed flow passing through the channels from an entrance end to an exit end, b. contacting an outer surface of the catalyst tubes with a flow of a heating medium having an initial heating temperature and flowing co-currently with the flow of feeds to heat the surface by convection, c. mixing at least part of the heating medium after having been contacted with the catalyst tubes with a flow of fresh heating medium having a start temperature higher than the initial heating temperature to form the co-current heating medium having the initial heating temperature and reactor for carrying out the process. |
| US09492801B2 |
Method and apparatus for mixing a first fluid with a second fluid in a mixing chamber connected to a turbine chamber
A method and an apparatus for mixing a first fluid with a second fluid.The apparatus has a mixing chamber, and a turbine chamber. The mixing chamber has a mixer rotor, and an inlet channel, through which the first fluid is introduced from a pipeline. The turbine chamber has an inlet conduit for the second fluid, and a turbine wheel, connected operatively to the mixer rotor. The first fluid is introduced into the mixing chamber from the pipeline. The second fluid is introduced into the turbine chamber to thereby rotate the turbine wheel by a motive force of the second fluid. The rotation of the turbine wheel imparts rotation to the mixer rotor, thus affecting the mixing of the second fluid into said first fluid. The second fluid is discharged from the turbine chamber to the mixing chamber, where the first and second fluids are mixed. |
| US09492793B2 |
Method and apparatus of flush pump feature for portable liquid purifying filter
A flush pump feature on a liquid purifying filter includes a segment of flexible tubing containing a small bulb pump is described. Two check valves are positioned upstream and downstream of the bulb pump which then terminates with a simple manually operated open/closed valve. The addition of this flush pump feature enables the filter unit to be easily purged of air at first use and also will make the filter easier to clean and maintain without the need to remove it from a hydration carrier. In addition, the flush bulb feature can also be used to perform a simple visual integrity test of filter while out in a remote location and also can be used to effectively remove bulk water from the filter for lighter storage when not in use which also minimizes freeze related damage when used in a cold environment. |
| US09492790B2 |
Process of supplying water of controlled salinity
Process for producing an injection water for an oil reservoir by pressurizing water having a total dissolved solids content of 20,000 to 45,000 ppm and a sulfate concentration of 1,000 to 4,000 ppm to 350 to 1250 psi absolute; and dividing the water into first and second feeds for reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) units respectively. The units are operated in single-pass, single-stage mode or single-pass, two-stage mode, the NF permeate has a pressure at least 5 psi higher than the RO permeate, and the recoveries of the RO and NF permeates are 35 to 75% and 35 to 60% by volume respectively. RO permeate and NF permeate are mixed in a ratio of 2:1 to 40:1 to provide injection water having a TDS content of 500 to 5,000 ppm, and a sulfate concentration of less than 7.5 ppm. |
| US09492786B2 |
Multi-purpose absorber
Systems and methods directed to cleaning a flue gas are described, in which a column housing can be configured to receive a feed stream, and includes an absorber configured to produce a clean stream that is substantially depleted of at least one of SOx and CO2. The absorber can comprise at least one of (1) a primary CO2 capture system disposed downstream of a gas conditioning system and (2) a primary acid gas removal system disposed upstream of a gas conditioning system. The gas conditioning system can also be disposed in the column housing. |
| US09492784B2 |
Composite oxygen transport membrane
A method of producing a composite oxygen ion membrane and a composite oxygen ion membrane in which a porous fuel oxidation layer and a dense separation layer and optionally, a porous surface exchange layer are formed on a porous support from mixtures of (Ln1-xAx)wCr1-yByO3-δ and a doped zirconia. In the porous fuel oxidation layer and the optional porous surface exchange layer, A is Calcium and in the dense separation layer A is not Calcium and, preferably is Strontium. Preferred materials are (La0.8Ca0.2)0.95Cr0.5Mn0.5O3-δ for the porous fuel oxidation and optional porous surface exchange layers and (La0.8Sr0.2)0.95Cr0.5Fe0.5O3-δ for the dense separation layer. The use of such materials allows the membrane to sintered in air and without the use of pore formers to reduce membrane manufacturing costs. The use of materials, as described herein, for forming the porous layers have application for forming any type of porous structure, such as a catalyst support. |
| US09492782B2 |
Oxygen concentrator
Branch flow channels configured respectively to supply compressed air to two sieve beds respectively are provided with air supply valves each including a diaphragm valve and an electromagnetic pilot valve for driving the diaphragm valve and configured to open and close the respective branch flow channels, a pilot flow channel configured to supply pilot air to the electromagnetic pilot valves is branched from the branch flow channels, and check valves for preventing reverse flows in the respective branch flow channels are provided. |
| US09492781B2 |
Portable oxygen enrichment device and method of use
Lightweight, small, portable devices and methods are disclosed that provide oxygen-enriched air using an ultra rapid adsorption cycle based on advanced molecular sieve materials. |
| US09492779B2 |
Fuel tank cap with separated charcoal canister
The fuel tank cap with a separated charcoal canister includes a fuel tank cap, a charcoal cap, and a fuel tank outer cap. A filling room is disposed on the charcoal cap, and the upper opening of the filling room is covered by the fuel tank outer cap. The fuel tank cap with a slot is disposed under of the charcoal cap. The fuel tank can be connected in detachable way with either the charcoal cap or fuel tank outer cap. A through orifice is disposed in the center of the fuel tank cap. The through orifice and the filling room filled by fuel-absorption substrate are connected by the first passageway disposed on the charcoal cap. The charcoal canister is a standard product, and it can fit to variable fuel tanks through the variable sized fuel tank cap, thereby both design and manufacturing processes are simplified and costs are saved. |
| US09492773B2 |
Filter device, especially an air filter
A filter device comprises a filter element that is comprised of at least two radially nested filter bellows, wherein at least one filter bellows is to be flown through in the radial direction and a flow space for the fluid is formed between the filter bellows. Each filter bellows is embodied as a star-shaped filter with filter folds arranged in a star shape. On at least one end face of the filter element a sealing ring is arranged between a filter bellows and the filter housing. |
| US09492771B2 |
Ligand graft functionalized substrates
Polyethyleneimine and polyalkylene biguanide ligand functionalized substrates, methods of making ligand functionalized substrates, and methods of using functionalized substrates are disclosed. |
| US09492768B2 |
Filter apparatus
A fluid filtering apparatus and method may include keyed components to ensure that a correct filter element is being installed into a filter base, and to automatically actuate a fluid valve as the filter element is rotated into place on the base. Tool-less replacement of the element is provided. An embodiment of the element may include inner and outer substantially tubular-shaped media packs disposed about an axis, with one end of each of the inner and outer media packs being attached to an end cap of the element in a manner defining a fluid flow space between the inner and outer media packs for receiving a flow of fluid directed in parallel through the inner and outer media packs. A housing of the filter apparatus may include a flow tube configured to fit into the space between the inner and outer media packs. |
| US09492766B2 |
Wastewater treatment plant
A wastewater treatment plant. The plant comprises separating equipment for separating the solid particles from the liquid part. The separating equipment comprises, in turn, an inlet opening and an outlet opening, which are substantially arranged in line along a common directrix. In the fluid mass, there is present at least one fluid-dynamic profile, which is suited to help the detachment of the solid particles from the liquid part. The plant is characterized in that the separating equipment comprises, furthermore, a second fluid-dynamic profile. The two fluid-dynamic profiles define between one another a first preferential flow channel of the liquid mass. |
| US09492764B2 |
System and method of cooling a pump head used in chromatography
An actuator has a support plate, a pump head in thermally conductive contact with the support plate, and an actuator body. Cooling means is disposed between the support plate and the actuator body. The cooling means is configured to remove and transfer heat from the pump head to the actuator body. In one embodiment, the cooling means includes two thermally conductive plates (called cold-side and hot-side plates) and a thermoelectric device disposed in thermally conductive contact between the cold-side and hot-side plates. The cold-side plate is in thermal communication with the pump head through the support plate. The hot-side plate is in thermal communication with the actuator body. The thermoelectric device is configured to transfer heat from the cold-side plate, which is in thermal communication with the pump head, to the hot-side plate, which is in thermal communication with the actuator body, thereby removing heat from the pump head. |
| US09492762B2 |
Sensor configuration for toy
A variety of methods and arrangements for facilitating communication between an electronic device and a toy are described. In one aspect, the toy communicates with the electronic device using audio signals and/or conductive touch elements. Some embodiments involve an electronic device that is arranged to use light-based control signals to communicate with a toy. In various implementations, the toy includes a light/motion sensor that allows a user to interact with the toy. |
| US09492757B1 |
System and method for enhanced video of game playback
One aspect of the disclosure relates to facilitating the development and provision of enhanced video of game playback, including the ability to augment a video of game playback with information relating to the game state of the game. A video may be generated based on game state information associated with one or more selected portions of the game. The video may include visual features that may not have been present in corresponding views that were presented to the user during game play of those one or more portions of the game. The user may augment the video with displayed information based on game logic for the online game. For example, displayed information may include commentary, tips on how the user could have maximized his game play, influential plays from the one or more portions of the game, and/or other information based on the game logic. |
| US09492754B2 |
Method, system, and storage medium for displaying distributed media content in a calendar screen
A CPU of a game device has a weekly calendar screen displayed. In this calendar screen, dates in one week are displayed separately. In the calendar screen, a content display field is provided, in which a thumbnail image or the like of a content brought in correspondence with each day is displayed. A time and day of start of availability and a time and day of end of availability are determined for each content such as a motion picture, and downloading of the content by a user is permitted during a period from the time and day of start of availability to the time and day of end of availability. |
| US09492753B2 |
Game control device, program, recording medium, game control method, game control system
A game control device includes an accepter configured to accept an access request including user-specific user identification information from at least one communication terminal; a detector configured to detect accesses from a plurality of communication terminals that are associated with identical user identification information, the plurality of communication terminals including a first communication terminal and a second communication terminal; a game executer configured to execute a game for a user of user identification information after access from any one of the plurality of communication terminals based on user identification information; and a game controller configured to transmit game data of the game being executed to the second communication terminal in response to an operational input to the first communication terminal, after the detector detects the accesses from the plurality of communication terminals that are associated with the identical user identification information. |
| US09492750B2 |
Digital imaging method and apparatus
An apparatus and method for electronically creating combined digital images of a person and incorporating them into a series of site-specific background images or film clips making it appear as if the user were actually a part of the original imaging sequence. As to housing, camera, processor, output devices, control boards, cables, currency machine; see Pat. No. 6,507, 361. In one embodiment the camera can move to take the images from different angles and in an alternative embodiment there are multiple cameras situated such that they sequentially capture and store a series of images to be incorporated into the product. An alternative housing apparatus is in a booth for automatically producing an imaging sequence of a self-portrait of the user integrated into a stored background or film clip, including a cash or credit card receiving device, a computer triggered by cash or credit received in the device, a movable digital camera or video camera to view the user, a video monitor for self viewing, and the possibility of one located outside the booth for advertising or amusement purposes. A series of stored digital imaging movie clips for selective withdrawal by the user where the captured sequence of the user is automatically integrated into stock stored movie clips and can be either output in an e-mail message posted to a board with a link to user's choice of e-mail friends' addresses for retrieval or a direct link to friend's and family's e-mail addresses or an output device with hard copy of personalized sequence to CD ROM or Video or hard copy print of a still image. |
| US09492749B2 |
Game program and game system
Provided is a game program capable of chronologically automatically analyzing the degree of excitement in a game played by a user in order to present where during game-play that the excitement is occurring. The invention causes a computer to function as: operation data acquisition means (300) for acquiring operation data (200); computation means (120) which, on the basis of data including time elapse in a game and the operation data (200), performs computation related to progress of the game at regular time intervals in order to generate game status data (210) describing the state of the game-space and objects within the game-space at each point in time; and heat-up point analysis means (310) which, on the basis of the game status data (210), calculates heat-up points (230) which are degrees of excitement during the game. |
| US09492742B2 |
Storage medium having stored thereon information processing program, information processing apparatus, information processing system, and information processing method
On the basis of data based on an attitude and/or a motion of a portable display apparatus body, at least a direction of rotation and an amount of rotation of the portable display apparatus about a predetermined direction in real space are calculated, and a corrected amount of rotation is calculated by offsetting the calculated amount of rotation by a predetermined amount. Then, an operation indication direction based on the direction of rotation and the corrected amount of rotation is calculated with respect to a direction that corresponds to the predetermined direction and is set in a virtual world, and predetermined processing is performed on the virtual world. A first image including at least a part of the virtual world is displayed on the portable display apparatus. |
| US09492741B2 |
Wireless gaming protocol
Example apparatus and methods concern establishing, maintaining, managing, or terminating communications between an access point and a client in a wireless network used by a shared, wireless gaming system. An example apparatus may include a first logic configured to control timing for the protocol and a second logic configured to control message exchange for the protocol. Controlling timing and message exchange facilitates reducing contention in the wireless gaming environment. Contention may lead to latency. A user gaming experience may depend on reducing latency. Therefore, reducing latency may produce an improved gaming experience. Controlling timing and message exchange also facilitates reducing power consumption by clients (e.g., accessories, controllers), which in turn facilitates improving battery life for clients. |
| US09492740B2 |
Remote and/or distributed equipping of video game characters
Video game characters of a video game may have associated attributes, such as their equipment, modified using a device which may be both remote from a device used to play the video game and incapable of playing the video game. A server in communication with both devices may communicate video game character information to the device remote from the game play device, check validity of modifications to video game character equipment requested by the remote device, save information of the modifications, and provide the information of the modifications to the device used to play the video game. The device used to play the video game may allow for acceptance, and use thereafter, of the equipment modifications during game play. |
| US09492735B2 |
Electronic gaming based on intermediate points in an event
Systems and methods related to gaming based on the results at intervals of a race. |
| US09492732B2 |
Wearable device
A wearable device configured to selectively provide roller transportation includes a shoe configured to at least partially accept a foot of a user of the wearable device, the shoe comprising a foot interface surface configured for selective contact with a bottom of the foot, a wheel assembly configured to selectively roll relative to a ground surface in response to rotation of at least a portion of the wheel assembly about an axle that is substantially coincident with an axis of rotation, and a frame connected between the shoe and the wheel assembly, the frame being configured to selectively transfer forces between the shoe and the wheel assembly and the frame comprising a clearance plane vertically offset from the ground surface. |
| US09492726B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for self-propelled roping training system
An apparatus and device are provided for a self-propelled roping training system. The apparatus includes an endless track comprising a plurality of corner sections, each of the plurality of corner sections comprising an arc length, a carriage assembly comprising a front slider assembly coupled with the track and a rear slider assembly coupled with the track, and a self-propelled vehicle coupled with the carriage assembly configured to follow a path defined by the endless track. |
| US09492724B2 |
Sport performance system with ball sensing
A player training apparatus for use with a portable performance system. The portable performance system includes a processor, a memory and a display. The training apparatus includes an American-style football, at least one sensor coupled to the football, at least one transmitter coupled to the football and operably coupled to the sensor, and a non-transient computer-readable medium containing code. The code directs the processor to: receive input pertaining to motion of the football; determine a target accuracy based upon the input; and display the determined target accuracy. |
| US09492722B2 |
Golf club
A golf club head includes a club body including a heel portion, a sole portion, a toe portion, a top-line portion, and a face portion. In some embodiments, the face portion has an ideal striking location and at least one channel defined in the face. In some embodiments, the golf club head has a striking face and at least one channel defined in the striking face. In some embodiments, the golf club head has an ideal striking location and at least one non-ideal striking location. |
| US09492721B2 |
Golf club heads with aerodynamic features and related methods
Embodiments of golf club heads with aerodynamic features and related methods are described herein. Various embodiments of the golf club heads with aerodynamic features and related methods include a golf club head comprising a body. In many embodiments, the body comprises a strikeface, a heel region, a toe region opposite the heel region, a sole, a crown, a trailing edge between the sole and the crown, a back opposite the strikeface, and one or more cavities located at least at one of: the back and in the sole adjacent to the trailing edge; or the back and in the trailing edge. Other examples and related methods are also disclosed herein. |
| US09492719B2 |
Golf clubs and golf club heads
Golf club heads include a golf club head body, a ball striking face, and a shaft engaging member configured to engage a golf club shaft with the golf club head body. Further, the shaft engaging member may be configured to engage the golf club head body and the shaft below a center of gravity of the golf club head. |
| US09492718B2 |
Motorized golf ball cleaning device
Disclosed is a motorized golf ball cleaning device which comprises: a lower housing with a cavity for holding a liquid; an upper housing which contains electrical components, control components, and cleaning brushes; means to connect the upper housing to the lower housing; a feeder capable of holding a golf ball and feeding it into the liquid; a stand which is connected to the bottom of the lower housing; and means for powering the cleaning brushes. |
| US09492715B2 |
Golf ball including a blend of highly neutralized acid polymers and method of manufacture
A golf ball having an inner core layer, an outer core layer essentially enclosing the inner core layer, an inner cover layer essentially enclosing the outer core layer, and an outer cover layer essentially enclosing the inner cover layer. The golf ball includes a blend of at least first and second highly neutralized acid polymers, each having a Vicat softening temperature and a specific gravity. The absolute value of the difference between the Vicat softening temperatures is no more than about 15° C. and the absolute value of the difference between the specific gravities is no more than about 0.015. Also, the method of making the blend and the golf ball is disclosed. |
| US09492706B1 |
Method and portable apparatus for exercising the upper extremities
A method and apparatus for exercising the upper portions of the human body. The apparatus is a “zigzag” configured rod that has rotatable grips on three parallel sections of thereof. The apparatus preferably can alternatively be configured or re-configured in a U-shape. A user, with or without the assistance of another person grasps two of the grips and rotates the device around its central section to perform a wide variety of exercises. A method is provided for using the apparatus to perform exercises beneficial for the user's arms and upper body. |
| US09492705B2 |
Multifunctional sliding exercise machine
A multifunctional sliding exercise machine comprises: a pair of bodies having a symmetric shape, each body being hinge-coupled at one end; a rotating shaft of which one end and another end are rotatably coupled to a hinge portion, respectively, to which the pair of bodies are hinge-coupled; and a pair of slide plates slidably coupled to respective upper surfaces of the pair of bodies. |
| US09492704B2 |
Folding rear drive elliptical
Embodiments of an elliptical exercise machine are provided including an elliptical exercise machine having a rear mechanism that is foldable or collapsible from an operating position to a storage position. In one embodiment, the elliptical machine includes a first assembly pivotally coupled with a second assembly. The first assembly includes a first frame member, a rear rotational mechanism and first and second foot supports operably coupled with the rotational mechanism. The second assembly includes a second frame member, a first reciprocating arm and a second reciprocating arm. The second assembly may be displaced relative to the first assembly from an operating position to a storage position without having to alter the operational relationships of the components of the first assembly and without having to alter the operational relationships of the components of the second assembly. |
| US09492702B1 |
Strength training apparatuses
A strength training apparatus comprises a frame and press arm that is connected to a resistance arm at a pivot point so that the press arm is pivotable with respect to the resistance arm and so that the press arm and resistance arm are pivotable together with respect to the frame. A locking device is configured to retain the press arm in first and second fixed angular pivot positions with respect to the resistance arm. A resistance device is configured to resist pivoting movement of the press arm together with the resistance arm with respect to the frame. A biasing device is configured to bias the press arm with respect to the resistance arm so as to remove any slop in the locking device that otherwise would be caused by gravity, and so that an initial movement of the press arm is resisted by the resistance device. |
| US09492701B1 |
Dumbbell power rack apparatus
The present invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a power rack apparatus for lifting dumbbells. The apparatus can have a conventional cage design or a novel cage design with dual pull up bars. The apparatus also has novel dumbbell trays configured to attach to a novel horizontal support. The horizontal support is configured to attach to the cage in a plurality of vertical positions and the horizontal support contains a plurality of slots for horizontal width adjustment of the dumbbell trays. The slots on the horizontal support are configured to receive a plurality of inclined dumbbell trays. The apparatus can be a combo power rack configured to hold barbells and dumbbells or a simplified power rack apparatus configured to just hold dumbbells. |
| US09492693B2 |
Slide bar anchorage device for aerial lift equipment
Anchorage devices for an aerial lift that can include a base plate and a slide bar coupled to the base plate. The aerial device can include a bucket, and the base plate can be coupled to the inside or outside of the bucket. Supplementary anchorage points of the anchorage device can be attached to the lift using lanyards. The slide bar can be attached to the base plate using stanchions. A removable anchorage device can include inner and outer mounting bars, bucket engaging brackets coupling the mounting bars, and a slide bar; where the bucket engaging brackets fit over the bucket for attachment to and detachment from the bucket. The removable anchorage device can include supplementary anchorage points for attaching to the lift using lanyards. One of the mounting bars can be hollow and a supplementary lanyard attached to the lift can pass through the hollow mounting bar. |
| US09492690B2 |
Determining conditions of components removably coupled to personal protection equipment
Method and system are disclosed for determining conditions of components that are removably coupled to articles of personal protection equipment (PPE) by tracking the components against predetermined criteria. |
| US09492689B2 |
Water-in-oil emulsion sunscreen cosmetic composition
A water-in-oil type sunscreening cosmetic material containing phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol and/or 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol, and octyl methoxycinnamate. |
| US09492682B2 |
Combination therapy with low dosage strength imiquimod and photodynamic therapy to treat actinic keratosis
This disclosure is directed to the use of sequentially applied topical therapy with a lower dosage strength imiquimod composition and photodynamic therapy for treating actinic keratosis, wherein the photodynamic therapy is administered subsequent to the topical therapy with the imiquimod composition. In some embodiments, the imiquimod composition comprises from about 1% (w/w) to about 4.25% (w/w) imiquimod. |
| US09492679B2 |
Transcranial magnetic stimulation for altering susceptibility of tissue to pharmaceuticals and radiation
Described herein are methods for modulating the susceptibility of one or more target or tissue regions, and particularly one or more brain regions, to a therapeutic agent such as a drug, immune agent, compound, radiation, etc. In particular, the methods and systems described herein may include magnetic stimulation (including transcranial magnetic stimulation) of target or non-target regions to modulate the susceptibility of the one or more target or tissue regions to a therapeutic agent. |
| US09492669B2 |
Mode switching by a ventricular leadless pacing device
In some examples, a leadless pacing device (hereinafter, “LPD”) is configured for implantation in a ventricle of a heart of a patient, and is configured to switch between an atrio-ventricular synchronous pacing mode and an asynchronous ventricular pacing mode in response to detection of one or more sensing events, which may be, for example, undersensing events. In some examples, an LPD is configured to switch from a sensing without pacing mode to an atrio-ventricular synchronous pacing mode in response to determining, for a threshold number of cardiac cycles, a ventricular depolarization was not detected within a ventricular event detection window that begins at an atrial activation event. |
| US09492667B1 |
Systems and methods for closed loop neurostimulation
Systems and methods to control non-paresthesia stimulation of nerve tissue of a patient are herein disclosed. The systems and methods deliver a non-paresthesia stimulation waveform to at least one electrode proximate to target nerve fibers, and define an analysis window that is positioned to occur at an intermediate point within at least one of a first burst or an inter-burst delay. Additionally, the systems and methods, during the analysis window, measure evoked potential (EP) signals from the target nerve fibers. The systems and methods also analyze the EP signals to obtain activity data for select nerve fiber components, and adjust at least one therapy parameter to change the non-paresthesia stimulation waveform based on the activity data. |
| US09492663B2 |
Video configuration file editor for visual prosthesis fitting
A method of editing a video configuration file downloadable to or from a video processing unit of a fitting system for a visual prosthesis is shown. The visual prosthesis has a plurality of electrodes and the video configuration file defines mapping of a video signal captured from a camera of the visual prosthesis to an electrical signal for the electrodes. The editing controls a brightness map for an individual electrode or electrode groups, together with a temporal stimulation pattern to which an individual electrode or electrode groups are assigned. A related computer-operated system is also disclosed. |
| US09492661B2 |
Device and methods for enhanced multi-delivery of biologically active substances into an organism and to prevent local irritation
Transnasal delivery of medication directly to a patient's brain is achieved using an iontophoresis wire cooperable with a medication administration device. A controller regulates an electric charge to the iontophoresis wire. The iontophoresis wire is insertable into each nasal cavity. This wire is preferably encased in a tube, through which the medication will be transnasally delivered. A cleaning solution may also be delivered to the nasal cavity after treatment to reduce irritation from the iontophoresis. |
| US09492656B2 |
Implantable nerve wrap for nerve stimulation configured for far field radiative powering
A particular implantable device may include an antenna configured to receive a far field radiative signal. The implantable device may also include a voltage rectifier configured to rectify the far field radiative signal received by the antenna to provide a rectified voltage signal. The implantable device may further include a charge storage element operative to receive the rectified voltage signal and to store charge responsive to the rectified voltage signal. The implantable device may also include a stimulation module powered by the charge storage element. The stimulation module may be operative to generate an electrical stimulation signal to stimulate a target nerve of a patient. The implantable medical device may further include a nerve wrap configured to house the voltage rectifier, the charge storage element, and the stimulation module. The nerve wrap may include one or more electrodes operative to deliver the electrical stimulation signal to the target nerve. |
| US09492652B2 |
Implantable devices that generate low intensity electric fields for the treatment of atherosclerotic disease and prevention of ischemic vascular events and methods of manufacture
An internal medical device for implantation into a human or animal where the internal medical device has an electric field source that may be an active source of electromotive force such as a battery or capacitor, or may be an electric field generating material such as an electret, piezoelectric, or the like. |
| US09492647B2 |
Microneedle array applicator and method for applying a microneedle array
A microneedle array applicator is configured to apply a microneedle array in cosmetic and medical applications. The microneedle array applicator has a holding apparatus configured to define detachable holding of a microneedle array comprising a planar substrate. The microneedle array applicator also has a drive mechanism for driving the microneedle array in a first direction perpendicular to the planar substrate and in a second direction parallel to the planar substrate. A method for applying a microneedle array includes the microneedle array applicator enabling safe breaking off of the microneedles, optionally laden with an active ingredient, in the skin. |
| US09492644B2 |
Dilation device for placing catheter tubes
A stoma dilation device that includes a tubular support and an inflatable dilation portion located on the tubular support. The inflatable dilation portion includes a stiffening portion and inflation lumen. The device may have a retention portion configured to have a diameter upon full, unrestrained inflation that is greater than the diameter of the dilation portion. The device is designed to be placed in a patient to dilate the stoma for the installation of a catheter feeding tube. The device may be placed and withdrawn with the use of an endoscope which need be inserted into the patient only one time. The single insertion of the endoscope significantly reduces the trauma to the patient in comparison with multiple endoscope insertion methods. |
| US09492638B2 |
Implements for identifying sheath migration
Attachable implements, systems, and methods for identifying the migration of a medical device extending through a percutaneous insertion site of a patient's skin are disclosed. In one embodiment, an attachable implement for identifying migration comprises a attachable implement body having a coupling surface and a skin contacting surface, the coupling surface arranged to couple to a surface of the medical device, and the skin contacting surface arranged to contact the skin of the patient; wherein the attachable implement body is arranged to be side mountable on the medical device and wherein the attachable implement is configured to move from a first position adjacent to the patient's skin to a second position remote from the patient's skin. Systems, methods, and other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09492632B2 |
Packaging for a catheter
Packaging for a catheter includes coiled tubing for receiving the catheter and a mounting card coupled to the coiled tubing. The windings of the coiled tubing are welded together to maintain the coiled configuration. The mounting card includes an integral support flap for reducing the risk of damage during catheter insertion and removal, an integral luer retainer for securing a catheter luer, and one or more integral tabs for attaching catheter accessories to the packaging. The integral support flap creates a contact zone which discourages grasping the packaging at a location that can potentially damage an object passing through the packaging, such as a balloon and/or stent. The integral luer retainer is configured to selectively alternate between a configuration which secures the catheter luer and configuration which allows releases the luer for easy insertion and removal of the catheter. |
| US09492628B2 |
Apparatus, systems and method for collecting and reclaiming anaesthetic agents and for removing nitrous oxide from exhaust gases
A system for collecting an anaesthetic agent, having at least one anaesthetic gas scavenging system (AGSS) for receiving exhaust gas from a plurality of sources, the exhaust gas including the anaesthetic agent to be collected, each AGSS comprising at least one power source for providing suction of the exhaust gas from the plurality of sources under negative pressure, and a central collection system for receiving the exhaust gas. The central collection system comprises a disinfection module for disinfecting the exhaust gases and outputting a disinfected exhaust gas and at least one collector for receiving the disinfected exhaust gas, wherein the at least one collector is configured to adsorb the anaesthetic agent from the exhaust gas. The central collection system may be configured to received the exhaust gases from the at least one AGSS, with the central collection system being located downstream of the at least one AGSS. |
| US09492623B2 |
Apparatus and method for targeting a body tissue
An apparatus for targeting a desired target site on a body tissue comprising a wall of a first body cavity of a patient includes a target catheter. A framing member has a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. The framing member has a framing member body which includes a bulbous portion defining a maximum body footprint having proximal and distal body ends which are both longitudinally spaced from the maximum body footprint. The framing member is comprised of a plurality of framing member beams. At least three framing member beam arrays of framing member beams are arranged in non-overlapping longitudinal sequence to form at least a portion of the framing member. The framing member beams that make up the framing member substantially each have a width-to-thickness fractional ratio in the range of 0.6-3.0. |
| US09492615B1 |
Hand strap for patient controlled analgesia control
Clips or straps may be used to position a patient-controlled-analgesia (PCA) pump control in a position where a patient can easily operate a PCA pump. A strap that allows a PCA pump control to always be in hand or very close at hand is preferable to a strap or clip that merely keeps a PCA pump control nearby. |
| US09492612B2 |
Patch-sized fluid delivery systems and methods
A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device. |
| US09492608B2 |
Method and device utilizing insulin delivery protocols
A method of infusing liquid medicaments including insulin via an insulin pump, includes identifying an insulin delivery protocol associated with ingestion of carbohydrates wherein the insulin delivery protocol is likely to lead to a postprandial drop in blood glucose to a level below a basal level, then proposing at least one alternative insulin delivery protocol to inhibit the postprandial drop in blood glucose by delivering a metered amount of insulin that is appropriate to facilitate the metabolism of the carbohydrates without the postprandial blood glucose level drop. The invention further includes querying the patient as to whether to apply the alternative insulin delivery protocol, receiving instructions from the patient in response to the query, and applying the alternative insulin delivery protocol following receiving instructions from the patient to apply the alternative insulin delivery protocol. |
| US09492599B2 |
Hall sensor mounting in an implantable blood pump
A molded interconnect device can carry a Hall sensor for transducing a position of a rotor of the implantable blood pump. The molded interconnect device includes one or more integrated electronic circuit traces configured to electrically connect the hall sensor with a printed circuit board of the implantable blood pump, and the molded interconnect device is configured to be mounted to the printed circuit board. |
| US09492594B2 |
Coating for intraluminal expandable catheter providing contact transfer of drug micro-reservoirs
A coating for an expandable portion of a catheter comprising a hydrophobic matrix and a dispersed phase is disclosed. The dispersed phase comprises a plurality of micro-reservoirs dispersed in the hydrophobic matrix, wherein the plurality of micro-reservoirs comprises a first active agent and a first biodegradable or bioerodable polymer. A coating formulation and a method for forming the coating are also disclosed. A catheter comprising the coating on the expandable portion and a method for treating a condition are also provided. |
| US09492593B2 |
Absorbable, permeability-modulated barrier composites and applications thereof
Absorbable barrier composites are designed for modulated gas and water permeability depending on clinical use and are formed of at least two physicochemically distinct components, one of which is a film adjoined to a knitted mesh and/or electrostatically spun, non-woven fabric. Depending on the physicochemical properties of the barrier composite, it can be used in neurological and urinogenital surgical procedures as well as tissue engineering and/or as physical barriers to prevent adhesion formation following several types of surgical procedures. |
| US09492592B2 |
Crosslinker enhanced repair of knee meniscus
A method of treating a tear in a knee meniscus of a patient. The method includes exposing the torn knee meniscus to a protein crosslinker during surgery to repair the tear. Also provided is a fixation device for the surgical repair of tears of the meniscus of the knee, where the device contains one or more protein crosslinking reagents. |
| US09492590B2 |
Biomaterial
A biocompatible material comprising a resorbable polymer matrix and at least one additive, wherein the resorbable polymer matrix comprises: (i) at least one non-random copolymer of poly (alkylene oxide) s, and (ii) at least one poly (alkylene glycol) polymer and/or at least one methoxypoly (alkylene glycol) polymer, and wherein the at least one additive is selected from solid particles, porous particles, hollow particles, polymers, inert fillers, bioactive compounds, color pigments and combinations of two or more thereof. |
| US09492587B2 |
Stent made from an ultra high molecular weight bioabsorbable polymer with high fatigue and fracture resistance
A stent made from an ultra high molecular weight bioabsorbable polymer is disclosed herein. The bioabsorbable polymer can have a Mw greater than 1 million g/mole or greater than 2 million g/mole. Methods of making the ultra high molecular weight polymer stent without degrading the molecular weight are further disclosed. |
| US09492586B2 |
Derivatives of hyaluronic acid capable of forming hydrogels
The invention related to hyaluronic derivative according to formula (I), methods of preparation thereof and a hydrogel prepared obtained from the derivative and methods of preparation thereof. The hydrogel can be used in tissue engineering, cosmetics, medicine or regenerative medicine such as the forming of scaffolds for the treatment of articular cartilage or bone tissue defects. |
| US09492582B2 |
Ophthalmic and contact lens solutions containing simple saccharides as preservative enhancers
The present invention relates to an ophthalmic solution comprising 0.00001 to 10.0 weight percent of a simple saccharide, at least 0.00001 weight percent of a preservative, and not more than about 0.2 percent by weight chloride. The simple saccharide is chosen from the group consisting of: inositol; mannitol; sorbitol; sucrose; dextrose; glycerin; propylene glycol; ribose; triose; tetrose; erythrose; threose; pentose; arabinose; ribulose; xylose; xylulose; lyxose; hexose; allose; altrose; fructose; galactose; glucose; gulose; idose; mannose; sorbose; talose; tagatose; adlose; ketose; heptose; sedoheptulose; monosaccharides; disaccharides; sugar alcohols; xylitol; and polyol. |
| US09492579B2 |
Psyllium fumigated with methyl bromide
A method for fumigating psyllium husk. The method comprises filling a fumigation chamber with psyllium husk chamber is at least 35% filled with bags of psyllium husk, fumigating the psyllium husk with at least 40 g/m3 of methyl bromide for at least 24 hours, and degassing the chamber for at least 6 hours to form fumigated psyllium husk. The fumigated psyllium husk comprises less than 50 ppm inorganic bromide residue and the fumigated psyllium husk does not comprise an insect infestation or a khapra beetle infestation. |
| US09492577B1 |
Decontamination enclosure and method
Provided are a method and apparatus for decontaminating personal protective equipment while it is being worn by a person. A booth having a plurality of internally-reflective surfaces defines an interior space with dimensions suitable for receiving a standing person wearing the personal protective equipment. A plurality of UVC light sources are arranged to emit UVC light into the booth, and are operational while the person wearing the personal protective equipment is within the interior space. A door is selectively closeable to enclose the interior space and interfere with UVC light escaping the interior of the booth into an ambient environment of the booth, and a controller is operable to selectively operate the UVC light sources while the person wearing the personal protective equipment is standing within the interior space. |
| US09492576B1 |
Display screen with light-emitting diodes for ultraviolet disinfection
An apparatus includes a display screen including a first array of first light-emitting diodes for emitting visible light and a second array of second light-emitting diodes for emitting ultraviolet light, wherein the second light-emitting diodes are interspersed among the first light-emitting diodes. A method includes a computing device receiving input from a remote server indicating that a surface of the computing device should be disinfected, the computing device detecting that a display screen is in a closed positioning facing the surface, wherein the display screen includes an array of light-emitting diodes for emitting ultraviolet light, and controlling operation of the light-emitting diodes to disinfect the surface in response to the input received. The surface may, for example, be selected from a keyboard, a touchpad, and a cover. |
| US09492572B2 |
Dimeric binding proteins based on modified ubiquitins
The present invention refers to novel dimeric proteins obtained from modified ubiquitin capable of binding targets with high affinity. The novel dimeric binding proteins comprise a combination of amino acid substitutions and at least one insertion of amino acids in one of the monomers. The invention is further directed to the use of said proteins in medical diagnosis or treatment methods. |
| US09492569B2 |
Antibodies that bind integrin alpha-V beta-8
Provided herein are antibodies with high affinity for the β8 subunit of αvβ8. |
| US09492558B2 |
Combined meningococcal conjugates with common carrier protein
Carrier-induced epitopic suppression is of particular concern where multiple conjugates with the same carrier protein are administered simultaneously. To avoid the suppression, the invention minimizes the amount of unconjugated carrier protein in a vaccine. The invention provides a composition for immunizing a patient against a disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis, wherein (1) the composition comprises conjugates for at least two of the four meningococcal serogroups A, C, W135 and Y, where at least two of the conjugates have a common carrier protein; and (2) the composition includes the common carrier in an unconjugated form at less than 10 μg/ml. |
| US09492553B2 |
Nemorubicin metabolite and analog reagents, antibody-drug conjugates and methods
The present invention relates to antibody-drug conjugate compounds of Formula I: Ab-(L-D)p I where one or more nemorubicin metabolite or analog drug moieties (D) are covalently attached by a linker (L) to an antibody (Ab) which binds to one or more tumor-associated antigens or cell-surface receptors. These compounds may be useful in methods of diagnosis or treatment of cancer, and other diseases and disorders. |
| US09492552B2 |
Injectable aqueous pharmaceutical compositions comprising a cyclodextrin, a hydrophobic drug, a co-solvent, and a preservative
The invention relates to injectable pharmaceutical compositions, methods of use and formulation, wherein the compositions comprise: one or more water soluble complexes, each complex comprising a cyclodextrin or a cyclodextrin derivative and a hydrophobic drug; at least one preservative; and at least one co-solvent. The compositions are effectively preserved in accordance with the European Pharmacopoeia 2011 Test for Efficacy of Antimicrobial Preservation, satisfying at least the B criteria as it applies to parenterals, and the United States Pharmacopeia 2011 Guidelines for Antimicrobial Effectiveness Testing, satisfying the criteria for Category 1 (injectable) products. |
| US09492548B2 |
Emulsion containing a non-live medicinal substance
The present invention pertains to an emulsion comprising an aqueous phase and an oily phase, the aqueous phase containing a non-live medicinal substance, wherein the aqueous phase comprises at least 30% w/w sugar. The invention also pertains to a method to shield a medicinal substance present in an aqueous phase emulsified with an oily phase, from interaction with the oily phase, and to a vaccine comprising as an antigen a killed micro-organism or a subunit of a micro-organism, the antigen being present in an aqueous phase that is dispersed in an oily phase, wherein the aqueous phase comprises at least 30% w/w sugar. |
| US09492547B2 |
Polymorphic form of inulin and uses thereof
The present invention relates to a new polymorphic form of inulin, designated delta inulin (dIN), to methods for the preparation of dIN, compositions comprising dIN and uses thereof. The present invention also relates to the use of dIN and compositions comprising dIN in the preparation of gamma inulin (gIN), compositions comprising gIN and uses thereof. |
| US09492540B2 |
Methods for treating cancer using anti-PD-1 antibodies
The present invention provides isolated monoclonal antibodies, particularly human monoclonal antibodies, that specifically bind to PD-1 with high affinity. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies of the invention, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the antibodies of the invention are also provided. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of the invention are also provided. The invention also provides methods for detecting PD-1, as well as methods for treating various diseases, including cancer and infectious diseases, using anti-PD-1 antibodies. The present invention further provides methods for using a combination immunotherapy, such as the combination of anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 antibodies, to treat hyperproliferative disease, such as cancer. The invention also provides methods for altering adverse events related to treatment with such antibodies individually. |
| US09492539B2 |
Monoclonal antibodies to Programmed Death 1 (PD-1)
The present invention provides isolated monoclonal antibodies, particularly human monoclonal antibodies, that specifically bind to PD-1 with high affinity. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies of the invention, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the antibodies of the invention are also provided. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of the invention are also provided. The invention also provides methods for detecting PD-1, as well as methods for treating various diseases, including cancer and infectious diseases, using anti-PD-1 antibodies. The present invention further provides methods for using a combination immunotherapy, such as the combination of anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 antibodies, to treat hyperproliferative disease, such as cancer. The invention also provides methods for altering adverse events related to treatment with such antibodies individually. |
| US09492537B2 |
Methods and compositions involving immunostimulatory oligodeoxynucleotides
Described is an immunostimulatory oligodeoxynucleic acid molecule (ODN) having the structure according to formula (I), wherein any NMP is a 2′ deoxynucleoside monophosphate or monothiophosphate, selected from the group consisting of deoxyadenosine-, deoxyguanosine-, deoxyinosine-, deoxycytosine-, deoxyuridine-, deoxythymidine-, 2-methyl-deoxyinosine-, 5-methyl-deoxycytosine-, deoxypseudouridine-, deoxyribosepurine-, 2-amino-deoxyribosepurine-, -6-S-deoxyguanine-, 2-dimethyl-deoxyguanosine- or N-isopentenyl-deoxyadenosine-monophosphate or -monothiophosphate, NUC is a 2′ deoxynucleoside, selected from the group consisting of deoxyadenosine-, deoxyguanosine-, deoxyinosine-, deoxycytosine-, deoxyuridine-, deoxythymidine-, 2-methyl-deoxyinosine-, 5-methyl-deoxycytosine-, deoxypseudouridine-, deoxyribosepurine-, 2-amino-deoxyribosepurine-, 6-S-deoxyguanine-, 2-dimethyl-deoxyguanosine- or N-isopentenyl-deoxyadenosine, any X is O or S, a and b are integers from 0 to 100 with the proviso that a+b is between 4 and 150, B and E are common groups for 5′ or 3′ ends of nucleic acid molecules, as well as a pharmaceutical composition containing such ODNs. |
| US09492535B2 |
Peanut formulations and uses thereof
The present application relates to compositions for oral immunotherapy of peanut allergies. Further, the present application relates to methods for the preparation of the compositions for immunotherapy, and their use in immunotherapy. |
| US09492534B2 |
Microorganisms for therapy
Therapeutic methods and vaccinia virus therefor are provided. The viruses are designed so that they accumulate in immunoprivileged tissues and cells, such as in tumors and other proliferating tissue and in inflamed tissues, compared to other tissues, cells and organs, so that they exhibit relatively low toxicity to host organisms. Combinations of the viruses and anti-cancer agents and uses thereof for treating cancer also are provided. |
| US09492532B2 |
Nucleic acids encoding mosaic HIV-1 gag proteins
The disclosure generally relates to an immunogenic composition (e.g., a vaccine) and, in particular, to a polyvalent immunogenic composition, such as a polyvalent HIV vaccine, and to methods of using same. |
| US09492530B2 |
H3 influenza a virus
The invention provides an isolated H3 equine influenza A virus, as well as methods of preparing and using the virus, and genes or proteins thereof. |
| US09492527B2 |
Methods for constructing antibiotic resistance free vaccines
The present invention provides Listeria vaccine strains that express a heterologous antigen and a metabolic enzyme, and methods of generating same. |
| US09492521B2 |
Vaccines for control of epidemic Aeromonas hydrophila generated by markerless gene deletion
Disclosed are attenuated bacteria, compositions comprising attenuated bacteria, and vectors and methods for preparing attenuated bacteria. The attenuated bacteria may include attenuated Aeromonas hydrophila for use in vaccinating aquatic animals such as channel catfish against Motile Aeromonas Septicemia (MAS). |
| US09492520B2 |
Fusion molecule based on novel TAA variant
This invention provides novel carbonic anhydrase (CAIX) nucleic acid and peptide sequences, as well as related methods and compositions, including anti-cancer immunogenic agent(s) (e.g. vaccines and chimeric molecules) that elicit an immune response specifically directed against cancer cells expressing a CAIX antigenic marker. The novel CAIX variant and related compositions are useful in a wide variety of treatment modalities including, but not limited to protein vaccination, DNA vaccination, and adoptive immunotherapy. |
| US09492514B2 |
Ceramide levels in the treatment and prevention of infections
The present invention relates to a method for treating or preventing pathogenic infections in a subject having Cystic Fibrosis, COPD, and/or an open wound. This method involves selecting a subject having Cystic Fibrosis, COPD, and/or an open wound and administering to the selected subject a ceramidase under conditions effective to reduce ceramide and to treat or prevent the pathogenic infection. The method also involves the use of a ceramidase in combination with other drugs to reduce infection, reduce ceramide, or improve lung function in Cystic Fibrosis, COPD, and/or open wound patients. |
| US09492513B2 |
Methods for treatment of hip and groin pain associated with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
Methods for treating or alleviating symptoms associated with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) by local administration of a clostridial derivative, such as a botulinum toxin, to the hip capsule and surrounding muscle. |
| US09492512B2 |
Combination of growth factors, cytokines, antibacterial/antiviral factors, stem cell stimulating factors, complement proteins C3A/C4A, and chemotactic factors
The present invention refers to a combination of growth factors, cytokines, antibacterial/antiviral factors, stem cell stimulating factors, complement proteins C3a/C4a, and chemotactic factors. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of said combination from serum, placenta or colostrum and to composition containing said combination for use in the treatment of conditions requiring tissue repair and regeneration and for the substitution of stem cell therapies. |
| US09492510B2 |
Composition and method for inhibiting tumor cell growth
Polynucleotides encoding a secreted mutant human carboxylesterase enzyme and polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides which are capable of metabolizing a prodrug and inactive metabolites thereof to active drug are provided. Compositions and methods for sensitizing cells to a prodrug agent, inhibiting cell growth, treating drug addiction, and facilitating the metabolism of an organophosphate with this enzyme are also provided. In addition, a screening assay for identification of drugs activated by this enzyme is described. |
| US09492503B2 |
Surfactant protein D for the treatment of disorders associated with lung injury
Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a member of the collectin family of collagenous lectin domain-containing proteins that is expressed in epithelial cells of the lung. Described herein are methods and compositions for the treatment of disorders associated with lung injury, including methods and compositions for the treatment of bronchopulmonary disorder (BPD). |
| US09492502B2 |
Method for producing a protein comprising composition with reduced digestive coagulation
A process of producing a composition comprising at least two different proteins is disclosed, of which at least one is a coagulating protein, such as a casein and/or a caseinate, and at least one is an anti-coagulating protein, such as a leguminous protein (for example pea and/or soy) combined or not with whey protein, comprising the steps of: a) heat-sterilizing a first liquid component comprising the coagulating protein, b) heat-sterilizing a second liquid component comprising the anti-coagulating protein, and c) mixing the first component with the second component to obtain a mixture thereof. The obtained mixture is useful as a food constituent having reduced coagulation in the upper gastro-intestinal tract, more in particular in the stomach. |
| US09492499B2 |
Peptides having anti-inflammatory properties
Aspects of the present invention relate to peptides having anti-inflammatory activity, compositions containing one or more of the peptides, and use of the peptides to treat conditions associated with excessive inflammation in animals, particularly humans and other mammals. |
| US09492498B2 |
Low protein infant formula with increased essential amino acids
The present invention concerns an improved balance of the essential branched chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine in infant formula. |
| US09492496B2 |
Aminothiazoles and their uses
The present application describes organic compounds of Formula (I) and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and their use for the treatment, prevention and/or amelioration of diseases, particularly bacterial infections. |
| US09492495B2 |
Therapeutic use of agonists or antagonists of bradykinin receptor 1 or 2, for modulation collateral blood vessel growth
The present invention relates to bradykinin receptor modulators and pharmaceutical compositions thereof for use as a medicament for modulating collateral blood vessel growth of collateral arteries and/or other blood vessels of pre-existing arterial networks. The bradykinin receptor modulators of arteriogenesis are applicable in the treatment and/or prevention of disorders associated with defective blood flow or blood vessel malformation. A preferred aspect of the invention relates to bradykinin receptor agonists for use as a medicament for the prevention of cardiovascular ischemic disease in a patient at risk thereof. Further, the invention relates to a bradykinin receptor agonist for use in a method for treating a cardiovascular ischemic disease in a patient in need thereof, wherein said cardiovascular ischemic disease is a peripheral limb disease. |
| US09492490B1 |
Pest control using natural pest control agent blends
According to an aspect of the present application, a composition for controlling a target pest comprises 0.1% to 4% isopropyl myristate, 0.1% to 15% thyme oil white, 0.1% to 2% geraniol, and at least one additional active ingredient selected from thymyl acetate, linalyl acetate, amyl butyrate, anise star oil, black seed oil, p-cymene, linalool, d-limonene, isopropyl myristate, lilac flower oil, methyl salicylate, alpha-pinene, piperonal, piperonyl alcohol, tetrahydrolinalool, thyme oil white, thyme oil red, thymol, vanillin, and wintergreen oil. The composition causes synergistic control of the target pest. |
| US09492488B2 |
Compositions and method for treatment and prophylaxis of inflammatory bowel disease
Methods and compositions for treating inflammatory bowel disease involve the use of targeted antibiotics in combination with probiotic formulations. The probiotics mitigate many of the deleterious side effects associated with antibiotic use and permit the antibiotic to be administered at a higher dose and for a longer duration than would otherwise be possible in the absence of the probiotic. The practice of the invention may reduce or eliminate the use of immunosuppressants in the treatment and management of IBD. |
| US09492487B2 |
Microbial product containing multiple microorganisms
Methods to reduce or inhibit populations of pathogenic bacteria in animals are disclosed. These methods include providing a number of administrations of probiotic microorganism compositions containing one or more strains or species of probiotic microorganisms. Routes of administration, dosage of administration and pathogenic organisms to be reduced or inhibited are also disclosed. |
| US09492486B2 |
Preparation of bee venom with allergenic components removed
Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a separated and purified bee venom (separated PBV) not possessing allergy-triggering effects by reducing or eliminating allergy-inducing components contained in a bee venom via ultrafiltration, thereby producing a PVB with desirable pharmacological effects while fundamentally blocking allergies that may be induced by the same. |
| US09492485B2 |
Pluripotent stem cell-derived brown adipocytes, pluripotent stem cell-derived cell aggregate, method for producing same, and cell therapy and medical therapy therefor
Provided are a method of producing brown adipocytes from pluripotent stem cells, a method of producing cell aggregates as an intermediate product thereof, pluripotent stem cell-derived cell aggregates and pluripotent stem cell-derived brown adipocytes produced by these methods, and cell therapy using the pluripotent stem cell-derived brown adipocytes. In the method of producing brown adipocytes from pluripotent stem cells, cell aggregates are produced from pluripotent stem cells by a method including the step (A), and brown adipocytes are prepared from the cell aggregates by a method including the step (B). The step (A) is a step of producing cell aggregates by non-adhesive culture of pluripotent stem cells in serum-free environment in the presence of a hematopoietic cytokine, and the step (B) is a step of producing brown adipocytes by adhesion culture of the cell aggregates in the presence of a hematopoietic cytokine. |
| US09492484B2 |
Cardiosphere derived cell population and methods of use
Provided herein are compositions and methods for isolating and culturing cardiac progenitor cells, and for improved transplantation. |
| US09492483B2 |
Methods of using regenerative cells to treat a burn
Cells present in adipose tissue are used to promote wound healing in a patient. Methods of treating patients include processing adipose tissue to deliver a concentrated amount of regenerative cells obtained from the adipose tissue to a patient. The methods may be practiced in a closed system so that the regenerative cells are not exposed to an external environment prior to being administered to a patient. Accordingly, in a preferred method, cells present in adipose tissue are placed directly into a recipient along with such additives necessary to promote, engender or support a therapeutic benefit. |
| US09492481B2 |
Method for producing bioactive agent, bioactive agent produced thereby, cosmetic, freshness-maintaining agent, growth promotion agent, soil conditioning agent, and pharmaceutical stock solution
A bioactive agent in which the bioactive effectiveness of ferrous iron salt and/or ferric ferrous iron salt contained therein is stabilized, making long term preservation possible, so that the bioactive agent can be useful as an original solution for medical use, as a soil conditioner, or the like. An iron-magnesium mixture solution is provided in the invention, wherein the iron-magnesium mixture solution is produced by mixing an aqueous solution containing a ferrous iron salt and/or a ferric ferrous iron salt in a concentration of not less than 0.5 mol/L as iron in the ferrous iron salt and/or the ferric ferrous iron salt, and an aqueous solution containing a magnesium salt in a concentration of not less than 0.2 mol/L as magnesium in the magnesium salt. |
| US09492474B2 |
Compositions of hyaluronan with high elasticity and uses thereof
The present invention provides compositions comprising hyaluronan with high elasticity, as well as methods for improving joint function, reducing pain associated with joint function and treating osteoarthritis by introducing into a joint a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising hyaluronan with high elasticity. |
| US09492472B2 |
Compositions and methods of treating cancer
A method of inhibiting neoplastic, cancer, and/or tumorgenic cell proliferation, cell growth and motility in a subject includes administering to a cancer cell expressing Pro-PrP and FLNa a therapeutically effective amount of a Pro-PrP regulating agent. |
| US09492469B2 |
Combination therapy for the treatment of proliferative diseases
A method of treating a proliferative disease, such as cancer, is disclosed. The method comprises administering to a mammal in need thereof synergistically therapeutically effective amounts of: (i) (2R,3S)—N-((3S)-1-methyl-2-oxo-5-phenyl-2,3-di-hydro-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-3-yl)-2,3-bis(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)succinamide; (ii) 2-deoxy-2,2-difluorocytidine monohydrochloride (beta-isomer); and (iii) optionally, one or more additional anticancer agents. |
| US09492467B2 |
Rapid-acting insulin formulation comprising an oligosaccharide
A composition in aqueous solution, including an insulin and at least one oligosaccharide whose average degree of polymerization is between 3 and 13 and whose polydispersity index PDI is above 1.0, the oligosaccharide having partially substituted carboxyl functional groups, the unsubstituted carboxyl functional groups being salifiable. |
| US09492466B2 |
Beta-hydroxy-gamma-aminophosphonates for treating immune disorders
The present disclosure provides methods of treating, ameliorating, or preventing immune disorders, allergic disorders, or inflammatory disorders, or combinations thereof, or providing hepatoprotection in subject. In one aspect, the method comprises administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of a β-hydroxy-γ-aminophosphonate or β-amino-γ-aminophosphonate. |
| US09492458B2 |
Treatment of erectile dysfunction and other indications
The present invention generally relates to the transdermal delivery of various compounds. In some aspects, transdermal delivery may be facilitated by the use of a hostile biophysical environment. One set of embodiments provides a composition for topical delivery comprising a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor and/or a salt thereof, and optionally, a hostile biophysical environment and/or a nitric oxide donor. In some cases, the composition may be stabilized using a combination of a stabilization polymer (such as xanthan gum, KELTROL® BT and/or KELTROL® RD), propylene glycol, and a polysorbate surfactant such as Polysorbate 20, which combination unexpectedly provides temperature stability to the composition, e.g., at elevated temperatures such as at least 40° C. (at least about 104° F.), as compared to compositions lacking one or more of these. |
| US09492455B1 |
Methods of treating NFA-1 organism infection using apocynin
Described herein are compounds and pharmaceutical formulations thereof that can be administered to a subject infected with or suspected of being infected with an organism having an Nfa-1 protein. Also provided herein are methods of treating an infection with an organism having an Nfa-1 protein in a subject in need thereof by administering a therapeutically effective amount of apocynin to the subject in need thereof. |
| US09492453B2 |
Protein kinase B inhibitors
The invention relates to a novel group of compounds of Formula (I) or salts thereof: wherein Y, Z1, Z2, R1, R4, R5 and n are as described in the specification, which may be useful in the treatment or prevention of a disease or medical condition mediated through protein kinase B (PKB) such as cancer. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds, methods of treatment of diseases mediated by PKB using said compounds and methods for preparing compounds of Formula (I). |
| US09492451B2 |
Stable compositions of tetrahydrobiopterin
The present invention relates to stable pharmaceutical compositions of tetrahydrobiopterin and processes for producing such compositions. Particularly the present invention relates to stable pharmaceutical compositions comprising tetrahydrobiopterin and at least one stabilizing agent. |
| US09492449B2 |
Therapies for hematologic malignancies
The invention provides methods that relate to a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hematological malignancies and inflammatory diseases. In particular, the method comprises administering a compound of formula A, wherein R is H, halo, or C1-C6 alkyl; R′ is C1-C6 alkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient; and administering at least one additional therapeutic agent. |
| US09492447B2 |
Cannabinoid receptor modulators
Provided are certain methods useful in the treatment of pain comprising administering a compound of Formula Ia and pharmaceutical compositions thereof that modulate the activity of the cannabinoid CB2 receptor; |
| US09492441B2 |
Drug treatment of overactive bladder
Provided are methods of treating an overactive bladder in a patient which include: administering a Myosin II ATPase inhibitor compound; or administering an X group and Y group substituted (3a-hydroxy-1-phenyl-1,2,3,3a-tetrahydro-4H-pyrrolo[2,3b]quinolin-4-one) compound of Formula 1 or administering an X group and Y group substituted (3a-hydroxy-1-phenyl-1,2,3,3a-tetrahydro-4H-pyrrolo[2,3b]quinolin-4-one) compound of Formula II; or administering pharmaceutically-acceptable salts, racemic mixtures, enantiomers, or prodrugs of said compounds, useful in their active form as inhibitors of Myosin H ATPase related to over-active bladder. Optionally the compounds are administered intervesicularly into the bladder. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds useful in their active form, as methods of treating a patient suffering from an over-active bladder related to inhibition of Myosin II ATPase. These pharmaceutical compositions also may contain one or more other compounds useful in their active form, as methods of treating a patient suffering from an over-active bladder. |
| US09492440B2 |
Bicyclic amides for enhancing glutamatergic synaptic responses
This invention relates to bicyclic amide compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for use in the prevention and treatment of a variety of conditions and/or disease states including cerebral insufficiency, through the enhancement of receptor functioning in synapses in brain networks responsible for basic and higher order behaviors as defined herein. These brain networks, which are involved in regulation of breathing, and cognitive abilities related to memory impairment, such as is observed in a variety of dementias, in imbalances in neuronal activity between different brain regions, as is suggested in disorders such as Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, respiratory depression, sleep apneas, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and affective or mood disorders, and in other disorders wherein a deficiency in neurotrophic factors is implicated, as well as other disorders as described herein. |
| US09492438B2 |
Amphiphilic pyridinum compounds to treat epilepsy and other disorders of the nervous system
A pharmaceutical composition including an amphiphilic pyridinium compound for treating neurological disorders or seizure disorders, in particular epilepsy, and other disorders of the nervous system. The pharmaceutical composition may be used as a primary treatment or as an adjuvant treatment. Administration of the amphiphilic pyridinium compound(s) may occur prior to the manifestation of symptoms characteristic of epilepsy, such that epilepsy is prevented, or alternatively, delayed in its progression. |
| US09492437B2 |
Otamixaban for treatment of elderly and renal impaired non-ST elevation myocardial infarction patients
The invention relates to the use of (2R,3R)-2-(3-carbamimidoyl-benzyl)-3-[4-(1-oxy-pyridin-4-yl)benzoylamino]-butyric acid methyl ester or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for the preparation of a medicament for use in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, said treatment comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of (2R,3R)-2-(3-Carbamimidoyl-benzyl)-3-[4-(1-oxy-pyridin-4-yl)benzoylamino]-butyric acid methyl ester or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to a human patient, who is elderly and/or shows renal insufficiency and/or has a low body weight. |
| US09492435B2 |
Cyclopamine analogs
The invention provides derivatives of cyclopamine having the following formula: |
| US09492434B2 |
Combination compositions and methods of treatment
The instant invention describes macrocyclic compounds having therapeutic activity, and methods of treating disorders such as methods of modulating cellular proliferation processes, and methods of treating disease, disorders, and symptoms thereof. |
| US09492431B2 |
Therapeutic agent for keratoconjunctive disorders
The present invention addresses the problem of providing a novel therapeutic agent for keratoconjunctive disorders. As a means for solving the problem, a therapeutic agent for keratoconjunctive disorders which contains a RARγ agonist as an active ingredient is provided. The therapeutic agent exhibits an excellent ameliorating effect in a keratoconjunctive disorder model, and is therefore useful as a therapeutic agent for keratoconjunctive disorders such as corneal ulcer, corneal epithelial abrasion, keratitis, dry eye, conjunctivitis, chronic superficial keratitis, corneal erosion, persistent corneal disorders, superficial punctate keratopathy, corneal epithelial defects, conjunctival epithelial defects, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis, filamentary keratoconjunctivitis, infectious keratitis, noninfectious keratitis, infectious conjunctivitis and noninfectious conjunctivitis. The therapeutic agent is also useful as a therapeutic agent for corneal scarring and conjunctival scarring both associated with keratoconjunctive disorders. |
| US09492427B2 |
CDC7 kinase inhibitors and uses thereof
The invention provides compounds, methods, pharmaceutical compositions, and kits for the treatment of proliferative disorders such as cancer. In one aspect, the methods comprise compounds that inhibit the activity of protein kinases, such as cell division cycle (Cdc) kinase. In another aspect, the methods comprise compounds that inhibit Cdc7 and/or Dbf4 activity. In another aspect, the methods comprise compounds that exhibit anti-proliferative properties useful in treating diseases such as cancer. Compounds useful for any of the methods include compounds of the Formula (A) or (B): or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Exemplary compounds of Formula (A) or (B) include granaticin A, granaticin B, dihydrogranaticin A, dihydrogranaticin B, medermycin, and actinorhodin. |
| US09492426B2 |
Mycophenolic acid analogues as anti-tumor chemosensitizing agents
In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods of treating a tumor in a subject. In some embodiments, the methods may include a step of administering to the subject a therapeutic composition that comprises: (a) mycophenolic acid, an analog thereof, or a derivative thereof; and (b) at least one anti-neoplastic agent. In some embodiments, the antineoplastic agent may include at least one of 5-fluouracil (5-FU), paclitaxel, oxaliplatin, doxorubicin, etoposide, irinotecan, bleomycin, imiquimod, 13-cis-retinoic acid, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the relative concentrations of the mycophenolic acid, the analog thereof, or the derivative thereof, and the at least one anti-neoplastic agent correspond to their respective IC50 values. In some embodiments, the methods of the present invention may be used to treat tumors associated with at least one of an oral cancer, a skin cancer, a breast cancer, a prostate cancer, precancerous lesions thereof, hyperplastic lesions thereof, and benign tumors thereof. |
| US09492419B2 |
Method for treating crohn'S disease or ulcerative colitis by administering a compound which binds LDL-receptor-related protein (LRP) ligand binding domain
The present invention relates to the field of therapeutic methods, compositions and uses thereof, that affect, directly or indirectly, the behavior of LRP receptors. These compositions and methods result in the treatment of inflammatory, immunological and metabolic conditions. More particularly, the methods and compositions of the invention are directed to the identification of small molecules, drugs and/or pharmacological agents that affect the Wnt pathway by affecting normal complex formation among various signaling receptors, the LRP5 and LRP6 receptor, and related ligands. |
| US09492417B2 |
Methods and compositions for administration of 3-halopyruvate and related compounds for the treatment of cancer
The present disclosure relates to the discovery that compounds of the invention, particularly 3-bromopyruvate and related compounds, can be safely administered at concentrations effective for the treatment of cancer when formulated with an acidity of greater than or equal to pH of 2 and less than or equal to a pH of 6. Disclosed herein are novel and improved methods and compositions for the treatment of cancer using 3-halopyruvate and related compounds. |
| US09492414B2 |
Treatment and diagnosis of colon cancer
The present invention discloses novel agents and methods for diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer. Also disclosed are related arrays, kits, and screening methods. |
| US09492412B2 |
Penetrating pharmaceutical foam
The invention relates to an alcohol-free cosmetic or pharmaceutical foam composition comprising water, a hydrophobic solvent, a surface-active agent, a gelling agent, an active component selected from the group of urea, hydroxy acid and a therapeutic enhancer and a propellant. The foam further comprises active agents and excipients with therapeutic properties having enhanced skin penetration. |
| US09492407B2 |
Topical formulation for treatment of hyperkeratotic skin
The present invention relates in general to topical compositions having improved antimicrobial effect useful for the treatment of hyperkeratotic skin conditions. More specifically, the present invention relates to topical compositions comprising a combination of one or more alpha-hydroxy acids, urea, glycerol, and panthenol, as well as the use of such compositions for the treatment of hyperkeratotic skin conditions, in particular on the feet, and also on other body areas where thick skin is noted and where infections should be avoided. |
| US09492406B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition
The present invention relates to a novel pharmaceutical composition having enhanced bioavailability through improved aqueous dissolution of poorly water soluble drugs, and to a method for preparing it. The invention more particularly relates to an oral pharmaceutical composition containing active ingredients of poor aqueous solubility, more specifically, antiparasitic and antipneumocystic drug Atovaquone alone or in combination with Proguanil. |
| US09492405B2 |
Use of fenoterol and fenoterol analogues in the treatment of glioblastomas and astrocytomas
This disclosure concerns the discovery of the use of fenoterol and (R,R)- and (R,S)-fenoterol analogs for the treatment of a tumor expressing a β2-adrenergic receptor, such as a primary brain tumor, including a glioblastoma or astrocytoma expressing a β2-adrenergic receptor. In one example, the method includes administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of fenoterol, a specific fenoterol analog or a combination thereof to reduce one or more symptoms associated with the tumor, thereby treating the tumor in the subject. |
| US09492399B2 |
Method of treating iron deficiency
A method of treating a condition related to iron deficiency. The method includes steps of identifying a patient having a condition related to iron deficiency and administering an effective amount of biocompatible iron oxide nanoparticles to the patient. The biocompatible iron oxide nanoparticles each contains an iron oxide core that is covered by one or more biocompatible polymers, each of which has a polyethylene glycol group, a silane group, and a linker linking, via a covalent bond, the polyethylene glycol group and the silane group. |
| US09492394B2 |
Gastric resistant pharmaceutical or nutraceutical formulation comprising one or more salts of alginic acid
The invention relates to a gastric resistant pharmaceutical or nutraceutical composition, comprising a core, comprising a pharmaceutical or nutraceutical active ingredient and a gastric resistant coating layer onto the core, wherein the release of the pharmaceutical or nutraceutical active ingredient is not more than 15% under in-vitro conditions at pH 1.2 for 2 hours in medium according to USP with and without the addition of 40% (v/v) ethanol, wherein the gastric resistant coating layer comprises 10 to 100% by weight of one or more salts of alginic acid with a viscosity of 30 to 720 cP of a 1% aqueous solution. |
| US09492392B2 |
Tamper resistant dosage forms
The present invention relates to pharmaceutical dosage forms, for example to a tamper resistant dosage form including an opioid analgesic, and processes of manufacture, uses, and methods of treatment thereof. |
| US09492389B2 |
Tamper resistant dosage forms
The present invention relates to pharmaceutical dosage forms, for example to a tamper resistant dosage form including an opioid analgesic, and processes of manufacture, uses, and methods of treatment thereof. |
| US09492379B2 |
Quickly soluble oral film dosage containing steviosides as a unpleasant taste masking agent
Disclosed is a quickly soluble oral film dosage for masking a nasty taste, in particular, a quickly soluble oral film dosage comprising a stevioside based sweetener and a high potency sweetener in a ratio by weight (w/w) of 1:3 to 3:1, which may efficiently mask a bitter or nasty taste of a medicine and may be quickly dissolved in a mouth without water, thereby improving an aftertaste thereof thus enhancing dosage acceptability of a patient. |
| US09492378B2 |
Methods for delivering etanercept preparations into a lumen of the intestinal tract using a swallowable drug delivery device
Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Many embodiments provide a swallowable device for delivering the agents. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. Embodiments also provide various drug preparations that are configured to be contained within the capsule, advanced from the capsule into the intestinal wall and degrade to release the drug into the bloodstream to produce a therapeutic effect. The preparation can be operably coupled to delivery means having a first configuration where the preparation is contained in the capsule and a second configuration where the preparation is advanced out of the capsule into the intestinal wall. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract. |
| US09492373B2 |
Cosmetic composition containing a dispersion of polymer particles and mineral fillers
A cosmetic composition is described that includes particles of a polymeric composition that includes a polymer matrix and one or a plurality of mineral filler(s), uniformly dispersed in the polymer matrix, having properties of absorption and/or emission in the far infrared region ranging from 2 μm to 20 μm. The particles of the polymeric composition can be dispersed in a carrier fluid including water and/or one or a plurality of organic fluids. The composition is, for example, intended to prevent or reduce the signs of skin aging. |
| US09492372B2 |
Process for preparing sapucainha oil or butter, cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition and use of the sapucainha oil or butter
The present invention relates to a process for preparing a sapucainha oil butter which enables obtaining an improved product for use in cosmetic compositions instead of silicone and fatty esters compounds. |
| US09492371B2 |
Cosmetic composition
A cosmetic composition, comprising the following components (A), (B), (C), and (D): (A) from 0.01 to 48 % by mass of a fluorine-modified silicone having a polysiloxane unit represented by the following formulae (1) and (2): wherein, Rf represents a linear or branched perfluoroalkyl group having 6 carbon atoms; R1, R2, and R3 are the same or different and each represent a linear or branched hydrocarbon group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; m represents a number of 2 to 6; n represents a number of 1 to 6; p represents a number of 3 to 50; s represents a number of 1 to 5; and a ratio between p and s satisfies 0.66≦p/(p+s)≦0.9, (B) from 0.01 to 40 % by mass of a powder having been subjected to a surface treatment with tridecafluoro octyltriethoxysilane, (C) from 0.01 to 20% by mass of a fine zinc oxide particle having a specific surface area of 10 to 100 m2/g, with the proviso that the component (B) is excluded from the component (C), and (D) octyl para-methoxycinnamate, wherein, a mass ratio of the component (A) to the component (D), (A)/(D) is from 0.5 to 10. |
| US09492370B2 |
Cosmetic composition carrier containing urethane foam layer structure
Disclosed are a cosmetic composition carrier containing a urethane foam layer structure, and cosmetics including the cosmetic composition carrier that contains a cosmetic composition. |
| US09492368B2 |
External preparation for skin
The present invention has an object to provide an external dermal agent with a sustainable anti-wrinkle action, which has both the action of enhancing the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes in the skin and the action of enhancing the collagen production in the skin, and which assists the maintenance and the improvement of tissue structures and physiological functions of the epidermis and the dermis, whereby providing a remarkable skin improvement effect. The present invention solves the above object by providing an external dermal agent containing α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3′)-adenosine and/or α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→5′)-adenosine as an effective ingredient(s). |
| US09492366B2 |
Dye gloss agent with special cationic pigments, tensides and polymers
The invention relates to an agent for dyeing keratinic fibers, particularly human hair, containing in a cosmetic base (a) at least one cationic anthraquinone derivative of formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3 stand independently of one another for a C1-C6 alkyl group, n stands for an integer from 2 to 8 and A− for a physiologically compatible anion, (b) at least one further cationic direct dyeing pigment, different from formula (I), (c) at least one amphoteric and/or zwitterionic surfactant and (d) at least one cationic polymer. |
| US09492363B1 |
Aerosol sprayable color composition
An aerosol cosmetic composition is provided that includes an oil soluble gloss enhancing film forming component, a solvent, a colorant, a propellant, and useful for application to hair or skin. An aerosol dispensing system and a method of preparing an aerosol sprayable color composition are also provided. |
| US09492353B2 |
Medical device connector
The present invention relates to a medical device connector for connecting a piercing device (3), with a vial (2) comprising a base member. A plurality of grip members (50), each grip member (50) comprising a distal end (D) and a proximal end (P) and each comprising a wedge portion (61) adapted to temporarily or permanently lock the medical device connector (1) to the vial (2). The base member (30) further comprises a plurality of flanges (40), wherein the proximal ends (P) of the grip members (50) are arranged to the flanges (41, 40). The flanges (40) extend substantially out from the periphery of the base member (30) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the grip members, wherein the space formed between the flanges (40) of the base member (30) forms at least one grip portion. The present invention provides for a medical device connector (1) which is easy and comfortable to use, which provide good stacking capabilities and which permits a user to readily acknowledge that the medical device connector (1) is correctly assembled with the vial (2). |
| US09492352B2 |
Device for preparing dilute disinfectant solution
A portable device for mixing a dilute disinfectant solution comprising a first reservoir comprising a predetermined amount of said disinfectant solution, a chamber which is connected to said first reservoir and which holds a predetermined amount of dilutant, and means for discharging said predetermined amount of said disinfectant solution from said first reservoir into said chamber to be mixed with said predetermined amount of dilutant in said chamber wherein said device provides the dilute disinfectant solution at a fixed dilution determined by the ratio of the predetermined amount of said disinfectant solution to the predetermined amount of dilutant. |
| US09492351B2 |
Apparatus and methods for sequestering fluids exhausted during fluid transfer
A liquid transfer connector comprises an enclosure holding a transfer needle and an exhaust needle. A container of donor liquid may be attached to an inlet end of the transfer needle and a container holding a recipient liquid may be attached to an outlet end of the transfer needle and an inlet end of an exhaust needle. The exhaust needle has an outlet end within the connector which releases displaced fluid into an absorbent mass which sequesters the fluid to prevent leakage. |
| US09492338B2 |
Pressure-sensitive adhesive tape package
A novel pressure-sensitive adhesive tape package easy to open and easy in application of an adhesive tape is disclosed. The pressure-sensitive adhesive tape package 10 according to the present invention includes an adhesive tape 14 that accommodates a support 18 and an adhesive agent layer 12 provided on one surface of the support 18, and a release sheet 16 releasably attached to the adhesive agent layer 12. Moreover, the release sheet 16 is folded with the adhesive tape 14, and the adhesive tape 14 is sealed inside of the folded release sheet 16. A plurality of temporary attach portions 50 to 54 spaced from each other is provided in a half of the adhesive agent layer 12 in the adhesive tape 14 to securely expose the half when the release sheet 16 is opened. |
| US09492335B2 |
Absorbent articles with elastics in multiple layers
Absorbent articles that include elastics in multiple layers are disclosed herein. |
| US09492333B2 |
Absorbent article
The present invention addresses the problem of, in an absorbent article, maintaining at a certain level or lower the difference between the dry flexural rigidity and wet flexural rigidity [(dry flexural rigidity)−(wet flexural rigidity)] at a bonding part. To solve this problem, provided is a sanitary napkin which comprises a top sheet, a back sheet, an absorbent body that is interposed between the top sheet and the back sheet and a compressed part that unites the top sheet and the absorbent body in the thickness direction, wherein: the absorbent body contains a cellulose-based water absorbing fiber and a thermoplastic resin fiber, said thermoplastic resin fiber containing as a monomer component an unsaturated carboxylic acid, an unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride or a mixture thereof; and the difference between the dry Gurley stiffness and wet Gurley stiffness of the compressed part is maintained at 2.5 mN/12.5 mm or lower. |
| US09492332B2 |
Breathable and microporous thin thermoplastic film
Breathable, thermoplastic films, laminates, and methods of making films having a basis weight less than or equal to 15 gsm and a water vapor transmission rate of at least about 500 grams H2O/24-hour/m2, wherein the film has a ratio of the MD load at break to the CD load at break of less than about 10, and at least one of a machine-direction notched Elmendorf tear strength of at least about 5 g or a machine-direction notched trapezoidal tear strength of at least about 15 g. |
| US09492330B2 |
Manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus for a sheet-like member associated with an absorbent article
There is provided a manufacturing method for a sheet-like member associated with an absorbent article, the sheet-like member having a folded-up section which is temporarily-secured in a folded-up state. The method includes: forming the folded-up section by folding up a continuous sheet in a width direction of the continuous sheet, the continuous sheet continuing along a transporting direction, creasing the folded-up section in a folded-up state by pressing continuously the folded-up section along a direction of a fold line of the folded-up section, temporarily-securing the folded-up section in a folded-up state by pressing the folded-up section with a plurality of protrusions that are included in a pressing member, producing the sheet-like member by dividing the continuous sheet with a predetermined pitch in the transporting direction, the continuous sheet having been creased and temporarily-secured, and conveying the produced sheet-like member. |
| US09492326B2 |
Reduced pressure wound treatment system
A reduced pressure treatment appliance is provided for treating a wound on the body of a patient. In some embodiments, the appliance comprises an overlay, which is further comprised of cup members that may be detached or cut away from the overlay so that the overlay can be adjusted in size and shape. Also, in some embodiments, the overlay is further comprised of a pressure venting valve to maintain a predetermined level of reduced pressure at the site of the wound. In other embodiments, the wound treatment appliance also includes a vacuum system to supply reduced pressure to the site of the wound in the volume under the overlay. In yet other embodiments, the treatment appliance also includes wound packing means to prevent overgrowth of the wound or to encourage growth of wound tissue into an absorbable matrix comprising the wound packing means. In still other embodiments, a suction bulb may be used to provide a source of reduced pressure to an overlay that covers the wound. Finally, methods are provided for using various embodiments of the treatment appliance. |
| US09492317B2 |
Cassette capture mechanism
The present invention pertains to a cassette capture mechanism for uniting a cassette with a console to prevent jamming or damage to the console and/or cassette. The cassette capture mechanism comprises a cassette receptacle, an axial translation linkage, a first sensor apparatus, and a second sensor apparatus. The cassette receptacle is configured to couple with a cassette having a positioning surface. The axial translation linkage is configured to couple the cassette with the cassette receptacle. The first sensor apparatus is configured to detect alignment of the cassette in a horizontal plane with respect to the cassette receptacle when the cassette is initially coupled with the cassette receptacle; and the second sensor apparatus is configured to detect activation of the first sensor apparatus and detect alignment of the cassette in a vertical plane with respect to the cassette receptacle. |
| US09492314B2 |
System for altering and maintaining temperatures of objects
A system for altering or maintaining temperatures of objects having a heating/cooling unit having at least one primary fluid line for circulating a heating fluid, a cooling fluid or both through at least one pad in fluid communication with the heating/cooling unit. The heating/cooling unit may accommodate any number of primary fluid lines to correspond to the number of pads utilized or the heating/cooling unit may include at least one flow divider manifold in fluid communication with a primary fluid supply line for channeling a fluid through a plurality of pads. |
| US09492309B2 |
Nasal cavity insertion device
A nasal cavity insertion device is provided that includes a tubular main body part, at least one elastically deforming part disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular main body part, and a water soluble holding part. The water soluble holding part holds the elastically deforming part in a diameter-reduced state. |
| US09492307B1 |
Support and stabilization device for dialysis treatment
A support and stabilization device for use by patients receiving dialysis comprising modified stabilization glove and a modified support pillow. The stabilization glove is a conventional glove styled hand covering that has a plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners, specifically loop component fastener strips permanently affixed to its palmar side. The modified support pillow is a traditional pillow with an elongated body having fabric outer cover and a removable waterproof inner portion. Opposing hook component fastener strips are permanently affixed to the top surface of the support pillow. As a result, when the opposing fasteners engage a removable attachment between the pillow and glove is created that does not physically restrain the patient in an inappropriate or undesirable manner. |
| US09492304B2 |
Orthopedic device for mechanical treatment of hallux valgus
An orthopedic device is provided for treatment of Hallux Valgus. The orthopedic device includes a main part (3) in the form of an elastic sleeve, intended to exert a restraining force (F1) locally on the metatarsals (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5), a distal part (5) for encapsulating the big toe, and a connecting band (6) between the main part (3) and the distal part (5), intended to be tensioned in order to exert a lateral force (F2) on the big toe that is directed inwards in relation to the axis Δ of the human body. A pad (4) is secured to the inner wall of the device, creating a localized increased thickness, and arranged to be positioned against the first metatarsal of the big toe. The pad acts as an anchor during the application of the lateral force, in different positions of the foot, thus allowing the tensile force on the connecting band (6) to be adjusted. The combined restraining and lateral forces serve to re-align the joint during walking. |
| US09492292B2 |
Prosthetic socket centering block
A prosthetic component centering block (10) for mounting and adjustably centering a socket to a prosthetic leg, and for establishing and maintaining proper flexion and offset there between. The centering block (I0) comprises a solid member defined by an upper surface, lower surface, and surrounding sides. Both the upper surface and lower surface define an elongated geometric shape extending from a front end to a rear end, and the upper surface is inclined front-to-rear at a pre-determined flexion angle Φ relative to said lower surface. |
| US09492290B2 |
Tibial prosthesis systems, kits, and methods
Systems for determining force balance on a knee joint during a surgical procedure are disclosed. A system can include a tibial prosthesis. The tibial prosthesis can include a bearing component, a base component, and a shim component. The bearing component can have a superior articulating surface and an inferior surface. The bearing component can include a top portion, a bottom portion, a frame disposed between the top portion and the bottom portion, and a plurality of sensors disposed between the frame and the bottom portion. The frame can have a plurality of apertures corresponding in size or shape to the plurality of sensors. The base component can have a superior surface and an inferior surface. The shim component can be configured to be slidable between the inferior surface of the bearing component and the superior surface of the base component in an anterior to posterior direction. |
| US09492285B2 |
Expandable interbody fusion implant
Disclosed is an expandable interbody fusion implant that is configured to have an initial configuration having a first footprint width suitable for being inserted into an intervertebral space and an expanded configuration having a second footprint width that is greater than the first footprint width. The implant may include a first body member and a second body member that is pivotally coupled to the first body member. The implant may be expanded using an inflatable balloon. The implant may be expanded bilaterally such that both body members rotate relative to the other or the implant may be expanded unilaterally such that one of the body members rotates relative to the other. |
| US09492281B2 |
Ankle prosthesis with simplified adjustment
The invention relates to an ankle prosthesis including a talar implant, a tibial implant, and an intermediate implant designed to be mounted to move relative to said talar implant in order to impart mobility to the ankle, said prosthesis further including embedded adjustment structure designed to alternate between a releasing state, in which they allow the intermediate implant to move relative to the tibial implant, and a locking state, in which they hold the prosthesis in the chosen assembly configuration, said prosthesis being characterized in that said adjustment structure can be controlled to be operable while the prosthesis is in the assembled state in vivo. |
| US09492279B2 |
Bioabsorbable plug implants and method for bone tissue regeneration
A bioabsorbable plug implant, suitable for bone tissue regeneration, includes a first portion, and a second portion extending outwardly from the first portion, the first and second portions formed from expandable material. A method for bone tissue regeneration includes providing a bioabsorbable plug implant, wherein the implant has a first portion and a second portion extending outwardly from the first portion. The first and second portions are formed from expandable material. The second portion is inserted into a defect or gap of a bone. The first surface engages the outside contour of the defect or gap. The plug implant is allowed to contact body fluids, thereby expanding the size of the plug implant so that the plug fits into the defect or gap. |
| US09492278B2 |
Delivery system
A covering for delivering a substance or material to a surgical site is provided. The covering, with substance provided therein, may be referred to as a delivery system. Generally, the covering may be a single or multi-compartment structure capable of at least partially retaining a substance provided therein until the covering is placed at a surgical site. Upon placement, the covering may facilitate transfer of the substance or surrounding materials. For example, the substance may be released (actively or passively) to the surgical site. The covering may participate in, control, or otherwise adjust, the release of the substance. |
| US09492269B2 |
Selective adherence of stent-graft coverings
An endoluminal prosthesis including a radially expandable support member having interior and exterior surfaces and a wall with openings, a first covering member including a biocompatible polymer material at least partially positioned against the interior surface, and a second covering member including a biocompatible polymer material at least partially positioned against the exterior surface. The first covering member attaches to the second covering member at predetermined bonding locations within less than all of the openings thereby leaving unbonded regions. |
| US09492263B2 |
Retrieval apparatus and methods for use
An apparatus for capturing material within a body lumen includes a shaft carrying an expandable basket device on a distal end thereof. The basket device includes a distal basket carried and a proximal basket carried on the shaft such that the proximal basket is proximal to and spaced apart from the distal basket. Each basket includes an open end communicating with an interior of the respective basket and oriented towards one another. In one embodiment, a tubular middle portion extends between the baskets. In another embodiment, the distal basket includes an actuator coupled to the distal basket open end such that movement of the baskets towards one another causes the actuator to direct the distal basket open end inwardly to allow the open end to be received within the proximal basket to facilitate removal of the apparatus after capturing material within the baskets. |
| US09492257B2 |
Photocatalytic teeth whitening
The present disclosure relates to devices, methods and kits for accelerating the rate of whitening of teeth using an oxidizing agent, a photocatalytic agent, and a portable lightsource. |
| US09492252B2 |
Molding artificial teeth in denture base disc
A method of molding artificial teeth in denture base material comprising forming a U-shaped cavity in a block of denture base material, forming socket cavities in the bottom of the U-shaped cavity, casting a fluid artificial tooth material into the cavities, and causing the fluid tooth material to solidify into solid artificial tooth material while applying pressure. Causing the solidification may include heating the fluid tooth material. The method may include casting a liquid elastomer into a bottom portion of the U-shaped cavity following forming that cavity and prior to the forming the socket cavities, curing the liquid elastomer into a solid elastomeric cushion, and removing the cushion from the U-shaped cavity. Subsequently, the cushion may be inserted into the U-shaped cavity and contacted with the fluid tooth material. A die may then be contacted with the cushion to apply pressure to it and the fluid tooth material during curing. |
| US09492250B2 |
Support of removable components in a teeth model manufactured by means of CAM
A computer-implemented method of generating a virtual model of a set of teeth for manufacturing a physical model of the set of teeth includes providing a virtual model of the set of teeth generating a cavity in said gingival part, into which cavity a removable component fits, where the removable component and the cavity are configured to provide a gap at an interface; and providing for supporting and positioning the removable component in the cavity, wherein the area of contact between the removable component and the cavity wall at the interface is controlled by the shape of the adjoining surfaces of the supporting and positioning and the other of the removable component and the cavity wall. |
| US09492248B2 |
Dental implant
A dental implant includes a male threading part and an implantation torque increasing part from the tip side. The male threading part includes multiple threading parts that have the same lead but different pitches, with the pitch increasing toward the tip side. The outer diameter of the male threading part is constant or increases toward the implantation torque increasing part. The implantation torque increasing part includes thread crests that have a different lead from the lead of the male threading part or a projecting row that is continuous circumferentially. In cross-section, a contour line connecting tops of the thread crests of the threading part that is adjacent to the implantation torque increasing part is a straight line, and the tops of the thread crests or the top of the projecting row of the implantation torque increasing part are located on an extension line of the contour line. |
| US09492247B2 |
Orthodontic bracket and method of correcting malpositioned teeth
An orthodontic bracket includes a bracket body and a ligating member. The ligating member retains an archwire in an archwire slot and includes archwire control structure including projecting portions spaced apart in a mesial-distal direction with a recessed area therebetween. The recessed area and the projecting portions overlie the archwire slot. The recessed area may include a flat or a curved surface in a mesial-distal direction. The recessed area and projecting portions may define a radius of curvature that is less than the radius of curvature of the archwire seated in the slot. The archwire contacts one or both the projecting portions resulting in a larger moment arm and better rotational control of the bracket with the force applied by the archwire. |
| US09492241B2 |
Image guided robotic system for keyhole neurosurgery
A novel image-guided system for precise automatic targeting in minimally invasive keyhole neurosurgery. The system consists of a miniature robot fitted with a mechanical guide for needle, probe, or catheter insertion. Intraoperative, the robot is directly affixed to a head clamp or to the patient skull. It automatically positions itself with respect to predefined entry points and targets in a preoperative CT/MRI image following an anatomical registration with an intraoperative 3D surface scan of the patient facial features and a registration jig. The registration procedure is a novel three-way scheme, in which the intraoperative surface scan including the registration jig is matched to a model generated from the preoperative CT/MRI image, the robot position is known in relation to the registration jig, and the entry and target points are known from the preoperative CT/MRI image, such that the robot position can be related to the entry and target points. |
| US09492240B2 |
Virtual measurement tool for minimally invasive surgery
Robotic and/or measurement devices, systems, and methods for telesurgical and other applications employ input devices operatively coupled to tools so as to allow a system user to manipulate tissues and other structures being measured. The system may make use of three dimensional position information from stereoscopic images. Two or more discrete points can be designated in three dimensions so as to provide a cumulative length along a straight or curving structure, an area measurement, a volume measurement, or the like. The discrete points may be identified by a single surgical tool or by distances separating two or more surgical tools, with the user optionally measuring a structure longer than a field of view of the stereoscopic image capture device by walking a pair of tools “hand-over-hand” along the structure. By allowing the system user to interact with the tissues while designating the tissue locations, and by employing imaging data to determine the measurements, the measurement accuracy and ease of measurement may be enhanced. |
| US09492235B2 |
Manipulator arm-to-patient collision avoidance using a null-space
Devices, systems, and methods for avoiding collisions between a manipulator arm and an outer patient surface by moving the manipulator within a null-space. In response to a determination that distance between an avoidance geometry and obstacle surface, corresponding to a manipulator-to-patient distance is less than desired, the system calculates movement of one or more joints or links of the manipulator within a null-space of the Jacobian to increase this distance. The joints are driven according to the reconfiguration command and calculated movement so as to maintain a desired state of the end effector. In one aspect, the joints are also driven according to a calculated end effector displacing movement within a null-perpendicular-space of the Jacobian to effect a desired movement of the end effector or remote center while concurrently avoiding arm-to-patient collisions by moving the joints within the null-space. |
| US09492233B2 |
Apparatus with two-piece end-effectors for robotic surgical tools
In one embodiment of the invention, a robotic surgical tool having opposing jaws, the working element of the robotic surgical tool is made of a different material from the drive element of the robotic surgical tool. The two elements may be manufactured independently and assembled together at a later stage. The material comprising each element may thus have properties more appropriate to the function each element plays in the robotic surgical tool. For example, the metal selected to comprise the blade of a surgical scissor may be corrosion resistant and capable of being sharpened to a high degree. |
| US09492215B2 |
Method of osteosyntheses or arthrodeses of two- bone parts, in particular of the hand and / or foot
In one embodiment, the present invention is a method of arthrodeses or osteosyntheses of a first bone part and a second bone part, including the steps of positioning a first fixation zone of an implant in the first bone part and a second fixation zone of the implant in the second bone part, both the first and second zones made of shape-memory material and, prior to positioning the bone parts, are in an inner position; and while the first fixation zone is within the first bone part and the second fixation zone is within the second bone part, fixating the respective first and second fixation zones within the respective bone parts through shape-memory action at body temperature. |
| US09492214B2 |
Flexible spinal stabilization system
Flexible spinal stabilization apparatuses are provided. The apparatuses include a flexible support element configured to be attached to a first vertebra and a second vertebra. The apparatuses also include a bone growth promoter coupled to the flexible support element. The flexible support element spans one or more intervertebral spaces but the bone growth promoter does not. |
| US09492213B2 |
Volar fixation system
A volar fixation system includes a plate intended to be positioned against the volar side of the radial bone. The plate includes threaded holes for receiving fasteners which lock relative to the plate. |
| US09492210B2 |
Composite internal fixators
A multi-layer, fiber-reinforced composite orthopedic fixation device having a design selected based on a desired characteristic of the orthopedic fixation device. The design may be selected according to a model of the device, the model defining design constraints, and the design may comprise a pattern of the fiber angle for each layer. The selection of a design may be analyzed using finite element analysis to determine whether the design will comprise the desired characteristic. |
| US09492206B2 |
Interspinous ligament transverse connector
An interspinous cross connector system configured and designed to be implanted through the interspinous ligament by a rod that can puncture through the ligament while leaving the ligament intact. The cross connector system includes a first and second elongate rod and a third elongate rod connecting the first and second elongate rods using a cross connection assembly. The cross connection assembly includes a one-piece L-shaped connecting body comprising a receptacle facing outwards towards the first rod and away from the second rod and a clamp, and a set screw selectively positioned to securely hold the connecting body to the first rod. The connecting body is disposed substantially between the first and second elongate rods. The clamp allows the connecting body to slidingly engage with the third rod. |
| US09492205B2 |
Rod connector with swivel collet
The present invention generally relates to a rod connector for adding a pedicle rod to an existing spinal fusion construct. Specifically, this invention relates to an open rod connector that has a swiveling rod collet that allows for a pedicle rod to be rotated into the desired alignment. |
| US09492204B2 |
Polyaxial bone anchoring device with enlarged pivot angle
A polyaxial bone anchoring device includes a receiving part configured to be pivotably connected to a head of an anchoring element, the receiving part having a channel for receiving a rod, an accommodation space having an opening for accommodating the head, and a passage extending from a first end of the receiving part to the accommodation space, a cap member having a first portion configured to be positioned in the accommodation space and to hold the head, wherein the first portion is expandable in the accommodation space to allow insertion of the head and compressible to exert pressure on the head, and a sleeve-like insert piece including a spherical segment-shaped outer surface portion. The insert piece can be positioned at least partially around the first portion of the cap member and can pivot in the receiving part when the cap member and the insert piece are in the receiving part. |
| US09492197B2 |
Methods and apparatus for preventing vaginal lacerations during childbirth
A vaginal dilation device is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the vaginal dilation device is that it is configured to dilate vaginal tissue during labor to prevent tissue damage. Another feature of the vaginal dilation device is that it can be manually controlled to dilate vaginal tissue, or can be automatically controlled to dilate vaginal tissue. In some embodiments, the vaginal dilation device is configured to measure a force applied by the device to tissue. In other embodiments, the vaginal dilation device is configured to apply a constant force to tissue. In other embodiments, the vaginal dilation device is configured to expand at a constant rate. Methods associated with use of the vaginal dilation device are also provided. |
| US09492194B2 |
Method and apparatus for minimally invasive insertion of intervertebral implants
A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. A second dilator tube may be introduced over the first, advanced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from the first. A third dilator tube may be introduced over the second, advanced along a third longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from both the first and the second. An access cannula may be introduced over the third dilator tube. With the first, second, and third dilator tubes removed, surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant. |
| US09492190B2 |
Tissue dissectors
A tissue dissector is provided. The tissue dissector includes a cannula and an introducer coaxially coupled to the cannula and movable therein from a retracted position to an extended position. An introducer is coaxially coupleable to the cannula and movable therein from a retracted position to an extended position. The introducer including a generally annular lumen disposed in fluid communication with an inflation port operably disposed on the introducer and in fluid communication with an inflatable balloon that couples to the introducer. The inflatable balloon is movable from a deflated condition for positioning the introducer adjacent target tissue, to an inflated condition for separating the target tissue from nearby tissue and for providing a barrier therebetween such that the nearby tissue is not affected during the electrosurgical procedure. |
| US09492185B2 |
Devices and methods for performing knee arthroplasty
Methods and devices for performing knee arthroplasty including but not limited to bicruciate retaining knee arthroplasty are provided. Methods and devices for preparing a proximal tibia for a tibial implant are also provided. These methods and devices, in at least some embodiments and uses, facilitate decreasing the complexity of knee arthroplasty procedures such as bicruciate retaining procedures while maintaining, if not improving on, the safety, accuracy and/or effectiveness of such procedures. |
| US09492182B2 |
Customized patient-specific acetabular orthopaedic surgical instrument and method of use and fabrication
A customized patient-specific orthopaedic instrument for facilitating implantation of an acetabular cup prosthesis in a coxal bone of a patient and method of use is disclosed. The customized patient-specific orthopaedic instrument includes a customized patient-specific acetabular reaming guide. The customized patient-specific acetabular reaming guide includes a longitudinal passageway for an acetabular reamer and a plurality of arms with attached feet. Each foot of the reaming guide is positioned relative to the body based on the contours of the coxal bone of the patient and a predetermined degree of version and inclination angles of the acetabular cup prosthesis when implanted in the patient's coxal bone. |
| US09492181B2 |
Drill with depth measurement system and light emitter
A measurement system and method for determining a depth of penetration of a working portion of a surgical instrument (e.g., a rotating drill bit in a bore). A first sensor outputs a first signal representative of a displacement of the leading edge of the drill bit in the bore. A second sensor outputs a second signal representative of a force applied to the leading edge of the drill bit. A processor outputs a third signal representative of the depth of penetration of the leading edge of the drill bit when the leading edge of the drill bit passes from a first medium having a first density to a second medium having a second density. The third signal is based on the first and second signals. |
| US09492179B2 |
Systems and methods for guiding cuts to a femur and tibia during a knee arthroplasty
An assembly for guiding resection of a femur and tibia of a knee joint in preparation for installing a femoral and tibial knee components. For example, the assembly can include tibial and femoral IM rods to which are connected through a tensioning bolt that allows controlled adjustment of the distraction of the tibia and femur during cut positioning in a range of flexion angles. Also, the assembly is usable with relatively small, noninvasive approaches to the knee joint by way of relatively narrow, low profile components that attach to tibial and femoral IM rods. Further, the assembly includes several quick-release components to allow fast assembly and disassembly in a surgical setting. Each of these aspects, along with the ability of the assembly to accurately guide initial reference cuts to the tibia and femur, promotes an improved outcome for the patient. |
| US09492176B2 |
Clamping and ligation device
A clamping and ligation device, comprising a ligation unit (10), a conveying unit (20), a protective sleeve (30), a connecting unit (40), a operation unit (50), and a traction unit (60); the connecting unit (40) connects the conveying unit (20) with the ligation unit (10), and can be disengaged to separate the conveying unit (20) from the ligation unit (10); the traction unit (60) controls the ligation unit (10) via push and pull movement; the end of the traction unit (60) connected to the ligation unit (10) is breakable, so that the traction unit (60) can be broken away from the ligation unit (10) under a definite force; the protective sleeve pipe (30) can accommodate the whole ligation unit (10) therein, thus, during endoscope penetration, avoiding the damage to the endoscope tube wall and the increase of penetration force. |
| US09492166B2 |
Surgical instrument and method for performing a resection
An end effector for use with a surgical instrument comprising an anvil shaft, a first anvil assembly disposed at a distal portion of the anvil shaft and a second anvil assembly mountable on the anvil shaft proximally of the first anvil assembly. Also, a method for performing a surgical procedure is provided including the steps of providing a surgical instrument including a first cartridge assembly and a first anvil assembly having an anvil shaft, approximating the first anvil assembly and first cartridge assembly and ejecting staples from the first cartridge assembly. The method further includes removing the first cartridge assembly from the tubular organ, and inserting a second anvil assembly into the tubular organ to engage the anvil shaft of the first anvil assembly and ejecting staples from a second cartridge assembly towards the second anvil assembly. |
| US09492162B2 |
Automatically reloading suture passer devices and methods
Suture passers and methods of use. Described herein are suture passers preloaded with suture, including cartridges that couple to a suture passer to form a loaded suture passer; the suture passer may be operated to pass one or more lengths of suture without having to be manually reloaded. In particular, described herein are preloaded and automatically reloading apparatuses typically. |
| US09492160B2 |
Closure device and method for tissue repair
A method of closing a tissue wound includes providing a wound closure device having a first anchor, a second anchor, and a flexible member movably attached to the second anchor, positioning the first anchor against tissue, passing the flexible member across the wound, positioning the second anchor against tissue, and pulling on a free end of the flexible member to shorten a length of the flexible member between the first and second anchors, thereby closing the wound. A wound closure device includes a first anchor, a second anchor; and a flexible member connecting the first anchor to the second anchor, the flexible member being movably attached to the second anchor, such that pulling on a free end of the flexible member shortens a length of the flexible member between the first and second anchors. |
| US09492159B2 |
Flat suture anchor
A suture anchor for anchoring a suture to a bone, including a distal end having a bifurcated tip, in which the bifurcated tip defines a suture-engaging slot, a proximal end, a longitudinal axis between the distal end and the proximal end, and two substantially flat surfaces extending between the distal end and the proximal end, in which the two substantially flat surfaces are substantially parallel, in which the two substantially flat surfaces are separated by a thickness of no more than about 0.1 inches, and in which the two substantially flat surfaces extend along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis by a width of no more than about 0.4 inches. |
| US09492157B2 |
Bone anchor apparatus and method
A device and method is provided for a new and improved device for attaching tendon to bone wherein the intramedullary bone anchor, comprising a top section, a bottom section, a center section, a first end having a top inner portion and a top outer portion, a second end having a top inner portion and a top outer portion, and at least two holes extending from the top section through the bottom section, wherein the first end and second end are tapered and have seating geometry. The bone anchor is generally crescent-shaped or cylindrical. |
| US09492153B2 |
Wound protector
In one embodiment, the wound protector has an annularly collapsible proximal ring and a flexible sleeve extends between the proximal ring and distal ring. After positioning of the distal ring in a wound, the proximal ring is expanded to draw the sleeve taut between the rings 11, 12 and is drawn tight against the wound.In a second embodiment, the wound protector has a flexible sleeve secured between a distal ring and proximal ring of fixed diameters. In addition, an expansion member is disposed within a loop of the flexible sleeve about the proximal ring. After positioning of the distal ring in a wound, movement of the expansion member into an extended diametric state expands the loop in the sleeve diametrically while drawing the rings towards each other. |
| US09492151B2 |
Multiple pathways for spinal nerve root decompression from a single access point
A method of accessing target tissue adjacent to a spinal nerve of a patient includes the steps of accessing a spine location of the patient by entering the patient through the skin at an access location, inserting a flexible tissue modification device through the access location to the spine location, advancing a distal portion of the first flexible tissue modification device from the spine location to a first exit location, passing through the first exit location and out of the patient, advancing the first or a second flexible tissue modification device through the same access location to the spine location and to a second exit location, and passing through the second exit location and out of the patient. |
| US09492139B2 |
Non-imaging low frequency ultrasonic testing and diagnostic evaluation system
Disclosed are non-imaging low frequency ultrasound apparatus and methods that extend the range of ultrasonic applications to medical testing and diagnostics. More particularly, apparatus and methods for generating, transmitting and receiving low frequency ultrasound through a test body can be used to generate non-imaging medical mapping of ultrasound signals and medical diagnostics. Typically frequencies below 1 MHz are generated by a low frequency non-imaging wide aperture transmitting transducer and received by multiple low frequency small aperture receiving transducers and processed via improved signal processing to evaluate and map the ultrasound interactions for detecting and characterizing clinical conditions in test objects. |
| US09492138B2 |
Mobile front-end system for comprehensive cardiac diagnosis
A stethoscope front-end recorder device (also referred to as Sleeve) for the chest piece of a stethoscope, which is easily installed and removed. The Sleeve is attached to the chest piece of a stethoscope for comprehensive diagnosis of heart issues. The Sleeve contains sensors for acquiring biosensor parameters such as electrocardiogram, body temperature, heartbeat, heart rhythm, heart rate variability, heart rate turbulence, heart sounds, respiration, cardiac index and blood flow. The Sleeve has Bluetooth interface communicating with a mobile device with software component, interfacing with a back-end server with the capability to capture, analyze and save patient information. |
| US09492136B2 |
Method and apparatus that automates tube current and voltage selection for CT scans
A CT scanner and method of operating the CT scanner enables customized automated selection of tube current and peak tube voltage for a CT scan. The CT scanner receives data, each datum of which corresponds to a reference image quality (noise level at a certain tube voltage) for patient water equivalent diameter (“WED”) body size. The CT scanner then stores the noise level and patient WED, and a processor in the CT scanner generates a curve corresponding to acceptable noise levels as a function of water equivalent diameter. The CT scanner stores the curve in a memory associated with the scanner and the CT scanner is subsequently operated with reference to the curve stored in the memory. The tube voltage that can generate the reference CT scan quality (signal-to-noise ratio) with the lowest radiation dose to the patient is selected. |
| US09492135B2 |
Dynamic radiographic imaging system
A dynamic radiographic imaging system includes a detecting section that detects periodic changes of a predetermined site of a subject; a recommended imaging (start) timing specifying section that specifies a recommended imaging start timing based on the detection result; a notifying section that makes a notification to a photographer in multiple stages as the recommended imaging start timing approaches; an operation unit that receives an instruction input from the photographer to start radiation imaging of the subject; and an image capturing control section that controls the radiation imaging in response to the instruction input by the operation unit. The dynamic radiographic imaging thus can be performed at an appropriate imaging timing without depending on the level of skill of the photographer for the body site that periodically changes such as the heart. |
| US09492134B2 |
Radiation imaging apparatus, and control method and program of the apparatus
An energy control unit continuously adjusts energy of radiations in one shot emitted by an X-ray irradiation unit. An X-ray detection unit generates a plurality of image data pieces in one shot by detecting the radiations whose energy is continuously adjusted and transmitted through a subject. An image classification unit classifies the plurality of image data pieces generated by the X-ray detection unit into image data generated by the radiations of a high energy side and image data generated by the radiations of a low energy side. An image subtraction unit performs weighting and subtraction on the image data generated by the radiations of the high energy side and the image data generated by the radiations of the low energy side. |
| US09492131B2 |
Motor assisted manually controlled movement assembly, X-ray system comprising the same, method and use
A motor assisted movement assembly 2 is provided comprising a motor arrangement 3, which motor arrangement 3 may assist a manually controlled movement of a first structural element 5 relative to a second structural element 6. A motor element 3a of the motor arrangement 3 is adapted to detect a manual indication of a desired movement of the second structural element 6 relative to the first structural element 5 with the motor arrangement 3 being adapted to assist, e.g. support the movement by providing an additional force. |
| US09492122B2 |
Medical image processing apparatus
According to one embodiment, a medical image processing apparatus includes an image obtaining unit, a three-dimensional medical image generating unit, a correction information obtaining unit, a display angle correcting unit, and a display unit. The image obtaining unit obtains medical image data including an object. The three-dimensional medical image generating unit generates stereoscopic three-dimensional medical image data including a plurality of objects based on the medical image data obtained by the image obtaining unit. The correction information obtaining unit obtains correction information for the plurality of objects. The display angle correcting unit corrects, based on the correction information, the three-dimensional medical image data so that a display angle of at least one of the plurality of objects is corrected. The display unit displays a three-dimensional medical image based on the three-dimensional medical image data corrected by the display angle correcting unit. |
| US09492114B2 |
Accelerated evaluation of treatments to prevent clinical onset of alzheimer's disease
Systems and methods for evaluating prospective treatments for progressive brain disorders like Alzheimer's disease and the progressive effects of aging involve the use of an imaging device communicatively coupled to a computing device. The imaging device may takes a plurality of brain imaging measurements from each of a plurality of human subjects who are divided into a treated group and an untreated group based on various subject data including whether the subjects carry certain alleles of genes known to increase the risk of developing the brain disorder at issue. The computing device receives the brain imaging measurements from the imaging device and applies an advanced processing method that permits enhanced computational efficiency when calculating rates of change for the two groups and determining whether any calculated difference between the rates is statistically significant. |
| US09492113B2 |
Systems and methods for monitoring organ activity
A medical device for monitoring physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of an organ, such as the urinary bladder. The medical device may include an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end. The device may further include an end-effector assembly extending distally from the distal end of the elongate member. The end-effector assembly may also include a plurality of sensing elements for detecting abnormal organ function. Each of the plurality of sensing elements may include one or more of mechanical, visual, chemical, and biological sensors. |
| US09492112B2 |
Analyte sensors comprising high-boiling point solvents
Generally, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to analyte determining methods and devices (e.g., electrochemical analyte monitoring systems) that have improved uniformity of distribution of the sensing layer by inclusion of a high-boiling point solvent, where the sensing layer is disposed proximate to a working electrode of in vivo and/or in vitro analyte sensors, e.g., continuous and/or automatic in vivo monitoring using analyte sensors and/or test strips. Also provided are systems and methods of using the, for example electrochemical, analyte sensors in analyte monitoring. |
| US09492108B2 |
Analyte sensors having a membrane with low temperature sensitivity
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to analyte determining methods and devices (e.g., electrochemical analyte monitoring systems) that have a membrane with low temperature sensitivity. The sensing layer is disposed on a working electrode of in vivo and/or in vitro analyte sensors, e.g., continuous and/or automatic in vivo monitoring using analyte sensors and/or test strips. Also provided are systems and methods of using the, for example electrochemical, analyte sensors in analyte monitoring. |
| US09492107B2 |
Medical imaging apparatus with a movement detection unit and a method for detecting patient movement
A medical imaging apparatus includes a detector unit, a patient-receiving region enclosed by the detector unit in a cylindrical manner, and a movement detection unit. The movement detection unit has at least one acceleration sensor unit to detect movement of a patient. the at least one acceleration sensor unit has a fastening element to fasten the at least one acceleration sensor unit to a subregion of the patient relevant to a medical imaging examination. |
| US09492104B2 |
Catheter with combined position and pressure sensing structures
A catheter is responsive to external and internal magnetic field generators for generating position data of the catheter position and pressure data to determine pressured exerted on a distal end of the catheter when engaged with tissue, with a reduced number of sensing coils and reduced number of sensing coil leads for minimizing lead breakage and failure. The catheter includes a distal section adapted for engagement with patient tissue, where the distal section has a proximal portion, a distal portion and a flexible joint with a resilient member adapted to allow axial displacement and angular deflection between the proximal and distal portions of the distal section. The catheter may have three or less sensing coils with three or less leads, each transmitting signals between a respective sensing coil and the signal processor. |
| US09492092B2 |
Method for continuously monitoring a patient using a body-worn device and associated system for alarms/alerts
The invention provides a body-worn monitor that measures a patient's vital signs (e.g. blood pressure, SpO2, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature) while simultaneously characterizing their activity state (e.g. resting, walking, convulsing, falling). The body-worn monitor processes this information to minimize corruption of the vital signs by motion-related artifacts. A software framework generates alarms/alerts based on threshold values that are either preset or determined in real time. The framework additionally includes a series of ‘heuristic’ rules that take the patient's activity state and motion into account, and process the vital signs accordingly. These rules, for example, indicate that a walking patient is likely breathing and has a regular heart rate, even if their motion-corrupted vital signs suggest otherwise. |
| US09492091B2 |
Detection of blood leakage by detecting a volatile agent
A method of detecting bleeding from a wound including: providing, on a support, a substantially non-volatile agent capable of forming a volatile agent on contact with blood; disposing the non-volatile agent on the support at or near the wound; providing a probe for detection of the volatile agent; disposing the probe for detection of the volatile agent at a distance from the support; generating a flow of air in a direction from the support to the probe; monitoring the formation of volatile agent by the probe, thereby detecting a bleeding of the wound. Also disclosed are a system and a disposable device for use in the method. |
| US09492088B2 |
Medical device for the measurement and processing of a health parameter of a patient
The invention concerns a medical device comprising a device for the measurement of a health parameter of a patient, a device for capturing a fingerprint identifying the patient, a device for communicating with a remote server and a control means, the control means being designed such that, when it is activated by a single action of the patient, it: activates the device for the measurement of a health parameter of the patient, and obtains a measured parameter in return, activates the fingerprint capture device and obtains a fingerprint in return, and then provides the measured parameter and the captured fingerprint to the communication device in order to transmit the measured parameter and the captured fingerprint to the remote server. |
| US09492086B2 |
Apparatus, systems, and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea
Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for treating obstructive sleep apnea. A unitary valve assembly removably located inside the exterior profile of a nasal pillow mask uses positive airway pressure from a low-flow hose to automatically create an on-demand therapeutic air splint in the pharynx. During inspiration the mask's valving system allows room air to be inspired. During exhalation another valve governs therapeutic backpressure equal to the prescribed pressure setting of the CPAP blower machine. The mask may be worn when the CPAP blower machine is off, and systems are provided for turning the CPAP blower machine on only when needed. |
| US09492085B2 |
Integrated self-contained recorder of biological data for small animal research
An apparatus and method for the recording of physiological variables in small animals are described. The apparatus is an integrated self-contained recorder including a converter of biological signals into a digital form, a data storage unit, a data output for transporting the stored data from the recorder after the end of recording session, a power source and an electrical connector arranged for connection of the recorder with at least one sensor of biological signal and mechanical fixation of the recorder at the head of an animal. The recorder may contain a sensor, which receives signals from an external source for synchronization of the stored data with external equipment or observed/registered animal behavior. |
| US09492084B2 |
Systems and methods for monitoring subjects in potential physiological distress
The present invention provides systems and methods for monitoring in real time the physiological status of one or more subjects, especially subject engaged in potentially hazardous or dangerous activities. Systems include wearable items with one or more physiological sensors and a local data unit (LDU) operatively coupled to the sensors. The LDUs digitize and filter sensor data, extract physiological parameters, determine abnormal or not acceptable physiological conditions, and communicate to external monitoring facilities. The external facilities display status and data concerning monitored subjects. In preferred embodiments, communication between the LDUs and the external monitoring facilities dynamically adjusts to the condition of the subjects and to system changes such as subjects and external facilities entering and leaving and/or moving from place to place. The invention also provides program products for performing this invention's methods. |
| US09492083B2 |
Ophthalmic examination and disease management with multiple illumination modalities
Imaging various regions of the eye is important for both clinical diagnostic and treatment purposes as well as for scientific research. Diagnosis of a number of clinical conditions relies on imaging of the various tissues of the eye. The subject technology describes a method and apparatus for imaging of the back and/or front of the eye using multiple illumination modalities, which permits the collection of one or more of reflectance, spectroscopic, fluorescence, and laser speckle contrast images. |
| US09492077B2 |
Optimized device for swept source optical coherence domain reflectometry and tomography
Optimized device for swept source optical coherence domain reflectometry and tomography. In the coherence-optical device, light, with the aid of an interferometer, is used for distance-measuring and imaging purposes on reflecting and scattering areas of the human eye. The optimized device according to the invention consists of includes a tunable light source, matched to the sought-after measurement region ZOCT, with a resonator length LR, an interferometric measurement arrangement, a data capturing unit for capturing the light portions scattered back from the sample and a data processing unit. Here the resonator length LR of the tunable light source is matched not only to the sought-after measurement region ZOCT, but also to the entire interferometric measurement arrangement such that disturbance points present in the interferometric measurement arrangement cannot create disturbance signals in the sought-after measurement region ZOCT. |
| US09492072B2 |
Laparoscopic surgical device
A laparoscopic surgical device comprising an anchor element comprising a pair of jaws defining a mouth within which at least a portion of an organ or tissue may be grasped is described. The jaws are biased towards one another so as to normally adopt a closed configuration. The anchor element is coupled to a support member, the support member being moveable about the anchor element. The device is dimensioned to be operably passed fully through a trocar into the abdominal cavity wherein it may be manipulated by a surgeon or other operator to grasp the desired target organ or tissue. |
| US09492071B2 |
In-joint sensor for a surgical fluid management pump system
An in-joint pump and control device comprising a pump and an in-joint sensor. The pump is configured to convey fluid to a body joint surgical site. The pump has an algorithm associated therewith to make calculations and to assist in controlling the operation of the pump. The in-joint sensor is operatively associated with the pump by at least a communication member. The in-joint sensor comprises a sheath, an integration member attached to the sheath, a pressure sensor connected to the integration member, and a temperature sensor adjacent the sheath. The pressure sensor is adapted to provide pressure information to the pump via the communication member. The temperature sensor is also adapted to provide temperature information to the pump via the communication member. |
| US09492070B2 |
System and method for inhibiting injury to a patient during laparoscopic surgery
This group of inventions provides means and methods for preventing the damaging portions of surgical tools, such as laparoscopic devices, from adversely contacting tissues and organs that are not in the desired field of surgery. As such, the present disclosure pertains to any form of a warning or positioning device or methods, including those that are facilitated via software that are adapted and arranged for use in tracking portions of surgical instruments during laparoscopic surgery or other medical procedures. Such systems include those that are adapted and arranged to provide a warning to the surgeon or other medical personnel regarding the positional status of an instrument, and those that are adapted and arranged for disabling or attenuating the portions of those instruments that might be dangerous to a patient when a dangerous portion of the instrument is near or outside the desired, or denominated, field of surgery. Data relating to the position and orientation of the instrument and of the position of a safe zone within which the instrument can be kept safely is optionally (preferably) stored throughout a medical procedure for later playback for training purposes or for ensuring that a patient was not injured during a medical procedure. |
| US09492067B2 |
Gastrointestinal lavage system
An apparatus having a tube section and an expanded end. The tube section is flexible while the end section is rigid. The apparatus has a central bore, large enough to loosely receive an endoscope tube, and the end section has two peripheral bores which communicate with the central bore. There is a collar around the central bore which allows formation of air- and water-tight seal with the head of an endoscope. The tube may be fenestrated at its proximal end and may include medial pleats. This apparatus is mainly used by: sliding an endoscope into the central bore until the endoscope head forms an air- and water-tight seal with the central bore; connecting a lavage tube to one peripheral bore and a vacuum tube to the other peripheral bore; inserting the endoscope and the apparatus into a GI tract; and manually controlling the apparatus to apply lavage and vacuum. |
| US09492065B2 |
Surgical retractor with video cameras
A surgical device includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. The view of each of the plurality of cameras can be integrated together to provide a composite image. A surgical tool that includes an integrated camera may be used in conjunction with the surgical device. The image produced by the camera integrated with the surgical tool may be associated with the composite image generated by the plurality of cameras integrated in the surgical device. The position and orientation of the cameras and/or the surgical tool can be tracked, and the surgical tool can be rendered as transparent on the composite image. A surgical device may be powered by a hydraulic system, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference with tracking devices. |
| US09492064B2 |
Capsule endoscope
A capsule endoscope includes a capsule casing and interior components housed therein whose total specific gravity is set such that the capsule casing floats in liquid introduced into a subject. The capsule endoscope also includes a gravity center position setting unit that sets a position of center of gravity of the capsule casing at a decentered position so that the capsule casing is stabilized in the liquid introduced into the subject without rotating except for rotation about an axis in a direction of the center of gravity; and an imager that takes an in-vivo image in a body cavity with an imaging field being set so that a surface of the liquid is out of view when the capsule casing floats in the liquid introduced into the subject in a stabilized posture. |
| US09492063B2 |
Multi-viewing element endoscope
There is provided herein a tip section of a multi-viewing element endoscope, the tip section comprising: two or more side-pointing viewing elements positioned at or in proximity to a distal end of said tip section, wherein each of said two or more side-pointing viewing elements having a discrete illuminator associated therewith, wherein the field of view provided by the two or more side-pointing viewing elements covers a front and side views; a working channel configured for insertion of a surgical tool; and a pathway fluid injector for inflating and/or cleaning a body cavity into which the endoscope is inserted. |
| US09492056B2 |
Electronic control device and method for reducing stand-by state energy consumption of an electric household appliance
A household appliance (1) is provided with an electronic control device (3) configured to reduce standby consumption. The appliance includes: —an electronic control unit (20); and—a switching mode low power supply unit (6) having at least a first control terminal (11) and at least an output terminal (9) which supplies a main prefixed supply voltage (VB) to the electronic control unit (20). The switching mode low power supply unit (6) is further configured to switch between a standby state and an operating state, when it detects a prefixed voltage variation (ΔV) on the first control terminal (11). The electronic control device (3) is configured to connect, at least temporarily, the first control terminal (11) to the output terminal (9), or to an independent auxiliary terminal (31) having a predetermined voltage, to generate the prefixed voltage variation (ΔV) on the first control terminal (11) to cause the switching mode low power supply unit (6) to switch from one of the states to the other state. |
| US09492054B2 |
Washing machine descaler introduction apparatus
A washing machine descaler introduction apparatus for introducing a descaling agent to the water inlets of a conventional washer and dryer at a controlled rate comprises a dispensing bag with an attached dispensing valve assembly and an attachable diverter. In use, the dispensing bag, containing of a descaling agent, is hung from an elevated position above a convention washing machine with the water inlet conduits of the washing machine each connected to one of two outlet tubes of the diverter. Once a hole is opened for ventilation, the valve handle is moved from the closed position, partially or fully opening the valve assembly's outlet pipe, thereby enabling the descaling agent to exit the bag and be directed into the hot water inlet conduit and the cold water inlet conduit at a rate that is controlled by how unobstructed the outlet is with respect to the closing member. |
| US09492053B2 |
Dish washer and air break thereof
A dish washer is provided. The dishwasher includes a washing tub formed with a washing space, an air break provided at one side of the washing tub and that guides a flow of washing water, and a sump that supplies the washing water to the washing tub. The air break includes a water supply passage, through which water supplied from outside flows, a water chamber that stores the water that flows through the water supply passage, an air passage that receives air from the outside therethrough, and a flow adjusting member that flows the air of the air passage into the water chamber. |
| US09492050B2 |
Textured device for cleaning cosmetic brushes
A cosmetic brush cleaning device includes an enclosure for receiving the user's hand and incorporates washing and rinsing textures suited to cosmetic brushes. One version of the device features a primary section, and two thumb sections emanating from opposite sides of the primary section. |
| US09492048B2 |
Removing debris from cleaning robots
A cleaning robot system including a robot and a robot maintenance station. The robot includes a robot body, a drive system, a cleaning assembly, and a cleaning bin carried by the robot body and configured to receive debris agitated by the cleaning assembly. The robot maintenance station includes a station housing configured to receive the robot for maintenance. The station housing has an evacuation passageway exposed to a top portion of the received robot. The robot maintenance station also includes an air mover in pneumatic communication with the evacuation passageway and a collection bin carried by the station housing and in pneumatic communication with the evacuation passageway. The station housing and the robot body fluidly connect the evacuation passageway to the cleaning bin of the received robot. The air mover evacuates debris held in the robot cleaning bin to the collection bin through the evacuation passageway. |
| US09492047B2 |
Suction cleaner
A suction cleaner (60) comprising a body (50); a compartment (42) for accommodating a dust collection bag (44); and a source of suction (32) for causing suction airflow into a bag in the compartment, wherein the source of suction is disposed at least partially beneath the compartment and communicates therewith by a passage (46) which extends from an upper region of the compartment. |
| US09492046B2 |
Vacuum cleaner tool
A tool for a vacuum cleaner comprising a duct for attachment to a wand, hose or the like of the vacuum cleaner, a nozzle and one of more dirt-sweeping elements. The dirt-sweeping elements are secured to a base of the nozzle and are arranged into at least two chevrons oriented in opposite directions towards the sides of the nozzle. At least two suction openings are then provided in the base of the nozzle, each suction opening being located within a chevron. |
| US09492037B2 |
Hybrid enclosure system
A hybrid enclosure, comprising a flexible, lightweight cover coupled within a rigid frame and at least one rigid stile that functions to confine a space, with minimal structural encroachment into potential ingress and egress area of the space when fully open. |
| US09492035B2 |
Catering box with active climate control for transporting delicate food items
A catering box with active climate control is configured to transport “delicate” foods, such as grilled cheese sandwiches, hot dogs, and hamburgers, without inducing substantial sogginess in the bread of those food items. The catering box includes a heat mass configured to retain heat generated by a hot plate and to then radiate that heat, during transport, after the hot plate has been disconnected from a power source. In addition, the catering box includes an exhaust fan that actively controls internal specific humidity levels in order to prevent moisture from settling within the bread of stored food items. A microcontroller within the catering box monitors temperature and absolute humidity levels, computes the current specific humidity level, and then selectively engages or disengages the exhaust fan in response. With his approach, the catering box may limit the degree to which humidity settles within the bread of delicate food items stored within. |
| US09492031B2 |
Versatile outdoor oven and grill
An apparatus for outdoor cooking comprising: a tray configured to receive a fuel source; a substantially rectangular prism oven chamber comprising: an insulated bottom plate; four insulated side walls coupled to the insulated bottom plate; an opening opposite the insulated bottom plate; an access panel formed from a portion of one of the insulated side walls; one or more magnets configured to keep closed the access panel; a grilling cover removably mounted to the tray, wherein the grilling cover comprises: a back wall; two side walls coupled to the back wall; and a lid hinged to the back wall; four legs coupled to each corner of the rectangular prism oven chamber; and four wheels coupled to the four legs; wherein the tray is removably mounted to the opening of the rectangular prism oven chamber. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09492030B2 |
Cooking pan provided with exhaust device
A cooking pan provided with an exhaust device is capable of reducing smells or smoke generated when food is cooked. The cooking pan includes a distribution plate that is installed at the center of a lower surface of a bottom part of the cooking pan with a predetermined gap to form an exhaust space part, and an exhaust pipe that connects the exhaust space part with an interior of the cooking pan. Thus, the smells and smoke of the interior of the cooking pan are forcibly discharged and burnt by a pressure difference between the interior and exterior of the cooking pan and by flowing flames applied to the distribution plate of the lower surface of the cooking pan, so that the unpleasant smells and smoke are remarkably reduced, as is the emission of carbon dioxide. |
| US09492028B2 |
Brewing module
A brewing module includes a support element, a first brewing module part and a second brewing module part that can be moved relative to the first brewing module part. The first brewing module part and the second brewing module part have a discharging device for discharging an extraction product from a capsule and an injector for introducing an extraction liquid into the capsule. In a supporting position with the brewing chamber open, the support element catches a capsule inserted via a defined insertion position, such that the capsule lies on the support element and on a support part of the first brewing module part after insertion. By closing the brewing chamber, the support element is moved away from the supporting position into a resting position, wherein the capsule is simultaneously held by a gripping element of the first brewing module part and/or of the second brewing module part. |
| US09492021B2 |
Hangar for hair weave extensions
The invention provides a storage apparatus, configured expressly for storing hair extensions comprising a free standing hanger, divided into sections to accommodate hanging the hair extensions placed on either one to three rows of hanging arms, with each arm featuring a series of spring loaded clip fasteners, on which the individual hair extensions may be hung, wherein one or more of these hanging arms feature heavy duty suction cups for use in securing. |
| US09492019B2 |
Baby support
A baby support for supporting a baby positioned on a front torso of a supporting person. The baby support includes an elongated soft body that extends across a back torso of the supporting person and the baby. The baby support also includes fastening ends that overlap and secure to support the baby on the front torso of the supporting adult. The baby support may be configured to stretch to generate an elastic force to pull the back torso of the baby towards the back torso of the supporting person. |
| US09492017B2 |
Collapsible, compact mattress support
A collapsible mattress support for a box spring includes hinges on opposite sides of a middle cross bar. First and second side bars are pivotally attached to one hinge, and third and fourth side bars are pivotally attached to the other hinge. Each of the bars rotates about parallel axes that are orthogonal to the hinges. The four side bars each has a common width. A first distance between the axes about which the first and second bars rotate equals twice the common width of the bars plus a second distance between the axes about which the third and fourth bars rotate. In one embodiment, the cross bars are extendable. The components of the mattress support for Queen, California King and Eastern King sized mattresses fit in a packing box whose length is no greater than 45 inches and whose width and height are each no more than 7 inches. |
| US09492003B2 |
Multi-purpose convertible backpack system—flipper bag
A multi-purpose backpack style bag also referred as Flipper bag herein that can be used alternatively as a backpack, a handbag, or a shoulder bag. Moreover, the Flipper bag can also be converted from the backpack into a handbag without removing the contents of the handbag. The Flipper bag is made of two components, the top flipper body that is reversible, and the bottom handbag body. The bottom handbag body can be independently used as a handbag or a shoulder bag. When the top flipper body is combined with the bottom handbag body, it can be used as a backpack style bag; or the user can fold down the top flipper body over the bottom handbag body so it covers the bottom handbag body and close the flipper cover to use it as a different design of handbag. |
| US09492002B2 |
Cosmetic applicators and methods of manufacture
A molded plastic applicator for cosmetics, such as a mascara brush, including an integral molded plastic panel that lies substantially in a mold plane when formed and is bent out of the mold plane to surround an extended longitudinal axis when the applicator is assembled. A plurality of openings, or projections such as bristles, are formed in or on the panel so as to be oriented substantially in a common pull direction transverse to the mold plane when the panel lies in the mold plane and to be oriented substantially radially of the longitudinal axis in directions distributed around the axis when the panel is bent to surround the axis. A retainer holds the panel bent out of the plane in surrounding relation to the axis. The panel may be formed as a plurality of free-ended limbs, radiating from a hub through which the longitudinal axis extends, and bent down around the axis; alternatively, it may be generally rectangular as formed, and bent into a cylinder about the axis, or it may be formed as a band that is wound helically about the axis. A method of making the applicator includes steps of molding the panel, bending the panel about the axis, and retaining the panel in the bent configuration. |
| US09492000B2 |
Nail polish container
A nail polish container is disclosed. The nail polish container includes a housing with a recessed portion and a nail-like component. The nail-like component is shaped and sized to substantially resemble a human nail, and the nail-like component is configured to moveably attached to the housing, such that the nail-like component is moveable between a retracted state in which the nail-like component is substantially accommodated within the recessed portion and an extended state in which at least a portion of the nail-like component protrudes away from the recessed portion. The nail polish container can allow user to apply the nail treatment to the nail-like component and positions the treated nail-like component in close proximity to the user's actual nail to simulate the visual appearance of the user's own nail if it had been treated. |
| US09491994B2 |
Bag having an expandable pocket
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a bag. The bag may include a first surface and an expandable portion coupled to the first surface. The expandable portion may include a compartment, wherein, in an extended position, a front surface of the expandable portion may be configured to extend away from the first surface, and, in a collapsed position, the front surface of the expandable portion may be configured to lay substantially flush with the first surface. |
| US09491986B1 |
High-heeled shoe
A high-heeled shoe is provided that includes a base with a receiving area defined in the ball support portion of the base and a cushioning insert positioned in the receiving area. The shoe further includes a support assembly that includes a first heel and a second heel, and is attached to the bottom surface of the base. The first heel and the second heel can be positioned on the support assembly such that the first heel and the second heel are aligned with one another, or the first heel and the second heel can be positioned on the support assembly such that the first heel and the second heel are angled with the first heel crossing the second heel. |
| US09491984B2 |
Article of footwear having an elevated plate sole structure
An article of footwear is provided having an elevated plate structure incorporated in the sole structure and optionally including a fluid-filled chamber. The elevated plate structure can include an upper plate and a plurality of legs extending downward toward the outsole. End portions of the legs can engage an upper region of the outsole. The elevated plate structure can form a cage region that can optionally include a fluid-filled chamber substantially disposed therein. The elevated plate structure can further include a lower plate disposed at an upper region of the outsole, which can form a lower portion of the cage region. Portions of the legs can be integrated with impact-attenuating members in the heel region in various configurations and can provide features for the impact-attenuating members, such as support, impact-attenuation and adjustable impact-attenuation features. |
| US09491977B2 |
Cough catcher
A cough catching apparatus includes a body for securing to a hand of an individual, the body having an outer surface, an area on the outer surface having a material thereon, and a disinfectant infused into the material. The body may be a glove body. The glove body may have an opening for inserting a hand into the glove body and a plurality of finger openings. The area may be a palm area, a top of hand area, or may include both a palm area and a top of hand area. |
| US09491976B2 |
Heatable garment systems
Garment systems include complete, independently wearable garments like gloves, socks, scarves, earmuffs, headbands, hats and the like having attached thereto one or more single-use, air-activated exothermic heating packs sealed in a substantially airtight envelope, which can be opened when it is time for use. Thus, according to embodiments described herein, a user can simply open a package and put on the garment(s), and the exothermic heating pack(s) will be automatically activated by exposure to air, without the user having to place a heating pack inside a special pocket or the garment or fit a heating pack to their body before putting on the garment. The garments can be discarded after use for disposal or recycling. |
| US09491973B2 |
Method of air humidification and injection delivery
The invention is a method of air humidification and injection delivery that humidifies air to a specific selected relative humidity and injects the humidified air into a container to establish the specific selected relative humidity throughout the container. The method includes the facilitation of ambient supply air into a liquid medium for humidification to a specific selected relative humidity. The resulting humidified air is released from the liquid medium and routed for injection into the container. The injected humidified air infiltrates the container and sustains the selected relative humidity throughout the container. Contents of the container are thus maintained at the selected relative humidity. |
| US09491962B2 |
Use of chicoric acid and derivatives for regulating skin pigmentation
The present invention relates generally to the field of food supplements for cosmetic purpose. More specifically, the present invention aims to provide an ingredient containing chicoric acid and/or derivatives for preventing and/or treating hyper-pigmentation of skin, skin color imperfections such as age-spots and other skin disorders characterized by abnormal pigments. The present invention also aims at improving skin tone as well as providing a skin lightening agent. |
| US09491959B2 |
Nutritional products having a modulated off-taste intensity and methods for making and using same
Nutritional products and methods for modulating off-taste intensity in nutritional products are provided. In a general embodiment, a nutritional product is provided and includes a blend of carbohydrates in an approximate 1 to 1 to 1 weight ratio. The blend of carbohydrates may include maltodextrin, corn syrup, and sugar. In another embodiment, methods for modulating off-taste intensity of nutritional compositions are provided and include modifying the sweetness of the nutritional product so that it is moderate. |
| US09491957B2 |
Method of making a cooked food product having a fried appearance
A method of making a cooked food product having a fried appearance comprises assembling a food product having a weight of approximately 1 to 4 ounces (28.3 to 113.4 grams). The food product is heated with microwave energy at a frequency of approximately 800 to 3000 MHz, at a power of approximately 0 to 50 Watts per ounce (28.3 grams) of product, and for approximately 0 to 80 seconds. The food product is coated with a coating layer to form a coated food product. The coated food product is heated in an impingement oven at a temperature of approximately 400 to 600° F. (200 to 325° C.) for less than approximately 140 seconds to form the cooked food product with a fried appearance. |
| US09491954B2 |
Method for reducing the bacterial content of a food medium containing lipid droplets
The present invention relates to a treatment method for reducing the bacterial content of a food and/or biological medium of interest containing lipid droplets, which method comprises the following steps: (a) a step of homogenization applied to said medium of interest, (b) a step of microfiltration applied to said homogenized medium of interest resulting from step (a), on a membrane having a cut-off threshold which allows at least some of said lipid droplets to penetrate into the permeate, while at the same time retaining at least some of said bacteria in the retentate, and (c) the recovery of said permeate resulting from step (b), constituting a homogenized food and/or biological medium in which the bacterial content is lower than in the medium before the implementation of said method. The method according to the invention is characterized in that:—firstly, said homogenization step (a) comprises at least two successive homogenization operations applied to said medium of interest, said homogenization operations each resulting in a reduction in the size of said lipid droplets, and—secondly, said microfiltration step (b) consists of a tangential microfiltration process. |
| US09491952B2 |
Method, a system and a guide assembly for separating viscera sets eviscerated from slaughtered poultry
Disclosed is a method and a system for separating a viscera set eviscerated from slaughtered poultry and held by a viscera holder of a viscera conveyer in manner whereby at least the liver, the intestines and the gallbladder are suspended below the viscera holder. The method comprises the steps of: arranging the viscera set in an elongate opening of a guide member and separating the intestines and the gallbladder from the remaining viscera set. The intestines and the gallbladder are separated from the remaining viscera set while at least the liver rests on a separation support surface of the guide member, arranged with an angle relative to the horizontal plane. A guide assembly having two movable parts for use in such method/system is further disclosed. |
| US09491949B2 |
Method for raising plants and composition used therefor
To provide a method for raising plants that have great vitality and that are strongly resistant to pests and can successfully compete against weeds. The invention provides a method for raising plants with enhanced immunity and biological activity to external and internal stresses. The present invention is characterized by the following: the method includes a step of applying to the target plants a plant immunopotentiating composition containing an immunostimulatory substance produced by the cytolysis that accompanies spore formation in aerobic endospore-forming bacteria; the immunostimulatory substance is obtained by culturing the aerobic endospore-forming bacteria, causing the bacteria to form endospores by placing the resulting culture liquid in starvation conditions, and then removing impurities including the bacterial cells that are formed into endospores from the culture liquid; and the aerobic endospore-forming bacteria belong to the MRE symbiotic bacteria group. |
| US09491941B2 |
(Hetero) arylacrylamides for the control of ectoparasites
The present invention relates to new compounds of formula (I) wherein the variables have the meaning as indicated in the claims; in free form and in salt form; and optionally the enantiomers and geometrical isomers thereof. The compounds of formula (I) are useful in the control of parasites, in particular ectoparasites, in and on vertebrates. |
| US09491937B2 |
Insecticide sprayer and rotary spray head assembly
A fluid sprayer includes a fluid storage module having at least one fluid tank, and a dispersion module having a rotary spray head assembly in fluid communication with the tank to receive fluid therefrom. The rotary spray head assembly further atomizes the fluid, and the dispersion module further includes a blower assembly positioned upstream of the rotary spray head assembly for dispersing the atomized fluid from the rotary spray head assembly into the surroundings of the fluid sprayer. The fluid storage module is detachably coupled to the dispersion module to effect reconfiguration of the fluid sprayer between a first configuration in which the fluid storage module and the dispersion module are positioned in a side-by-side manner, and a second configuration in which the fluid storage module and the dispersion module are positioned in-line with each other. |
| US09491936B2 |
Creation method of a fishhook with attractant
The method for manufacturing a fishhook with as fish attractant comprises the following steps: (1) pouring the attractant and clad material into ethanol, then stirring them uniform to form suspension, wherein solid content of the suspension is controlled between 10% and 50%; (2) making the suspension stick to the surface of the fishhook by spraying or soaking, then evaporating the solvent by blowing hot wind so that the attractant acting as solute is coagulated on the surface of the fishhook, covers the whole fishhook. When using the fishhook of the present invention for fishing, there is no need to bring your own bait. The fishhook can be directly put into water, and the attractant enveloping the fishhook will send out scent and attract fish school in water. The combination of fishing bait and fishhook as an organic whole cannot only improve fishing rate but also be easier to carry. |
| US09491932B1 |
Pet waste bag dispenser
A dispenser for pet waste disposal bags including a housing formed with an storage compartment and a lid moveable between open and closed positions; an opening formed in the lid providing access to the storage compartment; a plurality of disposable bags stored in the housing and accessible through the opening in the lid when the lid is in the closed position; and a cord attached to the housing. The cord may be engaged with a pet leash or pet collar and be cinched in order to tightly retain a bottom wall of the housing in close contact with an exterior surface of the pet leash or collar. |
| US09491930B2 |
Light projecting pet toy
A laser pet toy including a light source with a focused beam of light of a predetermined shape and programmable random travel across an opaque surface such as a floor or wall to create an engaging image for a pet to play with the image for entertainment or exercise. |
| US09491928B1 |
Illuminated scratch post
An illuminated scratch post is disclosed comprising a housing and an integrated lighting device. The housing includes a central lighting support with one or more lighting elements disposed thereon from the integrated lighting device. The central lighting support is encased by a light transmissive substrate also comprising the housing. Further, the housing has an outer surface covered, at least in part, by a light transmissive material. |
| US09491925B2 |
Valve block for a backflushing and teat dip applicator system
A system for cleaning a dairy animal milker unit and applying dip to a dairy animal, the system includes a main control, an air supply, a water supply, a backflush fluid supply, a dip supply, a stall control for receiving the air, water, backflush fluid and dip supplies, and a safety valve that is adjacent to a downstream portion of the milker unit to control backflush and dip fluids being fed to the milker unit. |
| US09491919B1 |
Hybrid corn variety 2453837
The invention provides seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated 2453837. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety 2453837, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety 2453837 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 2453837. |
| US09491918B2 |
Sweet corn hybrid SV1321SD and parents thereof
The invention provides seed and plants of sweet corn hybrid SV1321SD and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of sweet corn hybrid SV1321SD and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a sweet corn plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another sweet corn 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, including the parts of such plants. |
| US09491904B2 |
Modular robotic vehicle
A robotic vehicle may include a power module and a working module. The power module may include control circuitry configured to execute stored instructions to direct operation of the robotic vehicle on a defined area, and a drive motor for propelling the robotic vehicle responsive to control by the control circuitry. The working module may be configured to perform a function with respect to the defined area responsive to being propelled by the power module. The working module may be one of a plurality of interchangeable working modules that are attachable to the power module. At least one of the interchangeable working modules may have a different function than the working module. |
| US09491901B2 |
Direct drive seed metering device
A direct drive seed metering device for sowing machines operated by vacuum or high pressure and driven by a coaxial electric motor with a seed metering disc for capturing seeds from a reservoir and laying the seed in a controlled manner in a furrow in the soil. The coaxial electrical motor couples directly and coaxially to the metering disc without the need for intermediate transmission elements, redactors, gears or timing belts, and the coaxial electrical motor is a toroidal electric motor with a perforated hollow rotor shaft which fluidly captures the seed with a vacuum or high pressure generating device. |
| US09497895B2 |
Lower receiving pin arrangement method and lower receiving pin return method
A pre-array temporary placement area A2 and a post-return temporary placement area A3 are set along with a lower receiving area A1. Temporary placement positions TP for lower receiving pins 22 in the pre-array temporary placement area A2 and the post-return temporary placement area A3 are previously assigned in consideration of requirements for preventing occurrence of interference between the lower receiving pins 22, which would otherwise occur during transfer of the lower receiving pins 22, and in accordance with array positions AP of the lower receiving pins 22 in the lower receiving area A1. Further, a transfer sequence is set in accordance with array positions AP. |
| US09497889B2 |
Heat dissipation for substrate assemblies
Various embodiments described herein include systems, methods and/or devices used to dissipate heat generated by electronic components in an electronic system (e.g., a memory system that includes closely spaced memory modules). In one aspect, an electronic system includes a substrate, at least one electronic component, and a heat sink. The at least one electronic component is mechanically coupled to the substrate and thermally coupled to a ground plane of the substrate, such that heat generated by the at least one electronic component is dissipated at least partially to the ground plane of the substrate. The heat sink is mechanically coupled to an edge of the substrate, and thermally coupled to the ground plane of the substrate to at least partially dissipate the heat generated by the at least one electronic component. In some embodiments, the heat sink further includes an attachment structure, a tab and a plurality of heat dissipaters. |
| US09497878B2 |
Retaining mechanism and electronic device having the retaining mechanism
A retaining mechanism for holding a circuit board and a related electronic device include a supporter, a first fixing component, a second fixing component and a third fixing component. The first fixing component is disposed on a supporting wall of the supporter, to buckle an edge of the circuit board and to constrain a movement of the circuit board in a first direction. The second fixing component is disposed on another supporting wall of the supporter, to contact against another edge of the circuit board and to constrain a movement of the circuit board in a second direction. The third fixing component is disposed on a base of the supporter. A holding portion and a hooking unit of the third fixing component respectively holds a bottom of the circuit board and inserts into an opening on the circuit board, to prevent the circuit board and the holding portion from separation. |
| US09497876B2 |
Fastening systems for power modules
Fastening systems for power modules including molded body (2) with flat surface (2a) bearing on supporting structure, and a plurality of protruding contact pins (3). A pressing element (5) presses a power module (1) on a side opposite the supporting structure. A connecting element (11) fastens the pressing element (5) on the supporting structure and imparts a force pressing towards the supporting structure. Sections (9, 10) formed on the pressing element (5) have outer edge regions (10) acting elastically on edge regions of the power module (1) in the fastened position. These edge regions are loaded with a pressing force towards the supporting structure. Such power modules (1) are useable with such fastening systems, as are the pressing elements (5). |
| US09497872B2 |
Metal structures having hardened surfaces with three-dimensional topologies
Forming a 3D topology by forming a monolayer of nano-particles on a stainless steel surface, masking the stainless steel surface forming at least one unmasked regions, the unmasked region having an average density of nano-particles less than a critical average density, and introducing a plurality of exogenous atoms into the stainless steel surface only in the unmasked regions, the exogenous atoms causing the associated metal lattice to expand and harden and have an increase corrosion resistance, thereby selectively forming a 3D topology on the stainless steel surface. |
| US09497869B2 |
Support device and support method
Provided is a technology capable of reducing a surface area taken up on a wall surface and improving maintenance workability. A support device of this invention includes: a pair of support legs configured to be mounted to a side surface of a housing to support the housing; a pair of fixing legs configured to be mounted to a mounting surface at which the housing is to be installed to fix the housing at a position at which the housing is to be installed; and a movable mechanism configured to pivotably couple the pair of support legs and the pair of fixing legs. |
| US09497863B2 |
Wiring substrate and method of making wiring substrate
A wiring substrate includes a core layer having a hole penetrating therethrough in a thickness direction thereof, and having a projecting part projecting from an inner wall of the hole toward an inner space of the hole, a plurality of electronic components disposed in the hole and arranged side by side at a spaced interval in a plan view, the electronic components having side portions thereof, the side portions being engaged with the projecting part, and a resin layer filling the hole and supporting the electronic components. |
| US09497862B2 |
Packaging structure
The present invention relates a packaging structure including: a carrier board and a cementing layer on the surface of the carrier board; chips and passive devices having functional side thereof attached to the cementing layer; and a sealing material layer for packaging and curing, the sealing material being formed on the carrier board on the side attached to the chips and the passive devices. The present invention integrates chips and passive devices and then packages the chips and the passive devices together, and is therefore a packaged product having not single-chip functionality but integrated-system functionality. The present invention is highly integrated, reduces interfering factors such as system-internal electric resistance and inductance, and accommodates growing demand for lighter, thinner, shorter, and smaller semiconductor packaging. |
| US09497856B2 |
Laminated structure, dry film and method of producing laminated structure
A laminated structure including a base material and resin insulating layers formed on the base material. The resin insulating layers include a resin insulating layer (A) containing a curing accelerator composed of an N atom-containing basic compound such that the resin insulating layer (A) is in contact with the base material. The laminated structure includes a resin insulating layer (B) which contains a P atom-containing curing accelerator in addition to the resin insulating layer (A). |
| US09497855B2 |
High rate electric field driven nanoelement assembly on an insulated surface
A method for high rate assembly of nanoelements into two-dimensional void patterns on a non-conductive substrate surface utilizes an applied electric field to stabilize against forces resulting from pulling the substrate through the surface of a nanoelement suspension. The electric field contours emanating from a conductive layer in the substrate, covered by an insulating layer, are modified by a patterned photoresist layer, resulting in an increased driving force for nanoelements to migrate from a liquid suspension to voids on a patterned substrate having a non-conductive surface. The method can be used for the production of microscale and nanoscale circuits, sensors, and other electronic devices. |
| US09497852B2 |
High-frequency circuit substrate
The invention offers a high-frequency circuit substrate that sufficiently decreases the transmission delay and transFmission loss in comparison with the conventional high-frequency circuit substrate. In the offered high-frequency circuit substrate, a dielectric layer made of fluororesin is brought into intimate contact directly with a metal conductor that is used for wiring and that has a surface not subjected to coarsening treatment or primer treatment. The offered high-frequency circuit substrate causes a transmission loss of −3 dB/m or less at a frequency of 1 GHz and has a combined specific inductive capacity of 2.6 or less and a combined dielectric loss tangent of 0.0007 or less. |
| US09497851B2 |
Thermal management in a lighting system using multiple, controlled power dissipation circuits
A lighting system includes a controller that is configured to provide thermal management for the lighting system by distributing excess energy in the lighting system through multiple power dissipation circuits. In at least one embodiment, the lighting system is a phase cut compatible, dimmable lighting system having one or more light sources selected from a group consisting of at least one light emitting diode and at least one compact fluorescent lamp. In at least one embodiment, the controller is configured to control the plurality of power dissipation circuits in accordance with a thermal management strategy to dissipate the excess energy in the phase cut compatible, dimmable lighting system. The particular thermal management strategy is a matter of design choice. The power distribution circuits include two of more of: a controlled switch path power dissipation circuit, a controlled link path power dissipation circuit, and a controlled flyback path power dissipation circuit. |
| US09497849B2 |
Printed wiring board
A printed wiring board includes a core substrate, first and second buildup structures on surfaces of the core, respectively, and first and second solder-resist layers on the first and second structures, respectively. The core includes insulative substrate, conductive layers on surfaces of the substrate and through-hole conductor connecting the conductive layers, the first structure includes interlayer insulation layer and conductive layer in the first structure, the second structure includes interlayer insulation layer and conductive layer in the second structure, a thickness between the outer surfaces of the first and second solder-resist layers is set in range of from 150 μm or greater and less than 380 μm, and at least one of the core, first and second structures, and first and second solder-resist layers includes reinforcing material in amount such that the board includes the material in amount in range of from 20 to 35 vol. %. |
| US09497848B2 |
Method and setup to manipulate electrically charged particles
The invention relates to a such particle accelerator setup (1, 11) and method based on the total reflection of electromagnetic pulses with a frequency falling into the THz frequency domain that utilize the evanescent field for the acceleration of electrically charged particles. Said setup includes a radiation source (5) to emit high-energy THz-pulses, preferably comprising a few optical cycles, having a large peak electric field strength, as well as two optical elements (2, 12) in the form of a pair of bulk crystals made of a substance that exhibits large refractive index, low dispersion and high optical destruction threshold, wherein said optical elements are transparent for the THz radiation. The inventive solutions represent much simpler, more compact and more cost effective alternatives compared to the prior art particle accelerator setups. |
| US09497845B2 |
Consumables for a plasma arc torch for bevel cutting
A consumable set is provided that is usable in a plasma arc torch to direct a plasma arc to a processing surface of a workpiece. The consumable set comprises a nozzle and an alignment surface. The nozzle includes: 1) a nozzle body defining a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, and 2) a nozzle exit orifice disposed in the nozzle body for constricting the plasma arc. The nozzle exit orifice defines an exit orifice axis oriented at a non-zero bevel angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The alignment surface is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and substantially planar. The alignment surface is dimensioned to orient the nozzle exit orifice such that the plasma arc impinges on the processing surface of the workpiece at the bevel angle while the plasma arc torch is substantially perpendicular to the processing surface. |
| US09497841B2 |
Extreme ultraviolet light generation system
An extreme ultraviolet light (EUV) generation system is configured to improve conversion efficiency of energy of a laser system to EUV energy by improving the efficiency of plasma generation. The EUV generation system includes a target generation unit configured to output a target toward a plasma generation region in a chamber. The laser system is configured to generate a first pre-pulse laser beam, a second pre-pulse laser beam, and a main pulse laser beam so that the target is irradiated with the first pre-pulse laser beam, the second pre-pulse laser beam, and the main pulse laser beam in this order. In addition, the EUV generation system includes a controller configured to control the laser system so that a fluence of the second pre-pulse laser beam is equal to or higher than 1 J/cm2 and equal to or lower than a fluence of the main pulse laser beam. |
| US09497831B2 |
Illumination system and illumination apparatus used therefor
An illumination system includes a plurality of illumination apparatuses including a sleeping location illumination apparatus provided near a sleeping location. Each of the illumination apparatuses has a light source configured to irradiate an illumination light, a control unit configured to control lighting of the light source, and a transceiver configured to transmit and receive a control signal including a lighting signal for lighting the light source. A control unit of at least one of the illumination apparatuses turns on the light source before a preset wake-up time and controls the transceiver to transmit the control signal to another illumination apparatus. |
| US09497826B2 |
Light-emitting diode arrangement and light-emitting means, in particular with such a light-emitting diode arrangement
A light-emitting diode arrangement includes a piezoelectric transformer having at least one output connection position, and a high-voltage light-emitting diode including a high-voltage light-emitting diode chip including at least two active regions connected in series with one another, wherein the high-voltage light-emitting diode is electrically connected to the output connection position of the piezo transformer. |
| US09497824B2 |
Light-emitting device
A light-emitting device includes a base, a light-emitting element, a wavelength conversion member, and a light reflecting member. The base has a base upper surface. The light-emitting element is provided on the base and includes a semiconductor layer, a light transmissive substrate, and a recess. The semiconductor layer is provided on the base so that a semiconductor lower surface faces the base upper surface of the base. The light transmissive substrate has a substrate upper surface, a substrate lower surface opposite to the substrate upper surface, and a substrate side surface between the substrate upper surface and the substrate lower surface. The light transmissive substrate is provided on the semiconductor layer so that the substrate lower surface contacts a semiconductor upper surface of the semiconductor layer. The recess is provided on the substrate upper surface of the light transmissive substrate. The wavelength conversion member is provided in the recess. |
| US09497821B2 |
LED tube lamp
An LED tube lamp is provided herein, which implements the safety function for protecting the user from electric shock since it conducts only when both ends thereof have been correctly installed into a lamp socket. The LED tube lamp includes a lamp tube; two end caps having pin(s) respectively and coupled to both ends of the lamp tube correspondingly for receiving an external driving signal; two rectifying circuits rectifying the external driving signal to produce a rectified signal; a filtering circuit filtering the rectified signal to produce a filtered signal; an LED lighting module receiving the filtered signal to produce a driving signal for the LED tube lamp to emit light; and an installation detection module determining whether cutting off the external driving signal passing through the LED tube lamp, wherein the installation detection module includes a first installation detection terminal and a second installation detection terminal, further, when a current passing through the first and the second installation detection terminals is bigger than or equal to a set current value, the installation detection module conducts; when the current passing through the first and the second installation detection terminals is smaller than the set current value, the installation detection module cuts off. |
| US09497818B2 |
Apparatus for controlling light module
Apparatuses for controlling light modules (5) comprise first circuits (1) for detecting first control information transported via first signals and second circuits (2) for converting first control information into second control information. The second control information is transported via second signals. The first and second control information define light settings of the light modules (5) and have different representations. The first control information may be phase-cut information or first data. The second control information may be a parameter of the second signal or second data. The apparatus may further comprise a third circuit (3) for converting power from the first signals into third signals destined for power inputs (51) of the light modules (5). The second signals may be destined for control inputs (52) of the light modules (5). This way, a control of a light module (5) has been separated from powering the light module (5). Many more control options have become possible. |
| US09497815B2 |
Methods and apparatus for interpolating low frame rate transmissions in lighting systems
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for interpolating low frame rate transmissions in lighting systems. A method (100) includes, in a microcontroller (22) of a light fixture (14), receiving (102) input data frames at a low frame rate from a light controller (12) over a data bus (16), generating (104) output data frames from any two adjacent input data frames according to a scaling scaling in a lookup table (LUT), and transmitting (106) the output data frames at a frame rate greater than the frame rate of the received input data frames to control a lighting effect of a light-emitting unit (24). |
| US09497814B2 |
Driver device and driving method for driving a load, in particular an LED unit
The present invention relates to a driver device (50a-50j) and a corresponding driving method for driving a load (22), in particular an LED unit, said driver device comprising power input terminals (51, 52) for receiving a rectified supply voltage from an external power supply, power output terminals (53, 54) for providing a drive voltage and/or current for driving a load (22), a half-bridge unit (70) comprising a first (60) and a second (61) switching element coupled in series between a high-voltage node (57) and a low-voltage node (58) and having a switch node (59) between said first and said second switching element, —a boost input filter unit (71) comprising a first inductor (L1) coupled between said power input terminals (51, 52) and said half-bridge unit (70), —a buck output filter unit (72) comprising a second inductor (L2) coupled between said half-bridge unit (70) and a power output terminal (53, 54), —an energy storage unit (73) and a control unit (64) for controlling said switching elements (60, 61). |
| US09497811B2 |
LED driver circuit
An LED driver circuit includes at least one string (10) of LEDs (12) connected in series, and a power supply for converting a mains voltage (AC) into an output voltage (Uout) to be applied to the at least one string (10) of LEDs, in which the power supply includes a single-stage boost converter (14) adapted to directly convert the mains voltage (AC) into the output voltage (Uout). |
| US09497809B2 |
Light emitting diode system
A light emitting diode system includes a first light emitting diode apparatus and a second light emitting diode apparatus. The first light emitting diode apparatus includes an alternating-current-to-direct-current and light-controlling unit, a plurality of first light emitting diode modules and a first connector. The second light emitting diode apparatus includes a second connector, a signal-converting unit and a plurality of second light emitting diode modules. The first light emitting diode apparatus outputs a drive direct current power and a light-controlling signal to the signal-converting unit through the first connector and the second connector. Therefore, the signal-converting unit is configured to control colors and intensities of the second light emitting diode modules. |
| US09497808B2 |
LED drive circuit and LED illumination apparatus
An LED drive circuit that is connectable to a phase control type of light adjuster and receives a voltage based on an a.c. voltage to drive an LED load, the LED drive circuit has a structure which includes: an adjustment signal generation portion that generates an adjustment signal in accordance with a characteristic of a phase control type of light adjuster which is connected to the LED drive circuit; and an adjustment portion that receives the adjustment signal to adjust a characteristic for driving the LED load. |
| US09497806B2 |
Power transformation apparatus, illuminating lamp, and lamp tube using the same
A power transformation apparatus between DC light element and ballast is provided, including: a first inductance, a second inductance, and a rectifier module. The first inductance includes a first input end and a second input terminal, and at least one of the first input terminal and the second input terminal is electrically connected to an output terminal of the ballast. The second inductance has a third input terminal and a fourth input terminal, and at least one of the third input terminal and the fourth input terminal is electrically connected to another output end of the ballast. The rectifier module has two input terminals, and the two input terminals are electrically connected to the first inductance and the second inductance, respectively. The rectifier module inputs a rectified direct current, so as to provide the electricity to the DC light elements. When the ballast is electrical ballast, the impedance value of the first inductance and the second inductance are between 150Ω and 800Ω. |
| US09497795B1 |
Systems and methods for a home market alert service
Disclosed herein are a method, system, and computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions for notifying a user of available realty in proximity to the user's approximate current location. In an embodiment, a triggering location region is defined based on the user's approximate current location. The triggering location region includes a second location that is associated with another person's profile that correlates with the user's profile. An alert is automatically provided to the user if available realty is within the defined triggering location region. In another embodiment, if available realty within the triggering location region meets the user's preferred criteria, information about the available realty may be automatically provided to the user. |
| US09497794B2 |
Modification of identifier data to identify intermediate devices
A method provides data communication to a vehicle. The method comprises a first data packet from a device associated with said vehicle at an intermediate device, said first data packet comprising a first identifier identifying said vehicle, modifying said first identifier to identify said intermediate device and forwarding said modified first data packet from said intermediate device to a further device. A communications session between said device associated with said further device is established, and a session identifier is associated with the communications session, and said first data packet comprises said session identifier and said modified data packet comprises said session identifier. |
| US09497793B2 |
Systems and methods for determining idle state transition time based on application detection in a base station
A system, method, computer program product, and base station for coordinating communication of data packets between a user device and an application server are described. According to one aspect, the base station includes a memory and a computer processor operatively coupled to the memory, to a radio transmitter, and to a radio receiver. The computer processor is configured to detect the application type of a data packet, determine an inactivity time based on the detected application type, and transition the user device to an idle state based on the determined inactivity time. |
| US09497792B2 |
Routing of messages for mobile communication devices during emergency calls
A method implemented in a UE. NAS signaling is initiated or performed for an emergency call in order to establish a connection between the UE and one of a plurality of core networks (CNs). In a non-limiting example, the NAS signaling is initiated or performed after the ending of a prior established connection or emergency call. A determination is made whether the UE is already attached for emergency bearer services. Responsive to the UE being already attached for emergency bearer services, a NAS layer of a protocol stack of the UE causes transmission of a UE identification (ID) when requesting a radio resource control (RRC) connection for further NAS signaling. The UE ID includes data which can be used to determine to which CN of the plurality of CNs the connection should be directed. |
| US09497788B2 |
Communication device, and control method therefor
When a communication device detects another communication device operating as a providing device that provides a communication parameter and when a communication parameter has already been set between the communication device and a different communication device or when the communication device is participating in the same network as that in which the different communication device is present, the communication device transmits a session overlap notice to the detected communication device. |
| US09497785B2 |
Techniques for exchanging beamforming information for a dual connection to user equipment
Examples are disclosed for exchanging beamforming information for a first wireless link utilized as a first connection of a dual connection for user equipment (UE) to access a network. The beamforming information exchanged between the UE and a small cell base station (BS) to configure the first wireless link as a beam-formed wireless link. Other examples are described and claimed. |
| US09497780B2 |
Protocol for synchronising data packets collisions in a wireless network
A method of synchronizing transmission of signals between two nodes in a network that includes at least another cooperating node. After reception of a clear-to-code signal (CTC) from the one node (B), broadcasting a clear-to-send signal (CTS), which contains at least a timing indication, from the cooperating node (C) to the first node (A) and the second node (B). After reception of the clear-to-send signal (CTS) by the first and second nodes (A,B), a first signal (S1) and a second signal (S2) are transmitted, via the cooperating node (C), respectively from the first node (A) to the second node (B) and from the second node (B) to the first node (A) during at least a common time period depending on the timing indication. |
| US09497778B2 |
Controlling stations' access to a communications medium
Managing access to a time-slotted communications medium by masking interrogatory codes that are contained in signals demarcating time slots of the medium and comparing the masked interrogatory codes against masked response codes. Access to the medium is dependent on the outcome of these comparisons. |
| US09497777B2 |
Indicating E-DCH resources for E-RACH
In UMTS WCDMA a new RACH-based uplink is being discussed. The request for uplink transmission resource is made using a mechanism based on the conventional RACH. The main difference from the conventional RACH is that the data transmission uses a high-speed uplink packet data channel, known as Enhanced Dedicated Channel (E-DCH), instead of a single short message associated directly with the RACH preamble. One proposed scheme for indicating the E-DCH resources to be used creates a link between the values of each of a group of multiple signatures sent on the AICH (to acknowledge the E-RACH access) and a specific set of E-DCH parameters defined in a table. We propose to signal the set of resources to be used independently from acknowledging the E-RACH access. One possible method is to transmit information in the unused portion of the AICH (corresponding to 1024 chips every slot) indicating the resource set. |
| US09497775B2 |
Method and apparatus for carrier scheduling in a multi-carrier system
A method and apparatus for carrier scheduling in a multi-carrier system is provided. A terminal receives information, which indicates whether or not to perform a cross carrier scheduling process, from a base station. If it is determined, by means of said information, that the cross carrier scheduling process is to be performed, the terminal receives scheduling information about a second downlink carrier via a first downlink carrier, and receives downlink data from the second downlink carrier. |
| US09497774B2 |
Method for optimizing the triggering of the transmission of buffer status reporting (BSR) information
The invention concerns a method for optimizing the transmission of Buffer Status Reporting (BSR) information from a User Equipment (UE) to a Base Station (BS) in a wireless telecommunication network wherein the transmission of Buffer Status Reporting information is triggered if new uplink data arrive in the UE transmission buffer of said UE and said new uplink data belong to a logical channel for which a positive PBR (Prioritized Bit Rate) parameter is defined and for which no data already existed in the UE transmission buffer. |
| US09497770B2 |
Scheduling communication in a wireless communication system
Interference potential may be determined between user equipment (UE) based on distance between the UEs and location information. Half duplex communication on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) resources may be scheduled based on the determined interference potential. |
| US09497769B1 |
Allocating carriers in a wireless communication system
In systems and methods of allocating carriers in a wireless communication network, a plurality of wireless devices in communication with an access node is ranked in a first ranking according to a required data rate of each wireless device. A carrier metric is determined for each of a plurality of carriers of the access node according to an actual data rate of each of the carriers and the required data rate of each wireless device, and each of the carriers is ranked in a second ranking for each of the plurality of wireless devices according to the determined carrier metric of each of the plurality of carriers. A first wireless device is selected from the first ranking, and a carrier from the second ranking is allocated to the selected first wireless device when the carrier provides the required data rate of the selected first wireless device. |
| US09497767B2 |
Wireless communication apparatus, wireless communication method, and computer-readable recording medium
A mobile terminal measures a first wireless quality that is a wireless quality of a first communication network, and measures a second wireless quality that is a wireless quality of a second communication network. The mobile terminal then determines a ratio between the number of first sockets used for the first communication network and the number of second sockets used for the second communication network, based on the first wireless quality or the second wireless quality. The mobile terminal then generates the first sockets and the second sockets at the determined ratio and transmits data by using each of the generated sockets. |
| US09497761B2 |
Qualifying available reverse link coding rates from access channel power setting
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed regarding a field unit, which may receive a plurality of forward link assignment messages for a plurality of time slots for a plurality of forward link transmissions, each message including an indication of a modulation and a code rate associated with a respective forward link transmission. The unit may receive at least one of the forward link transmissions in at least two of the time slots at the respective indicated modulation and code rate. The unit may receive a plurality of reverse link assignment messages for a plurality of time slots for a plurality of reverse link transmissions, each message including an indication of a modulation and a code rate associated with a respective reverse link transmission. The unit may transmit at least one of the reverse link transmissions in at least two of the time slots at the respective indicated modulation and code rate. |
| US09497757B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting control information for reduction of inter-cell interference in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus of transmitting control information for reduction of inter-cell interference (ICI) in a wireless communication system is provided. The base station transmits one of precoding information and antenna information for every time frequency resource to a second base station based on a ICI reduction method determined by the base station. |
| US09497755B2 |
Method for transceiving control information, and apparatus for same
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. In detail, provided are a method by which a terminal receives a control channel signal in a wireless communication system, and an apparatus for same, including the steps of: receiving a subframe including a plurality of control channel sets, wherein each control channel set includes a plurality of control channel candidates; and monitoring at least one control channel set in the subframe for receiving the control channel signal, wherein the plurality of control channel candidates are scrambled by a scrambling sequence having a control channel set-specific initialization value in each control channel set. |
| US09497744B2 |
Signaling of transmission settings in multi-user systems
The present invention relates to a transmitting apparatus, a receiving apparatus, a system, a signal, and a method of multi-user transmission, wherein transmission settings are divided into common signal information, containing settings/information relevant for multiple receivers and user stream specific information, containing settings/information relevant only to a related user stream. Furthermore, the common signal information may comprise at least one of a duration of the longest user stream field and multi-user resource allocation field, so that the receivers know the mapping of user streams to receivers. |
| US09497742B2 |
Method and device for transmitting uplink control information (UCI)
A first type of UCI that needs to be transmitted in a current subframe is generated by a terminal device; a second type of UCI that needs to be transmitted in the current subframe is generated on the basis of a threshold number of bits simultaneously transmitted with the UCI in the current subframe and of the number of bits transmitting the first type of UCI; the first type of UCI and the second type of UCI generated are transmitted on corresponding channel resources in the current subframe. |
| US09497740B2 |
ANDSF parameters for WLAN network selection
Embodiments describe systems, methods, and apparatuses for identifying, based at least in part on an access network discovery and selection function (ANDSF) quality of service (QoS) policy, a preferred access point (AP) of a wireless local area network (WLAN). In some embodiments, the ANDSF QoS policy may be compared to one or more of an air-interface congestion parameter of the AP, and/or a backhaul congestion parameter of the AP. |
| US09497737B2 |
Method and apparatus for searching for control channel in multi-node system
Provided are a method for searching for a control channel by a user terminal in a multi-node system and a user terminal using the method. The method comprises: setting a first common search space (CSS) and a second CSS, which are distinguishable, in a subframe comprising a plurality of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols; and searching for control information from the first CSS and/or the second CSS, wherein in the first CSS a first piece of control information that is cyclic redundancy check (CRC)-scrambled by a radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) belonging to a first RNTI set is searched, and wherein in the second CSS a second piece of control information that is CRC-scrambled by an RNTI belonging to a second RNTI set is searched. |
| US09497736B2 |
Transmitting device, receiving device, transmitting method, and receiving method
In a transmitting device, each of the plurality of mapping candidates that make up the search space is configured from the same number of control channel elements as an aggregation level value, the control channel elements are obtained by dividing each physical resource block into a predetermined number, and the quantity of resource elements contained in each of the predetermined number of control channel elements in each physical resource block adopts at least two types of values. A search space setting unit (102) sets a search space of which the aggregation level value is 2 or more so that, between a plurality of mapping candidates, variation in the total quantity of resource elements contained in the control channel elements that make up the mapping candidates is as small as possible. |
| US09497733B2 |
Single-frequency network (SFN) operation for machine-type communications (MTC) coverage enhancements
Certain aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communications and, more particularly, to techniques for single-frequency network (SFN) operation for machine-type communications (MTC) coverage enhancements. A method is provided for wireless communications by a user equipment (UE). The method generally includes detecting a synchronization signal transmitted from at least one of a plurality of transmission points, wherein each of the plurality of transmission points transmits a synchronization signal at a different offset time relative to a subframe boundary in a synchronized network, determining a subframe occurring a fixed time after detecting the synchronization signal to monitor for system information transmitted from at least one of the plurality of transmission points, and monitoring for a system information block during the determined subframe. |
| US09497732B2 |
Method and apparatus for communicating in a dominant interference scenario
Techniques for supporting communication in a dominant interference scenario are described. A user equipment (UE) may communicate with a first base station and may observe high interference from and/or may cause high interference to a second base station. In one design, the first base station may use a first frequency band, which may overlap at least partially with a second frequency band for the second base station and may further extend beyond the second frequency band. The first base station may send at least one synchronization signal and a broadcast channel in a center portion of the first frequency band for use by UEs to detect the first base station. The second frequency band may be non-overlapping with the center portion of the first frequency band. The first base station may also communicate with at least one UE on the first frequency band. |
| US09497731B2 |
Mobile communication system, control station, base station, communication method and program
A mobile communication system according to the present invention is a mobile communication system including base stations each of which forms a cell and transmits MBMS data to a mobile station existing in the cell, and control stations each of which controls the base station connected thereto, wherein the control stations include at least a control station and a second control station that determines a frequency and timing for transmitting the MBMS data in the cell and instructs the first control station of the determined frequency and timing, and wherein each of the first and second control stations establishes time synchronization with another control station and instructs the connected base station to set the cell to the frequency determined by the second control station and transmits the MBMS data to the connected base station in accordance with the transmission timing determined by the second control station. |