| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09551521B2 |
Method to extend the life of a twist ice maker
An ice making apparatus for an appliance comprising an ice making tray having at least one specialty feature chosen from the group consisting of: a convex bottom surface, a ledge disposed about a perimeter of the at least one ice compartment and proximate a bottom portion of the at least one ice compartment, at least one thread extending from one corner of the at least one ice compartment to another corner of the at least one ice compartment, or any combination thereof. |
| US09551519B2 |
Hazardous location heat transfer unit
A two chamber heat transfer unit configured such that hazardous air can circulate through one of the chambers and potential ignition source components are contained in another chamber through which the gas to be heated or cooled will circulate. |
| US09551515B2 |
Refrigeration cycle apparatus and outdoor heat source unit
There is provided a refrigeration cycle apparatus in which an outdoor heat source unit, an indoor unit, and a water heating unit are connected, and an air conditioning operation and a water heating operation can be performed separately, and an exhaust-heat recovery operation can be performed by simultaneously performing air cooling and water heating. The outdoor heat source unit includes a compressor for compressing refrigerant, a refrigerant air-heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and outside air, a fan for cooling the refrigerant air-heat exchanger, a control device that includes an inverter device for driving the compressor, and a heat sink for dissipating heat of the inverter device, and a switching element in the inverter device is constituted by an element formed by a wide bandgap semiconductor. |
| US09551514B2 |
Condensing unit and fan coil system
A heating and cooling system for use in high-rise residential and commercial buildings may include condensing unit having dimensions no greater than 12 inches deep by 40 inches wide by 20 inches tall and a fan coil unit coupled to the condensing unit via refrigeration tubing. The fan coil unit may have dimensions of no greater than 14 inches deep by 43 inches wide by 11 inches tall. The condensing unit may include a condenser water connection, a refrigeration tubing connection, a compressor, and a heat exchanger. The fan coil unit may include a filter rack configured to hold a MERV 13 filter, two in-line high-pressure fans, and at least one access panel on a bottom surface of the fan coil unit. |
| US09551512B2 |
Air conditioning system
An air conditioning system, including a condenser for condensing a refrigerant, a first expansion device for throttling the refrigerant passed through the condenser, a second expansion device for throttling the refrigerant passed through the first expansion device, an evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant passed through the second expansion device, a compressor for compressing the refrigerant passed through the evaporator and the refrigerant injected after branched between the first expansion device and the second expansion device, and a control unit for detecting a value of at least one operating parameter and determining a target opening degree of the first expansion device on the basis of a stored set value corresponding to the detected value of the operating parameter. |
| US09551506B2 |
Device that eliminates the drainage of liquid during the changing of a heating element
Disclosed is a device capable of retaining water in a water heater during the course of changing out the heating element. The device is comprised of a series of parts that fit together in such a way as to allow for a heating element insertion and removal without draining of water from the water heater. Because of the relationship between tubes 4 and 7, and bushings 3 and 5 (teflon, aluminum, or any suitable metal or material) and the threaded piece 1 and heating element tip, screwing in clockwise heating element allows for alignment of these components (tube 4 with slots to align with tube 7 and its slots); slots will be aligned so that water flows through. The heating element is in fluid contact with the water of the water heater. However, unscrewing counter-clockwise the heating element rotates these components in such a fashion as to block the slots in tubes 4 and 7 and the threaded element 1 in order to contain the water of the water heater while the heating element is exchanged for a new one. Upon screwing clockwise the new heating element, the components again go from blocking the water from draining out, to an open channel allowing for continuous fluid flow between the heating element and the water heater. When inserting the new heating element, it is clockwise. The outer tube with an offset of 180 degrees will prevent water from escaping from the water heater. |
| US09551505B2 |
Damper access assembly, clamp assembly, and clamp member
A clamp assembly is provided for use in a duct system. The clamp assembly includes a clamp member including a base portion and first and second lateral portions. The first and second lateral portions extend less than the full circumferential length of the base portion. The clamp assembly may include a first member, a second member, and a hinge operatively coupling the first member to the second member. A damper access assembly includes an adapter, a damper access duct section, and an annular clamp member. A first flange of the adapter and a second flange of the duct section are configured to form a generally T-shaped joint between the adapter and the damper access duct section. The clamp member is configured to removably secure the adapter to the damper access duct section. The damper access duct section is configured to be removable relative to the damper enclosure and the ductwork. |
| US09551498B2 |
Indoor unit of air conditioner and method of controlling the air conditioner
An indoor unit of an air conditioner having improved structures of suction, discharge and/or flow passages which may increase operation efficiency, reduce noises and realize a compact size. The indoor unit includes a housing comprising a front panel and a rear panel coupled to a rear portion of the front panel, at least one discharge outlet exposed to a front of the front panel, at least one suction inlet formed in the rear panel at a position corresponding to the discharge outlet, at least one heat exchanger disposed at a front portion of the suction inlet to absorb heat from air introduced through the suction inlet or transfer heat to the air introduced through the suction inlet, and at least one diagonal flow fan disposed between the heat exchanger and the discharge outlet to suction air passing through the heat exchanger and discharge the air through the discharge outlet. |
| US09551497B2 |
Ion generation device
The present invention provides methods and systems for an ion generation device that includes an elongate housing having a back portion and a pair of side portions extending from the back portion and forming a cavity therein. A conductive portion is disposed within the cavity and connected to a power supply for providing power to the conductive portion. A plurality of tines are engaged to the conductive portion. |
| US09551491B2 |
Method for mixing a dilution air in a sequential combustion system of a gas turbine
The invention relates a method for mixing a dilution air with a hot main flow in a sequential combustion system of a gas turbine, wherein the gas turbine essentially comprises at least one compressor, a first combustor which is connected downstream to the compressor, and a second combustor. The hot gases of the first combustor are admitted to at least one intermediate turbine or directly or indirectly to at least one second combustor, wherein the hot gases of the second combustor are admitted to a further turbine or directly or indirectly to an energy recovery device. The method comprises a coaxial injection of first combustor liner cooling air with second combustor liner cooling air, the first combustor liner cooling air having a sufficient excess pressure margin with respect to the second combustor liner cooling air. |
| US09551490B2 |
System for cooling a fuel injector extending into a combustion gas flow field and method for manufacture
A system for cooling a fuel injector extending into a combustion gas flow field includes a liner that defines a combustion gas flow path within a combustor and a fuel injector that extends through the liner. The fuel injector includes a main body having an annular first portion that extends outward from the liner and a second portion that extends from the first portion inward into the combustion gas flow path. The main body defines a cooling channel that is fully circumscribed within the main body and that extends between the first portion and the second portion. A cooling air inlet is defined within the annular first portion and is in fluid communication with the cooling channel. A cooling air outlet is in fluid communication with the cooling channel and is defined within the second portion downstream from the cooling air inlet. |
| US09551488B2 |
Flat burner
A flat burner has at an upper end thereof a rectangular flame port portion which has a straightening member with a plurality of straightening plates laterally disposed in parallel with one another. The straightening member has contact portions in which the straightening plates are brought into contact with one another at a plurality of longitudinal positions to thereby longitudinally segregate the flame port passages that are defined by each of the straightening plates. Out of the contact portions of the laterally inside straightening plates defining the laterally center-side flame port passages of the flame port portion, at least lower half of the contact portions that are positioned at least in predetermined longitudinal portions is formed into an inverse triangle as seen in the lateral direction. The predetermined longitudinal portions are those in which the inlet direction of flow of the fuel-air mixture from the distribution chamber portion into the flame port portion longitudinally inclines relative to a vertical direction beyond a predetermined angle. |
| US09551483B1 |
Multiple cable disconnect
A multiple cable disconnect includes a housing having a separable mating end and a wire terminating end configured to receive wires of power cables. The housing has a plurality of terminal chambers with terminals therein. The terminals each have a base, a mating contact extending from the base and a wire contact extending from the base. The mating contact has a mating pad defining a separable mating interface for the terminal for mating with a corresponding mating terminal of the mating connector. The wire contact has plural wire interfaces for mating with plural wires such that plural wires are configured to be terminated to and commoned with each terminal. Wire retention springs are received in the housing each having at least one spring arm defining a wire trap with the corresponding wire contact. The spring arms are releasable to release the wires from the housing. |
| US09551481B1 |
Sensing lamp
A sensing lamp comprises a light body and a sensing module. The light body has a light source. The sensing module connected to the light body comprises a sensing unit and a cover. The sensing unit has at least one sensor, a control circuit and at least one parameter adjusting element. The sensor and the parameter adjusting element are electrically coupled to the control circuit, and respectively provided to the front-side and the back-side of the sensing unit. The control circuit is disposed in the sensing unit. The sensing unit and the light body are rotatably connected. The sensor of the sensing unit is not covered by the cover when the sensing unit is rotated to a first angle. The parameter adjusting element is not covered by the cover when the sensing unit is rotated to a second angle, thus the user can manipulate the parameter adjusting element. |
| US09551478B2 |
Lighting device
There is provided a lighting device includes a first frame, on which a light source unit is mounted, a second frame disposed at a front of the first frame and holding a lens, and a third frame disposed between the first frame and the second frame. The first frame and the second frame are fixed to each other to configure an integral main frame, and the third frame and the main frame are connected to each other via an elastic deformation part to be displaceable relatively in a front-rear direction at a connecting position. |
| US09551475B2 |
Retroreflective articles and devices having viscoelastic lightguide
Disclosed herein is an optical device having a light source, a viscoelastic lightguide and a retroreflective film suitable for retroreflecting light. Light from the light source enters the viscoelastic lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection. The transported light is extracted from the lightguide and retroreflected at a structured surface of the retroreflective film. The optical device may have a “front lit” or a “back lit” configuration depending on the relative positioning of the lightguide and the retroreflective film. The retroreflective film may include prismatic retroreflective sheeting, holographic film or film structured with diffraction gratings. The optical device may be used, for example, as a sign or marking, a license plate assembly, a tail light assembly for vehicles, a security laminate for protection of documents against tampering, or an illumination device. |
| US09551472B2 |
Rotary electronic candle
A rotary electronic candle, including a candle body having a hollow cavity with a candle wick, the candle wick including a battery box base, a plurality of fixing columns, a motor fixing ring, a cover plate, a motor, a rotating shaft, a light source plate and a hemispherical cover. The fixing columns are fixed at the upper end of the battery box base, the motor fixing ring is located between the plurality of fixing columns, and the cover plate is covered on the upper end face of the motor fixing ring. A through hole is formed in the center of the cover plate, the motor is installed in the motor fixing ring, the rotating shaft is connected with the motor shaft of the motor and penetrates through the through hole, and the light source plate is fixed on the cover plate. |
| US09551470B2 |
Electric candle with illuminating panel
The present disclosure, in one embodiment, relates to an electric flameless candle, comprising a body configured in shape and size to simulate a true flame candle. The electric flameless candle further comprising a light source operably connected to the body and positioned to be generally protruding from an exterior surface of the body, the light source comprising a plurality of illuminators electrically operated to illuminate in a way that simulates the movement of a real candle's flame. |
| US09551469B2 |
Linear lighting systems, manufacturing and methods to configure the same
Linear lighting fixtures intended to be incorporated into thin architectural surfaces, interconnected and configurable as a continuous run with potential to follow the direction of adjacent planar surface in three dimensional spaces while maintaining the structural integrity of the supporting framework within the scope of the majority of building code specifications. |
| US09551466B2 |
LED-based direct-view luminaire with uniform mixing of light output
Methods and apparatus are provided for producing mixed light in a direct-view luminaire. The luminaire includes a plurality of light sources (132) that, in combination, are configured to generate a plurality of different colors of light, a first light mixing chamber (110) and at least one second light mixing chamber (120) in light communication with the first mixing chamber through at least one opening (134). At least one directly viewable light exit surface (112) is coupled to the first light mixing chamber. The light sources are contained in the second light mixing chamber(s), which is configured to prevent light emitted from the light sources from directly impinging on the light exit surface(s). The first light mixing chamber and the light exit surface(s) are configured to mix the light emitted from the light sources such that all light exiting the light exit surface(s) is substantially uniform in brightness and color. |
| US09551457B2 |
Post mounting system and apparatus
Disclosed is an apparatus (10) for connection to a flange (52) of a post (50). The flange (52) comprises two or more elongated apertures (54) therethrough which are spaced out along the length of the flange. The apparatus comprises a body (12) from which there extends two sets of projections (14A&B) and (16A&B). Each projection in each set respectively extends from the body to a distal end (18). Each of the sets (14), (16) comprises two projections A&B which extend from the body so as to define a recess R therebetween which is configured to receive the flange (52) therein. The distal ends (18) of the two projections (14) or (16) in a given set are able to locate in adjacency of a respective one of the elongated apertures (54) in the flange. At least one of the distal ends of at least one the projections comprises a passage (20) formed thereat. The passage (20) has a profile configured in a similar manner to that of the flange elongated aperture (54) adjacent to which it can be located in use. A respective pin (32A), (32B) is provided for each of the projections. The pins are connected together by a bridging member (34). When the passage (20) is located in adjacency of a respective flange aperture (54), the pins (32A), (32B) are each able be inserted through a respective passage (20) aligned with a respective aperture (54) to secure the apparatus (10) to the post. |
| US09551453B2 |
Pull-out swivel mount
A system for mounting a flat panel television or display to a surface such as a wall. A base plate is configured to operatively connect to a surface, while an adapter plate is configured to operatively connect to a display device. A plurality of connecting arms are used to operatively connect the base plate to the adapter plate. Each of the plurality of connecting arms includes a base plate engagement portion slidably engageable with slots in the base plate and an adapter plate engagement portion operatively connected to the adapter plate. Movement of the base plate engagement portions within the base plate's slots results in a translational movement of the adapter plate relative to the base plate. |
| US09551451B2 |
Skid structure for a powertrain
A skid structure for a powertrain includes a pair of longitudinally extending members disposed about a central axis and in a mutually spaced apart relationship with one another. Each of the members includes a top wall; a bottom wall disposed in a spaced apart relation with the top wall; and a side wall connected at corresponding edges of the top and bottom walls to define a pocket therebetween. The pocket is configured to extend longitudinally along a length of the member and laterally along a width of the top and bottom walls. The skid structure further includes multiple gussets that are disposed within the pocket and interspaced from one another along the length of the member. Each gusset is configured to connect with at least two of the top wall, the bottom wall, and the side wall. The gussets are configured to support a weight of the powertrain thereon. |
| US09551445B2 |
Conduit receivers
Example embodiments are directed to an enclosure. The enclosure can include at least one wall forming a cavity. The enclosure can also include a conduit receiver disposed in the at least one wall. The conduit receiver can include a housing having an aperture, where the aperture is configured to receive a conduit. The conduit receiver can also include a retaining element disposed within the housing at a distal end of the housing. The conduit receiver can further include a sealing device disposed within the housing at a proximal end of the housing. The conduit receiver can also include a bushing adjacent to the proximal end of the housing, where the bushing extends radially inward from the at least one wall, where the bushing is configured to abut against the conduit when the conduit is received in the aperture, and where the bushing covers an end of the conduit. |
| US09551440B2 |
Cable management clasp for a cable assembly of a communication system
A cable management clasp includes a clasp body having an upper locating member and a lower locating member joined to the upper locating member at opposite first and second ends. The upper and lower locating members are parallel to each other to form an elongated cable receptacle between the upper and lower locating members. The upper and lower locating members gang a plurality of cables in a parallel arrangement within the cable receptacle. |
| US09551438B2 |
Cable retaining apparatus
A cable retaining apparatus, or trefoil cleat, for retaining three power cables is disclosed. Two halves of the cleat are hinged together and between them engage the three cables. There is also a clamping portion for pulling the two halves together which includes a clamping member at the non-hinged end of each half. Both clamping members have holes through them and one hole has an internal thread. There is also a bolt that extends through the non-threaded hole and into the threaded hole. The bolt has a non-threaded portion that extends at least between the clamping members when the cleat is in use. |
| US09551435B2 |
Method of preventing clogging in a microvalve
A method of cleaning contaminants, including particulate contaminants, from a valve in a fluid system includes moving a valve flow control element of the valve from a first position to a second position in response to a change in a condition in the fluid system other than a change in superheat. |
| US09551430B2 |
Flat-face valve for pulp rotary drum vacuum washer filter and method
A rotary drum for thickening pulp from a slurry, the drum including drainage channels delivering filtrate from a pulp mat on an outer surface of the rotary drum to at least one filtrate chamber at an end of the rotary drum, a flat face valve and plenum chamber assembly in the filtrate chamber. The flat face valve juxtaposed against drainage outlets of the drainage channels, wherein the flat face valve does not block the drainage outlets during a majority of the rotation of the rotary drum. At least one opening on the flat face valve extending through the front surface and aligned with the drainage outlets to provide a fluid passage through the flat face valve and to a plenum chamber behind the flat face valve such that air in the filtrate is collected in the upper portion of the plenum chamber and removed from the rotary drum. |
| US09551429B2 |
Rupture disc having laser-defined reversal initiation and deformation control features
A reverse-acting rupture disc (10) having a laser-defined reversal initiation feature (16) is provided in the bulged section (12) of the disc. The reversal initiation feature comprises at least a first lased area (22) that has a reduced thickness relative to rest of the bulged section. A second lased area (24) may also be provided within the margins of the first lased area. The second lased area has a depth that is greater than the depth of the first lased area. A line of weakness (40) may be formed in the bulged section that functions to direct reversal of the bulged section toward a particular area of the disc, such as line-of-opening recess (56). |
| US09551426B2 |
Fluid control valve
A fluid control valve includes: a valve housing in which a flow path having gas inlet and outlet is formed; a drive device attached to the valve housing; a valve shaft connected to an output shaft of the drive device and moving in an axial direction; and a valve body attached so as to radially extend to an axis of the valve shaft, and opening and closing the flow path by being moved with the valve shaft so that one side surface moves away from or comes into contact with a valve seat formed in the flow path, wherein the valve housing is attached to an attachment target member so that the valve shaft is tilted, and the valve body includes a wall portion corresponding to a portion where a liquid inside the flow path collects due to its weight, within a portion having the valve seat, and formed along an edge portion on the other side surface opposite to one side surface of the valve body. |
| US09551420B2 |
Sealing ring
A sealing ring (10) includes in a diametrical cross-section a body section (12), angularly spaced sealing legs (16) and (18) that extend from the body section (12) and angularly spaced sealing legs (22) and (24) that also extend from the body section (12). Each sealing leg (16, 18, 22, 24) extends to a beveled end (28, 30, 32, 34), respectively. Beveled ends (28, 30, 32, 34) form a seal with a surface when sealing ring (10) is subjected to compressive forces. Sealing legs (16) and (24) are coplanar. Sealing legs (18) and (22) are coplanar. A first centering leg (40) extends from the body section (12) and is between sealing legs (16) and (22). A second centering leg (44) extends from the body section (12) and is between sealing legs (18) and (24). The first and second centering legs (40) and (44) are coplanar. |
| US09551413B2 |
Lubricated gear coupling
A lubricated gear coupling for transmitting torque between an input shaft and an output shaft, comprising a first hub connected to the input shaft, the first hub comprising at least one gear tooth and a first raised edge, a second hub non-rotatably connected to the output shaft, the second hub comprising at least one gear tooth and a second raised edge, a sleeve gear comprising at least one gear tooth, wherein the first hub and the second hub are arranged within the sleeve gear, the gear tooth of the first hub and second hub corresponding with the gear tooth of the sleeve gear, wherein torque is transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft with axial, radial, and angular movement occurring between the first hub and the second hub and, a draining means arranged on the sleeve gear, wherein the lubricant can flow through. |
| US09551412B1 |
Gearboxes and related assemblies
A gearbox housing assembly includes a base plate, a metal inner gearbox housing coupled to the base plate and a polymer outer gearbox housing on the base plate and surrounding the inner housing. |
| US09551409B2 |
Super charger components
A pulley assembly having a body, a shaft mount and a plurality of bolts is disclosed. The body is aligned to the shaft mount by providing a tight tolerance between a shoulder portion of the bolt and a neck portion of a counter sunk hole formed in the body. Additionally, an outer surface of the body may have a pattern of friction lines or patches formed by fusing particulate matter to the outer surface with heat generated by a laser beam. |
| US09551408B2 |
Mechanical system, injection pump and valve actuator comprising such a mechanical system and manufacturing method
A mechanical system comprising: a tappet, including a body; an insert mounted in the body; a pin extending along a first axis; and a roller element movable in rotation relative to the pin around the first axis. The insert supports the pin, while the body supports the insert, along at least one first direction parallel to a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis. The mechanical system can be integrated into an injection pump and/or a valve actuator. |
| US09551403B2 |
V-belt continuously variable transmission
A V-belt continuously variable transmission in which an actuator unit for driving a movable sheave is slidably supported by a transmission case that is formed by fastening a plurality of case members with a plurality of fastening members, for ensuring a sufficient space for slidably moving the actuator unit and enhancing workability of mounting and dismounting operation of the actuator unit. A flat mounting surface for mounting the actuator unit is formed on an outer surface of the transmission case. Also, a recessed portion recessed inwardly of the transmission case from the mounting surface is formed to have at an inner end thereof a fastening seat face for a specific fastening member out of the plurality of fastening members, the specific fastening member being disposed at a portion corresponding to the mounting surface. The whole specific fastening member is disposed inwardly of the transmission case relative to the mounting surface. |
| US09551402B2 |
Belt tensioning device for being used with a starter generator
A belt tensioning device for a belt drive which comprises a driving machine with a driving belt pulley drivable by a driveshaft around a driving axis, and a plurality of further belt pulleys and with an infinite belt which is wrapped around the driving belt pulley and the further belt pulleys wherein the belt tensioning device comprises a housing in which two tensioning arms are supported so as to be pivotable around a common pivot axis, in which tensioning arms there are supported tensioning rollers with axes of rotation extending parallel to the driving axis, wherein the tensioning arms are supported relative to one another by spring means, wherein, with the driving belt pulley mounted at the driving machine, the housing can be mounted in that, in an annular region surrounding the driveshaft of the driving belt pulley, the housing is contact-free relative to the driving machine. |
| US09551400B2 |
Power transmission device of hybrid vehicle and hybrid system
A power transmission device of a hybrid vehicle includes: a transmission including a planetary mechanism including a plurality of transmission rotational elements, one of the transmission rotational elements being connected to a rotary shaft of an engine; a differential device including a plurality of differential rotational elements including one connected to one of the transmission rotational elements of the transmission, one connected to a rotary shaft of a first rotary machine, and one connected to a rotary shaft of a second rotary machine and a driven wheel; a transmission control device configured to control the transmission; and a control device configured to control the first rotary machine such that pinion differential rotation of the transmission or the differential device is set to be not higher than a predetermined value at a time unique motor EV driving is performed only by power of the second rotary machine. |
| US09551397B2 |
Pendulum-oscillator-type damping system comprising an improved guiding device
A damping system (10) having a rotation axis (X) and comprising at least: one first flyweight (14) and one second flyweight (14) able to oscillate with respect to a support member (12), and at least one device (20) for guiding the first and second flyweights (14) with respect to the support member (12), having at least one bearing element (22) able to interact with a pair of opposite tracks, respectively a first guidance track (24) and a second guidance track (26) that is carried by the support member (12), wherein the first guidance track (24) is carried by said connecting means (16). |
| US09551396B2 |
Vibration damping device
Provided is a vibration damping device having a novel structure and that can have a greatly increased load strength resistance without a concomitant increase in the number of components or size at a stopper mechanism. The structure is such that first and second stopper portions having a hanging plate part and a dip part are provided to a pair of opposing sides of a stopper plate of a vibration damping device, whereas a pair of side plate portions extending between the first and second stopper portions are provided to the other pair of opposing sides of the stopper plate, and openings at both sides of the first and second stopper portions are closed by the pair of side plate portions. |
| US09551395B2 |
Shock absorber
An object of the present invention is to reduce the size of a shock absorber, and to facilitate adjusting of the damping amount of the shock absorber. The shock absorber 10 has an outer tube 11 and an inner tube 15, wherein a piston rod 14 projects from a base end of the outer tube 11, and a rotative operating part 19 provided in the inner tube 15 projects from a base end of the outer tube 11. An annular piston 27 separates a liquid accommodating chamber 16 into a shock absorbing chamber 28 and an accumulator chamber 29. A flow-rate adjusting hole 48 of the outer tube 11 is composed of a contact surface 51 and an eccentric surface 52. A bypass channel 53 communicating with a communication hole 49 is formed between the eccentric surface 52 and the inner tube 15. |
| US09551391B2 |
Lock-equipped member for guiding a disc brake pad and disc brake provided with such guiding members
A brake calliper has two arms, where each arm includes a housing and a stub. A member for guiding a disc brake pad is disposed in the housing, and is secured by lugs to a front of the stub. The member includes a body having a U-shaped section formed by an inner radial surface, a base, and an outer radial surface. An inner side of the body is bordered by an inner supporting surface located on an inner surface of the arms, and an outer supporting surface of the body is disposed against a front of the stud. The out supporting surface extends into a supporting surface toward the front of the stud. The body further includes a locking tongue that extends beyond an edge of the body, and is configured to be hooked in the housing. |
| US09551390B2 |
Disc brake for a commercial vehicle
A disc brake for a commercial vehicle is provided. The disc brake includes a brake caliper which engages over a brake disc and is in the form of a sliding caliper, two brake pads which are arranged in the caliper, are movable in opposite directions and each have a pad carrier plate and a friction lining fastened thereon and of which an application-side brake pad is pressable against the brake disc by an application device via at least one brake plunger, and with at least one restoring device with which the brake caliper is returnable after a braking-induced displacement and release of the brake. The restoring device is provided with a friction element which is mounted in the brake pad so as to be displaceable to a limited extent under pressure loading in the axial direction of the brake disc and on which an elastic pressure element held in the brake caliper and/or brake plunger acts. |
| US09551388B2 |
Disk brake caliper assembly
Disclosed is a disk brake caliper assembly where a second seal is positioned in a second annular groove to eliminate the seizure of the piston cylinder that commonly occurs on trailer brakes that are immersed in water. The second seal is slightly deformable and designed to frictionally engage the piston. The second seal functions as both a wiper to keep dirt and contaminants out of the cylinder assembly and to prevent water ingress. The use of the secondary seal can compliment or eliminate the need for a dust boot. |
| US09551386B2 |
Centrifugal brake for overspeed protection
A centrifugally triggered brake mechanism is used to halt a rotating assembly. The brake mechanism includes a braking surface, a brake shoe, and a rotating centrifugal trigger. Upon attaining a selected rotational speed the trigger releases the brake pad to engage the drum. The mechanism may be useful for instance in providing backup overspeed protection for wind turbines. |
| US09551384B2 |
Clutch management system
A clutch management system has a ramp actuator, an inner plate housing, an outer plate housing, and a clutch assembly. The clutch assembly may have a motor, a ratio adaptor, a primary sun gear, a secondary sun gear, a primary planet carrier and a secondary planet carrier. The primary sun gear is in contact with the ratio adaptor and primary planet gears. The primary planet gears are in contact with a ring gear. The primary planet carrier forms part of the ramp actuator. The second sun gear is connected to a housing and a secondary planet gears. The secondary planet gears are also in contact with the ring gear. A secondary planet carrier is connected. to the first plate of the ramp actuator. |
| US09551379B1 |
Thermal efficiency heat rate improvement over power generation and emissions control
Structural design permits efficiency to increase, which allows for the levitation of power generation equipment in a power plant. Rotational gyroscopic levitation motion is achieved by spinning stabilization without physical bearings on a generator. The phenomena of magnetic levitation of a rotational moving part with a degree of vertical allowance permit the torque resistance to lessen allowing for the reduction in heat rate to kilowatt-hour ratio. The magnetic levitation is further enhance by containing the magnetic bearings in a cooled chamber. |
| US09551376B2 |
Bearing configuration with two-row polygonal bearing
A bearing configuration for the purpose of mounting a shaft or axle in a housing in a manner allowing rotation. The bearing configuration has a rolling bearing designed as a roller bearing with at least one bearing ring which is functionally assigned to the housing, said bearing ring forming an outer race facing inward radially, wherein rolling elements are guided on said outer race, working together on the opposite side with a shaft which forms an inner race. The roller bearing of the bearing configuration is a combination of at least two joined polygonal bearings, wherein each polygonal bearing on the bearing ring includes at least one elastic segment which forms a convex, transversely rounded race curvature. This configuration ensures that at least one rolling element is radially pretensioned and supported on the outer race of the shaft, and the shaft is guided in the housing with no radial play. |
| US09551374B2 |
Crankshaft
A crankshaft having an axis of rotation is disclosed. The crankshaft includes a main throw having a web, a main pin extending from the web that is coaxial with the axis of rotation and an aperture in the web. The crankshaft also includes a crank throw having a web, a crank pin extending from the web, a central aperture positioned in the web that is coaxial with the axis of rotation. The crank pin is positioned in the aperture of the main throw and a connecting rod is positioned on the crank pin. The crankshaft includes various features for distribution of oil to components. |
| US09551370B2 |
Anchoring sleeve
An anchoring sleeve for anchoring a fastening element in a bore hole of a component by a hardenable compound is disclosed. The anchoring sleeve has a sleeve-like base body with a first end, with a second end, as well as with several axially successive extension sections arranged between the ends which are each configured to be cone-like and their diameter respectively increases in the direction of the first end. |
| US09551365B2 |
Hydraulic device of a control device, such as a blade pitch-change device
A hydraulic device includes a body, a piston rod configured to be actuated by a pressurized hydraulic fluid, and a first drainage channel for externally draining an internal leakage of hydraulic fluid in the device. The device includes a second drainage channel for externally draining the internal leakage of hydraulic fluid in the device, the first and second channels being oriented in two different directions and each of the channels communicating at one of the ends thereof inside the body of the device. |
| US09551364B2 |
Hydraulic cylinder with drift stop
A hydraulic fluid power cylinder assembly 10 includes a cylinder chamber 14, a piston 15, a piston rod 19 and an end cap 21. End cap 21 includes a drift stop chamber 24 and a drift stop blocking surface 25. Chamber 24 is in open fluid pressure communication with chamber 14 under all conditions. Piston 15 includes a piston body portion 16 and a drift stop body portion 29. Drift stop body portion 29 includes a drift stop blocking member 31 and a positioning surface 34 for preventing the blocking member 31 from contacting the walls of cavity 24 and cylinder chamber 14 when disengaged from blocking surface 25. In one position drift stop body portion 29 is received within drift stop cavity 24, and blocking member 31 engages blocking surface 25 to prevent unintended movement of piston 15. |
| US09551361B2 |
Travel control valve
A travel control valve includes a valve body and a spool. The valve body includes a first pump port connected on an upstream side from a drive control valve, a first connection port connected on a downstream side from the drive control valve, a second pump port connected to a second pump, and a second connection port connected to a second circuit system. The travel control valve can switch a communication opening between the first pump port and the first connection port to a large opening throttle position in which the communication opening remains smaller than that between the second pump port and the second connection port, and a small opening throttle position in which the communication opening remains smaller than that in the large opening throttle position. |
| US09551357B2 |
Oil management system for a compressor
The invention relates to an oil management system for a compressor in a refrigeration system comprising: an oil temperature sensor; a heater arranged to heat oil in a crank case of the compressor; and a controller operatively associated with the temperature sensor and the heater, the controller arranged to control operation of the heater on the basis of ambient air temperature and oil temperature to maintain the oil temperature within a range Tmax≧R≧Tmin where Tmax>Tmin. |
| US09551356B2 |
Double bell mouth shroud
This disclosure relates generally to fan shrouds for machine fans, and, more particularly, to the structure and design of double bell mouth shrouds and placement of double bell mouth shrouds relative to a machine fan. In some examples, a fan shroud encircling a circular fan having a plurality of fan blades can be provided. Some example fan shrouds can include an inlet adapted to receive air and an outlet adapted to outlet air. The inlet can include an inlet radius, and the outlet can include an outlet radius. In some examples, the outlet radius can each be about 10% of the fan diameter. |
| US09551355B2 |
Diffuser using detachable vanes
A system, in certain embodiments, includes a plurality of detachable, three-dimensional diffuser vanes attached to a diffuser plate of a centrifugal compressor. In certain embodiments, the detachable, three-dimensional diffuser vanes may be attached to the diffuser plate using threaded fasteners. In addition, dowel pins may be used to align the detachable, three-dimensional diffuser vanes with respect to the diffuser plate. However, in other embodiments, the detachable, three-dimensional diffuser vanes may include a tab configured to fit securely within a groove in the diffuser plate. In addition, the tabs of the detachable, three-dimensional diffuser vanes may include indentions that mate with extensions extending from the diffuser plate, wherein the tabs may slide into slots between the extensions and the grooves of the diffuser plate. |
| US09551352B2 |
Techniques for improved volumetric resistance blower apparatus, system and method
Embodiments of an apparatus, system, method and techniques are described for an improved volumetric resistance blower and rotor. An apparatus may comprise, for example a motor, a casing having one or more inlets and one or more outlets, and a cylindrical rotor to create a volumetric resistance inside the casing, at least a portion of the rotor comprising a porous material. Other embodiments are described. |
| US09551351B2 |
Compression device and a thermodynamic system comprising such a compression device
A compression device includes a first compressor and a second compressor mounted in parallel, each compressor including a leakproof enclosure including a low pressure portion containing a motor and an oil sump, an oil level equalization conduit putting into communication the oil sumps of the first and second compressors, and control means adapted for controlling the starting and the stopping of the first and second compressors. The first compressor includes first detection means coupled with the control means and adapted for detecting an oil level in the oil sump of the first compressor. The control means are adapted for controlling the stopping of the second compressor when the oil level detected by the first detection means falls below a first predetermined value. |
| US09551350B2 |
Device for uncoupling a bearing carrier
A device for uncoupling a bearing carrier in a turbomachine, the bearing carrier including an upstream part and a downstream part including a plurality of upstream orifices respectively facing a plurality of downstream orifices. The uncoupling device includes rupture screws each passing through an upstream orifice and a downstream orifice, and at least a mechanism for double centering of a rupture screw with respect to the upstream orifice and to the downstream orifice respectively. The mechanism for double centering is independent of the upstream and downstream parts of the bearing carrier and of the rupture screw, and is configured to collaborate with the upstream part of the rupture screw such that when the rupture screw breaks, the upstream part carries with it the mechanism for double centering. A turbomachine can include such an uncoupling device. |
| US09551348B2 |
Slim-type fan structure
A slim-type fan structure includes a stator (1) and a fan blade (2). The stator includes a circuit board (11) and a plurality of layout circuits (12) disposed to circumference the circuit board (11). The stator (1) includes an axial center (10) at a center portion thereof. The fan blade (2) includes a blade wheel (20), an axial sleeve (21) at a center of the blade wheel (20) and extended axially therefrom, a plurality of blades (22) formed to circumference an outer of the blade wheel (20), and a magnetic unit (23) disposed on the blade wheel (20). Also, the axial sleeve (21) is pivotally attached to the axial center (10). Accordingly, the magnetic unit (23) is formed by a plurality of N and S pole areas (230), (231) arranged alternatively in circular rows and corresponding to the layout circuits (12) along a vertical direction for the slim design. |
| US09551347B2 |
Water-pump motor using a waterproof stator, and water pump
Provided are a water pump motor that employs a stator core of an outer winding method that can use a low-cost ferrite magnet by minimizing an air gap between a magnet of a rotor and a stator core, and that heightens a fill factor, to thereby maximize efficiency of the motor, and a water pump using the water pump motor. The water pump motor includes a stator and an inner type rotor, in which the stator includes: a stator core whose inner circumferential portion is annularly interconnected, in which a number of protrusions are radially extended and formed; insulating bobbins that surround the stator core; a coil wound around the outer circumference of each bobbin; and an annular back yoke that surrounds in contact with the outer end of the stator core. The insulating bobbins are annularly molded to surround the inner circumferential portion of the stator core, and entirely surround the inner circumferential portion of the stator core, to thus make the inner side surface play a role of a sealing cover, and the rotor includes ferrite magnets in opposition to the inner side surfaces of the bobbins. |
| US09551346B2 |
Serial axial fan
A fan includes a first motor portion, a first impeller fixed to a first rotating portion of the first motor portion, a second motor portion arranged along a central axis of the first motor portion, a second impeller fixed to a second rotating portion of the second motor portion, a tubular wind channel portion arranged to surround the first and second impellers, and support ribs arranged to join the wind channel portion to the first and second motor portions. The first impeller includes first blades arranged in a circumferential direction about the central axis and the second impeller includes second blades arranged in the circumferential direction, a rotation direction of the second impeller is opposite to a rotation direction of the first impeller. A surface of each first blade which faces the second impeller is concave. A surface of each second blade which faces the first impeller is concave. |
| US09551336B2 |
Variable displacement swash plate type compressor
In a compressor that changes a discharge capacity by using an actuator, a variable displacement swash plate type compressor capable of realizing reduction in manufacture cost is provided.In the compressor of the present invention, a ring groove is formed in a movable body, and the ring groove is provided with an annular member. The annular member has a joint gap formed by a first to a third cutouts, and the third cutout is an aperture. In this compressor, the annular member moves in the ring groove based on a pressure difference between a control pressure chamber and a swash plate chamber. Thereby, in the compressor, a pressure in the control pressure chamber is regulated by regulating a flow of a refrigerant that flows to the swash plate chamber from the control pressure chamber. |
| US09551334B2 |
Variable capacity compressor having a control valve with channels
Provided is a control valve for a variable capacity compressor, the control valve including: a valve body including a crank-chamber port, a discharge port, a suction port, a control channel formed inside the control valve such that the crank-chamber port and the discharge port communicate with each other, and a first bleeding channel formed such that the crank-channel port and the suction port communicate with each other; an operating unit provided in the valve body and including a second bleeding channel communicated from a center area to a side surface of the operating unit; and a driving unit provided in the valve body and connected to the operating unit to enable the operating unit to reciprocally move according to a current applied by an external source. |
| US09551326B2 |
Apparatus for routing cables in wind turbines
An apparatus for routing cables in wind turbines has a plurality of bushings (17) for cables distributed on at least one base body (3, 5) that has a preferably round contour. The bushings (17) are provided with a guiding arrangement (27; 38; 39, 41; 43; 48) permitting the cables to move relative to the part of the bushing (17) that surrounds the guiding arrangement. |
| US09551324B2 |
Pitch bearing assembly with stiffener
A pitch bearing assembly for a wind turbine having a stiffener is disclosed. The pitch bearing assembly may include an outer race and an inner race rotatable relative to the outer race. The inner race may define a mounting surface and an inner circumference. The mounting surface may extend generally perpendicular to the inner circumference. In addition, the stiffener may include a body and a mounting flange. The body may extend axially within a volume defined by the inner circumference of the inner race. Further, the mounting flange of the stiffener may be coupled to the mounting surface of the inner race. |
| US09551322B2 |
Systems and methods for optimizing operation of a wind farm
Embodiments of methods and systems for optimizing operation of a wind farm are presented. The method includes receiving new values corresponding to at least some wake parameters for wind turbines in the wind farm. The method further includes identifying new sets of interacting wind turbines from the wind turbines based on the new values. Additionally, the method includes developing a farm-level predictive wake model for the new sets of interacting wind turbines based on the new values and historical wake models determined using historical values of the wake parameters corresponding to reference sets of interacting wind turbines in the wind farm. Furthermore, the method includes adjusting one or more control settings for at least the new sets of interacting wind turbines based on the farm-level predictive wake model. |
| US09551321B2 |
System and method for controlling a wind turbine
Systems and methods for controlling a wind turbine are disclosed. The method includes: measuring a loading condition acting on the wind turbine; determining a first scaler factor based on the measured loading condition; determining a correction parameter for the wind turbine, the correction parameter a function of at least two measured operating conditions and representative of a real-time operational state of the wind turbine; determining a second scaler factor based on the correction parameter; calculating an adjustment set point based on the first scaler factor and the second scaler factor; and, controlling the wind turbine based on the adjustment set point. |
| US09551319B2 |
Yawing system comprising a preload mechanism
A yawing system (2) for a wind turbine and a method of operating the yawing system (2) are disclosed. The yawing system (2) comprises at least one yaw drive arranged to cause the yawing system (2) to perform yawing movements, a yaw bearing allowing mutual movement between two parts of the yawing system (2) during yawing movements, and a hydraulically driven preload mechanism (1) being adapted to provide an adjustable pre-load force to the yaw bearing. The preload mechanism (1) is automatically operated as a consequence of operating the yawing system (2). Thereby it can be ensured that the preload force is adjusted in accordance with whether yawing movements are being performed, or the position of the nacelle should be maintained. The preload mechanism (1) may be modular, in the sense that two or more preload mechanisms (1) operate independently of each other, thereby providing redundancy. |
| US09551314B2 |
Internal combustion engine ignition coil apparatus
In an internal combustion engine ignition coil apparatus, a high-voltage supplying portion has: a protector that is bonded to an ignition coil main body, an electrical conductor, and a resistor that is connected in series between the ignition coil main body and the electrical conductor, and that reduces conductive noise. An electromagnetic wave absorber that shields radiated noise that is generated in the high-voltage supplying portion is mounted to an engine block so as to surround the protector and the resistor. An end surface of the resistor near the ignition coil main body is disposed so as to be aligned with an end surface of the electromagnetic wave absorber near the ignition coil main body. |
| US09551310B2 |
Valve device
A valve device includes a housing, a flow duct and a valve body. The valve body is arranged in the flow duct and bears with a sealing section against a housing-side sealing seat when the valve device is closed. The valve body is guided along a movement axis by a housing-side guide surface and bears with a stop surface against a housing-side movement limiting surface when the valve device is open to the maximum. The guide surface is provided by a guide element, and the sealing seat and the movement limiting surface are provided separately by the guide element. |
| US09551309B2 |
Fluid injector and method for operating a fluid injector
A fluid injector includes a valve body, a valve needle and axially moveable in the valve body between a closing position that prevents a fluid injection and further positions that permit the fluid injection, an armature coupled to the valve needle for displacing the valve needle away from the closing position, and a solenoid assembly including at least a first and second coil and operable to magnetically actuate the armature via an electrical signal. A method for operating the fluid injector includes applying the electrical signal to the first coil to generate a magnetic field to move the armature for displacing the valve needle away from the closing position, evaluating a voltage across terminals of the first coil, and controlling the second coil with a further electrical signal to saturate a magnetic field in a portion of the valve body between the armature and solenoid assembly during evaluating the voltage. |
| US09551308B2 |
Mounting bracket for fuel filter
A bracket for mounting a multi-compartment fuel filter assembly to an internal combustion engine is provided. The bracket includes a base plate, a first plate, a second plate, a third plate, a plurality of mounting members, a first plurality of ribs and a second plurality of ribs. The first plate and the second plate are coupled to the base plate, and are perpendicular to the base plate. The third plate is coupled to the first plate and is parallel to the base plate. The plurality of mounting members is coupled to the first plate and the first plurality of ribs is coupled to the base plate, the first plate and the third plate, and disposed perpendicular to the base plate. The second plurality of ribs is coupled to the base plate, the first plate, and the second plate, and disposed perpendicular to the base plate. |
| US09551305B2 |
Additive safety and injection system
A safety and injection system for adding an additive to fuel in a fuel chamber, includes a portable additive source having a body, an additive chamber, a memory, a fuel inlet, and a fuel outlet. The system can also include a fuel inlet valve which is connected to the fuel chamber, and includes a connector for connecting to the fuel inlet; a fuel outlet valve which is connected to the fuel chamber and including a connector for connecting to the fuel outlet. The system can further include a platform having a memory reader/writer that reads the information in memory and is capable of writing information on memory, and on which the portable additive source is placed; and at least one control unit which is connected with the memory reader/writer, which includes a user interface device for receiving control information from the user, and which controls the operation of the safety and injection system. |
| US09551304B2 |
Tank venting system and method for diagnosing same
A tank venting system of an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold, a fuel tank, and an activated carbon filter includes: a tank vent valve; at least one check valve; and a pressure sensor situated between the tank vent valve and the check valve. For diagnosing this tank venting system, a negative pressure which is lower than the ambient pressure outside the engine system is stored between the tank vent valve and the check valve. The stored pressure is changed by controlling the tank vent valve, and the change in the pressure is measured via the pressure sensor. The functioning of the tank venting line, of the check valve, and of the tank vent valve is deduced from the correlation of the opening state of the tank vent valve with the change in pressure. |
| US09551303B2 |
Exhaust gas recirculation system for an internal combustion engine and method for operating same
An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system includes an EGR duct configured to effect fluid communication between an exhaust duct and an intake duct of an internal combustion engine; a heat exchanger having a first flow passage and a second flow passage, the first flow passage being in fluid communication with the EGR duct, the second flow passage being configured to receive a heat transfer medium from a heat transfer medium source; an upstream purge valve in fluid communication with the second flow passage of the heat exchanger, and configured to effect selective fluid communication between a purge fluid source and the second flow passage of the heat exchanger; and a controller operatively coupled to the upstream purge valve. The controller is configured to purge the second flow passage of the heat exchanger by opening the upstream purge valve. |
| US09551302B2 |
Controlling fresh air and exhaust gas flow in turbocharged internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine has a cylinder and an exhaust-gas turbocharger comprising a compressor arranged in an intake system and a turbine arranged in an exhaust-gas discharge system. Various lines are provided for conducting gases including 1) a bypass line branching off from the inlet system downstream of the compressor so as to form an inlet-side junction, and 2) a recirculation line branching off from the exhaust-gas discharge system upstream of the turbine so as to form an outlet-side junction which opens into the bypass line. A first control element at the outlet-side junction adjusts an exhaust-gas quantity conducted through the recirculation line. A second control element at the inlet-side junction has a first position that separates the bypass line from the cylinder and connects the intake line to the cylinder, and a second position that separates the intake line from the cylinder and connects the bypass line to the cylinder. |
| US09551296B2 |
Method and apparatus for nozzle thrust vectoring
A thrust vectoring system is created with a convergent-divergent nozzle having a total angle no greater than 150 degrees. A divergent portion of the nozzle has a wall at a predetermined angle of at least 12° from the freestream direction. A disturbance generator is located on the wall to induce flow separation from the wall with the predetermined wall angle sufficient for the induced flow separation to extend upstream from disturbance generator substantially to a throat of the nozzle pressurizing the wall and creating a net vector angle in jet flow through the nozzle. |
| US09551287B2 |
Internal combustion engine control apparatus and control method thereof
It is an object of the present invention to improve estimation accuracy of an air excess ratio within a fuel spray and quickly cause the air excess ratio to approximate to a target value when the engine load factor rises. An internal combustion engine control apparatus includes a parameter acquiring section to acquire an air intake parameter and a fuel parameter, a first estimation section to estimate an in-fuel-spray air excess ratio using the air intake parameter and fuel parameter, and a pressure calculation section to calculate, if the in-fuel-spray air excess ratio is less than a target in-fuel-spray air excess ratio, a necessary fuel injection pressure to match the in-fuel-spray air excess ratio with the target in-fuel-spray air excess ratio, in which if the necessary fuel injection pressure is equal to or less than a maximum injection pressure, fuel injection is to be performed at the necessary fuel injection pressure. |
| US09551284B2 |
Apparatus for controlling construction equipment engine and control method therefor
Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for controlling an engine of construction equipment, the apparatus including: a lever for generating a first signal when a state of the construction equipment is switched to an operation state or a neutral state; and an auto idle switch for generating a second signal when an auto engine idle mode is on; in which when a state of the lever is switched to a neutral state in an on state of the second signal, an engine speed is reduced to a step engine speed, when a first speed reducing step is maintained for a predetermined time, the engine speed is further reduced to an idle engine speed, and when a state of the lever is switched to an operation state while the second speed reducing step is maintained, the engine speed returned to the step engine speed. |
| US09551281B2 |
Electric probe assembly, gas turbine engine having same and method of cooling same
A gas turbine engine comprises a hot section module which includes at least one electric probe assembly surrounded by an immediate environment having a local ambient temperature. The at least one electric probe assembly includes an electric probe having a probe body, and a conduit surrounding at least a portion of the probe body. In operation, the conduit carries a fluid flowing at a temperature lower than the local ambient temperature. The at least portion of the probe body is embedded in the fluid inside the conduit. The fluid thermally insulates the probe body from the local ambient temperature of the immediate environment around the at least one electric probe assembly. |
| US09551280B1 |
Silencer panel and system having plastic perforated side wall
A silencer panel includes an acoustic absorbing material; and an enclosure surrounding the acoustic absorbing material. The enclosure includes at least one plastic, perforated side wall. |
| US09551277B2 |
Renewable combined cycle low turbine boost
A method and system for cost effectively converting a feedstock using thermal plasma, or other styles of gassifiers, into to a feedwater energy transfer system. The feedstock can be any organic material, or fossil fuel. The energy transferred in the feedwater is converted into steam which is then injected into the low turbine of a combined cycle power plant. Heat is extracted from gas product issued by a gassifier and delivered to a power plant via its feedwater system. The gassifier is a plasma gassifier and the gas product is syngas. In a further embodiment, prior to performing the step of extracting heat energy, there is provided the further step of combusting the syngas in an afterburner. An air flow, and/or EGR flow is provided to the afterburner at a rate that is varied in response to an operating characteristic of the afterburner. The air flow to the afterburner is heated. |
| US09551276B2 |
Methods and systems for surge control
Systems and methods are provided for reducing surge in a boosted engine system. One method comprises adjusting an opening of a compressor recirculation valve to allow a compressor recirculation flow based on a combination of a nominal compressor recirculation flow and a filtered nominal compressor recirculation flow. The nominal compressor recirculation flow may be calculated as a difference between a desired compressor flow rate based on a surge limit of compressor and an estimated throttle mass flow rate. |
| US09551275B2 |
Cooling system having pulsed fan control
A cooling system is provided for an engine. The cooling system may have an air cooler configured to cool intake air being supplied to the engine. The cooling system may also have a sensor configured to generate a temperature signal indicative of a temperature of the intake air and a fan in proximity to the air cooler. The cooling system may further have a controller in communication with the sensor and the fan. The controller may be configured to cause the fan to operate at a speed that is a function of the temperature signal when the temperature of the intake air is above a threshold temperature. The controller may further be configured to selectively cause the fan to pulse when the temperature of the intake air drops below the threshold temperature. |
| US09551274B2 |
Heat exchanger for cooling charge air
A heat exchanger for cooling of charge air for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle is provided. The heat exchanger has a preliminary stage, a main stage, and a compensating component. The preliminary stage has at least one preliminary stage fixed bearing base and a preliminary stage floating bearing base. The main stage has at least one main stage fixed bearing base and a main stage floating bearing base. In a heat transfer region of the main stage, at least one main stage channel for a main stage coolant is disposed. The compensating component is configured to compensate a position difference between corresponding components of the preliminary stage and the main stage, whereby the position difference is based on a thermally induced elongation difference between the at least one preliminary stage channel and the at least one main stage channel. |
| US09551270B2 |
Control device for coolant flow in an internal combustion engine
A control device for an internal combustion engine is a control device, applied to an internal combustion engine including an EGR cooler which includes a heat exchange body made of a material including SiC. The control device includes a control unit that controls a flow rate of coolant passing through an EGR cooler to be small in a case of a temperature of the coolant not less than a predetermined value in ending the coolant stop control of the coolant stop control unit, as compared with a case of a temperature of the coolant less than the predetermined value in ending the coolant stop control of the coolant stop control unit. |
| US09551268B2 |
Cooling air intake device for vehicle
A cooling air intake device is mounted to a frame of a vehicle and includes a base plate and an intake box. The intake box is mounted on the base plate that includes a first admission section and a blocking section adjacent to the first admission section. The intake box includes a first intake compartment and a second intake compartment. The first intake compartment corresponds to the first admission section of the base plate. The first intake compartment includes a first baffle plate mounted therein. The first intake compartment has a side wall in which a first discharge section is formed. The second intake compartment is arranged above the first intake compartment in such a way that a second baffle plate is arranged between the first intake compartment and the second intake compartment. The second intake compartment includes a second admission section and a second discharge section. |
| US09551267B2 |
Heat resistant cast steel having superior high temperature strength and oxidation resistance
A heat-resistant cast steel includes, based on a total weight of the heat-resistant cast steel, 0.2 to 0.4 wt % carbon; 0.5 to 1.0 wt % silicon; 0.3 to 0.8 wt % manganese; 0.7 to 1.0 wt % nickel; 17 to 23 wt % chromium; 0.5 to 1.0 wt % niobium; 1.5 to 2.0 wt % tungsten; 0.2 to 0.5 wt % vanadium; 0.05 to 0.1 wt % cerium; 0.05 to 0.1 wt % nitrogen; and a balance of iron. |
| US09551265B2 |
Crash energy absorbing muffler
A muffler (101) for a vehicle, the muffler (101) having at least one first crumple feature (105) and at least one second crumple feature (107), the first and the second crumple features (105, 107) being configured to absorb the energy of an impact load to the muffler (101). The first crumple feature (105) is configured to deform at a first level of impact loading and the second crumple feature (107) is configured to deform at a second level of impact loading. |
| US09551252B2 |
System and method of purifying exhaust gas provided with lean NOx trap and selective catalytic reduction catalyst
A system for purifying an exhaust gas includes an engine, a lean NOx trap (LNT) mounted on the exhaust pipe, a dosing module mounted at the exhaust pipe downstream of the LNT, a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst mounted at the exhaust pipe downstream of the dosing module, and a controller for performing a denitrification (DeNOx) share between the LNT and the SCR catalyst according to a driving condition of the engine, wherein the controller predicts a NOx purifying ratio of the SCR catalyst according to the driving condition of the engine and adjusts a regeneration efficiency of the LNT based on an actual NOx purifying ratio of the SCR catalyst. |
| US09551250B2 |
Operation control apparatus and method for internal combustion engine
An operation control apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes: an exhaust emission purifier; a fuel supplying valve for supplying fuel to an exhaust passage; ignition means for igniting the fuel supplied; a warm up determining section for determining whether or not the purifier need be warmed; an exhaust heating determining section for determining whether or not the engine is in an operational state in which the fuel should be ignited and burned; an exhaust heating predicting section for predicting the transition from the operational state in which the fuel should not be ignited and burned to an operational state in which the fuel should be ignited and burned; and a heat generation temperature setting section for setting the temperature of a heating portion of the ignition means based on the result by the heating determining section and the predicting section. |
| US09551248B2 |
Method and apparatus to recover exhaust gas recirculation coolers
An apparatus for mitigating fouling within a heat exchanger device includes an internal combustion engine and an external exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) circuit. The internal combustion engine is fluidly coupled to an intake gas manifold upstream of the engine and an exhaust gas manifold downstream of the engine. The EGR circuit is fluidly coupled to the exhaust gas manifold at a first end and is configured to selectively route back exhaust gas flow as EGR flow into the intake gas manifold at a second end. The EGR circuit includes the heat exchanger device for cooling the EGR flow prior to entering the intake manifold and a surface deposit removing device configured to remove surface deposit build-up from within the heat exchanger device when the surface deposit removing device is activated. |
| US09551245B2 |
Torsion assembly for controllably providing torque to a camshaft
A torsion assembly for providing controllable torsion to a camshaft, including: a spring assembly including a first spring; and, a contact element arranged to engage at least one lobe for the camshaft. For a locked mode: the contact element is arranged to be displaced by the at least one cam lobe; the contact element is arranged to compress the first spring; and the first spring is arranged to impart a first torque to the camshaft via the contact element. For an unlocked mode, the contact element is arranged to be displaced by the at least one cam lobe and the contact element is arranged to impart a second torque, less than the first torque, to the cam shaft via the contact element. |
| US09551244B2 |
Electric motor driven simple planetary cam phaser
A cam phaser (10) dynamically adjusts a rotational relationship of a camshaft (24) of an internal combustion engine with respect to an engine crankshaft (34). A cam sprocket (20) can be driven by an endless loop power transmission member connected to a drive sprocket (36) mounted for rotation with the engine 5 crankshaft (34). The cam phaser (10) can include a planetary gear drive train (12) having a centrally located sun gear (14) connected for rotation with the cam sprocket (20), a ring gear (18) connected for rotation with the camshaft (24), and a plurality of planet gears (16a, 16b) supported by a carrier (22) in meshing engagement between the sun gear (14) and the ring gear (18). A phase adjustment gear (26) can be 10 connected for rotation with the carrier (22). The sun gear (14) can drive the planet gears (16a, 16b) in rotation thereby causing the ring gear (18) to be driven in rotation. Rotational movement the phase adjustment gear (26) can adjustably vary a cam phase position of the camshaft (24) relative to the crankshaft (34). |
| US09551241B2 |
Waste heat recovery power generation plant for sintering facility
To provide a waste heat recovery power generation plant for sintering facility capable of efficiently recovering a waste heat of a sintering machine in addition to that of a sintered-ore cooler, while restraining that sulfuric anhydride contained in an exhaust gas of the sintering machine forms drops. An SM boiler is configured to heat all of or a part of hot water generated by an SC boiler, by introducing a high temperature part of an exhaust gas of a sintering machine. At this time, a temperature of the hot water to be supplied to the SM boiler is controlled such that a temperature of an exhaust gas at an exhaust-gas temperature of the SM boiler is maintained at a temperature higher than an acid dew point. |
| US09551240B2 |
System of recycling exhaust heat from internal combustion engine
A system of recycling exhaust heat from an internal combustion engine may include an EGR line circulating a portion of exhaust gas generated from the engine to an intake side, a working fluid circulating line configured to have a working fluid satisfying a Rankine cycle, which is circulated therein, and an EGR side heat exchanging unit configured to perform a heat-exchange between an EGR gas flowing in the EGR line and the working fluid flowing in the working fluid circulating line. When a temperature of the EGR gas is equal to or greater than a reference temperature T1, the EGR gas is circulated to the intake side via the EGR side heat exchanging unit, and when the temperature of the EGR gas is less than the reference temperature T1, the EGR gas is circulated to the intake side without passing through the EGR side heat exchanging unit. |
| US09551234B2 |
Device for controlling pivotable vanes of a turbo-machine
A control device for controlling pivotable vanes of a turbo-machine, including: a plurality of pivotable vanes distributed in azimuth over at least 90° around the axis of the turbo-machine, the pivotable vanes being oriented substantially radially relative to the axis of the turbo-machine; and a control ring portion for controlling pivoting of the vanes, each vane being connected to the control ring portion by a link, the control ring portion being held around the axis of the turbo-machine by the links; wherein at least two of the links are connected to the ring portion by respective ball-joint connections, with other links being connected to the ring portion via respective sliding pivot connections. |
| US09551233B2 |
Labyrinth seal and rotating machine comprising such a seal
One of the components (15), opposite a labyrinth seal (12), is arranged sliding on a conical interface (18) of its support (7, 19) and constructed from a material with different thermal expansions, so as to reduce the clearance with the component face to face (13, 14), at steady state, at high temperature. The sealing surface (25) may be assured by a circulation of oil. |
| US09551232B2 |
Bi-directional shaft seal
A non-contacting seal is provided, including a first sealing face formed on an end of a primary ring and a second sealing face formed on an end of a mating ring. Grooves may be formed in at least one of the first and second sealing faces, such that the grooves extend from one edge of the respective sealing face to an intermediate radius of the respective sealing face. At least one groove may include an entrance edge along the one edge of the respective sealing face and a dam wall opposite the entrance edge. The at least one groove may also include two symmetric side walls extending from the entrance edge to the dam wall. The two symmetric side walls may include a first convex curve extending from the entrance edge to a transition point and a second concave curve extending from the transition point to the dam wall. |
| US09551230B2 |
Friction welding rotor blades to a rotor disk
Systems and methods are provided related to manufacturing, repairing or otherwise providing an integrally bladed rotor. In one method, a set of preform rotor blades are arranged relative to a rotor disk. The preform rotor blades are concurrently bonded to the rotor disk. |
| US09551227B2 |
Component cooling channel
A cooling channel (36, 36B) cools an exterior surface (40 or 42) or two opposed exterior surfaces (40 and 42). The channel has a near-wall inner surface (48, 50) with a width (W1). Interior side surfaces (52, 54) may converge to a reduced channel width (W2). The near-wall inner surface (48, 50) may have fins (44) aligned with a coolant flow (22). The fins may highest at mid-width of the near-wall inner surface. A two-sided cooling channel (36) may have two near-wall inner surfaces (48, 50) parallel to two respective exterior surfaces (40, 42), and may have an hourglass shaped transverse sectional profile. The tapered channel width (W1, W2) and the fin height profile (56A, 56B) increases cooling flow (22) into the corners (C) of the channel for more uniform and efficient cooling. |
| US09551226B2 |
Turbine bucket with endwall contour and airfoil profile
Turbine frequency tuning, fluid dynamic efficiency, and performance can be improved using an airfoil profile and/or an endwall contour including at least one of a pressure side bump, a pressure side leading edge bump, or a suction side trough. In particular, by including two endwall bumps on the pressure side and a trough on the suction side combined with a particular airfoil profile, performance can be further improved. |
| US09551224B2 |
Turbine and method for manufacturing turbine
The turbine includes: a shaft body supported rotatably; a plurality of turbine blade members; a casing covering the shaft body and the turbine blade row; an outer ring member that is provided on an inner periphery of the casing and includes an inner peripheral portion in which a cross-section having a uneven shape is continuous in a circumferential direction; a plurality of turbine vane members that each has a shroud fitted into the inner peripheral portion of the outer ring member and a turbine vane main body extending from the shroud to a radially inward side; and a plate member that connects at least some of the plurality of turbine vane members and covers one side of the shrouds in the axial direction, thereby sealing a shroud gap formed between the shrouds adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. |
| US09551215B2 |
Apparatus and system for passively sampling production fluid from a well
An apparatus and system for passively sampling production fluid from a well is presented. The passive sampling device is used to split two-phase flow and provide a driving pressure differential for a sampling system. Flow through sampling systems require a low pressure differential to be utilized to take a liquid sample, so that the sample retained remains isobaric. When performed in two-phase flow, the pressure differential needs to be relatively high, potentially yielding a non-isobaric sample. By separating out the liquid content of the flow, a low driving pressure is allowed to be used. Thus, this keeps the sample isobaric at a wide range of production flow rates. |
| US09551212B2 |
Method for determining a position of a water/cement boundary between pipes in a hydrocarbon well
A method has been disclosed for determining a position of a water/cement boundary in an annular area between two concentric pipes in a hydrocarbon well. The method comprises the steps of running a well tool (10) into a central pipe of the well, where the well tool (10) comprises a tool housing (11), a pulse generator (14) and a signal recorder (16) provided within the housing (11); generating an electromagnetic pulse by means of the pulse generator, thereby providing physical vibrations in the central pipe of the well; recording reflected acoustic signals from the well by means of the signal recorder (16); repeating the generating and recording steps for different vertical positions of the pulse generator in the well; organizing the recorded signals in a two-dimensional representation; filtering the organized recorded signals in order to identify, in the two-dimensional representation, a hyperbola (B); and providing an apex of the hyperbola (B) as the determined position of the water/cement boundary. |
| US09551211B2 |
Deepwater low-rate appraisal production systems
A method for appraising a deepwater well comprising: producing a first quantity of hydrocarbon from an undersea reservoir; transporting the first quantity of hydrocarbon to a floating vessel; off loading the first quantity of hydrocarbon from the vessel; producing a second quantity of hydrocarbon from the undersea reservoir; and transporting the second quantity of hydrocarbon to the floating vessel. |
| US09551210B2 |
Systems and methods for removal of electromagnetic dispersion and attenuation for imaging of proppant in an induced fracture
Systems and methods for generating a three-dimensional image of a proppant-filled hydraulically-induced fracture in a geologic formation are provided. The image may be generated by capturing electromagnetic fields generated or scattered by the proppant-filled fracture, removing dispersion and/or an attenuation effects from the captured electromagnetic fields, and generating the image based on the dispersion and/or attenuation corrected fields. Removing the dispersion and/or attenuation effects may include back propagating the captured electromagnetic fields in the time domain to a source location. The image may be generated based on locations at which the back propagated fields constructively interfere or may be generated based on a model of the fracture defined using the back propagated fields. |
| US09551207B2 |
Pressure assisted oil recovery
Estimates of global total “liquid” hydrocarbon resources are dominated by structures known as oil sands or tar sands which represent approximately two-thirds of the total recoverable resources. This is despite the Canadian Athabasca Oil Sands, which dominate these oil sand based reserves at 1.7 trillion barrels, are calculated at only 10% recovery rate. However, irrespective of whether it is the 3.6 trillion barrels recoverable from the oil sands or the 1.75 trillion barrels from conventional oil reservoirs worldwide, it is evident that significant financial return and extension of the time oil is available to the world arise from increasing the recoverable percentage of such resources. According to embodiments of the invention pressure differentials are exploited to advance production of wells, adjust the evolution of the depletion chambers formed laterally between laterally spaced wells to increase the oil recovery percentage, and provide recovery in deeper reservoirs. |
| US09551206B2 |
Pool, large tank, or pond exchanger
An exchanger for a pool, large storage tank, or pond is described herein. In one embodiment, the exchanger includes a diffuser hub, exchanger extension arms that extend radially outward from the diffuser hub, one or more exchanger rings that intersect with the heat exchanger extension arms, and a fill tube that extends to the diffuser hub. One or both of the heat exchanger arms and/or the exchanger rings include fluid apertures that direct fluid into the pool. Fluid pumped into the fill tube may flow through into the diffuser, through the exchanger extension arms and/or the one or more exchanger rings, and out through the fluid apertures at various locations into the pool. As such, heated fluid, or fluid to be mixed, for example, may be more evenly and quickly distributed into the pool. |
| US09551197B2 |
Hydrostatic setting tool
A setting tool for use inside a well bore casing having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a wrap spring. The upper portion includes a mandrel coupled to a connecting line. The upper portion is configured to receive an input. The lower portion includes a first sleeve configured translate along an axis of the setting tool. The lower portion is selectively coupled to the upper portion. The wrap spring has a torsional preload and is coupled to the upper portion and the lower portion. The wrap spring is configured to selectively release the lower portion and upon reception of the input, such that the first sleeve is permitted to translate along the axis. |
| US09551196B2 |
Dual device apparatus and methods usable in well drilling and other operations
The present disclosure relates generally to devices and methods useable during well drilling operation. More particularly, the present disclosure pertains to a drilling rig incorporating a dual top drive apparatus useable for decreasing connection time of pipe segments useable during well drilling or other well operations, and methods of connecting pipe segments useable during well drilling or other operations. |
| US09551195B1 |
Rig with tong assembly with floating jaw and remote control
A rig with a tong assembly for manipulating tubulars can include a tong arm assembly for makeup and breakout of tubulars that has a floating jaw or non-moving jaw, a breakup arm, and a hydraulic control assembly. The tong assembly can include a remote control for remotely controlling operation of the tong assembly for improved safety. |
| US09551194B1 |
Tong assembly with floating jaw
A tong assembly for manipulating tubulars can include a tong arm assembly for makeup and breakout that has a floating jaw or non-moving jaw, a breakup arm, and a hydraulic control assembly. The tong assembly can include a remote control for remotely controlling operations and providing for improved safety. |
| US09551190B2 |
Excavation tool
In an excavation tool of the present invention, an embedding hole is drilled in a distal end portion of a tool body which is rotated about an axis line O and is moved forward to a distal end side in a direction of the axis line O. In the embedding hole, an excavation tip in which an embedding portion having an outer cylindrical shape is formed integrally with a cutting edge portion inserts the embedding portion into the embedding hole and causes the cutting edge portion to protrude from the embedding hole. In this manner, the excavation tip is rotatable around a central axis C of the embedding portion during excavation, and is attached thereto by being locked so as not to slip toward a distal end side of the embedding portion 6 in a direction of the central axis C. |
| US09551189B2 |
Polycrystalline diamond percussion drill bits using low thrust and torque for application with small diameter drill bits
A polycrystalline diamond drill bit for percussion drilling, in small holes in high silica ground. The bits are made having a bit body, and a series of insets locating in the bit body, and the bits are made using a double chisel design, or a modified double chisel design. The inserts are set into the bit body at very specific angles. The inserts have specific lengths to provide cut clearance for the bit body. The cutting angle the and radius on the tip of each insert in addition to the diameter of the inserts, provide a machine thrust pressure and machine torque pressure at low ranges when the PCD bits are used in percussion drilling. |
| US09551187B2 |
Steering head
A steering head for use with a casing, the steering head having a generally cylindrical body with a first body end with a lead edge, a second body end with a rear edge, and a body surface extending from the lead edge to the rear edge, an outer tube with an internal side generally facing the body surface, the outer tube extending from the first body end to the second body end, and a steering flap disposed on an external side of the outer tube having a first flap face facing radially inwardly and a second flap face facing radially outwardly. A biased hinge is secured to both the outer tube and the steering flap, the biased hinge being operative to retract the steering flap into a retracted position from an extending position. |
| US09551185B2 |
Top drive
A distributed drive includes a frame, a main sprocket, and a plurality of drive assemblies mounted therearound for rotation of the main sprocket. The main sprocket has a circumferential drive rim around which the drive assemblies are mounted in driving engagement with the drive rim so as to selectively rotate the main sprocket relative to the frame. Each drive assembly includes at least two auxiliary sprockets lying substantially in the plane of the main sprocket. An endless belt is mounted around the auxiliary sprockets so that a span of the endless belt spans between a pair of the auxiliary sprockets in an arc-of-contact with the drive rim. At least one of the two auxiliary sprockets is a selectively driven drive sprocket for selective rotation of the main sprocket. |
| US09551183B2 |
Ladder safety device having a building clamp assembly and a ladder hook assembly
A house clamp assembly having a fixed jaw and a slide bar mounted movable jaw, the fixed jaw opposing the movable jaw. A one-way drive means, by operation of a trigger handle grip, releasably engages the slide bar and advances the movable jaw towards the fixed jaw. The one-way drive means is incapable of moving the slide bar and movable jaw away from the fixed jaw. A return motion of the movable jaw (separating) is accomplished manually when the one-way drive means is disengaged. A braking lever, which is biased to bind the slide bar, prevents reverse motion of the slideable jaw away from the fixed jaw, except when the first lever is disengaged from the slide bar. A device for securing a ladder to a building, wherein the removed end of the slide member has a hook shape; wherein the jaws include jaw faces having multiple raised portions, wherein the releasable braking means of the building clamp assembly means includes a pivoting lever; wherein the locking member of the ladder hook assembly includes a pivoting lever, attached at one end to the body, and having a slot dimensioned to slideably receive the hook slide member therethrough; wherein the body of the ladder hook assembly includes a pair of slots dimensioned for and adapted to slideably receive the slide member therethrough; and wherein the slots are arranged to maintain the hook slide member substantially parallel to the slide bar of the building clamp assembly. |
| US09551180B2 |
System for controlling noise in a window assembly
A system for controlling noise in a fenestration assembly (e.g., a window) includes a fenestration assembly with at least one glazing and a frame. The at least one glazing has a surface. At least one sensor is coupled to the at least one glazing and is configured to generate noise detection signals. An actuator is positioned on the surface of the at least one glazing and has a plurality of regions. A controller is coupled to the sensor and the actuator and is configured to control each of the regions of the actuator to generate a different frequency based on the noise detection signals. Alternatively, each of the regions may be controlled to generate a frequency with a different phase shift based on the noise detection signals. |
| US09551177B2 |
Rotational to translational locking hinge
Techniques related to a hinge in a computing device are described herein. The techniques may include forming a shaft to move rotationally, and forming a sliding component to move translationally as a result of rotational movement of the shaft. |
| US09551175B2 |
Hinge for a motor vehicle
A hinge for the pivotable arrangement of a hood or panel on the support structure of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The hinge includes a basic part and a hinge arm pivotably mounted on the basic part at a hinge axis. The basic part includes a fastening portion which is fastened to the support structure. The basic part further includes at least one mounting bracket axially spaced from the fastening portion from at least one body outside panel. |
| US09551174B2 |
Lock assembly
A lock assembly (20) including a lock bolt (28), a first hub (36) and a first hub locker (72). The lock bolt (28) is movable between a latching position and an unlatching position. The first hub (36) is adapted to move the lock bolt (28) in response to movement of a first handle. The first hub locker (72) is positionable in at least three positions. The first hub locker (72) allows movement of the lock bolt (28) in response to torque being applied to the first handle when in two of the at least three positions and prevents movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the first handle when in another of the at least three positions. Alternatively, the first hub locker (72) prevents movement of the lock bolt (28) in response to torque being applied to the first handle when in two of the at least three positions and allows movement of the lock bolt (28) in response to torque being applied to the first handle when in another of the at least three positions. |
| US09551173B2 |
Door lock
The invention relates to a door lock provided with an oblique bolt. The objective is to decrease the external force directed into to deadlocking organs. The oblique bolt consists of slanted surfaces on both sides such that the tip part is narrower at its tip than in the back part of the tip part. The tip part has recesses in its lower part and upper part, which extend from the tip to the back part. Both recesses have a turning piece. Additionally, the oblique bolt has a support piece and flexing organs. The turning pieces guide external force up to a given turning angle via the support piece and flexing organs into the deadlocking organs. |
| US09551168B2 |
Furniture embedded locking device
A locking device to secure a compartment which allows an intelligent interaction with the user. The locking device may be incorporated into a furniture or other structure requiring locking to prevent and allow access to the compartment. |
| US09551167B2 |
Padlock retaining device
A padlock retaining device has: a) a stand-alone body, separate from any locking device or latching device, the body having one or more body attachment facilitators and b) a lock containment section attached to and extending away from the body for accepting and retaining an open padlock. |
| US09551165B2 |
Magnetic key and locking system
A magnetic key comprising: a body; a segmented magnet housed within the body; and a ferrous element housed above the segmented magnet. A protective cap for a magnetic key comprising a body; and a ferrous element housed within the body. A locking system comprises a magnetic key and protective cap. |
| US09551164B2 |
Fence/rail assembly with concealed sliding, pivotal connection, and manufacturing method therefor
A fencing/railing assembly adapted to be positioned between a pair of posts and mounted thereto includes a plurality of pickets, a plurality of rails extending transverse to the pickets, and one or more pivoting, sliding connectors for connecting a picket to a rail, with the sliding, pivotal connection concealed by the rail. The connector is slidably mounted to the rail and is pivotally connected to the picket. In one embodiment, an elongated connector strip is concealed by the rail and spans multiple pickets. In another embodiment, the assembly includes a plurality of shorter connectors, one for each picket/rail connection. |
| US09551163B2 |
Modular systems for constructing liquid storage tanks
A modular system for constructing liquid storage tanks, comprising prefabricated reinforced concrete modular elements designed and adapted to be coupled together to form the tank walls and having means for engaging the bottom slab or foundation. Optionally, the system further comprises elements which mate with the tank wall elements in order to build a covered tank. In one embodiment of the system, the modular wall elements include a prestressing wire or strand embedded in its structure and to which a tensile force is applied to produce a compressive stress in the side of the wall element that is contact with the liquid stored in the tank. Optionally, the constructing system comprises elements to form divisions or cells inside the storage tank. |
| US09551162B2 |
Method for water treatment
A method for treating a swimming pool, including introducing Mg2+ to a level from 60 ppm to 300 ppm to the swimming pool by addition of a soluble magnesium compound to the swimming pool, or Mg2+ to a level from 60 ppm to 1000 ppm by addition of a magnesium halide in addition to a further soluble magnesium compound. |
| US09551155B2 |
Building board and method for manufacturing the same
A building board includes an undercoat coating, an overcoat coating having lower pigment content than the undercoat coating and having different hue from the undercoat coating and having variations in position and thickness, an inkjet coating having different hue from the overcoat coating and is applying partially, and a clear coating successively formed on surface of inorganic base material having a plurality of wood board patterns. There also is provided a method for manufacturing a building board including the steps of applying an undercoat paint to surface of inorganic base material having a plurality of wood board patterns, applying an overcoat paint having lower pigment weight concentration than the undercoat paint and having different hue from the undercoat paint, scraping off a part of the applied overcoat paint before the overcoat paint cures, partially applying inkjet painting having different hue from the overcoat paint, and applying a clear paint. |
| US09551149B1 |
Systems and methods for efficiently assembling a structure
Embodiments described herein include systems and methods for efficiently assembling a structure. In one embodiment, a system includes multiple panels, with each panel having a frame made of multiple members. Each member of the frame has at least two pairs of passageways. Each pair of passageways can include two passageways that intersect each other in a perpendicular manner. Furthermore, each passageway may pass through, and be oriented orthogonal to, the longitudinal axis of the member. The first pair of passageways can be spaced a first distance from the first end of the member, while the second pair of passageways can be spaced a second distance from the second end of the member. In some embodiments, the first and second distances are approximately equal to one another. This consistency allows for maximum interchangeability and compatibility of the members and/or panels. |
| US09551144B2 |
Sound absorbing cover, sound absorbing assembly, and magnetic induction foam molding device
A sound absorbing cover is made of foam containing magnetic filler and is integrally molded in a three-dimensional shape so as to cover at least a part of a mating member that is a noise source. The sound absorbing cover includes side walls that cover side surfaces of the mating member and a bottom wall that covers a bottom surface of the mating member that intersects with the side surfaces of the mating member. The magnetic filler is oriented in a thickness direction of each of the side walls and the bottom wall. A sound absorbing assembly includes the sound absorbing cover and a fixing cover that is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the sound absorbing cover and that fixes, to a base, the sound absorbing cover and the mating member that is a noise source covered by the sound absorbing cover. |
| US09551143B2 |
Modular deployable shelter for camps
A modular deployable shelter for camps, comprising a body made of a flexible material, which can be deployed from a transport position to a position of use, generating an inner trapezoidal living space with a roof at an angle, characterized in that, in the position of use, the shelter comprises a rigid roof plate which closes the upper part of the body when in the deployed position, forming a ventilated space; wherein the floor of the body is closed from the bottom by a rigid floor plate; and wherein the right and left sides of the flexible body, in the position of use, have a longitudinally reinforced bellows structure, also being closed at the front and rear part thereof by rigid panels, the front panel having an opening which defines the entrance of the living space in the deployed position thereof; and wherein the sides of the body, in the deployed position thereof, have panelled reinforcements containing a reinforcement material. |
| US09551140B2 |
Dryer component
A dryer component for a bidet includes a drying member (40), a blower component (50) and a pipe component (70). The pipe component (70) includes a first separable part (72) and a second separable part (82) so as to provide fluid connection between the blower component (50) and the drying member (40). There is no hose used in the pipe component (70) and the fitting surface between the first part (72) and the second part (82) is tilted, which allows comparatively great fitting tolerances of members of the dryer. |
| US09551136B2 |
Multiple flow faucet with pivoting spout
A multiple flow faucet with passages having at least one base part installed in a mounting element, and a pivoting spout rotatably attached thereto, with at least a cold water line and a filtered water line. The filtered water line has at least one liquid-tight rotatable disconnection point at one or more of the passages. |
| US09551134B2 |
Domestic-water supply and withdrawal system for a washstand and sampling valve for such a system
The present invention relates to a domestic-water supply and withdrawal system for a washstand (8) with wall-mountable angle valves (16, 18) for cold and hot water and a washstand fitting (10) which is coupled in flow communication with the associated angle valves (16, 18) via pipe or tubing sections (12, 14). The present invention wants to indicate a domestic-water supply and withdrawal system for improving the possibility of taking samples. To this end it is suggested that a sampling valve (2) is arranged between the cold-water and/or hot-water angle valve (16, 18) and the washstand fitting (10). |
| US09551132B2 |
Automatic transmission control unit for construction equipment and control method therefor
The present disclosure relates to an automatic transmission control unit for construction machinery and a control method therefor, and when a load pressure detecting unit detecting a load pressure of hydraulic pressure supplied from a main hydraulic pump to an actuator, such as a cylinder and a hydraulic motor, is in an abnormal state, the automatic transmission control unit receives an electronic control pressure signal having little concerns of a breakdown or a malfunction, and automatically changes a travel speed of construction machinery based on the received electronic control pressure signal. |
| US09551128B2 |
Load cell for screw piling power head
A system to measure the installation torque of a screw pile is provided. The system includes a rotary drive and a universal joint-type coupler. A load pin, having at least one sensor, is mounted through the universal joint-type coupler as a pivot pin. The load pin is oriented within the universal joint-type coupler so that at least some of the installation torque is transmitted through the load pin and is measurable by the sensor. Preferably, the load pin is provided with a pair of bores, and then a plurality of sensors are mounted within the bores. More preferably, a differential bridge network is used to obtain a measurable signal from the plurality of sensors. |
| US09551125B2 |
Method for installing and servicing an apparatus recovering the kinetic energy of water, and an apparatus recovering the kinetic energy of water
The object of the invention is a method for installing and servicing an apparatus module recovering the kinetic energy of water; and the apparatus module itself. The apparatus module with wave energy recovering units is descended into the sea bottom and is kept steady at the sea bottom by the help of its own mass and the mass of the water filled into a plurality of soft and hard compartments and valve compartments in the body of the apparatus module. Correspondingly the apparatus module is lifted into the surface of the water and made floating by the help of air that is blown to the plurality of soft and hard compartments and the valve compartments in order to replace the water. |
| US09551124B2 |
Patch system and method for oil boom
An apparatus, system, and method for repairing or reinforcing a damaged oil containment boom. The apparatus includes two end connectors and a curtain attached between the two end connectors. The end connectors are attached to a damaged, existing boom via a vertically extending slot formed in each of the end connectors. After attachment, a tight seal is formed between the curtain and the damaged boom. The method for reinforcing a boom includes engaging the two end connectors to an existing boom while stretching the curtain over the damaged boom section in an overlapping relationship. Finally, the connectors are locked into place via a lock-pin mechanism. This invention creates a tight seal over the damaged area, creating a “patch” to keep out oil contaminants from the protected area. The disclosed invention can be used to repair, patch, or reinforce an existing oil containment boom. |
| US09551119B2 |
Prefabricated bridge
Bridge including a bridge deck extending in a bridge direction or longitudinal direction of the bridge, and two prefab bridge railings situated on the longitudinal side of the bridge deck, wherein the bridge deck is substantially formed by one or more slabs spanning the bridge width, wherein the bridge railing includes a lower girder provided with a bearing, particularly a bearing edge, for a longitudinal edge strip of the bridge deck. |
| US09551118B2 |
Scraper device, as well as construction machine
A scraper device for a milling drum mounted in a construction machine at a machine frame between lateral walls with a milling drum axis, with a two-part scraper blade arranged in a height-adjustable fashion behind the milling drum when seen in the direction of travel, the lower part of which can glide over the ground surface milled off by the milling drum, where the lower part of the scraper blade is adjustable in height when in operating position, it is provided that the upper part of the scraper blade is attached, at the upper end, to swivel about a swivelling axis parallel to the axis of the milling drum. |
| US09551116B2 |
Apparatus for producing foamed bitumen and method for its maintenance
The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing foamed bitumen for a road construction machine, comprising at least one mixing device having a reaction chamber, in which hot bitumen and at least one reaction fluid can be mixed together via an inlet device comprising at least one inlet nozzle and can be discharged from the mixing device via an outlet device, with at least one compressed-air device being provided, via which the inlet device and/or the outlet device can be subjected to a compressed-air stream for testing and/or cleaning purposes. The present invention further also relates to a method for maintaining such an apparatus. |
| US09551110B2 |
Fluorochemical composition and use thereof
The instant invention relates to the Fluorochemical composition comprising a dispersion or a solution of a fluorinated compound, wherein said fluorinated compound comprises the reaction product of at least two reactants A and B wherein reactant A being a compound of formula (I); Rf—O—(CF(CF3)CF2O)mCF(CF3)—X—Y—Z (I) with Rf being a perfluorinated alkyl group, m being from 3 to 25; X being a carbonyl group or CH2; Y being a chemical bond or an organic divalent or trivalent linking group bearing a functional or difunctional isocyanate reactive group; Z being an organic group bearing at least one cationic group, reactant B being a polyfunctional isocyanate or a mixture thereof and optionally one or more isocyanate-reactive co-reactants C. |
| US09551107B2 |
Methods of treating textile surfaces
Compositions comprising a liquid and fumed silica may be applied to fabric and other textile materials as a sealant, e.g., to protect against damage or deterioration. The composition may comprise liquid droplets at least partially or completely surrounded by fumed silica. The liquid may comprise water and one or more polymers, such as anionic polymers, anionic copolymers, fluoropolymers, fluorocopolymers, acrylic polymers, and/or acrylic copolymers. Methods of treating a textile surface with the composition may include depositing the composition on the surface and brushing the particles against the surface, for example. The composition may be in the form of a powder, such that the particles remain intact on the surface upon deposition and release liquid onto the surface upon brushing, for example. |
| US09551103B2 |
Method to detect the type of a load in a laundry treating appliance
A method of determining load type in a laundry treating appliance having a treating chamber for receiving laundry, a rotatable laundry mover, and a motor operably coupled to the rotatable laundry mover includes steps to apply a perturbation force to the laundry in the treating chamber by rotating the laundry mover with the motor; determine the response of the motor torque to the perturbation force during the rotating of the laundry mover; and determine a load type based on the determined response. |
| US09551097B2 |
Device for producing absorbent body
A device for producing an absorbent body includes a rotating fiber stacking drum that includes an adsorbent molding section configured to mold fluff pulp into an absorbent body having a desired shape. The rotating fiber stacking drum further includes a cylinder having an outer circumference on which the adsorbent molding section is formed, and paired side walls that close ends of the cylinder, respectively. The device for producing an absorbent body further includes a sucking means, which is configured to generate an air flow from the outer circumference side of the adsorbent molding section toward the inside of the cylinder by sucking air in the rotating fiber stacking drum. The sucking means is connected to each of two side walls of the rotating fiber stacking drum. |
| US09551094B2 |
Fiber preform of π-shaped section, in particular for a fan platform made of composite material
A fiber preform of π-shaped section, the preform including a base with a first face and an opposite second face, legs extending from the second face, and a fiber structure woven as a single piece by three-dimensional weaving with a plurality of layers of warp or weft yarns linked interlinked by weft or warp yarns in a plurality of layers of weft or warp yarns. In each plane of the preform, the weft or warp yarns of a first group of weft or warp yarns extend continuously through the base between two opposite edges thereof, and weft or warp yarns of a second group of weft or warp yarns extend continuously from an end of one of the legs to an end of the other leg, passing via the base, with the yarns of the first group and the yarns of the second group presenting two mutual crossings. |
| US09551093B2 |
Down-proof double-layer fabric
A first fabric layer of a down-proof double-layer fabric has a plurality of first warps and a plurality of first wefts. A second fabric layer has a plurality of second warps and a plurality of second wefts. The first fabric layer and the second fabric layer have a plurality of coupling portions. In the coupling portions, the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer pass through each other repeatedly, and the first warps and the second warps are interlaced. The first warps, the first wefts, the second warps, and the second wefts are between 20 denier and 75 denier. The warp densities of the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer are between 336 pieces/in and 456 pieces/in, and the weft densities of the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer are between 220 pieces/inch2 and 300 pieces/in. |
| US09551085B2 |
Electrochemical polishing solution, process for electrochemically polishing graphite gate electrode and graphite gate electrode
The invention discloses an electrochemical polishing solution, a process for electrochemically polishing a graphite gate electrode and a graphite gate electrode, which are used for providing an electrochemical polishing solution and a polishing process to efficiently remove the contaminant on the surface of a gate electrode and improve the quality of the gate electrode. Said electrochemical polishing solution comprises 900-1000 parts by weight of water; 195-205 parts by weight of an alkaline metal hydroxide; 49-51 parts by weight of a weak acid salt; and 294-306 parts by weight of an additive. |
| US09551079B2 |
Systems and methods for producing metal clusters; functionalized surfaces; and droplets including solvated metal ions
The invention generally relates to systems and methods for producing metal clusters; functionalized surfaces; and droplets including solvated metal ions. In certain aspects, the invention provides methods that involve providing a metal and a solvent. The methods additionally involve applying voltage to the solvated metal to thereby produce solvent droplets including ions of the metal containing compound, and directing the solvent droplets including the metal ions to a target. In certain embodiments, once at the target, the metal ions can react directly or catalyze reactions. |
| US09551077B2 |
Photoelectrode used for carbon dioxide reduction and method for reducing carbon dioxide using the photoelectrode
Disclosed is an anode electrode including a nitride semiconductor layer. This nitride semiconductor layer includes an AlxGa1-xN layer (0 |
| US09551075B2 |
Chemical mechanical polishing of alumina
A CMP method uses a slurry including a first metal oxide or semiconductor oxide particles (first oxide particles) in water. At least one particle feature is selected from (i) first oxide particles having a polydispersity >30%, (ii) a coating on first oxide particles including Group I or Group II ions, transition metal oxide, or organic material, (iii) first oxide particles mixed with fumed oxide particles, (iv) first oxide particles with average primary size >50 nm mixed with fumed oxide particles having average primary size <25 nm, and (v) first oxide particles with a per surface area per unit mass <100 m2/gm mixed with another oxide particle type having an average area per unit mass >150 m2/gm. A substrate having an alumina surface is placed into a CMP apparatus, and CMP is performed with a rotating polishing pad and the slurry to polish the alumina surface. |
| US09551074B2 |
Electroless plating solution with at least two borane containing reducing agents
A solution for providing electroless deposition of a metal layer on a substrate is provided. A solvent is provided. A metal precursor is provided to the solvent. A first borane containing reducing agent is provided to the solvent. A second borane containing reducing agent is provided to the solvent, wherein the first borane containing reducing agent has a deposition rate of at least five times a deposition rate of the second borane containing reducing agent, and wherein the solution is free of nonborane reducing agents. |
| US09551073B2 |
Method for depositing a first metallic layer onto non-conductive polymers
The present invention relates to the etching, activation and deposition of a first metal or metal alloy layer onto non-conductive polymers. The non-conductive polymer is etched with an aqueous solution comprising 0.75 to 3.6 g/l permanganate ions in 60 to 80 vol.-% sulfuric acid, activating with a solution comprising a noble metal and depositing a first metal or metal alloy by immersion-type or electroless (autocatalytic) plating. The first metal or metal alloy layer obtained has a high adhesion on the non-conductive polymer and serves as a plating base for electroplating further metal and/or metal alloy layer(s) thereon. |
| US09551071B2 |
Substrate support device
A substrate support device includes a plate portion including a heater plate that includes a heating element provided in the heater plate, and also including a first cooling plate provided on a bottom surface of the heater plate and having a first flow path, and a second cooling plate provided on a top surface of the heater plate and having a second flow path; and a shaft portion supporting the plate portion and including a line connected to the heating element to supply an electric current to the heating element, and a tube supplying a coolant to the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate, the line and the tube being provided inside the shaft portion. |
| US09551070B2 |
In-situ corrosion resistant substrate support coating
Corrosion resistant substrate supports and methods of making corrosion resistant substrate supports are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of making corrosion resistant substrate supports includes exposing the substrate support disposed within a substrate processing chamber to a process gas comprising an aluminum containing precursor; and depositing an aluminum containing layer atop surfaces of the substrate support. |
| US09551061B2 |
In-situ triple junction formation to maintain electrode conductivity
In systems where insulating deposits form during normal operation, electrodes are configured so the deposits have the effect of creating in-situ triple junctions. These triple junctions enhance low level discharge activity to facilitate localized breakdown of the deposits and maintain electrode conductivity. |
| US09551059B2 |
Rare earth fluoride spray powder and rare earth fluoride-sprayed article
A powder comprising rare earth element fluoride particles having an aspect ratio of up to 2, an average particle size of 10-100 μm, a bulk density of 0.8-1.5 g/cm3, and a carbon content of 0.1-0.5 wt % is amenable to atmospheric plasma spraying. An article obtained by spraying the rare earth fluoride spray powder to a substrate undergoes few partial color changes and performs well even when used in a halogen gas plasma. |
| US09551058B2 |
Coating methods and a coated substrate
Coating methods and a coated substrate are provided. The coating method includes providing a component having an aperture formed in a surface thereof, arranging and disposing a hollow member on a portion of the surface to define a hollow space above the aperture corresponding to a shape of the aperture at the surface, applying at least one coating over the surface of the component and the hollow member to form an applied coating having an applied coating thickness, and removing at least a portion of the hollow member to expose the hollow space through the applied coating. The coated substrate includes a component having an aperture formed in a surface thereof, a hollow member arranged and disposed on the surface to define a hollow space above the aperture, and an applied coating over the surface of the component, the hollow space being exposed through the applied coating. |
| US09551057B2 |
Galvannealed layer and steel sheet comprising the same, and method for producing the same
Provided are: a galvannealed steel sheet, improved in the adhesiveness of a plated layer with a base steel sheet, as a galvannealed steel sheet, prepared by using a high-strength steel sheet as a base material; and a method for producing the galvannealed steel sheet. A galvannealed layer is formed on the base steel sheet including a high-strength steel having a predetermined composition. The average amount of Fe in the galvannealed layer is 8.0 to 12.0%. The absolute value of a difference (ΔFe) between the amount of Fe in the vicinity of an interface with the base steel sheet and the amount of Fe in the vicinity of the external surface of the plated layer in the plated layer is 0.0 to 3.0%. |
| US09551047B2 |
High-strength electric-resistance-welded steel pipe of excellent long-term softening resistance in intermediate temperature ranges
A high strength electric resistance welded steel pipe has a yield strength of 450 MPa or more and excellent resistance to softening for a long period in an intermediate temperature range and a method of manufacturing the steel pipe are provided. The steel pipe has a chemical composition containing, by mass%, C: 0.026% or more and 0.084% or less, Si: 0.10% or more and 0.30% or less, Mn: 0.70% or more and 1.90% or less, Al: 0.01% or more and 0.10% or less, Nb: 0.001% or more and 0.070% or less, V: 0.001% or more and 0.065% or less, Ti: 0.001% or more and 0.033% or less, Ca: 0.0001% or more and 0.0035% or less, in which the condition that Pcm is 0.20 or less is satisfied. |
| US09551041B2 |
Genetic loci associated with fusarium ear mold resistance in maize
The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying and selecting maize plants with enhanced resistance to Fusarium ear mold. Maize plants generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention. |
| US09551038B2 |
System for integrated analysis of real-time polymerase chain reaction and DNA chip and method for integrated analysis using the same
Provided are a system for integrated analysis of a real-time polymerase chain reaction and a DNA chip and a method for integrated analysis using the same, and more particularly to an apparatus for integrated analysis of a real-time polymerase chain reaction and a DNA chip and a method for integrated analysis using the same. According to the method for integrated analysis of a biomaterial of the present invention, gene amplification proceeds and subsequently hybridization proceeds in a single reactor, thereby preventing contamination of the sample due to external factors, which may be caused while the sample is transferred for reaction, and automating a series of procedures such as injection of the sample, reaction of the biomaterial, and detection and analysis of results. |
| US09551035B2 |
Means and methods for diagnosing pancreatic cancer
The present invention pertains to the field of cancer diagnosis. Specifically, it relates to a method for diagnosing pancreas cancer in a subject comprising the steps of determining in a sample of a subject suspected to suffer from pancreas cancer the amount of at least one biomarker selected from the biomarkers shown in Table 1 and comparing the said amount of the at least one biomarker with a reference, whereby pancreas cancer is to be diagnosed. The present invention also contemplates a method for identifying whether a subject is in need of a pancreas cancer therapy comprising the steps of the aforementioned methods and the further step of identifying a subject in need of a pancreas cancer therapy if said subject is to be diagnosed to suffer from pancreas cancer. Contemplated are, furthermore, diagnostic devices and kits for carrying out said methods. |
| US09551033B2 |
Gene expression markers of tumor resistance to HER2 inhibitor treatment
The present invention concerns markers of resistance of HER2 expressing tumors to treatment with HER2 inhibitors, such as HER2 antibodies, including trastuzumab. |
| US09551030B2 |
Filter architecture for analytical devices
An approach to the design of the set of filters which allows for the collection of a larger portion of the optical signal while still distinguishing the presence of the various fluorophores is described. In some embodiments, the filter sets of the invention each block a smaller portion of the spectrum, allowing for a larger portion of the emitted light to be detected. The combined information from the light passing through two or more of the filters is then used to determine the presence of a given fluorophore. The filter sets of the invention can be particularly useful in integrated devices in which the light from a single molecule reaction in a small reaction region is directed to a detector or to a specific portion of a detector. |
| US09551029B2 |
Methods and kits using extended rhodamine dyes
Extended rhodamine compounds exhibiting favorable fluorescence characteristics having the structure are disclosed. In addition, novel intermediates for synthesis of these dyes are disclosed, such intermediates having the structure In addition, methods of making and using the dyes as fluorescent labels are disclosed. |
| US09551028B2 |
Nucleic acid sequence analysis
Provided are methods for sequencing a nucleic acid with a sequencing enzyme, e.g., a polymerase or exonuclease. The sequencing enzyme can optionally be exchanged with a second sequencing enzyme, which continues the sequencing of the nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, a template is fixed to a surface through a template localizing moiety. The template localizing moiety can optionally anneal with the nucleic acid and/or associate with the sequencing enzyme. Also provided are compositions comprising a nucleic acid and a first sequencing enzyme, which can sequence the nucleic acid and optionally exchange with a second sequencing enzyme present in the composition. Compositions in which a template localizing moiety is immobilized on a surface are provided. Also provided are methods for using data from analytical reactions wherein two different enzymes are employed, e.g., at a same or different reaction regions. |
| US09551027B2 |
Nucleic acid amplification
Methods and compositions for the amplification of nucleic acids and generation of concatemers are disclosed. Amplification methods provided herein may be performed under isothermal conditions. Methods and compositions may include reagents such as nucleic acid polymerases and primers. |
| US09551015B2 |
Fermentative production of ethanol from glucose, galactose and arabinose employing a recombinant yeast strain
The present invention relates to a process for the production of one or more fermentation product from a sugar composition, comprising the following steps:a) fermentation of the sugar composition in the presence of a yeast belonging to the genera Saccharomyces, Kluyveromyces, Candida, Pichia, Schizosaccharomyces, Hansenula, Kloeckera, Schwanniomyces or Yarrowia,: andb) recovery of the fermentation product,wherein the yeast comprises the genes araA, araB and araD and the sugar composition comprises glucose, galactose and arabinose. |
| US09551013B2 |
Cyclic bioconversion processes and bioreactor assemblies
Bioconversion processes are disclosed in which biocatalysts including microorganisms or isolated enzymes that are substantially irreversibly retained in the interior of an open, porous, highly hydrophilic polymer are cycled between at least two different fluid media for the bioconversion of one or more substrates to one or more bioproducts. The processes are particularly attractive for using gas phase or using liquid feedstocks containing the substrate. |
| US09551008B2 |
Tomato plants with intense phenotype and TYLCV resistance
The present invention relates to the field of tomato plants having an intense phenotype and Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) resistance. |
| US09551006B2 |
Isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides, and methods of using same for improving plant properties
Provided are isolated polynucleotides which are at least 80% homologous to SEQ ID NO: 320, 1-319, 321-473, 836-1652, 1654-3221, 3225-3241, 3243-3630, 3632-4176 or 4177; and isolated polypeptides which are at least 80% homologous to SEQ ID NO: 760, 474-759, 761-770, 772-835 and 4178-4195, 4197-4213, 4215-4216, 4218-5334, 5336-5522, 5524-5754, 5756-6215, 6217, 6220-6223, 6230, 6232, 6235-6607, 6609-6614, 6620-7129 or 7130, nucleic acid constructs comprising the isolated polynucleotides, transgenic plants expressing same and methods of using same for increasing abiotic stress tolerance, yield, biomass, growth rate, vigor, oil content, fiber yield, fiber quality, and/or nitrogen use efficiency of a plant. |
| US09551004B2 |
Transgenic tree induced by RABG3BCA and use thereof
Provided to a transgenic tree induced by RabG3bCA and a use thereof. The transgenic tree serves to control xylem growth through RabG3b of Arabidopsis thaliana, and this function is involved in the growth of poplars. Particularly, the transgenic tree is valuable for industrial use since the increase in length of a fiber cell, which is the most important factor of determining pulp quality, is confirmed. |
| US09551002B2 |
Pericycle-specific expression of microRNA167 in plants
Provided herein are compositions and methods for producing transgenic plants. In specific embodiments, transgenic plants comprise a construct comprising a polynucleotide encoding microRNA167 (miR167), or precursor thereof, operably linked to a plant pericycle-specific promote, wherein the miR167 is ectopically overexpressed in the transgenic plants, and wherein the promoter is optionally a constitutive or inducible promoter. In some embodiments, the transgenic plant has an improved agronomic or nutritional characteristic when cultivated in nitrogen-rich conditions as compared to a wild type plant cultivated in the same conditions. Also provided herein are commercial products (e.g., pulp, paper, paper products, or lumber) derived from the transgenic plants (e.g., transgenic trees) produced using the methods provided herein. |
| US09551001B2 |
System for expression of genes in plants
The present invention provides trans-complementation systems for expressing gene products in plants. In general, the invention provides systems including a carrier vector and a producer vector, both based on plant viruses. The producer vector is defective for at least one function needed for successful systemic infection of a plant, e.g., replication, cell-to-cell movement, or long distance movement. The carrier vector supplies the missing function in trans. Certain producer vectors lack a functional coat protein coding sequence, in which case the corresponding producer vector supplies coat protein in trans. The invention also provides novel plant viral vectors and methods of use, e.g., to produce polypeptides or active RNAs in plants. |
| US09550999B2 |
Recombinant host cells comprising phosphoketolases
The present invention is related to recombinant host cells comprising: (i) at least one deletion, mutation, and/or substitution in an endogenous gene encoding a polypeptide that converts pyruvate to acetaldehyde, acetyl-phosphate, or acetyl-CoA; and (ii) a heterologous polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having phosphoketolase activity. The present invention is also related to recombinant host cells further comprising (iii) a heterologous polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having phosphotransacetylase activity. |
| US09550996B2 |
Targeting microRNAs for metabolic disorders
Provided herein are methods and compositions for the treatment of metabolic disorders. Also provided herein are methods and compositions for the reduction of blood glucose level, the reduction of gluconeogenesis, the improvement of insulin resistance and the reduction of plasma cholesterol level. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise inhibiting the activity of miR-103. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise inhibiting the activity of miR-107. In certain embodiments, the activity of both miR-103 and miR-107 is inhibited. In certain embodiments, such methods comprise administering a compound comprising an oligonucleotide targeted to a microRNA. |
| US09550995B2 |
Composition comprising inhibitor against PAPSS2 gene or protein encoded by gene for inducing senescence in tumor cells and method for inducing senescence in tumor cells using the same
Provided is a composition for inducing tumor cell senescence and a method for inducing tumor cell senescence using the same. The composition can inhibit a PAPSS2 gene in a tumor cell to thereby induce senescence of the tumor cell, and if the composition is used concurrently with irradiation of the tumor cell, the composition can improve the sensitivity of the tumor cell to radiation. |
| US09550992B2 |
Compositions and methods for modulating myeloid derived suppressor cells
Provided are methods and compositions for modulating the differentiation of a myeloid derived suppressor cell (MDSC). In particular, described herein are miR-142 polynucleotides and miR-223 polynucleotides that can be used to modulate differentiation of MDSCs. Increased differentiation of a MDSC population, or cells within an MDSC population, can be achieved by increasing the miR-142 and/or miR-223 polynucleotides in a MDSC. |
| US09550991B2 |
Transcription factor decoys
Decoy nucleic acid sequences comprising a sequence encoding all or part of a binding site for bacterial sigN alternative sigma54 factor are described. Uses of the decoys in antibacterial complexes and for the treatment of bacterial infections are also described. |
| US09550990B2 |
Regulation of epigenetic control of gene expression
Methods are provided for the identification of compounds that selectively modulate epigenetic changes in gene expression. Compounds, compositions, kits or assays devices, and methods are provided for modulating the expression, endogenous levels or the function of small non-coding RNAs cognate to or transcribed by heterochromatic regions subject to epigenetic regulation (i.e., promoters, enhancers, centromeres, telomeres, origins of DNA replication, imprinted loci, or loci marked by dosage-compensation), and for modulating the formation or function of heterochromatin in cells, tissues or animals. |
| US09550986B2 |
High-throughput antibody humanization
The present invention relates to improved methods for antibody engineering, e.g., humanization. In particular, the disclosure provides a high-throughput antibody humanization process that can be automated by computer-implementation. |
| US09550983B2 |
Nucleic acid sequence segment for enhancing protein expression
An isolated or a purified nucleic acid sequence for enhancing expression levels of a protein of interest, in 5′ to 3′ direction, comprises: a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter; an eEF-1 intron repeat (eEF-1 IR); and a regular sequence, which comprises: at least one tag element, a fixable linker sequence, wherein the fixable sequence is TEV sequence; and a multiple cloning site (MCS). By means of the array of the specific promoter and eEF-1 IR, the expression and purity of the recombinant protein could be enhanced; wherein eEF-1 IR can reduce the length of vector and assist RNA polymerase II transcription. Besides, TEV sequence of the fixable linker sequence of the regular sequence can remove a tag on recombinant protein; a specific target can be inserted into the multiple cloning site. |
| US09550980B2 |
Composition and methods for the production of L-homoalanine
Healthcare costs are a significant worldwide, with many patients being denied medications because of their high prices. One approach to addressing this problem involves the biosynthesis of chiral drug intermediates, an environmentally friendly solution that can be used to generate pharmaceuticals at much lower costs than conventional techniques. In this context, embodiments of the invention comprise methods and materials designed to allow microorganisms to biosynthesize the nonnatural amino acid L-homoalanine. As is known in the art, L-homoalanine is a chiral precursor of a variety of pharmaceutically valuable compounds including the anticonvulsant medications levetiracetam (sold under the trade name Keppra®) and brivaracetam, as well as ethambutol, a bacteriostatic antimycobacterial drug used to treat tuberculosis. Consequently, embodiments of the invention can be used in low cost, environmentally friendly processes to generate these and other valuable compounds. |
| US09550979B2 |
Enzyme-altered metabolite activity
The present invention relates to mutant alcohol dehydrogenase enzymes, microorganisms comprising the mutant alcohol dehydrogenase enzymes, and methods for the production of products by microbial fermentation using the microorganisms. |
| US09550976B2 |
Methods for compact aggregation of dermal cells
The invention provides for a method for aggregating dermal papilla cells or dermal sheath cells or a combination thereof, the method comprising: growing dermal papilla cells or dermal sheath cells or a combination thereof in suspension culture; and contacting the culture with an effective amount of an enzyme, wherein a substrate of the enzyme is an extracellular matrix molecule in the suspension culture, so as to aggregate dermal papilla cells or dermal sheath cells. The culture may be a hanging drop culture and the enzyme may be a hyaluronidase. |
| US09550975B2 |
SSEA-3 pluripotent stem cell isolated from body tissue
Objects of the present invention are to provide a method for directly obtaining pluripotent stem cells from body tissue and the thus obtained pluripotent stem cells. The present invention relates to SSEA-3 (+) pluripotent stem cells that can be isolated from body tissue. |
| US09550974B2 |
Derivation of embryonic stem cells
This present invention provides novel methods for deriving embryonic stem cells, those cells and cell lines, and the use of the cells for therapeutic and research purposes without the destruction of the embryo. It also relates to novel methods of establishing and storing an autologous stem cell line prior to implantation of an embryo, e.g., in conjunction with reproductive therapies such as IVF. |
| US09550971B2 |
Universal bioreactors and methods of use
Bioreactors suitable for housing a predetermined volume of culture medium comprising a plurality of containers of approximately equal internal volume in which the culture medium resides, wherein the predetermined volume of culture medium is retained in approximately equal amounts within each of the plurality of containers during operation of the bioreactor, and wherein the internal volume of each container is selected so that the amount of culture medium in each container exceeds 50 vol. % of the container internal volume during operation of the bioreactor, and related methods of use. |
| US09550970B2 |
Culture systems, apparatus, and related methods and articles
Culture systems, devices and related methods and articles may automate the culturing or incubation process according to defined culturing protocols. Such may employ removable multi-well growth cassette. Wells may be subdivided into subwells. Such may employ removable media and waste cartridges and/or gas canisters to supply consumables, which may be supplied in kits, for example with processor executable culturing protocols. Direct fluidic coupling between growth cassettes and the removable cartridges or canisters may be employed. Operational and/or environmental conditions may be sensed or monitored, and may be used to adjust or alter operation. A microscopy subsystem may capture images which may be stored and/or analyzed. Analysis may be used to adjust or alter operation. |
| US09550962B2 |
Stable non-aqueous liquid compositions comprising a cationic polymer in particulate form
The need for a stable, compact composition providing improved fabric care benefit, that is also convenient to use, can be met by incorporating a cationic cellulose polymer into a non-aqueous composition, using a non-aqueous dispersant. Such compositions have good physical stability, with little or no clumping of the cationic polymer in particulate form. |
| US09550958B2 |
Phenate detergent preparation
A sulphurised calcium phenate detergent is made by (i) reacting hydrogenated distlled CNSL with a calcium salt and sulphur in the presence of a promoter and process solvent; (ii) reacting the product of (i) with additional calcium salt and promoter, and with a co-surfactant, and then carbonating; and optionally (iii) further carbonating the reaction mixture to obtain overbased sulphurised calcium phenate. |
| US09550957B2 |
Functional fluids comprising alkyl toluene sulfonates
Provided are formulations, methods of making, and methods of using a functional fluid of the present invention to achieve and maintain optimal frictional characteristics in machines housing that fluid, wherein the functional fluid comprises, among others, a friction-modifying amount of an alkyl toluene sulfonate salt or a mixture of alkyl toluene sulfonate salts. |
| US09550955B2 |
Friction modifiers for lubricating oils
A lubricating oil comprises a major amount of a base oil and a minor amount of an additive package, and the additive package comprises at least one friction modifier of formula I: where R is a linear or branched, saturated, unsaturated, or partially saturated hydrocarbyl having about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms or R is represented by: and R1 is a linear or branched, saturated, unsaturated, or partially saturated hydrocarbyl having about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms and R2 is hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl having about 1 to about 2 carbon atoms. Methods of using the lubricating oil to improve thin film and/or boundary layer friction in an engine are also disclosed. |
| US09550952B2 |
Method of reducing aqueous separation in an emulsion composition suitable for engine fueled by E85 fuel
A method for reducing aqueous phase separation of an emulsion comprising ethanol-based fuel and a lubricating oil comprising molybdenum ester amide complex, comprising the step of adding to the lubricating oil a dispersant polyalkyl (meth) acrylate (DPMA) in an amount from about 0.01 to about 0.5% by weight of the lubricating oil, such that the weight ratio of molybdenum to DPMA is about 2.05 or less. |
| US09550951B2 |
Water conserving syngas cleanup system
A gasification system includes a scrubber in communication with a particulate removal subsystem and a quench sub-system. |
| US09550948B2 |
Sulfone cracking using supercritical water
The invention relates to a process for removing sulfur compounds from a hydrocarbon stream. The hydrocarbon stream is contacted with water, at supercritical conditions and also subjects an effluent hydrocarbon stream to separation techniques. The resulting hydrocarbon stream is substantially free of sulfur oxides, sulfoxides, and sulfones. |
| US09550945B1 |
Local produced oil dehydrator
A portable, semi-portable, or permanent system for removing BS&W from crude oil at the local production or bulk storage site. A demulsifier is added to the crude as it enters a low shear pump which pumps the mixture through a plate and frame type heat exchanger where the incoming crude is preheated using outgoing heated and dehydrated crude. Then the incoming crude enters an oil-water separator where it is further heated by a secondary heater within the separator and passes through a special coalescing section. Water and basic sediment separate from the crude are discharged from the bottom of the separator. The heated dehydrated crude exits the separator, flows back through the heat exchanger where it is cooled as it preheats incoming crude, and then is pumped to clean oil storage. BS&W and flow monitors on the incoming crude and outgoing crude are used to control operation of the system. |
| US09550944B2 |
Process for the recovery of bitumen from an oil sand
The present invention relates to a process for the recovery of bitumen from an oil sand comprising the following phases in succession: (a) mixing an oil sand with a diluent capable of reducing the viscosity and density of the bitumen contained in said oil sand, obtaining a first mixture (slurry) comprising diluted bitumen; (b) mixing said slurry with a basic aqueous solution (BAS) possibly containing salts to increase its ionic strength, capable of removing said diluted bitumen from said oil sand containing it, obtaining a second mixture (BAS-slurry) which can be separated into (i) a liquid phase comprising said diluted bitumen, a fraction of oil sand free of the bitumen removed and water; (ii) a sediment comprising the remaining fraction of said oil sand free of the bitumen removed, water and residual hydrocarbons which can be eliminated by subsequent washings; (c) separating a liquid phase comprising said diluted bitumen removed, from said BAS-slurry mixture; (d) recovering, from said liquid phase separated in phase (c), the removed diluted bitumen contained therein. |
| US09550943B2 |
Efficient oil shale recovery method
The subject matter herein provides a biotic method for recovering one or more hydrocarbons from a feedstock that includes one or more of oil shale, bituminous tar sand, coal and cellulous at atmospheric temperature and pressure. The method comprises loading the feedstock into a container, treating the feedstock in the container with a biomedium of micro-organisms, and forming an essentially liquid mixture from the feedstock and the biomass by rotary tumbling the feedstock and the biomedium in the container. The essentially liquid mixture is then separated into the one or more hydrocarbons by centrifuging. |
| US09550936B2 |
Mobilization of heavy oil
A process for increasing mobility of heavy oil includes: disposing a solvating composition comprising a paraffinic solvent and a multifunctional solvent in a heavy oil environment including a heavy oil, the heavy oil comprising asphaltene; contacting the heavy oil with the solvating composition; and stabilizing asphaltene in the heavy oil with the solvating composition to increase mobility of the heavy oil and to form a stabilized heavy oil which includes the heavy oil and solvating composition. A method for making stabilized heavy oil includes separating resin from an oil; combining the resin and a paraffinic solvent to form a solvating composition; disposing the solvating composition in a heavy oil environment which includes heavy oil comprising asphaltene; and contacting the asphaltene with the solvating composition to make stabilized heavy oil, wherein the stabilized heavy oil comprises the solvating composition and heavy oil. |
| US09550934B2 |
Calcium phosphate cement compositions comprising pumice and/or perlite and associated methods
Methods and compositions are provided that related to cementing operations. Methods and compositions that include pumice and/or perlite as a replacement for fly ash. |
| US09550932B1 |
Additive for drilling fluid used as a shale stabilizing agent in subterranean wellbores
An additive for drilling fluid used as both a sealing agent to prevent seepage loss and a shale stabilizing agent in subterranean wellbores. The additive includes ground bituminous coal having a selected particle size distribution wherein the bituminous coal is between 60% to 80% of the additive by weight. The additive also includes solvent extracted ground flaxmeal which is between 20% to 40% of the additive by weight. |
| US09550928B2 |
Alkoxysilyl-containing adhesive sealants with intrinsically reduced viscosity
The present invention provides specific alkoxylation products, a process for preparing them, compositions which comprise these alkoxylation products, and the use thereof. |
| US09550927B2 |
Acrylic block copolymers
Acrylic block copolymers are described which are inherently tacky. Also described are compositions of the copolymers which exhibit properties enabling their use as pressure sensitive adhesives, without addition of tackifiers and/or subsequent processing. |
| US09550926B2 |
Touch panel
Provided is a touch panel. The touch panel includes a base and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer attached to the base and including an acryl-based polymer containing an acryl polymer containing 5 to 30 parts by weight of isobornyl (meth)acrylate, and 5 to 40 parts by weight of methyl (meth)acrylate in a polymerized form. Accordingly, it can effectively inhibit penetration of oxygen, moisture or other impurities at an interface between the base and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, or at an interface between a conductor thin film and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and prevent degradation in optical properties such as visibility, etc. due to bubbles generated at the pressure-sensitive adhesive interface. In addition, when the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is directly attached to the conductor thin film and even exposed to severe conditions such as high temperature or high temperature and high humidity, a change in the resistance of the conductor thin film may be effectively inhibited, and thus the touch panel can be stably driven for a long time. |
| US09550923B2 |
Adhesive composition for polarizing plate, polarizing plate including the same and optical display including the same
An adhesive composition for polarizing plates includes a (meth)acrylic copolymer and a biphenyl group-containing photocuring agent. A polarizing plate includes an adhesive layer formed of the adhesive composition An optical display includes the polarizing plate. |
| US09550921B2 |
Masking tape with multi-directional hand tear
A hand-tearable masking tape with a primary microstructured hand-tear pattern and at least one secondary hand-tear pattern oriented so that the tape exhibits multi-directional tear. |
| US09550918B2 |
Radically curable adhesive composition and polarizing plate including the same
There are provided a radically curable adhesive composition maintaining adhesiveness thereof even in high-humidity environments, and a polarizing plate including the radically curable adhesive composition. The radically curable adhesive composition includes: a compound represented by Formula 1; a vinyl ether-based compound; a carboxylic acid compound having at least one unsaturated double bond; and a radical initiator. |
| US09550917B1 |
Aqueous polishing slurry
An aqueous polishing slurry having enhanced wettability comprises a detergent blend which includes an anionic alkyl sulfate-based detergent and an alkylbenzene sulfonate detergent together with particulate polishing abrasive. |
| US09550915B2 |
Thermosetting powder coating material
A thermosetting powder coating material contains powder particles having a core that has a sea-island structure composed of an island portion containing a surface adjusting agent and a sea portion containing a thermosetting resin and a thermosetting agent, and a resin coating portion that coats a surface of the core. |
| US09550907B2 |
Carbon nanostructure preblends and their applications
A method for preparing a “preblend” of nano-structured carbon, such as nanotubes, fullerenes, or graphene, and a particulate solid, such as carbon black, graphitic particles or glassy carbon involving wet-mixing and followed by optional drying to remove the liquid medium. The preblend may be in the form of a core-shell powder material with the nano-structured carbon as the shell on the particulate solid core. The preblend may provide particularly improved dispersion of single-wall nanotubes in ethylene-α-olefin elastomer compositions, resulting in improved reinforcement from the nanotubes. The improved elastomer compositions may show simultaneous improvement in both modulus and in elongation at break. The elastomer compositions may be formed into useful rubber articles. |
| US09550906B2 |
Vulcanization composition having reduced allergenic potential, and elastomeric articles formed therewith
The present invention generally relates to vulcanization compositions used to vulcanize elastomeric articles, where the vulcanization compositions have reduced allergenic potential as compared to elastomeric articles formed using vulcanization compositions having non-fugitive accelerators. The present invention also relates to elastomeric articles formed using the vulcanization compositions. The invention further relates to methods for making a reduced-allergenicity vulcanization composition, and to methods for using the vulcanization compositions to vulcanize elastomeric articles. |
| US09550894B2 |
Compositions and methods for making polyesters and articles therefrom
Polyester materials, methods for making polyesters materials, and uses of the polyester materials in binder materials and articles of manufacture are disclosed. In one embodiment, a process is provided for preparing a polyester solution, including mixing monomers of at least one organic acid containing at least three carboxylic groups and at least one multi-hydroxyl alcohol containing at least three hydroxyl groups to form a reaction mixture, heating the reaction mixture to a first temperature, polymerizing the monomers at the first temperature until reaching an acid value from about 200 to about 400 mg KOH/g, adjusting the temperature to a second temperature less than the first temperature, and forming the polyester solution. The polyester materials may be mixed with cross-linking materials to form binder materials. The binder material may then be used to form articles of manufacture. |
| US09550891B2 |
Rubber composition comprising a thiazoline derivative
A rubber composition for manufacturing tyres includes one or more diene elastomers, one or more reinforcing fillers, and a vulcanization system. The vulcanization system includes one or more thiazoline compounds chosen from compounds of formula I and compounds of formula II: Certain specific thiazoline derivatives are described. |
| US09550890B2 |
Rubber composition comprising a thermoplastic filler and compatibilizer
A rubber composition, which can be used for manufacturing tires, is based on one or more diene elastomers, on one or more reinforcing fillers, and on a crosslinking system. The rubber composition includes particles of one or more thermoplastic materials chosen from thermoplastic materials with melting or softening points varying from 80° C. to 300° C. The rubber composition also includes one or more compatibilizing agents chosen from block copolymers that includes at least one diene elastomer block and at least one thermoplastic block compatible with the one or more thermoplastic materials. |
| US09550888B2 |
Low viscosity filler composition of boron nitride particles of spherical geometry and process
A low viscosity filler boron nitride agglomerate particles having a generally spherical shape bound together by an organic binder and to a process for producing a BN powder composition of spherically shaped boron nitride agglomerated particles having a treated surface layer which controls its viscosity. |
| US09550887B2 |
Rubber mixtures
A rubber mixture, comprising (A) at least one rubber selected from the group of ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer (EPDM), ethylene-propylene copolymer (EPM), chloroprene rubber (CR), chloropolyethylene (CM), chloro-isobutene-isoprene (chlorobutyl) rubber (CIIR), chlorosulfonyl polyethylene (CSM), etylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EAM), alkyl acrylate copolymer (ACM), polyester polyurethan (AU), polyether polyurethane (EU), bromo-isobutene-isoprene (bromobutyl)rubber (BIIR), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (CFM), isobutene-isoprene rubber (butyl rubber, IIR), isobutene rubber (IM), polyisoprene (IR), thermoplastic polyester polyurethane (YAU), thermoplastic polyether polyurethane (YEU), silicone rubber with methyl groups on the polymer chain (MQ), hydrogenated acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (HNBR), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) or carboxylated acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (XNBR), (B) at least one oxidic filler, and (C) at least one silicon containing azodicarbamide of the general formula I (R1)3-a(R2)aSi—RI—NH—C(O)—N═N—C(O)—NH—RI—Si(R1)3-a(R2)a (I). The rubber mixture is produced by mixing at least one rubber, at least one oxidic filler, and at least one silicon containing azodicarbamide of the general formula I.It may be used for moldings. |
| US09550884B2 |
Plasticizer blends of ketal compounds
The present invention is directed to formulations including a polymer and a plasticizer composition. The plasticizer composition is a blend of an alkyl ketal ester plasticizer and a second plasticizer selected from a cycloaliphatic compound, an ortho phthalate compound, a terephthalate compound, a benzoate ester compound, and a bio-based compound. The plasticizer composition is at least 10% by weight of the total of the polymer and the plasticizer composition. |
| US09550883B2 |
Cyanoacrylate compositions
Cyanoacrylate-containing compositions that include, in addition to the cyanoacrylate component, an anhydride and a maleimide-, itaconimide-, or nadimide-containing compound, are provided. Cured products of the inventive cyanoacrylate compositions demonstrate improved moisture and/or heat resistance. |
| US09550880B2 |
Method for producing devulcanized rubber and an apparatus therefor
A method for producing devulcanized rubber and an apparatus (100) therefor. The method for producing devulcanized rubber comprises the steps of (1) providing vulcanized rubber particles with a pre-determined particle size and (2) devulcanizing the vulcanized rubber particles. The vulcanized rubber particles are devulcanized mechanically by impact forces and devulcanized chemically by a chemical composition. The impact forces break sulphur-sulphur and sulphur-carbon bonds of the vulcanized rubber particles causing surfaces of the rubber to become receptive in reacting with the chemical composition and the chemical composition renders the sulphur passive to prevent reattachment of the bonds, of which the chemical composition comprises at least one accelerator, at least one inorganic activator and at least one organic activator. |
| US09550877B2 |
Thermosetting resin composition, method for producing same, method for producing cured resin product, and method for causing self-polymerization of epoxy compound
The present invention is directed to provide at least one of a novel thermosetting resin composition using an epoxy compound, a method for producing the composition, a method for producing a novel cured resin using an epoxy compound, and a novel method for causing self-polymerization of an epoxy compound. The thermosetting resin composition includes an epoxy compound, a gallium compound, and a silanol source compound. The method for producing the thermosetting resin composition includes a step of mixing the epoxy compound with the gallium compound and the silanol source compound. The method for producing a cured resin includes a step of heating an epoxy compound in the presence of a gallium compound and silanol. The method for causing self-polymerization of an epoxy compound is characterized by using a gallium compound and silanol as catalysts. |
| US09550875B2 |
Nanospike hybrid carbon black
A nanospike hybrid carbon black product includes a plurality of carbon black aggregates. Each of the carbon black aggregates has a surface with a plurality of carbon nanospike formed thereon. The carbon nanospikes may each have a length between about 5 nm and 100 nm, and a width between about 5 nm and about 50 nm. A method for manufacturing the nanospike hybrid carbon black product includes the steps of injecting a primary carbon feedstock into a carbon black reactor, and combusting the carbon feedstock under a predetermined high temperature in the carbon black reactor to form carbon black aggregates. A catalyst is then deposited on surfaces of the carbon black aggregates. A secondary carbon feedstock is injected into the carbon black reactor, and reacted with the catalyst to grow carbon nanospikes on the surfaces of the carbon black aggregates. |
| US09550873B2 |
Doped chiral polymer metamaterials
Some implementations provide a composite material that includes a first material and a second material. In some implementations, the composite material is a metamaterial. The first material includes a chiral polymer (e.g., crystalline chiral helical polymer, poly-γ-benzyl-L-glutamate (PBLG), poly-L-lactic acid (PLA), polypeptide, and/or polyacetylene). The second material is within the chiral polymer. The first material and the second material are configured to provide an effective index of refraction value for the composite material of 1 or less. In some implementations, the effective index of refraction value for the composite material is negative. In some implementations, the effective index of refraction value for the composite material of 1 or less is at least in a wavelength of one of at least a visible spectrum, an infrared spectrum, a microwave spectrum, and/or an ultraviolet spectrum. |
| US09550871B2 |
Sustainable hybrid organic aerogels and methods and uses thereof
Highly porous, lightweight, and sustainable hybrid organic aerogels with ultra-low densities and excellent material properties and methods for preparing them are provided, including, e.g., PVA/CNF/GONS, RF/CNF/GONS, and PVA/CNF/MWCNT. The aerogels are modified to have a super-hydrophobic surface, thus leading to an extremely low swelling ratio and rate of moisture absorption. |
| US09550870B2 |
Metallized nanotube polymer composite (MNPC) and methods for making same
A novel method to develop highly conductive functional materials which can effectively shield various electromagnetic effects (EMEs) and harmful radiations. Metallized nanotube polymer composites (MNPC) are composed of a lightweight polymer matrix, superstrong nanotubes (NT), and functional nanoparticle inclusions. MNPC is prepared by supercritical fluid infusion of various metal precursors (Au, Pt, Fe, and Ni salts), incorporated simultaneously or sequentially, into a solid NT-polymer composite followed by thermal reduction. The infused metal precursor tends to diffuse toward the nanotube surface preferentially as well as the surfaces of the NT-polymer matrix, and is reduced to form nanometer-scale metal particles or metal coatings. The conductivity of the MNPC increases with the metallization, which provides better shielding capabilities against various EMEs and radiations by reflecting and absorbing EM waves more efficiently. Furthermore, the supercritical fluid infusion process aids to improve the toughness of the composite films significantly regardless of the existence of metal. |
| US09550869B2 |
Styrene butadiene block copolymers for film applications
We disclose a monovinylarene-conjugated diene block copolymer containing a plurality of monovinylarene-conjugated diene mixed blocks, wherein each mixed block contains conjugated diene units and monovinylarene units in a weight ratio of about 0.05 to about 0.33. We also disclose a composition containing (a) from about 50 parts by weight to about 95 parts by weight of the monovinylarene-conjugated diene block copolymer and (b) from about 5 parts by weight to about 50 parts by weight of polystyrene; wherein the monovinylarene-conjugated diene block copolymer and the polystyrene total 100 parts by weight. We further disclose a method of shrink-wrapping an object or a group of objects by wrapping the object or the group of objects with a film containing the composition, to yield a wrapped object or group of objects, and heating the wrapped object or group of objects to a temperature and for a duration sufficient to shrink the film in at least a first direction, to yield a shrink-wrapped object or group of objects. |
| US09550861B2 |
Method for producing polyaniline having self-doping function and antistatic agent containing polyaniline produced thereby
An aniline monomer having a phosphonic acid of general formula (4) is polymerized to produce a polyaniline. In the formula, R1 is NH2 or NH3X, and X is a halogen. R2 are each independently a phosphonic acid or a salt thereof. R3 are each independently selected from the group consisting of a halogen atom, alkyl group having 1-15 carbon atoms, aralkyl group having 7-34 carbon atoms, alkoxy group having 1-15 carbon atoms, alkylthio group having 1-15 carbon atoms, alkylamino group having 1-15 carbon atoms, carboxyl group, carboxylic acid alkyl ester group wherein the alkyl group has 1-15 carbon atoms, nitro group, and cyano group. m is an integer of 1-4, n is an integer of 0-3, and the sum of m and n is 1-4. However, none of R2 and R3 is present at the para position relative to R1. |
| US09550859B2 |
ICI thickener composition and uses
A composition comprising linked segments of: (a) a polyhydroxy segment derived from a compound independently selected an acyclic polyhydric alcohol having 4 to 6 carbon atoms and 4 to 6 reactive hydroxyl groups; a cyclic polyhydric alcohol having 4 to 6 carbon atoms and 4 to 6 reactive hydroxyl groups, a poly(hydroxyethyl) polyethyleneamine having 4 to 6 reactive hydroxyl groups and combinations thereof; (b) polyoxyalkylene segments wherein each hydroxyl group of the polyhydroxyl segment is linked to a polyoxyalkylene segment; (d) and aliphatic end segments or aromatic end segments, each end segment having 6 to 32 carbon atoms and a hydroxyl reactive group, wherein the mole ratio of the polyoxyalkylene segment to the polyhydroxy segment is at least 4:1 and the mole ratio of the aliphatic or aromatic end segment to the polyhydroxy segment is at least 0.25:1. |
| US09550855B2 |
Self-healing coatings
A metallic microcapsule containing a polymeric microcapsule having one or more polymeric precursors encapsulated therein; and a metallic shell enclosing a volume containing the polymeric microcapsule is disclosed. Also disclosed is a self-healing coating composition comprising (a) a film-forming binder; and (b) metallic microcapsules, the metallic microcapsules being the same or different and containing a polymeric microcapsule containing one or more polymeric precursors encapsulated therein; and a metallic shell enclosing a volume containing the polymeric microcapsule. |
| US09550854B2 |
Amine catalysts for polyurethane foams
The invention provides polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams and methods for the preparation thereof. More particularly, the invention relates to open-celled, polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams and methods for their preparation. The foams are characterized by a fine uniform cell structure and little or no foam collapse. The foams are produced with a polyol premix composition which comprises a combination of a hydrohaloolefin blowing agent, a polyol, a silicone surfactant, and a sterically hindered amine catalyst. |
| US09550852B2 |
Method for producing vinyl ester urethane resins based on dianhydrohexitol compounds and use thereof
Disclosed is a method for producing vinyl ester urethane resins, in which a dianhydrohexitol-compound is reacted with a diisocyanate in the presence of a monomeric radically co-polymerizable compound as a solvent and the product is reacted with a hydroxy-substituted (meth)acrylate. As a result, vinyl ester urethane resins based on dianhydrohexitol-compounds and also based on renewable raw materials can be obtained in a simple manner with high yields. The resins are suitable as binding agents in chemical fixing engineering. |
| US09550850B2 |
Rubber composition for tire tread, and pneumatic tire using same
A rubber composition for a tire tread comprising: a diene rubber; a silica having an N2SA of from 194 to 225 m2/g and a CTAB of from 180 to 210 m2/g; and a polysiloxane represented by the average composition formula of formula (1) and contained in an amount of from 1 to 20 mass % with respect to the quantity of silica. (A)a(B)b(C)c(D)d (R1)3SiO(4-2a-b-c-d-e)/2. Also provided is a pneumatic tire having tire treads formed using the rubber composition. |
| US09550846B2 |
Flexible to rigid nanoporous polyurethane-acrylate (PUAC) type materials for structural and thermal insulation applications
Novel urethane-acrylate (UAC) Star monomers and polyurethane-acrylate (PUAC) aerogel polymers derived therefrom are described herein, along with other novel, related monomers and polymers. Also described herein are processes for preparing the UAC Star monomers, the PUAC aerogel polymers, and the other related monomers and polymers. The PUAC and related polymers herein are useful in various applications including in structural and thermal insulation. |
| US09550844B2 |
Polypropylene with broad molecular weight distribution
Propylene homopolymer having a melt flow rate MFR2 (230° C.) at least 50 g/10 min, a Mw/Mn at least 12.0 and a xylene cold soluble content (XCS) of at least 2.8 wt.-%. |
| US09550839B2 |
Copolymers of conjugated triene monomers for improved filler interaction
The present invention achieves increased filler interaction by incorporating a small amount (a few units per chain of rubbery polymer) of a conjugated triene monomer, such as alloocimene, randomly throughout the polymer chain of a rubbery polymer or at the chain ends of the rubbery polymer. The incorporation of the conjugated triene monomer leads to the formation of a polymer containing highly reactive conjugated diene units. These conjugated diene units can chemically react with carbon black leading to superior reinforcement. Alternatively, these conjugated diene units can be used for functionalization of the polymer with silica interactive/reactive groups using Diels Alder reactions. This functionalization of the rubbery polymer can conveniently be conducted in a mixer, such as a Banbury mixer, a mill mixer, or the like. |
| US09550834B2 |
Method for preparing glycan-hydrolyzed antibody, and homogeneous glycosylated antibody
The present invention is aimed to provide a method for preparing an acceptor that is N-glycan hydrolyzed antibody or a Fc fragment thereof used for producing antibody having a homogeneous N-glycan structure; a method for determining a combination of endoglycosidases for use in said preparation; and a method for measuring N-glycans linked to an antibody. The present invention is directed to a method for producing a N-glycan hydrolyzed antibody or Fc fragment thereof, comprising reacting the antibody or the Fc fragment thereof with several endoglycosidases; and a method for determining quantitative information of an objective N-glycan with a desired structure linked to an antibody or a Fc thereof, comprising a protease treatment step and a glycopeptide measurement step, etc. |
| US09550829B2 |
Compositions and methods for diagnosis and treatment of hepatic cancers
The present invention relates to methods of treating liver cancer using a Notch signaling inhibitor. Compositions and methods for the treatment of liver cancers are also provided. |
| US09550828B2 |
Oncostatin M (OSM) antagonists for preventing cancer metastasis and IL-6 related disorders
A method of treating cancer or metastasis is provided involving administering at least one oncostatin M (OSM) antagonist to a subject, wherein the subject has been diagnosed with cancer. Administration of an OSM antagonist such as a small molecule pharmaceutical is provided as well as an anti-OSM antibody, an anti-OSM aptamer, and an OSM mRNA antagonist. The OSM antagonists were found to inhibit or prevent tumor cell detachment, proliferation and metastasis in several cancer types. |
| US09550826B2 |
Glycoengineered binding protein compositions
Provided are glycoengineered populations of Fc domain-containing binding proteins with a reduced anti-drug immune response (ADA). Also provided are methods of treating disease using such compositions, and methods and host for making such compositions. |
| US09550825B2 |
Humanized anti-HMGB1 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof
The present invention provides a humanized anti-HMGB1 antibody which specifically binds to a sequence consisting of the C-terminal 8 amino acid residues (EEEDDDDE) of HMGB1 protein and is effective for treatment or prevention of various inflammatory diseases related to this protein, as well as an antigen-binding fragment thereof. The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising such an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. |
| US09550823B2 |
Fucosylation-deficient cells
An isolated nucleic acid encoding an FX protein having a serine at position 79, a lysine at position 90, a leucine at position 136, an arginine at position 211, a serine at position 289, and a combination thereof is provided. Cells having a gene encoding a modified FX protein are provided, wherein the cells exhibit a reduced ability to fucosylate a glycoprotein at a first temperature, but exhibit the ability to fucosylate the glycoprotein at a second temperature. Methods and compositions for making glycoproteins with reduced fucosylation are provided. |
| US09550822B2 |
ACTH prophylactic treatment of renal disorders
Provided herein are methods for prophylactic treatment of renal disorders comprising administration of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), or fragment, analog, complex or aggregate thereof, or any combination thereof, to an individual suspected of having, predisposed to, or at risk of developing a renal disorder. |
| US09550814B2 |
Multiple variants of meningococcal protein NMB1870
Meningococcal protein NMB 1870 has been described in the prior art. The inventors have found that NMB 1870 is an effective antigen for eliciting anti-meningococcal antibody responses, and that it is expressed across all meningococcal serogroups. Forty-two different NMB 1870 sequences have been identified, and these group into three variants. Serum raised against a given variant is bactericidal within the same variant group, but is not active against strains which express one of the other two variants i.e. there is intra-variant cross-protection, but not inter-variant cross-protection. For maximum cross-strain efficacy, therefore, the invention uses mixture comprising different variants of NMB 1870. |
| US09550813B2 |
Disulfide stabilized foldon polypeptides
Intermolecular disulfide stabilized foldon polypeptides are provided. |
| US09550812B2 |
Synthetic capsid proteins and uses thereof
The present invention relates to synthetic proteins and the uses thereof. More particularly, the invention relates to synthetic Circovirus type capsid proteins with improved properties. These proteins, or the coding nucleic acids, are useful e.g., to generate antibodies, immunogen compositions, or vaccines. The invention further relates to methods for treating and/or preventing PCV2-associated diseases in mammals using said proteins, nucleic acids or compositions. The invention also relates to compositions and methods for detecting PCV2 in a sample, using the above proteins, nucleic acids, or antibodies. |
| US09550808B2 |
Peptide inhibitors of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
The present invention refers to biochemistry, namely to new peptide compounds having the ability to selectively block the muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. The claimed compounds have common formula (I): X1-X2-X3-Pro-X4-Pro-X5 (SEQ ID NO: 54), where X1 is chosen within H, Ac—, Palm-; X2 is chosen within Trp, Tyr; X3 is chosen within Trp, Tyr; X4 is chosen within Lys, Orn, Dbu, Dpr, Arg; X5 is chosen within —OH, —NH2, —OCH3, —OC2H5, —NH—C6H5. The invention can be applied in cosmetics for smoothing mimic and age-related Wrinkles. |
| US09550807B2 |
Inflammation inhibiting compounds
The present invention relates to the use of compounds selected from the group consisting of Lys-(D)Pro-Thr, N-acyl Lys-(D)Pro-Thr, C-amide Lys-(D)Pro-Thr, and C-esters of Lys-(D)Pro-Thr; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said compound for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. The invention also relates to the use of αMSH for inducing tolerance. |
| US09550803B2 |
Method to improve antiviral activity of nucleotide analogue drugs
An amino acid conjugate of a cyclic or acyclic nucleoside phosphonate is provided. In some cases, the amino acid conjugate is a tyrosine alkyl amide phosphonate ester conjugate of a cyclic or acyclic nucleoside phosphonate, and is useful as an antiviral compound. In certain cases, the tyrosine conjugate includes a long chain alkyl group on the carboxamide group of the tyrosine residue. In a method of preparing an acyclic tyrosine conjugate, a tert-butyloxycarbonyl (Boc) protected tyrosine residue containing a long chain alkyl group is reacted with an acyclic nucleoside phosphonate mono-ethyl ester in the presence of benzotriazol-1-yl-oxytripyrrolidinophosphonium hexafluorophosphate to produce a Boc-protected nucleoside phosphonate di-ester, and the di-ester is deethylated and deprotected to produce the tyrosine conjugate. Methods of inhibiting viral replication and methods of treating a viral infection using the amino acid conjugate are also provided. |
| US09550802B2 |
Anti-inflammatory macrolides
The invention provides novel compounds and compositions and methods for making and using the compounds and compositions. In particular, the use of organic acid salts promotes solubility. These more soluble forms are suitable for use in various diseases, notably diseases of lung, muscle, metabolism and eyesight. |
| US09550801B2 |
Synthesis of four coordinated platinum complexes and their applications in light emitting devices thereof
Platinum complexes that exhibit photoabsorption and photoemission, methods of making such complexes, and applications thereof are disclosed, including optical devices comprising the complexes. |
| US09550800B2 |
Transition metal carbene complex and method of producing the same
Provided are a transition metal carbene complex represented by the following general formula (1) and a method of producing the same. (In general formula (1), M represents for example a molybdenum atom, R1 represents for example a C1-C20 alkyl group optionally having a substituent, L1 to L3 each represent a ligand selected for example from a halogen group, R2 and R3 each represent for example a hydrogen atom or a C1-C20 alkyl group optionally having a substituent. A represents for example a nitrogen atom, and R4 to R7 each represent for example a C1-C20 alkyl group optionally having a substituent.) |
| US09550798B2 |
Compounds that are S1P modulating agents and/or ATX modulating agents
Compounds of formula (I) can modulate the activity of one or more SIP receptors and/or the activity of autotaxin (ATX). |
| US09550795B2 |
Hexahydropyrano[3,4-d][1,3]thiazin-2-amine compounds
Compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds are disclosed, wherein the compounds have the structure of Formula I, as defined in the specification. Corresponding pharmaceutical compositions, methods of treatment, methods of synthesis, and intermediates are also disclosed. |
| US09550788B2 |
Substituted aminoindanes and analogs thereof, and the pharmaceutical use thereof
The invention relates to substituted aminoindanes and analogs thereof of formula I and the pharmaceutical use thereof. Medicaments which comprise compounds of this type are suitable for the prevention or treatment of diverse disorders such as, for example, of respiratory disorders, cystic fibrosis disorders, acute or chronic renal disorders or bowel disorders. |
| US09550787B2 |
Benzodiazepine derivatives
The invention relates to novel benzodiazepine derivatives with antiproliferative activity and more specifically to novel benzodiazepines of formula (I) and (II), in which the diazepine ring (B) is fused with a heterocyclic ring (CD), wherein the heterocyclic ring is bicyclic or a compound of formula (III), in which the diazepine ring (B) is fused with a heterocyclic ring (C), wherein the heterocyclic ring is monocyclic. The invention provides cytotoxic dimers of these compounds. The invention also provides conjugates of the monomers and the dimers. The invention further provides compositions and methods useful for inhibiting abnormal cell growth or treating a proliferative disorder in a mammal using the compounds or conjugates of the invention. The invention further relates to methods of using the compounds or conjugates for in vitro, in situ, and in vivo diagnosis or treatment of mammalian cells, or associated pathological conditions. |
| US09550786B2 |
4-fluoropiperidine orexin receptor antagonists
The present invention is directed to 4-fluoropiperidine compounds which are antagonists of orexin receptors, and which are useful in the treatment or prevention of neurological and psychiatric disorders and diseases in which orexin receptors are involved. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which orexin receptors are involved. |
| US09550779B2 |
Derivatives and methods of treating hepatitis B infections
Provided herein are compounds useful for the treatment of HBV infection in a subject in need thereof, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of inhibiting, suppressing, or preventing HBV infection in the subject. |
| US09550776B2 |
Pyridinylpyrazoloquinoline compounds
A compound represented by formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: wherein R1 represents a group represented by the formula: a group represented by the formula: or a group represented by the formula: and R2 represents a 3-methyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl group or 4-methoxycyclohexyl group. |
| US09550771B2 |
Keto-imidazopyridine derivatives as RORc modulators
Compounds of the formula I or II: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1 is a group of formula (a), (b), (c); (d) or (e): and m, n, X, Y, R1, R2, R3, R4, Rb and Rc are as defined herein. Also disclosed are methods of making the compounds and using the compounds for treatment of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. |
| US09550769B2 |
Small molecules targeting repeat r(CGG) sequences
The invention provides a series of bioactive small molecules that target expanded r(CGG) repeats, termed r(CGG)exp, that causes Fragile X-associated Tremor Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS). The compound was identified by using information on the chemotypes and RNA motifs that interact. Specifically, 9-hydroxy-5,11-dimethyl-2-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-6H-pyrido[4,3-b]carbazol-2-ium, binds the 5′CGG/3′GGC motifs in r(CGG)exp and disrupts a toxic r(CGG)exp-protein complex. Specifically, dimeric compounds incorporating two 9-hydroxyellipticine analog structures can even more potently bind the 5′CGG/3′GGC motifs in r(CGG)exp and disrupts a toxic r(CGG)exp-protein complex. Structure-activity relationships (SAR) studies determined that the alkylated pyridyl and phenolic side chains are important chemotypes that drive molecular recognition of r(CGG) repeats, such as r(CGG)exp. Importantly, the compound is efficacious in FXTAS model cellular systems as evidenced by its ability to improve FXTAS-associated pre-mRNA splicing defects and to reduce the size and number of r(CGG)exp-protein aggregates. |
| US09550767B2 |
Crystalline form of (R)-7-chloro-N-(quinuclidin-3-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide hydrochloride monohydrate
Crystalline Forms I and II of (R)-7-chloro-N-(quinuclidin-3-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide hydrochloride monohydrate and compositions, methods of manufacture and therapeutic uses thereof are described. |
| US09550764B2 |
Fused heterocyclic compounds and their use
The present invention provides compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates and solvates thereof for use in the treatment of cancer: |
| US09550762B2 |
Cyclopropyl fused thiazin-2-amine compounds as beta-secretase inhibitors and methods of use
The present invention provides a new class of compounds useful for the modulation of beta-secretase enzyme (BACE) activity. The compounds have a general Formula I: wherein variables A4, A5, A6, A8, and each of Ra, Rb, R1, R2, R3 and R7 of Formula I, independently, are defined herein. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, and uses of the compounds and compositions for treatment of disorders and/or conditions related to A-beta plaque formation and deposition, resulting from the biological activity of BACE. Such BACE mediated disorders include, for example, Alzheimer's Disease, cognitive deficits, cognitive impairments, schizophrenia and other central nervous system conditions. The invention further provides compounds of Formulas II and III, and sub-formula embodiments thereof, intermediates and methods for preparing compounds of the invention. |
| US09550759B2 |
Nitrocatechol derivatives as COMT inhibitors
New compounds of formula I are described. The compounds have potentially valuable pharmaceutical properties in the treatment of some central and peripheral nervous system disorders. |
| US09550756B2 |
Pyridazinone compounds as phosphodiesterase inhibitors and methods of treating disorders
The present invention provides a compound which has the effect of PDE inhibition, and which is useful as a medicament for preventing or treating schizophrenia or so on.A compound of formula (I0): wherein R1 represents a substituent, R2 represents a hydrogen atom, or a substituent, R3 represents a hydrogen atom, or a substituent, Ring A represents an aromatic ring which can be substituted, and Ring B represents a 5-membered heteroaromatic ring which can be substituted, or a salt thereof. |
| US09550754B2 |
4,5-dihydropyrazole derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use in therapy
The present invention relates to 4,5-dihydropyrazole derivatives of the formula (I) and physiologically tolerated salts thereof which are GlyT1 inhibitors. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such 4,5-dihydropyrazole derivatives, and the use of such 4,5-dihydropyrazole derivatives for therapeutic purposes. |
| US09550752B2 |
Triazolinthione derivatives
The present invention relates to novel triazolinthione derivatives, to processes for preparing these compounds, to compositions comprising these compounds, and to the use thereof as biologically active compounds, especially for control of harmful microorganisms in crop protection and in the protection of materials and as plant growth regulators. |
| US09550750B2 |
Indoline compounds as aldosterone synthase inhibitors
This invention relates to indo line compounds of the structural formula I, or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, wherein the variables are defined herein. The inventive compounds selectively inhibit aldosterone synthase. This invention also provides for pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of Formula I or their salts as well as potentially to methods for the treatment amelioration or prevention of conditions that could be treated by inhibiting aldosterone synthase. |
| US09550746B2 |
Benzofuran-2-sulfonamides derivatives as chemokine receptor modulators
The present invention relates to novel benzofuran-2-sulfonamide derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals as modulators of chemokine receptors. |
| US09550740B2 |
Antimicrobial compounds
Provided are compounds which are useful for controlling microorganisms in aqueous or water-containing systems or in systems which are exposed to moisture, including at elevated temperature. The antimicrobial compounds are of the formula I: wherein n, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and X are as defined herein. |
| US09550738B2 |
Bicyclic compounds as kinases inhibitors
The present invention is directed to novel bicyclic compounds, their derivatives, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and hydrates thereof. The compounds and compositions of the present invention have protein kinases inhibitory activities and are useful for the treatment of protein kinases mediated diseases and conditions. Novel bicyclic compounds disclosed herein include quinazolines shown in Formula I (X═N). |
| US09550734B2 |
Bivalent linkers and conjugates thereof
Bivalent linkers to be included in or for preparing vitamin, drug, diagnostic agent, and/or imaging agent conjugates are described. |
| US09550731B2 |
Method for phase transfer synthesis of organic peroxides
Processes and systems for synthesizing organic peroxides are provided. One or more of the reactions described herein may be performed in a continuous reactor, optionally including at least one microscale reaction channel. Additionally, at least one phase transfer catalyst may be used to facilitate reaction of components present in a multiphase reaction mixture. |
| US09550727B2 |
Method for the crystallization of 2-(4-N,N-diethyl amino-2-hydroxy-benzoyl)-benzoic acid-n-hexyl ester
The present invention relates to a method for the crystallization of n-hexyl 2-(4-N,N-diethylamino-2-hydroxybenzoyl)benzoate, to a method for the production of pourable or flowable particles of crystalline n-hexyl 2-(4-N,N-diethylamino-2-hydroxybenzoyl)-benzoate and to specific pourable or flowable particles of crystalline n-hexyl 2-(4-N,N-diethylamino-2-hydroxybenzoyl)benzoate. |
| US09550726B2 |
Methods for decolorizing compositions comprising betaines
The invention relates to a process for decolorizing a composition comprising a betaine comprising the steps of (a) providing a solution of the composition in an organic solvent, (b) contacting the solution with a decolorant, wherein the decolorant is a polar solid decolorant. The invention also relates to uses of ion exchange materials and decolorized solutions and compositions obtainable by the inventive process. |
| US09550724B2 |
Diphenylamine compounds and production method thereof
An inexpensive and convenient production method of diphenylamine compounds is provided, that can solve problems in the conventional technology such as decrease in reactivity, restriction of substituents, high temperature, high pressure, by-products or the like. Further, diphenylamine compounds useful as intermediates of medicine and agricultural chemicals are provided. Diphenylamine compounds are produced, represented by general formula (3): which is characterized by reacting aniline compounds represented by general formula (2): under the presence of base and ethers solvent, with 2,6-dichloronitrobenzene compound represented by general formula (1): and a diphenylamine compound represented by general formula (3). |
| US09550722B2 |
Compositions and methods of use of phorbal esters for the treatment of stroke
Methods and compositions containing a phorbol ester or a derivative of a phorbol ester are provided for the treatment and prevention of stroke and the sequelae of stroke. Additional compositions and methods are provided which employ a phorbol ester or derivative compound in combination with at least one additional agent to yield more effective treatment tools to treat or prevent stroke and the long term effects of stroke in mammalian subjects. |
| US09550718B2 |
Lipid comprising polyunsaturated fatty acids
The present invention relates to extracted plant lipid, comprising fatty acids in an esterified form. |
| US09550712B2 |
Acid/salt separation
The invention provides a method for preparing a carboxylic acid, which method includes the steps of providing magnesium carboxylate, wherein the carboxylic acid corresponding with the carboxylate has a solubility in water at 20° C. of 80 g/100 g water or less; acidifying the magnesium carboxylate with HCl, thereby obtaining a solution comprising carboxylic acid and magnesium chloride (MgCl2); optionally a concentration step, wherein the solution comprising carboxylic acid and MgCl2 is concentrated; precipitating the carboxylic acid from the solution comprising the carboxylic acid and MgCl2, thereby obtaining a carboxylic acid precipitate and a MgCl2 solution. |
| US09550710B2 |
Process for depolymerization of lignin
The present invention discloses a process for depolymerization of lignin to yield substituted phenolic monomers using Brönsted ionic liquid as catalyst under mild reaction conditions to obtain an overall yield of monomers up to 97%. |
| US09550707B2 |
Process for production of hydrocarbon chemicals from crude oil
An integrated process comprising to convert crude oil, comprising: converting crude oil (10) in a feed preparation facility (800) by separating the crude oil to a gas fraction (101), liquid fraction (102), and first residuum fraction in an atmospheric distillation unit (100); separating the 1st residuum to a vacuum gas oil fraction (202) and a second residuum (201) in a vacuum distillation unit (200); converting the vacuum gas oil fraction to a CU gas fraction (301,401), a CU liquid fraction (302), and an CU higher boiling fraction (303,402) in a cracking unit (300,400); and processing the second residuum fraction to DCU gas oil/lighter fraction (501) in a coking unit (500); and steam cracking at least one of the gas fraction (101), liquid fraction (102), CU gas fraction (301,401), and DCU gas oil/lighter fraction (501) to the hydrocarbon products (920). |
| US09550706B2 |
Method for oligomerising alkenes using the ITQ-39 zeolite
The invention relates to a heterogeneous method for oligomerising alkenes in order to produce hydricarbons within a diesel fraction in the present of a catalyst based on the ITQ-39 zeolite. The oligomerisation method described in the present invention includes at least: a. feeding a catalyst containing at least the ITQ-39 zeolitic material into the reactor; b. supplying the reactor with a stream that includes at least one olefinic compound; and c. enabling the catalyst containing at least the ITQ-39 material and the organic compound to remain in contact during the time required for the reaction to take place. |
| US09550705B2 |
Olefin oligomerization process
The present invention provides an olefin oligomerization process comprising the steps of: i) reducing the level of acetonitrile in an olefin feed by contacting the feed with a non-zeolitic metal oxide; and ii) contacting the olefin feed with reduced level of acetonitrile with an olefin oligomerization catalyst under conditions suitable to oligomerize the olefin. |
| US09550703B2 |
Granulation method and system
A granulation method may include feeding a graded powder into a granulator. The powder may have a particle size distribution (PSD) of at least 98% −115 mesh and at most 50% −200 mesh. The powder may have a PSD of at least 98% less than or equal to 4.2% of a median product particle size and at most 50% less than or equal to 2.5% of the median product particle size. The powder may have a PSD of between 40% and 80% between 3% and 6% of the median product particle size, between 5% and 30% between 2% and 4% of the median product particle size, and between 10% and 40% between 1% and 3% of the median product particle size. A liquid binder may be fed into the granulator. Wet granules may be discharged from the granulator and may have a moisture content of between 7% and 12%. |
| US09550702B2 |
Tubular digester
Contiguous flow anaerobic digester for mechanization of organic matter and production of fertilizer powering the conditions and performance of the anaerobic digestion process, through homogenization of the sludge and process temperature, wherein the digester is tubular shaped and comprises a biogas exhaust valve at the top of the digester. One end of the digester has a sludge outlet connection, a water- and gas-tight zipper that is resistant to the corrosive elements of digestion, and an outlet. The opposite end of the digester has a mud inlet, and a water- and gas-tight zipper that is resistant to the corrosive elements of digestion, wherein said digester further comprises at its base a gas irrigation system for biogas recirculation composed of a polymeric material resilient to the corrosive elements of anaerobic digestion. |
| US09550698B2 |
Optical glass and use thereof
An aspect of the present invention relates to optical glass, which is oxide glass including cation components in the form of 10 to 40 cation % of P5+, equal to or more than 50 cation % of a combined quantity of Ti4+, Nb5+, W6+, Bi3+, and Te4+, with a cation ratio of a combined content of Ti4+ and Nb5+ to a combined content of W6+ and Bi3+ being equal to or less than 1.3, a combined quantity of B3+, Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, and Zn2+ which amounts to equal to or less than ⅓ of a combined content of Ti4+, Nb5+, W6+, Bi3+, and Te4+, and more than 0 % of Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, and Cs+ combined, and which has a refractive index of equal to or higher than 2.02. |
| US09550697B2 |
Briquette used for the production of rock wool and method for the production of said briquette
The present invention relates to a briquette used for the production of rock wool and method for the production of said briquette, wherein the briquette contains a raw material comprising rock wool waste having a fiber morphology; contains a non-fibrous inorganic binder, such as sodium silicate, to bind the raw material; and an activating agent accelerating the curing process of the briquetted raw material. |
| US09550692B2 |
Method of manufacturing a feeder channel for molten glass
Feeder channel for molten glass including an infrastructure including a block self-cast and sintered in situ. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a block of such an infrastructure and a supply channel for a glassmaking furnace are claimed. |
| US09550691B2 |
Briquette used for the production of rock wool and method for the production of said briquette
The present invention relates to a briquette used for the production of rock wool and method for the production of said briquette, wherein the briquette contains a raw material comprising rock wool waste having a fiber morphology; contains a non-fibrous inorganic binder, such as sodium silicate, to bind the raw material; and an activating agent accelerating the curing process of the briquetted raw material. |
| US09550690B2 |
Method and apparatus for removing organic substances, nitrogen and phosphorus from highly concentrated organic waste water
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing organic substances, nitrogen, and phosphorus from highly concentrated waste water, which includes the steps of: stirring organic waste water; mixing the waste water with an added neutralizer; supplying a flocculant to the mixture to flocculate sludge; and separating sludge and water by pneumatic dehydration, thereby continuously removing organic substances, nitrogen, and phosphorus from waste water. |
| US09550689B2 |
Fluid filtration apparatus
A fluid filtration apparatus, which includes a plurality of optical fibers each having a length, wherein one or more of the plurality of optical fibers exhibits frustrated total internal reflection, thereby emitting light along the length of one or more of the optical fibers, in combination with a photocatalyst disposed on the plurality of optical fibers and a light source interconnected to the plurality of optical fibers. |
| US09550686B2 |
Grease interceptor for a waste water stream from an exhaust fan assembly
To facilitate the collection of grease and water from commercial kitchen exhaust fans the invention provides a collection tank in communication with the drainage spout of the fan assembly. The tank has a lid for sealing the tank, a first reservoir for collecting the stream of grease and water and a second reservoir below the first reservoir for receiving water separated from the grease and water stream in the first reservoir. The first and second reservoirs are separated by a sloping plate. The tank also includes a siphoning apparatus which when connected to a source of high pressure fluid such as water or steam can purge the second reservoir of water and recycle the water back to a fan cleansing operation or to a disposal facility. |
| US09550685B2 |
Desalination apparatus and process
Disclosed herein are an apparatus and a process that can be used to remove sulfur dioxide other environmentally hazardous contaminants from a gaseous waste stream while at the same time providing a source of purified water. The process can be used for the desalination of sea or brackish water, or for the concentration of contaminated waste water. The method comprises feeding a gaseous waste stream that comprises sulfur dioxide into a diffusion tower. Feed water is sprayed onto a packing material in the diffusion tower to form a thin film of feed water on a surface of the packing material. Sulfur dioxide diffuses into the thin film of feed water to form water that contains sulfur dioxide. The gaseous waste stream is simultaneously humidified. The humidified gaseous waste stream is then subjected to direct contact condensation to obtain purified water. |
| US09550684B2 |
Process for making molecular sieves
The invention relates to a process for preparing molecular sieves, such as ZSM-57, using one or more structure directing agents selected from the group consisting of N1,N1,N5,N5-tetraethyl-N1,N5-dimethylpentane-1,5-diaminium, 1-ethyl-1-(5-(1-methylpiperidin-1-ium-1-yl)pentyl)piperidin-1-ium, 1,1′-(hexane-1,6-diyl)bis(1-ethylpiperidin-1-ium), and 1,1-diethylpyrrolidin-1-ium. |
| US09550683B2 |
Colloidal silica, and method for production thereof
The present invention provides dense silica particles with reduced metal impurities. Specifically, the present invention provides a colloidal silica produced by using an alkyl silicate as a starting material, wherein, with respect to a sample prepared by adding, as an internal standard, 1 wt. % of polydimethylsilane to a dried product of the colloidal silica, a peak area value calculated using a formula of a colloidal silica peak area/a polydimethylsilane peak area is 15 or less, the peak areas being determined by an obtained solid-state 29Si-CP/MAS-NMR spectrum. The present invention further provides a method for producing the colloidal silica. |
| US09550678B2 |
Polymeric precursors for producing graphene nanoribbons and methods for preparing them
An oligophenylene monomer of general formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 are independently of each other H, halogene, —OH, —NH2, —CN, —NO2 or a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C1-C40 hydrocarbon residue, which can be substituted 1-to 5-fold with halogene (F, Cl, Br, I), —OH, —NH2, —CN and/or —NO2, and wherein one or more CH2-groups can be replaced by —O— or —S—, or an optionally substituted aryl, alkylaryl or alkoxyaryl residue; and m represents 0, 1 or 2. |
| US09550674B2 |
Plant for manufacturing hydrogen sulfide gas and method for exhausting hydrogen sulfide gas
An object of the present invention is to reduce costs while maintaining safety in exhausting hydrogen sulfide gas. In exhaust facilities of a plant for manufacturing hydrogen sulfide gas, the concentrations of hydrogen sulfide gas leaking from a reaction facility, a cooling facility, and a sulfur removal facility, respectively, are measured by a measuring apparatus, and when a detected concentration is less than a predetermined concentration, a valve is controlled to exhaust hydrogen sulfide gas from a first exhaust pipe into the air, on the contrary, when a detected concentration is not less than a predetermined concentration, the valve is controlled to exhaust hydrogen sulfide gas from a second exhaust pipe to a gas treatment facility. |
| US09550669B2 |
Vertical pressure sensitive structure
Embodiments related to pressure sensitive structures are described and depicted. |
| US09550667B1 |
Semiconductor structure and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor structure includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a first sensing structure over the first substrate, and between the first substrate and the second substrate, a via extending through the second substrate, and a second sensing structure over the second substrate, and including an interconnect structure electrically connected with the via, and a sensing material at least partially covering the interconnect structure. |
| US09550666B2 |
MEMS device with release aperture
The present disclosure provides a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) device. In an embodiment, a device includes a substrate; a MEMS structure disposed above a sacrificial layer opening above the substrate; a release aperture disposed at substantially a same level above the sacrificial layer opening as the MEMS structure; a first cap over the MEMS structure and the sacrificial layer opening, a leg of the first cap disposed between the MEMS structure and the release aperture; and a second cap plugging the release aperture. |
| US09550664B2 |
Reducing MEMS stiction by increasing surface roughness
A mechanism for reducing stiction in a MEMS device by decreasing surface area between two surfaces, such as a travel stop and travel stop region, that can come into close contact is provided. Reduction in contact surface area is achieved by increasing surface roughness of the travel stop region. This is achieved by depositing a polysilicon layer over a dielectric layer using gaseous hydrochloric acid as one of the reactants. A subsequent etch back is performed to further increase the roughness. The deposition of polysilicon and subsequent etch back may be repeated one or more times in order to obtain the desired roughness. A final polysilicon layer may then be deposited to achieve a desired thickness. This final polysilicon layer is patterned to form the travel stop regions. The rougher surface decreases the surface area available for contact and, in turn, decreases the area through which stiction can be imparted. |
| US09550663B2 |
MEMS device
A MEMS device includes a movable section, a frame, a beam, and an electrode substrate. The frame surrounds a surrounding of the movable section. The beam extends from at least a part of the frame, and is connected to the movable section. The electrode substrate includes a fixed electrode, an extended electrode, and a substrate section. The fixed electrode is formed on the electrode substrate in at least a part of a region facing a swing section. The extended electrode is connected to the fixed electrode, and is formed on the electrode substrate in at least a part of a region facing the shaft. |
| US09550662B1 |
Method and apparatus for vending a containerized liquid product utilizing an automatic self-service refill system
A method and apparatus for vending a containerized fluid includes placing a machine-readable indicia on the container identifying the base fluid. The container may be filled and then distributed or distributed prior to filling through various distribution channels to consumers. When a consumer wishes to fill or re-fill the container, the consumer places the container adjacent a reader that interprets the indicia to identify the base fluid to be dispensed. A dispenser then fills the container through a movable fill probe that elevates as the liquid within the container rises. In some embodiments, and prior to filling, the dispenser apparatus may also query the consumer about options are provided at the time of dispensing for further dispensing various optional ingredients, including scents, flavors, colors, nutritional supplements or other additives together with the base product. In further embodiments, the dispenser may also print discount tickets or coupons that may discount the purchase of the containerized fluid or other promotional merchandise. The machine-readable indicia may include affiliate codes that permit crediting or compensating various affiliates in relation to the container filling. |
| US09550659B2 |
Battery powered work machine, and battery powered forklift
A battery-powered work machine driven with a battery, includes: a body including a bottom and a pair of sides erecting from the bottom and including a first side and a second side; a control device of the work machine mounted on the bottom; a first fuse for a driving control device and a second fuse for a cargo-handling device, provided closer to the first side than the second side; a charging device for the battery, the charging device being mounted on the bottom; and a third fuse for the charging device, provided closer to the second side than the first side. |
| US09550655B2 |
Pallet return in moving walkways
A moving walkway with a pallet return mechanism is disclosed. The moving walkway generally includes a pallet track having a passenger portion connected to a return portion through an end portion, a plurality of pallets coupled to the pallet track with each pallet extending between front and back ends, and a pallet return apparatus adapted to sequentially lower the front and back ends of the pallet to transition each pallet from the passenger portion to the return portion of the pallet track. Methods for returning the pallet on the pallet track are also disclosed. |
| US09550652B2 |
Rapid deployment frac water transfer system
A method of and apparatus for the rapid deployment of a fracturing water transferring system, along with the rapid picking up and storage of such system after use. In different embodiments the method in includes the use of a tensioning system to retrieve one or more segments of lay flat hose. |
| US09550650B2 |
Traverse device and traverse method
A traverse device and a traverse method for winding wire materials are provided. A guide roller is placed near the outer circumference of a reel body and inclined, around the rotation center (center of curvature of an R guide) located near the outer edge of the guide roller on the side near the reel body as the fulcrum, in a direction in which the roller outer edge recedes from one of reel flanges ahead in the traverse direction on the side apart from the reel body. The inclining direction is switched at the midpoint position between the reel flanges, and with the guide roller being inclined at all times, a reel is rotated while being moved in the axis direction to wind a wire material on the reel. |
| US09550649B2 |
Apparatus for propelling a coil clad hose
An apparatus for propelling a plurality of coil clad hoses simultaneously includes a plurality of modules. Each module includes a primary driven bull gear. A follower bull gear is rotatably fastened to a follower axle extending parallel to the drive axle and the follower bull gear meshes with the primary bull gear. A plurality of secondary bull gear/sprocket modules are fastened to each of the axles, each of the modules having a secondary bull gear having teeth extending to a first outer diameter and a sprocket gear having teeth extending a distance less than the first outer diameter. The secondary bull gear teeth of modules on the drive axle mesh with corresponding secondary bull gear teeth of modules on the follower axle to define between adjacent modules an opening width for receiving and passing therebetween a coil clad portion of a high pressure hose. |
| US09550648B2 |
Booklet making method and apparatus
A booklet making method includes: cutting a web of paper on one side and on another side into first and second continuous sheets, alternately bonding the first and second continuous sheets widthwise with a setting paste and a throwaway paste to form a double set continuous sheet of paper, and cutting the double set continuous sheet of paper into split double sheets of a selected longitudinal length. A plurality of split double sheets is integrally bound with an integrating paste to form a booklet-like product. Portions of the booklet-like product which are pasted and bonded with the throwaway paste are cut off to provide a plurality of booklets. Thus, by the booklet making method, booklets having an odd number of leaves or pages are formed without waste of paper and with reduced paper jams. |
| US09550643B2 |
Sheet conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet conveying apparatus according to the present invention includes: a pair of conveying rollers 13 which nips and conveys a sheet; a reference member 31 which determines the position of a side edge of the sheet along the sheet conveyance direction; a plurality of pairs of skew feeding correcting rollers 32 which nip and convey the sheet conveyed by the pair of conveying rollers 13 and draw the side edge of the sheet to the reference member 31; and a switching unit which switches the pair of conveying rollers 13 and the pairs of skew feeding correcting rollers 32 between a state of nipping the sheet and a state of nip releasing the sheet, the switching unit releasing the nip of the sheet by the pair of conveying rollers 13 after the conveyed sheet is nipped by at least two of the pairs of skew feeding correcting rollers 32. |
| US09550642B1 |
Sheet feeding device and imaging forming apparatus provided with same
A sheet feeding device includes a sheet feeding unit and a feed unit. The sheet feeding unit includes a housing having a pair of wall portions. The feed unit includes a pickup roller and a sheet feed roller. The feed unit includes a holder, a shaft and a pair of bearing portions. The holder has a pair of side walls each having a bearing hole portion. The shaft extends between the pair of side walls. The pair of bearing portions are mounted in the bearing hole portions and rotatably supports the shaft. The housing includes a pair of shaft supporting portions provided on the pair of wall portions and capable of supporting the bearing portions. The feed unit is attached to the housing and the holder swings with the outer peripheral parts of the bearing portions, whereby the pickup roller is vertically movable. |
| US09550641B2 |
Paper feeding device
A braking content determiner determines a content of braking control on a rotating operation such that rotation of a paper feeding motor stops within a time required for stopping from a time point of detection of a sheet by a sheet sensor to a time point of passing of a trailing edge of the sheet through a paper feeding roller, the time required for stopping being determined based on a length of the sheet in a sheet conveying direction, a predetermined speed of the paper feeding roller, and a distance between the paper feeding roller and the sheet sensor in a sheet conveying route. A controller performs the braking control on the rotating operation of the paper feeding motor, according to the content determined by the braking content determiner, upon or prior to the detection by the sheet sensor of the sheet sent out by the paper feeding roller. |
| US09550638B1 |
Devices and methods for collecting and hauling materials
The present application discloses devices for collecting and hauling materials, and methods of using the devices. The devices generally include a post and a sheet. The post includes a number of attachment points and the sheet includes a number of connectors. The connectors are selectively attachable to the attachment points on the post to position the sheet between an open orientation for loading the materials onto the sheet, and a closed orientation for transporting the device with the materials. |
| US09550634B2 |
Part feeder and part supply method
The present invention relates to a part feeder supplying a plurality of parts, the part feeder including part supply members having a part loading path enabling the plurality of parts to be loaded in a state where postures of the plurality of parts are lined up. A part passage is provided to a first end of the part loading path, the part passage enabling the plurality of parts to pass while maintaining a fixed posture for each, and in which a gas passage is provided to a second end of the part loading path, the gas passage not enabling the plurality of parts to pass and enabling in- and outflow of a gas. The present invention, accordingly, enables reduction of equipment costs of a part feeder. The present invention is particularly advantageous for a device supplying rubber stoppers. |
| US09550633B2 |
Levitation air plate
To provide a levitation air plate that can be easily manufactured and can float a substance being conveyed such as a glass while maintaining its high rigidity and controlling a floating amount in high accuracy. A levitation air plate 1 provided with: a top plate 2 in which a plurality of air ejection holes 2c and suction holes 2d penetrating from an upper surface 2a to a lower surface 2b are arranged in alternating fashion as viewed from the upper surface, the top plate 2 having a counter-bored portion 2e on the lower surface side of each of the plurality of air ejection holes; an orifice sheet 3 having a plurality of orifices 3c penetrating from an upper surface 3a to a lower surface 3b in positions corresponding to the counter-bored portions of the top plate, and having communicating holes 3d communicated one-to-one with the suction holes of the top plate and penetrating from the upper surface to the lower surface; and bottom side plates 4, 5 having an air supply channel 4c and an air supply hole 5c for supplying air to all of the orifices drilled in the orifice sheet, and an air suction channel 4d and a suction hole 5d for suctioning air from all of the communicating holes communicated with the suction holes. |
| US09550631B2 |
Feeding device having a double-disk feed having a separated drive and method for operating such a feeding device
A feeding device for an in-line screw machine with a shaft rotating in a feed container. A conveying screw is arranged in the direction toward the longitudinal axis of the rotating shaft. At least one disk wheel is allocated to each longitudinal side in the feed container. A separate drive is allocated to each disk wheel for purposes of rotational movement. |
| US09550629B2 |
Apparatus for dispensing material
An apparatus for dispensing material includes an outlet opening with a perforated cover. A rotatable applicator dispenses material through the perforated cover and may include brushes that sweep across and penetrate the openings of the perforated cover. The housing may also contain a feed roller for regulating the flow of the material and one or more commutators for fractionating the material. |
| US09550624B2 |
Autonomous mobile picking
An order-picking method includes autonomously routing a plurality of mobile robotic units in an order fulfillment facility and picking articles to or putting articles from the robotic units in the order fulfillment facility. A material-handling robotic unit that is adapted for use in an order fulfillment facility includes an autonomous mobile vehicle base and a plurality of article receptacles positioned on the base. A visual indicator associated with the receptacle facilitates picking articles to or putting articles from the robotic unit. |
| US09550621B2 |
Pressure control fill valve
A pressure control fill valve for a pressurized dispenser container comprises a first and second end and a base, a first and second circumferential lip. The lips enable placement of the valve in an opening of a pressurized dispenser container in first a position, where a propellant gas can be filled into the container and a second position for complete closing of the container. According to the invention, the second lip of the valve is asymmetric about its circumference. This prevents the valve from being pushed out of the opening of the container in case of high over-pressure or enlargement of the opening due to a temperature increase. The invention eliminates the hazard of a loss of valve and propellant gas in case of high temperature. |
| US09550620B2 |
Devices and dispensers for sterile coverings for tablet computers and mobile phones
A sterile cover for a touchscreen device is provided that includes a transparent, electrically conductive screen area adapted to cover a screen of the touchscreen device and including a first sterile material. The sterile cover also includes a perimeter area surrounding the screen region and having an opening adapted to receive the touchscreen device and including a second sterile material. A removable sterile cover for substantially encapsulating a touchscreen device is provided that includes an opening for inserting the touchscreen device into the cover and a closure for closing the opening. A device for dispensing sterile covers for touchscreen devices is provided that includes a chamber adapted to enclose a plurality of sterile covers and an actuator adapted to move a next sterile cover of into a ready position. The device also includes a loading area adapted to hold a touchscreen device. |
| US09550619B2 |
Slot adjustment and jam clearance for pharmaceutical dispenser
Devices dispense medicine and dietary supplements in solid dosage form. The dimensions of the selection slots for the solid dosage forms in a device can be customized in depth by adding or subtracting spacers, and in width by adding or subtracting thickness inserts, or otherwise by employing components of suitable dimensions. Also, structures and methods for resolving jams of solid dosage forms are disclosed. |
| US09550617B2 |
Zipper and zipper-equipped bag
A tearing guide strip 23 is integrated with a base part 21a or 21b of at least one of a male member 2a and a female member 2b constituting a zipper 2 in a peelable manner to improve the tearing unsealing ability of a zipper-equipped bag provided with an interlocking type zipper enabling resealing and unsealing after the bag is unsealed. |
| US09550614B2 |
Light emitting device including semiconductor nanocrystals
A light emitting device includes a semiconductor nanocrystal and a charge transporting layer that includes an inorganic material. The charge transporting layer can be a hole or electron transporting layer. The inorganic material can be an inorganic semiconductor. |
| US09550610B2 |
Draw tape bag
The bag may include a draw tape that may be used to cinch closed the opening of the bag. The draw tape has at least one stretched elastomeric strip attached to the draw tape in an extended condition. The draw tape may be smaller in size than the bag sidewalls. The draw tape may include an elastic characteristic, such as patterned ribs. In one embodiment, the roll of bag is kept under tension to maintain the elastomeric strips in a stretched condition. |
| US09550607B2 |
Packing polycrystalline silicon
The present invention relates to a method for packing polysilicon in the form of chunks by introducing the chunks into a first plastic bag, the first plastic bag being introduced into a second plastic bag after the introduction of the chunks, or the first plastic bag already having been inserted into the second plastic bag prior to the introduction of the chunks into the first plastic bag, as a result of which the chunks are present in a double bag which is sealed, wherein the air present in the two plastic bags in the double bag after the introduction of the chunks is removed before the sealing of the double bag such that the total volume of the double bag relative to the volume of the chunks is 2.4 to 3.0. |
| US09550606B2 |
Detachable dispensing systems for containers
Detachable dispensing systems for containers are provided that include a handling portion having an outer ring configured to selectively secure and, alternatively, remove the handling portion about a dispensing opening of the container and an inner ring defining a circular aperture within the handling portion, a hollow rigid member slideably disposed within the circular aperture and selectively positionable between a recessed position and, alternatively, an extended position, and an extendible spout at least partially disposed in the hollow rigid member and connected to the hollow rigid member, in which the extendible spout is configured to dispense a pourable material from the container through the distal opening when the handling portion is engaged about the dispensing opening of the container. Material containers are also provided that include a container having a dispensing opening and the detachable dispensing system selectively connected to the container about the dispensing opening. |
| US09550602B2 |
Collapsible reusable carrying cases
Collapsible reusable carrying cases are provided in sizes varying from small food containers to large push cart bins on casters. The cases are assembled or disassembled from a joined flat space-saving configuration to a functioning case and vice-versa. All parts that make up a carrying case do not separate from the carrying case and no parts can be removed. The cases are formed from rigid plastic panels, and are assembled or disassembled without tools. The sides of the cases are erected progressively by hand by interlocking elements at the corners. The panels also disassemble progressively by being manually pulled apart. When folded into a flat storage or shipping configuration, the panels stay together, resisting unfolding by virtue of snaps which are either molded into the panels or bonded to them. The carrying cases are resistant to water, dirt, bacteria, molds, allergens, and inclement weather. |
| US09550598B2 |
Flattened container comprising an arched bottom with square seat
Container of plastic material having a flattened body and a bottom in the extension of the body having peripheral seat defining a seating plane the contour of which has in the same plane a large dimension A1 and a small dimension A2 that is strictly smaller than the large dimension, and an inner annular cheek substantially perpendicular to the seating plane. The bottom having a concave arch that extends from the seat towards a central zone. A height H of the cheek and a width L of the seating plane are such that 0.5 ≤ L H ≤ 2.5 . A transverse extension A of the seating plane and a transverse extension B of the body, measured near the bottom, are such that A B ≥ 0.85 . |
| US09550597B2 |
Wrapping material removal method
A material removal method for removing net wrap or twine from the outer surface of a bale of material. The method comprises the steps of cutting the net wrap or twine material along a length of the bale, placing a first spear (62, 162) of a material wind-up system (60, 160) between the bale and the material, rotating the material wind-up system to wind the net wrap or twine material around the first (62, 162) and a second spear (64, 164) and stripping the material from the first and second spears. |
| US09550595B2 |
Method for operating a chamber packaging machine
The invention relates to a method for operating a chamber packaging machine, wherein the position of a sealing bar is during the evacuation of a diaphragm checked using a sensor. |
| US09550589B2 |
Method for fastening a paper product roll entity to a pallet and a paper product roll entity wrapped by plastic foil
A method for fastening a paper product roll entity to a pallet by continuous plastic foil. The pallet has a cross direction and a longitudinal direction. A first sequence is repeated at least once. The first sequence includes wrapping the paper product roll entity such that a first continuous foil unwound from a foil head travels over the paper product roll entity and under the pallet, and moving in a cross direction a head of the foil or the pallet having the paper product roll entity on its substantially horizontal plane. After the first sequence, a second sequence is repeated at least once. The second sequence includes wrapping a second continuous foil spirally around the paper product roll entity. |
| US09550587B2 |
Packaging of polycrystalline silicon
The invention relates to a process for packaging polycrystalline silicon in the form of chunks, including the following steps: (a) providing polycrystalline silicon in a metering system; (b) filling polycrystalline silicon from the metering system, which removes fines by use of screening, into a plastic bag arranged below the metering system. The weight of the plastic bag with the polycrystalline silicon introduced is determined during the filling step and the filling step is ended after the attainment of a target weight. A fall height of the polycrystalline silicon from the metering system into the plastic bag is kept at less than 450 mm by use of at least one clamp apparatus over the entire filling step. |
| US09550586B2 |
Apparatus and methods for hypersonic stochastic switch
An apparatus and method for mitigating the shock front of a rocket or aerospace plane flying at hypersonic speeds while simultaneously distilling liquid chemical elements from the ambient air. The ensuing supercool/chilled air that is rendered as a consequence of supercooling may hence be compressed, regeneratively intercooled & flashed into liquid air. By means of extension, liquid air may be rendered as a direct result of said supercooling throughout the hypersonic regime into space. Also described are the details of an isentropically expanded hypersonic stochastic switch (a singularity), which is mainly achieved via the addition of a high pressure supersonic isentropic expansion nozzle whereby a continuous flow continuum is transformed into a stochastic flux. |
| US09550584B1 |
Deployable thin membrane apparatus
A deployable thin membrane apparatus for use with a spacecraft is provided. The apparatus includes a flexible membrane structure and a deployment mechanism for transitioning the membrane structure from an undeployed state towards a deployed state in which the membrane can perform a function needed by a spacecraft. In one embodiment, the deployment mechanism includes a plurality of pantographs that each engage the membrane structure, a rotatable disk structure that engages and coordinates the transition of the pantographs from an undeployed state towards a deployed state, and a spring system for providing energy that is used to rotate the disk structure. |
| US09550580B2 |
Strapped windshield assembly for rotorcraft
This description relates to a strapped windshield assembly for a rotorcraft. In some implementations, the rotorcraft includes an airframe, a windshield, and a plurality of independent straps connected to the airframe and the windshield, the straps operative to move independently with respect to one another. The independent movement of the straps allow relative movement of portions of the windshield in response to a strike. In some implementations, the straps are spaced every 4-6 inches along an edge of the windshield. In some implementations, the straps are over an edge of the windshield. The straps can have a modulus of elasticity of 8-12 millions of pounds per square inch (MSI). The windshield can include polycarbonate material. |
| US09550577B1 |
Electricity generation in automated aerial vehicles
This disclosure describes a system and method for operating an automated aerial vehicle wherein the battery life may be extended by performing one or more electricity generation procedures on the way to a destination (e.g., a delivery location for an item). In various implementations, the electricity generation procedure may include utilizing an airflow to rotate one or more of the propellers of the automated aerial vehicle so that the associated propeller motors will generate electricity (e.g., which can be utilized to recharge the battery, power one or more sensors of the automated aerial vehicle, etc.). In various implementations, the airflow may consist of a wind, or may be created by the kinetic energy of the automated aerial vehicle as it moves through the air (e.g., as part of a normal flight path and/or as part of an aerial maneuver). |
| US09550574B2 |
Ventilation system and method of assembly
A ventilation system for ventilating a passenger compartment of an aircraft is disclosed herein. The ventilation system includes, but is not limited to, a nozzle that is adapted to be mounted proximate an interior of the aircraft and that is configured to direct a stream of air into the passenger compartment. The ventilation system further includes a valve that is spaced apart from the nozzle and positioned upstream of the nozzle, the valve configured to control a flow of air to the nozzle. The ventilation system still further includes a conduit that fluidly couples the valve to the nozzle. The conduit is configured to convey the flow of air from the valve to the nozzle. |
| US09550570B2 |
On-board generation of oxygen for aircraft passengers
The present invention provides a system and method for supplying, generating, conserving, and managing oxygen that is ideally suited for use on-board an aircraft for supply of breathable oxygen to passengers and flight crew. The system includes several components that together optimize oxygen utilization while reducing costs from maintenance and added weight of traditional pressurized gaseous cylinders. Components of the system include a pressurized cylinder of oxygen enriched gas or a chemical oxygen generator for rapid use in emergency situations, an on-board oxygen generator (OBOG) of the ceramic oxygen generator (COG) type incorporating solid electrolyte oxygen separation (SEOS) technology, a controller, a pulsed oxygen supplier, a crew/passenger breathing mask, and one or more sensors including sensors that detect inhale/exhale phases and communicate with the controller so that flow of oxygen may be regulated for conservation and to adapt to physiological needs. |
| US09550569B2 |
Method of and frame for restraining a machine on a vehicle seat
A frame has a first frame portion configured to sit on a base of a vehicle seat and demountably receive a machine. A second portion of frame is coupled with and extends substantially upright from the first portion. The second portion is adjacent and bears against a back of the seat. Extending across the second portion from side to side is a lateral frame element. The lateral frame element enables the frame to be secured on and to the seat by way of a conventional seat belt. The frame also includes a pivoting support shown in this embodiment as a tray for supporting a box of capsules which are dispensed by the machine. |
| US09550567B1 |
In-flight reconfigurable hybrid unmanned aerial vehicle
This disclosure is directed to an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) that transitions in-flight between vertical flight configuration and horizontal flight configuration by changing an orientation of the UAV by approximately ninety degrees. The UAV may include propulsion units that are coupled to a wing. The wing may include wing segments rotatably coupled together by pivots that rotate to position the propulsion units around a center of mass of the UAV when the fuselage is oriented perpendicular with the horizon. In this vertical flight configuration, the UAV may perform vertical flight or hover. During the vertical flight, the UAV may cause the wing to extend outward via the pivots such that the wing segments become positioned substantially parallel to one another and the wing resembles a conventional fixed wing. With the wing extended, the UAV assumes a horizontal flight configuration that provides upward lift generated from the wing. |
| US09550565B2 |
Coaxial counter-rotating rotor system
A system and method to tilt coaxial counter-rotating rotor hub assemblies relative to a fuselage. The system includes a first rotor hub assembly and a second rotor hub assembly spaced apart from the first hub assembly and carried by the fuselage. The method includes pivotally attaching the first rotor hub assembly and the second rotor hub assembly to a pivot joint and thereafter tilting the first rotor hub assembly and the second rotor hub assembly about the pivot joint with a driver. |
| US09550557B2 |
Multicage-type device for filtering ballast water so as to prevent back pressure on backwash line
A filtering device for treating ballast water and more particularly, a multicage-type device for filtering ballast water to prevent back pressure, wherein the multicage-type device for filtering ballast water includes a back pressure prevention tank on a backwash line for backwashing and discharging foreign substances that are inside a filter of the device for filtering, so that backwash water and the foreign substances in the backwash line are preliminarily stored in the back pressure prevention tank thereby preventing an increase of back pressure and preventing an increase of the back pressure on the backwash line by always maintaining a level of water inside the back pressure prevention tank at lower than an inlet port that is connected to the backwash line. |
| US09550554B2 |
Controlling buoyancy of an underwater vehicle using a dual-internal-reservoir configuration to enhance efficiency of inflating and deflating an external chamber
An underwater vehicle may include a buoyancy control system configured to use a dual-internal-reservoir configuration to enhance efficiency of changing buoyancy of the underwater vehicle. The buoyancy control system may utilize an incompressible fluid (e.g., oil or water) that is transferred between a first internal reservoir and an external chamber to affect buoyancy of the underwater vehicle. In exemplary implementations, a compressible fluid (e.g., air) may be used to inflate or deflate a second internal reservoir. The second internal reservoir may be disposed within the buoyancy control system so that it can act on the first internal reservoir by applying a compressive force or a tensive force on the first internal reservoir, depending on the pressure differences between the two reservoirs. |
| US09550549B1 |
Rope cuff
A rope cuff including a plurality of shoring lines attached to an interior surface and covered with an interior flap formed from a material with a high coefficient of friction is provided. The shoring lines are braided around a mooring line to serve as a chafe guard and the interior flap frictionally engages the mooring line to maintain both the chafe guard and the cuff in appropriate positions. An adjustable hook and loop strap is attached to the exterior surface of the rope cuff to constrict the cuff around the mooring line and provide further frictional engagement between the interior of the rope cuff and the mooring line. |
| US09550542B2 |
Electric cycle
A kit for an electric cycle includes a powertrain module including a case, a battery disposed in the case, an electric motor in communication with the battery and disposed in the case, and a connecting port on the case. The kit includes a first module including a frame member configured to releasably engage the connecting port and a wheel rotatably connected to the frame member, a second module including a frame member configured to releasably engage the connecting port, and a releasable locking feature on the connecting port. |
| US09550540B1 |
Foldable vehicle for carrying a golf bag
A passenger vehicle for carrying a golf bag includes first and second front wheels and a rear wheel, a frame that may be folded into a compact position, gearing, and a steering mechanism. The frame includes a cross bar extending between the first and second front wheels, first and second front bars connected to a rear bar at a hinged connection, and a down tube connected to the cross bar, wherein the rear bar includes a receiving mechanism for releaseably receiving the down tube. The gearing includes a cassette secured to an axle extending through the cross bar. A steering mechanism for providing directionality includes a steering member within the rear bar. A first golf bag support is connected to the first and second front bars and a second golf bag support is connected to the cross bar. |
| US09550538B2 |
Bicycle saddle with a T-shaped channel
A bicycle saddle has a seat post, an adjustment base, a seat, a sliding base, and two adjusting bolts. The seat post has a supporting base having a concave top surface and a passage. The adjustment base is attached to the concave top surface of the supporting base and has a convex bottom surface and an elongated through hole. The convex bottom surface matches and abuts the concave top surface of the supporting base. The seat is attached to the flat top surface of the adjustment base and has a sliding channel. The sliding base is mounted slidably in the sliding channel and has a slot and two holding rods respectively provided with a threaded hole. The adjusting bolts are mounted through the passage, the elongated through hole, and the slot, and are screwed respectively with the threaded holes in the holding rods. |
| US09550532B2 |
Bowtie shaped roof bow
A roof bow for a vehicle is provided that has a “bow-tie” shape including a central portion flanked by two triangular portions. The triangular portions are joined to right and left roof brackets that are, in turn, joined to right and left roof rails. The bow-tie roof bow may be assembled from extruded tubular parts. The bow-tie roof bow may be assembled in a clamshell structure including an upper shell and a lower shell that are joined together by welding. The roof bow may be formed in one piece as a sheet metal stamping having side portions that are wider than the central portion. |
| US09550531B2 |
Vehicle body rear structure
A vehicle body rear structure includes a rear parcel provided between left and right vehicle body side parts, a parcel cross member bonded to the rear parcel and constituting a first closed cross section, and a parcel member and parcel support bonded to the first closed cross section and constituting the main section of a second closed cross section. The first closed cross section is configured from the rear parcel and the parcel cross member. Furthermore, the first closed cross section continues through the main section of the second closed cross section to the left vehicle body side part. |
| US09550521B2 |
Hydraulic steering arrangement
A hydraulic steering arrangement (1) is provided comprising a static steering unit (2) and an adjustable pressure source (3) connected to a pressure port (4) of said steering unit (2) and having a load sensing port (21). Such a steering unit should enable a fast reaction of the steering unit. To this end said pressure source (3) is a dynamic pressure source having an orifice (Adyn) outputting hydraulic fluid to said load sensing port (21), a load sensing line (22) connecting said load sensing port (21) and a low pressure port (11), a control valve (24) being arranged in said load sensing line (22) between said load sensing port (21) and said low pressure port (11), said control valve (24) being actuated by a control pressure within said steering unit (2) and throttling a flow through said load sensing line (22) depending on said control pressure. |
| US09550518B2 |
Electric power steering assembly
A rack drive assembly adapted for use in a vehicle electric power steering assembly includes a ball nut assembly operatively connected to a screw portion of a rack portion of a steering member of the power steering assembly for effecting axial movement of the steering member upon rotation of a vehicle steering wheel. According to one embodiment, the ball nut assembly includes a first bearing assembly disposed in the rack housing and carried by a ball nut, the first bearing assembly disposed on a first end of the ball nut adjacent a first side of the pulley; and a second bearing assembly disposed in the rack housing and carried by the ball nut, the second bearing assembly disposed on an opposite second end of the ball nut adjacent a second side of the pulley. |
| US09550512B2 |
Transport device formed from plastic sheet
A simple device for transporting materials is formed of a sheet of a flexible plastics material of generally tear drop shape to define a front tapered converging portion connected directly to a rear semicircular cupping portion. A rope passes through a pair of transversely spaced holes at the front edge to define a forwardly extending handle portion. The rope extends rearwardly along each side of the front portion to a hole at or adjacent a rear edge of the side edge and is covered by a stiffening tube. The rope passes through holes at the rear cupping portion to define a rear portion of the rope outside the sheet across the rear covered by a stiffening tube engaged over the rear portion of the rope. |
| US09550511B2 |
Height extender for control arm skate
A height extender for a control arm skate has an upper face configured to receive a control arm of a vehicle and a lower face configured to engage with an upper face of an underlying control arm skate. Extenders may be stacked. |
| US09550503B2 |
Brake control device for a brake system, brake system, rail vehicle and method for operating a brake system
A brake control device for a brake system for a rail vehicle, the brake system having at least one adhesion-type friction brake device. The brake control device receives brake actuation data, which are assigned to the at least one adhesion-type friction brake device, from a brake actuation sensor device of the brake system. The brake control device receives brake action data, which are assigned to the at least one adhesion-type friction brake device, from a brake action sensor device of the brake system, and to cause the adhesion-type friction brake device to effect a braking process, and to monitor and assign brake actuation data and brake action data to each other during a braking process. Also disclosed is a brake system, a rail vehicle and a method for operating a brake system. |
| US09550502B2 |
Cover structure in slide position detection device for vehicle seat
A cover structure in a slide position detection device for a vehicle seat includes a magnetic detector disposed on a side of one of a fixed rail and a movable rail; a cover that covers the magnetic detector and that is disposed on the side of the one rail; and a detected portion disposed on a side of the other rail. The cover includes a lateral cover portion that covers a lateral portion of the magnetic detector, and a detection portion cover portion that faces and covers a detection portion of the magnetic detector; and the detection portion cover portion is provided with a ferromagnetic plate that faces the detection portion, the ferromagnetic plate being located at a position that is farther from the detection portion than a closest position of the detected portion relative to the detection portion, and the ferromagnetic plate shielding against magnetism from the magnetic detector. |
| US09550494B2 |
Driving assistance apparatus
An apparatus for assisting in the driving of a vehicle determines, for a first vehicle, a first traveling track based on road infrastructure and a second traveling track based on the traveling track of a second vehicle that precedes the first vehicle. The apparatus stores information about the first traveling track and the second traveling track such that the deviation corresponds to the respective traveling positions of the vehicles. If a base for formation of a target track that the first vehicle is caused follow is switched between the first traveling track and the second traveling track when the apparatus forms this target track, the apparatus forms the target track based on the deviation information to decrease deviation between the first traveling track and the second traveling track. |
| US09550490B2 |
Method of using feedforward compensation based on pressure feedback for controlling swash plate angle in a hydrostatic power unit of a continuously variable transmission
A swash plate angle for a hydrostatic power unit of a continuously variable hydromechanical transmission is determined using a feedforward compensation term, to reduce reliance on closed loop control. The feedforward term is based on knowledge of the hydrostatic power unit determined as a function of knowledge of certain parameters, including, but not limited to, hydrostatic power unit pressure, swash plate angle, desired hydrostatic power unit ratio, and pump speed. |
| US09550488B1 |
Hybrid vehicle and method of controlling a hybrid vehicle powertrain
A vehicle includes an engine, an electric machine, a torque converter and a controller. The torque converter includes an impeller and receives power from the engine and electric machine. The controller, in response to an absence of driver demanded torque and a difference between desired and estimated impeller speeds, adjusts a torque of the electric machine based on a difference between an estimated engine torque and a desired impeller torque in order to drive the impeller toward the desired impeller speed. |
| US09550487B2 |
No-delay overlay pneumatic air brake system
The present application relates to a braking system for a train that is configured to operate in combination with pneumatic systems. The braking system includes an electronic control board and an electronic control valve coupled to the brake pipe on a railcar. The braking system is located on one of a number of railcars dispersed throughout the train. The electronic control board monitors a brake signal from the locomotive and selectively transmits signal data to the electronic control valve to release air pressure within the brake pipe. The braking system provides one or more air release locations within the brake pipe so as to reduce braking stresses. |
| US09550484B2 |
System and method for determining vehicle orientation in a vehicle consist
A system and method for determining an orientation of a vehicle are provided. The system and method determine (with a sensor assembly disposed onboard a first vehicle) a direction in which a fluid flows within the first vehicle. The first vehicle is included in a vehicle consist with a second vehicle. The orientation of the first vehicle relative to the second vehicle is determined based at least in part on the direction in which the fluid flows within the first vehicle. The fluid may be air in an air brake pipe of the vehicle consist. |
| US09550483B2 |
Master cylinder with flow limitation system
A brake fluid reservoir is connected to a master cylinder by a neck which is arranged in an upper chamber of the master cylinder. Holes extend through a surface of a piston, opening to a pressure chamber. The piston extends through a bore hole of the master cylinder. A drill hole extends through an interior wall of the master cylinder, opening into the bore hole, thereby providing communication between the fluid reservoir and the pressure chamber. A floating orifice plate is arranged within the upper chamber, between the neck of the brake fluid reservoir chamber and the drill hole, such that the orifice plate forms a baffle that limits a flow rate of liquid from the brake fluid reservoir chamber to the pressure chamber; and includes supports pressing against a surface of the interior wall of the master cylinder and arranged around the first side of the drill hole. |
| US09550482B2 |
Control device for a braking system of a vehicle, and method for operating a braking system of a vehicle
A method for operating a braking system of a vehicle includes: establishing a first setpoint brake pressure to be set in a first wheel brake cylinder of a first brake circuit and a second setpoint brake pressure to be set in a second wheel brake cylinder of a second brake circuit; reducing first and second actual brake pressures by setting a master brake cylinder pressure to be no greater than a minimum of the first and second setpoint brake pressures, and controlling a first switchover valve of the first brake circuit and/or of the second brake circuit; and/or increasing the first and second actual brake pressures by setting the master brake cylinder pressure to be no smaller than a maximum of the first and second setpoint brake pressures, and activating a first wheel inlet valve of the first brake circuit and/or of the second brake circuit. |
| US09550481B2 |
Trailer with a trailer brake control device therein
The present invention relates to a trailer with a trailer brake control device therein. The trailer brake control device of the present invention comprises: a sway detecting sensor arranged in the trailer for detecting the sway of the trailer; a signal sensor for detecting a brake signal generated by a brake switch of a vehicle which tows the trailer; and a processor, electrically connected to the sway detecting sensor, the signal sensor and the brake, for controlling the brake based on an output of the sway detecting sensor and/or an output of the signal sensor. According to the present invention, the trailer brake control device can independently control the brakes and/or diagnose the malfunction of a brake controller arranged in the vehicle. |
| US09550479B2 |
Apparatus and method of controlling brake of tractor
An apparatus for controlling a brake of a tractor towing a trailer includes a trailer sensor for sensing whether or not the trailer is mounted at the tractor, an auxiliary brake driver for driving an auxiliary brake of the tractor, a main brake driver for driving main brakes of the tractor and the trailer, and a controller for setting a ratio of braking force of the auxiliary brake to a reference value with respect to a required braking force from a smart cruise control (SCC) system and allocating the remaining required braking force to the main brakes of the tractor and the trailer in the case in which the trailer sensor senses that the trailer is mounted at the tractor. |
| US09550476B2 |
Electric drive unit for a corner steady
An overload protection in a drive unit for a steady or jack for a caravan comprises an electro-mechanical control system. A spindle is driven by a motor through a gearbox, wherein the motor is controlled through a power supply. A control device in the system comprises a movable part slidably seated on an output shaft of the gearbox, where the movable part is connected with the spindle. Movement between the shaft and the sliding part is counteracted by springs. The slidable part is provided with actuating points that may contact switches by axial movements. When a nut on the spindle reaches an end position, a reactive force in the spindle will cause the part to move against the force of springs, eventually actuating a switch and thereby causing interruption of the circuit, thereby protecting motor and engagement between nut and spindle from electric and mechanical overload. |
| US09550474B2 |
Integrated sensor apparatus of vehicle
An integrated sensor apparatus of a vehicle is provided that includes a light emitter that is configured to emit a light having an area of a predetermined range or greater to a first region of a windshield. A light receiver is configured to receive the light emitted by the light emitter and reflected from the first region of the windshield and an external light incident from the exterior to the windshield. Further, a light guider is configured to be attached to the windshield to guide the light emitted by the light emitter to be reflected from the first region of the windshield and arrive at the light receiver. An image sensor is configured to sense a plurality of image patterns from the light reflected by the first region of the windshield and the external light incident into the windshield from the exterior. |
| US09550472B2 |
Device for creating gas inflating an airbag
A personal protection arrangement in a vehicle includes a gas generator for fluid communication with a reservoir and a control unit. The control unit is arranged to activate the gas generator upon fulfillment of at least one predetermined criterion such that gas is released by the gas generator into the reservoir and the pressure in the reservoir is increased. The gas generator comprises at least one electrochemical cell which is arranged to generate gas when the electrical status of the electrochemical cell is changed from a first state to a second state by a state-changing action. |
| US09550469B2 |
Airbag device
An airbag device includes a main airbag unit with a main bag body that is inflated and deployed from a front side of a front seat when impact is input, and a supplemental airbag unit with a supplemental bag body that is inflated and deployed from a side portion of the main airbag unit when impact is input. The supplemental bag body comes into contact with the main bag body when inflated and deployed and restricts inflation and deployment of the main bag body. |
| US09550468B2 |
Airbag module with a cover bearing a manufacturer emblem
An airbag module (10) with a housing (11) accommodating a gas generator (12) and a folded airbag (13) whose deployment opening (14) is closed before activation of the airbag (10) by a cover (15) fixed on the housing (11) by at least one predetermined breaking point (18) and to secure the opened cover (15) on the housing (11). An arrester strap (20) is positioned in a displaceable manner between the cover (15) and the housing (11). The cover (15) bearing a manufacturer emblem (17) on its exterior is secured on the housing (11) by means of a hinge (19) and the arrester strap (20) is attached by its one end (22) to a part affixed to the housing and encloses at least an area of the cover (15) or the manufacturer emblem (17) in a loop (27). |
| US09550465B1 |
Airbag for oblique vehicle impacts
An airbag system includes an inflator and an airbag in communication with the inflator. The airbag system includes a tether actuator and tethers extending from the tether actuator to the airbag. A controller is programmed to receive signals from an impact sensing system and a steering wheel angle sensor. The controller is programmed to instruct the tether actuator to release at least one of the tethers based at least on the signals from the steering wheel angle sensor and the impact sensing system. |
| US09550464B2 |
Active knee protection system
An active leg engagement system for a vehicle includes a selectively deployable leg-engaging member containing an airbag or expandable energy absorber for protecting a pedestrian from collision with the vehicle. An alternative embodiment may include an expandable energy absorber within or behind a vehicle bumper. |
| US09550463B2 |
Vehicle body end section structure
A vehicle body end section structure is obtained that enables a spacer member that transmits load to a framework member in a small overlap collision to be suppressed from impinging on a wheel in a minor collision. The vehicle body end section structure comprises a pair of left and right framework members, a bumper framework section connected to leading end portions of the pair of framework members, and a spacer member that projects out from a jutting-out portion of the bumper framework section toward a framework member side. The spacer member is disposed such that a rotation trajectory of the spacer member about a connection location between the bumper framework section and the framework member, the connection location is positioned on an opposite side in the vehicle width direction of the spacer member, does not impinge on a wheel in plan view. |
| US09550452B2 |
Early warning of vehicle deceleration
A communication system for a vehicle includes a vehicle speed sensor configured to emit a periodic function with a parameter correlated to the speed of the vehicle, an acceleration monitoring system, a braking system engagement detector to detect a braking status of the vehicle, an alerting device capable of signaling other drivers of a deceleration condition of the vehicle, and a control device. The acceleration monitoring system is configured to compute the acceleration of the vehicle from variations in the parameter of the periodic function of the vehicle speed sensor and to output a deceleration status of the vehicle. The control device is coupled to the acceleration monitoring system, the braking system engagement detector, and the alerting device, wherein the acceleration monitoring system sends signals to the control device and the control device operates the alerting device in a manner dependent on the deceleration status of the vehicle. |
| US09550446B1 |
Cargo restraint device
A device for engaging an elongated support for restraining cargo for use in a container having corrugated or flat walls. The device is securable selectively to a peak or a trough of the corrugated wall or to the flat wall. The device may be engageable selectively to an elongated support in the form of a 2×4 or an elongated support in the form of a 4×4. |
| US09550444B1 |
Lift system
A lift system that is attachable to a vehicle, such as a car, truck, van, and the like, for lifting and carrying heavy items, such as a motorcycle utilizing a platform connected to a lifting mechanism that is connected to the vehicle. The lifting mechanism has a pair of lift arm housings that are connected to the vehicle, a pair of lift arms connected to the platform that rises up and down within their respective lift arm housing, and an electric motor to raise and lower the lift arms. The platform can be removed from the lift arms and stored away or used as a tabletop by. Wheels may be provided to easily maneuver the platform on the ground. Elongated posts can be attached to the platform to function as braces to secure the item to the platform. The elongated posts can also be used as legs for the tabletop. |
| US09550443B2 |
Vehicle containment and transport systems and methods
A system of the present disclosure has a housing that has at least two female indentations, and each indentation has tapered walls that form a cavity. The system further has a trailer that has at least two protrusions, including a first protrusion on a first leg of the trailer and a second protrusion on a second leg of the trailer, and the protrusions are arranged to mate with the at least two female indentations when the housing is placed on the trailer. Each protrusion has a lock slat slidably moveable in a slot formed in a side of the protrusion and the lock slats are adapted to engage one of the tapered walls of the protrusions thereby retaining the housing on the trailer. |
| US09550442B2 |
Loading device
A loading apparatus having a base frame mounted to a vehicle. The loading apparatus has a first frame system connected to the base frame and a second frame system having a carriage slidably connected to the first frame system and a pivot frame connected to the carriage. The loading apparatus has a cable assembly having a stationary pulley mounted to the carriage and a pulley bracket mounted to the pivot frame. |
| US09550438B2 |
Headrests and vehicle seats having the same
Embodiments of the present invention may include a vehicle seat having a seatback and a headrest. The headrest has a first headrest portion, a second headrest portion and a headrest cover. The first headrest portion is connected to the seatback. The second headrest portion is provided nearer to a user seated in the seat than the first headrest portion. The second headrest portion is provided on the first headrest portion so as to be vertically movable. The headrest cover covers the first headrest portion and the second headrest portion. The headrest cover includes an elastic region. When the second headrest portion moves vertically with respect to the first headrest portion, the elastic region is deformed so as to allow movement of the second headrest portion. |
| US09550435B2 |
Electric vehicle control device
An angular acceleration monitor may monitor whether or not an angular acceleration of a wheel detected by an angular acceleration detector is equal to or smaller than an acceptable angular acceleration (W) that is calculated with the following formula: W=k1×R×Tt/m/r2 where k1 is a constant, Tt is a total drive torque that is a sum of drive torques of all motor units that drive wheels of the vehicle, m is vehicle mass, r is tire radius, and R is reduction ratio of a reducer unit interposed between the motor unit and the wheel. A slip-responsive controller causes, if it is determined that the acceptable angular acceleration is exceeded, a motor controller to reduce a drive torque of the motor unit(s). |
| US09550433B2 |
Large electric vehicle power structure and alternating-hibernation battery management and control method thereof
An alternating-hibernation battery management and control method for a power structure of a large electric vehicle is provided. The power structure includes a vehicular computer with a sorting controller, plural configuration-variable series-type battery boxes in parallel connection and a driving device. Each configuration-variable series-type battery box includes plural battery modules in series connection. The method includes the following steps. Firstly, the vehicular computer calculates a required number of battery modules and a required number of configuration-variable series-type battery boxes. Then, the sorting controller calculates module scores of all battery modules, and generates a battery module sorting result. Then, the sorting controller enables the required number of battery modules according to the required number of battery modules and the battery module sorting result. Then, the sorting controller calculates a battery box score and generates a battery box sorting result. Afterwards, the sorting controller controls at least one configuration-variable series-type battery box in the last rank of the battery box sorting result to be in a hibernation mode. |
| US09550428B1 |
Positioning system for electric charging
A charging station for an electric vehicle having a charging blade may include a charge head configured to electrically connect with a charging blade of a vehicle to charge the vehicle, the charge head extending from a front end to a rear end along a longitudinal axis that extends along a direction of travel of the vehicle. The charge head may include a first housing and a second housing, wherein the first and second housings are (a) symmetrically positioned about the longitudinal axis and (b) separated by a channel that extends from the front end to the rear end of the charge head, the channel being dimensioned to position the charging blade therein. The charge head may further include one or more charging brushes located in each of the first housing and the second housing, wherein each of the one or more charging brushes in each housing is configured to extend into the channel towards the other housing to contact the charging blade positioned in the channel. The charge head may also include one or more sensors located in at least one of the first housing or the second housing, wherein the one or more sensors is configured to detect a presence of the charging blade in the channel. |
| US09550427B2 |
Contactless power supply device
A contactless power supply device supplying electric power in a contactless manner to a power receiving device mounted on a moving object includes: a bottom plate structuring an installation face; a power transmitting coil disposed on the bottom plate to supply electric power to a power receiving coil included in the power receiving device; and a cover attached to the bottom plate so as to cover the power transmitting coil disposed on the bottom plate. A layer of air is formed between the power transmitting coil and the cover. |
| US09550422B2 |
Vehicle high voltage interlock startup
A vehicle high voltage system may include switches (e.g., IGBTs, contactors, relays, etc.), wires, a traction battery, electrical components with electrical properties and at least one controller. The at least one controller may be programmed to modulate a switch to provide a testing voltage for the electrical components, which is less than an operating voltage of the battery, and in response to a current flow associated with the testing voltage being less than a predetermined threshold, stop current flow between the battery and electrical components. |
| US09550421B2 |
DC-to-DC converter with variable set-point control
A DC-to-DC converter may be disposed in a vehicle for converting a high voltage from a power source to a low voltage. The DC-to-DC converter may include a primary converter, a secondary converter, and a DC-to-DC module. The DC-to-DC module may control the operation of the secondary converter based on a set-point threshold and a power output of the primary converter, where the set-point threshold may be variably set. |
| US09550418B1 |
Travel safety control
A system and method for encouraging a user of a recreational vehicle to wear safety equipment is described. The helmet contains a microprocessor and sensors to determine if the helmet is worn. The helmet communicates with the vehicle and the vehicle either disables operation or allows limited operation if the helmet is not worn. On motorized vehicles, the motor operation is restricted. On human powered vehicles mechanical resistance may limit operation. |
| US09550417B2 |
Saddle-riding type vehicle
A saddle-riding type vehicle wherein an electric power transmission apparatus is rendered compact and a clearance is kept between a front wheel and a shift motor in a structure wherein a change mechanism and the shift motor are disposed in a forward direction of a power unit. A change mechanism for selectively establishing a gear stage of a transmission and a shift motor for supplying rotational power to the change mechanism are disposed in a forward direction of a power unit. A speed reducer gear mechanism for reducing the speed of the rotational power from the shift motor is disposed in a forward direction of a transmission compartment. The shift motor is disposed such that a main motor body thereof is positioned rearwardly of the speed reducer gear mechanism. |
| US09550410B2 |
Sunroof apparatus
A sunroof apparatus includes: a movable panel that can open or close an opening formed in a roof of a vehicle; guide rails having a pair of rail-side holding portions provided side by side in a lateral direction, and respectively provided in both edge portions of the opening in the lateral direction; support brackets, front end portions of which are supported by the guide rails, having vertical walls, and each of which has bracket-side held portions; sliding members are provided so as to be able to move along the guide rails, and each of which has a connection wall; sliding member-side held portions, and sliding member-side holding portions; and an electric driving source driving the movement of the sliding members. |
| US09550406B2 |
Thermal dissipation system of an electric vehicle
The present disclosure relates to a thermal dissipation system of an electric vehicle that includes: a heat exchanger arranged at the front part of the electric vehicle for providing heating or cooling to an air conditioning system of the electric vehicle; a first heat sink and a second heat sink, which are respectively arranged at the two sides of the front part of the heat exchanger; a number of rotatable and adjustable air deflectors for changing the flow direction of the air flowing through the heat dissipation system. Temperature sensors are included within the thermal dissipation system for sensing the working temperatures and the environmental temperatures of a battery pack and a motor of the electric vehicle. Opening and closing states of the air deflectors are adjusted in accordance with data provided by the temperature sensors. |
| US09550399B2 |
Tow hitch with brake sensor system and method of use
A tow hitch that detects movement between a towing vehicle and a load and adjusts the braking forces of the load brakes proportionately to the movement, is disclosed. Said tow hitch comprising a load tow member selectively engaged with a vehicle tow member, a one or more sensors connected to the load tow member, and at least one of the one or more sensors is disposed between the vehicle tow member and the load tow member when the load tow member is engaged with the vehicle tow member. The at least one of the one or more sensors is in electronic communication with the load brakes, whereby the at least one of the one or more sensors senses movement between a load member and a vehicle member when the load tow member is engaged with the vehicle tow member and adjusts the braking forces of the load brakes. |
| US09550396B2 |
Tread profile of a pneumatic vehicle tire for utility vehicles
A tread profile has a tread profile section which is in the center of the tire in the axial direction, and in each case one shoulder profile section. The central tread profile section is composed of profile belts, and the shoulder profile sections each have a second profile belt. A circumferential groove is arranged in each case between a first profile belt of the central section and the profile belt of the shoulder section. The groove is formed with a web which is radially raised from the groove base and which divides the groove into a narrow first and a wider second section which has, at the groove base, a linear section of extent which merges, with a curvature radius R3 and R2, with the edges of the profile belt or of the web, wherein R3>R2. The linear section of extent is at an angle of inclination >0°. |
| US09550393B2 |
Non-pneumatic tire
A connecting member (15) includes connecting plates (21, 22) configured to connect an attachment body and a ring-shaped body (13), a plurality of curved sections (21d to 21j, 22d to 22j) curved in a tire circumferential direction are formed at the connecting plates (21, 22) in a direction in which the connecting plates (21, 22) extend in a side view of a tire when seen from a tire width direction, and in the plurality of curved sections (21d to 21j, 22d to 22j) of one of the connecting plates (21, 22), the thickness of a maximum curved section having largest central angles (θd to θj) about a center of curvature of the curved section (21d to 21j, 22d to 22j) is maximized, and the thickness of a minimum curved section having the smallest central angles (θd to θj) is minimized. |
| US09550390B2 |
Optical security component, fabrication of such a component and secure product equipped with such a component
An optical security component intended to be checked in reflection in a checking spectral band includes a layer that is reflective in the checking spectral band. The layer exhibits a structured zone that includes microstructures distributed spatially in a uniform manner over a whole of the structured zone so as to form an optical structure that is at least partially scattering in the checking spectral band. The microstructures have heights that are distributed according to a random function, modulated over the structured zone by a modulation function so as to form, after illumination of the optical security component at a given angle, an image identifiable by observation in reflection. |
| US09550389B2 |
Image erasing method that selectively decolors a sheet based on user information encoded on the sheet
An image erasing method includes reading a sheet having an image printed thereon with decolorable colorant and an owner information image printed thereon with decolorable colorant. The method further includes identifying a first owner information based on the owner information image, and receiving a second owner information. The method further includes determining a correlation between a user corresponding to the first owner information and a user corresponding to the second owner information. The method further includes selectively controlling a decoloring unit to decolor the image and the owner information image based on the correlation. |
| US09550386B2 |
Liquid discharging apparatus and liquid discharge position adjustment method
A liquid discharging apparatus includes a discharging unit that includes a nozzle row that discharges a liquid, and that is able to reciprocate in a first direction that intersects the nozzle row; a transport unit that transports a medium in a second direction that intersects the first direction; and a reading unit that reads the liquid discharged from the discharging unit to the medium. The liquid discharging apparatus is configured to execute an adjustment pattern forming operation for forming a first adjustment pattern for adjusting a landing position of the liquid discharged from the discharging unit in the first direction and a second adjustment pattern for adjusting the landing position of the liquid discharged from the discharging unit in the second direction on the medium, and an adjustment pattern reading operation for reading the first and second adjustment pattern with the reading unit according to a single command. |
| US09550383B2 |
Apparatus and method for control of print gap
Gas bearing systems, print gap control systems, and methods of print gap control are provided. The gas bearing systems can accommodate one or more print module packages. The systems and methods can be used for inkjet and/or thermal printing applications such as manufacturing organic light emitting devices (OLEDs). Gas bearing systems can employ one or more of pressurized gas and vacuum. For oxygen-sensitive applications, an inert gas, such as nitrogen gas, can be employed as the pressurized gas. Fluid channels and apertures of the gas bearing systems can be varied in terms of size and relative position to one another. Fluid channels and apertures can be grouped and paired with one or more manifolds and ultimately a pressurized gas and/or vacuum source. |
| US09550382B2 |
Tape cartridge and tape printing device
A tape cartridge has a print tape accommodated in a cartridge case, a slit-like reel-off port through which the print tape is sent out, and first and second sub display sections which are provided on the wall surface of a forward peripheral wall of the cartridge case where the reel-off port is formed, and in which the type of the print tape is displayed in letters. In the first and second sub display sections, the type of the print tape is displayed in the form of at least one of normal letters formed according to the reel-off port as a horizontal reference and inverted letters formed by inverting the normal letters upside down. |
| US09550379B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus
An image forming apparatus may include a mechanism for forming a corrugated shape in a sheet to be conveyed. The mechanism may include various components include one or more pressing portions, one or more ribs, one or more discharge rollers, a switching mechanism and the like. In one arrangement, ribs and pressing portions configured to create the corrugated shape may be disposed at various locations upstream or downstream of the platen, recording portion and/or nozzles thereof. In one example, pressing portions may be disposed both upstream and downstream of the nozzles of the recording portion to maintain a corrugated shape in the conveyed sheet. Various other configurations may be used. |
| US09550378B2 |
Conveyor device and inkjet recording apparatus
A conveyor device is installed opposite to a recording head in a recording apparatus. The conveyor device includes a conveyor belt and a suction section. The conveyor belt conveys a recording medium. The suction section includes a guide member having first through holes within a first region and second through holes outside of the first region. The guide member has a surface that is located opposite to the recording head with the conveyor belt therebetween and that has first grooves and second grooves therein. The first region includes at least a head facing region located directly opposite to the recording head. The first through holes are located inside of the first grooves. Each of the first grooves is shorter than the recording head. The second through holes are located inside of the second grooves. The suction section sucks on the recording medium through the conveyor belt and the guide member. |
| US09550377B2 |
System and method to mitigate media roll curl
A method includes advancing, by a controller device comprising a processing resource, a media from a roll into a printer via rollers before a printing process begins, wherein a leading edge of the media comprises a curl due to the roll. The method also includes guiding, by the controller device, the media through the printer to engage a substrate in a predetermined zone spaced downstream a predetermined distance from a roller pinch point. The method also includes holding, by the controller device, the media against the substrate in the predetermined zone to force the leading edge of the media to bend in a direction opposite the curl of the leading edge to counteract the curl of the leading edge. |
| US09550376B2 |
Printing apparatus
A printing apparatus includes a dryer that heats and dries a print base material on which a print image is formed in a printing unit. The dryer includes a rotational drum that supports and transports the print base material, and a blower unit that blows hot air to the print base material supported by the rotational drum. The dryer includes a movement unit that displaces the blower unit to a first position which allows the print base material to be heated and to a second position which is away from the print base material while maintaining the blower unit in operation. |
| US09550372B2 |
Digital printing machine and method
A decorator assembly is provided. The decorator assembly includes a mandrel turret assembly. The mandrel turret assembly includes a rotatable turret, a number of mandrels, and a number of independent ink stations. Each mandrel is rotatably coupled to the turret. Each mandrel extends generally radially from the turret and is disposed generally in a plane about an axis of rotation. The turret is structured to rotate about an axis of rotation thereby moving each mandrel over a generally circular path of travel. Each independent ink station is disposed adjacent to the path of travel of the mandrels. |
| US09550367B2 |
Liquid consuming apparatus
A liquid consuming apparatus includes a liquid container, a detector, and a controller. The liquid container includes a movable member, and the movable member includes a detection portion. The detector is configured to output a detection signal based on the presence or absence of the detection portion in a detection position. The controller is configured to measure, based on the detection signal output from the detector, a physical quantity, based on which a velocity of the detection portion can be specified, and is configured to determine whether the physical quantity is within a threshold range. |
| US09550363B2 |
Ink-jet recording apparatus
An ink-jet recording apparatus includes a plurality of recording heads including a first recording head for ejecting black ink and a second recording head for ejecting a color ink; a rubber wipe blade; and a drive mechanism that moves the wipe blade along an ink ejecting surface and is able to move-up/down the wiper blade to approach or leave the ink ejecting surface. The wipe blade has: a first wipe blade that wipes purged ink on the ink ejecting surface of the first recording head; and a second wipe blade that wipes purged ink on the ink ejecting surface of the second recording head; wherein the first wipe blade is lower than the second wipe blade in rubber hardness, and the rubber hardness of the first wipe blade is 30° or higher to 45° or lower in ASKER C hardness. |
| US09550362B2 |
Mist collection device, liquid ejecting apparatus, and method for controlling mist collection device
A mist collection device capable of suctioning and recovering mist generated at the time of ejecting a liquid is disclosed. The mist collection device includes an exhaust duct having a suction portion which is installed to extend downwardly to suction external air. The suction portion is provided with a suction port extending in a vertical direction, and an upper end portion, which communicates with the exhaust duct, of the suction portion is installed to protrude in an annular shape from an inner bottom portion of the exhaust duct. |
| US09550360B2 |
Method for manufacturing an inkjet print head
Provided are a manufacturing method of an inkjet print head, the inkjet print head and a drawing apparatus equipped with the inkjet print head. The manufacturing method includes: forming a separation assisting layer on a substrate; forming heating resistors, thin-film transistors and nozzles for ejecting liquid, on the separation assisting layer; separating the separation assisting layer from the substrate; forming a first heat-conductive layer on the opposite surface of the separation assisting layer from the nozzles; and forming an ink supply port for supplying ink to the nozzles from a first heat-conductive layer side of the inkjet print head. |
| US09550357B2 |
Image processor of printing apparatus and image processing method thereof
An image processor of a printing apparatus including a first printing head having recording units spaced at a given interval orthogonal to a transportation direction of a print medium and spaced along the transportation direction of the print medium, a second printing head disposed downstream of the first printing head, a device for obtaining recording positions of first and second images printed with the first and second printing heads, a device for calculating a positional shift amount between the recording positions of the first and second images, and a positional shift interpolating image converter performing weighting, if a remainder is generated through division of the positional shift amount by the given interval, to the first or second image depending on the remainder to convert the first or second image into a positional shift interpolating image having been shifted in accordance with skew of the print medium. |
| US09550353B2 |
Apparatus and methods for micro-transfer-printing
In an aspect, a system and method for assembling a semiconductor device on a receiving surface of a destination substrate is disclosed. In another aspect, a system and method for assembling a semiconductor device on a destination substrate with topographic features is disclosed. In another aspect, a gravity-assisted separation system and method for printing semiconductor device is disclosed. In another aspect, various features of a transfer device for printing semiconductor devices are disclosed. |
| US09550351B2 |
Corner peeling device, film peeling apparatus and film peeling method
This invention discloses a corner peeling device, a film peeling apparatus, and a film peeling method, and relates to the technical field of liquid crystal panel manufacture, for the purpose of solving the problem concerning low efficiency in film peeling. The corner peeling device comprises: a movable rack; a roller pivoted on the upper part of the rack; an evacuating device in communication with the air channel; and an automatic revolving device, which is connected to the roller so that at the beginning of corner peeling and after corner peeling, the opening of the same sucking hole at one end of the plurality of the sucking holes arranged at intervals is upward. The corner peeling device is used for peeling a corner of a release film adhered to a plate-like substrate. The film peeling apparatus comprises the corner peeling device mentioned in the technical solution described above. |
| US09550350B2 |
Optical display panel production method and optical display panel production system
An object of the invention is to provide a method for manufacturing an optical display panel. The method includes a feeding step including feeding an optical cell with a thickness of 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm by means of a feed roller unit arranged perpendicular to a direction in which the optical cell is fed; a bonding step including feeding a long carrier film from a continuous roll and bonding a sheet piece of the optical film to a lower surface of the optical cell with the pressure-sensitive adhesive interposed therebetween, wherein the lower surface is on a side in contact with the feed roller unit; and a rotation step including rotating the optical cell by 90° with respect to the direction in which the optical cell is fed which is bonded in the bonding step. |
| US09550349B1 |
System and method for additive fabrication using laminated sheets
A method for fabricating a part includes sectionalizing a computer-generated representation of a part into strata having an order, forming layers corresponding to the strata from sheet material, stacking at least two of the layers in the order, and joining the layers together. The method is suitable for producing a phase-change material container for a thermal energy harvesting device, for example. |
| US09550346B2 |
Process for fixing an article to a substrate
A process for fixing an article to a substrate with a mounting set including two receptacles storing an aerobic adhesive and a hydrophilic substance, respectively. The aerobic adhesive and the hydrophilic substance are removed from the two receptacles and then mixed together to prepare the fastening. A layer of the fastening composition is applied to the article. The article is fixed to the substrate by pressing the layer of the fastening composition against the substrate. The aerobic adhesive in the layer hardens because of the moisture contained in the hydrophilic substance. |
| US09550341B2 |
Variable-density composite articles, preforms and methods
A metal matrix composite article that includes at least first and second regions, first and second reinforcement materials, a metal matrix composite material occupying the second region of the body and comprising a metal matrix material and the second reinforcement component, a preform positioned in the first region of the body and infiltrated by at least the metal matrix material of the metal matrix composite material. The article further includes a transition region located proximate an outer surface of the preform that includes a distribution of the second reinforcement component comprising a density increasing according to a second gradient in a direction toward the outer surface of the preform. |
| US09550340B2 |
Composite material part comprising fixing means
A fiber structure for reinforcing a composite material part is obtained by multilayer weaving between a plurality of layers of warp yarns and a plurality of layers of weft yarns. The fiber structure includes fastener elements on at least one of its faces, each fastener element including a body placed under yarns present on a face of the fiber structure, and fastener portions situated over the yarns. |
| US09550336B2 |
Method of making sandwich-like product starting with extruded profile
A product made from an extruded sheet or web of material having a non-linear cross-section, and the process of making the product are provided. The extruded web or extrudate is plastically deformed in selected areas and then folded. When folded into the appropriate shape, the extrudate is formed into a product having a plurality of cells. The cells may have one or more openings, allowing access to an interior of the cell and reducing the weight of the product. |
| US09550333B2 |
Sealant dispenser
A sealant dispenser, which can cooperate with an air compressor for repairing punctured tires, is disclosed. The sealant dispenser generally includes a bottle with a top opening being filled with a chemical sealant, a cap mounted over the top opening of the bottle, a control valve for controlling an air passage and a sealant passage defined at the cap, and a rotary handle. In use, the air passage receives compressed air from the air compressor, and the sealant passage is connected to a tire to be repaired. By turning the rotary handle, the air passage and the sealant passage can communicate with the inner space of the bottle, which allows the compressed air to flow into the inner space of the bottle to force the chemical sealant contained therein to flow into the interior of the punctured tire, thus repairing the tire. |
| US09550322B2 |
Near-field exposure mask, resist pattern forming method, device manufacturing method, near-field exposure method, pattern forming method, near-field optical lithography member, and near-field nanoimprint method
A near-field exposure mask according to an embodiment includes: a silicon substrate; and a near-field light generating unit that is formed on the silicon substrate, the near-field light generating unit being a layer containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of Au, Al, Ag, Cu, Cr, Sb, W, Ni, In, Ge, Sn, Pb, Zn, Pd, and C, or a film stack formed with layers made of some of those materials. |
| US09550318B2 |
Method of making sandwich-like product starting with extruded profile
A process of making a multi-layered product from an extruded sheet or web of material (42) having parallel upper and lower walls (130) and a plurality of spacers (134) extending between the upper and lower walls (130) is provided. Portions of the extruded web or extrudate (42) are removed in selected areas. The lightened web is then folded. Outer skins are then applied to the folded web. The extrudate (42) is formed into a product (10) having a plurality of cells (14). The cells (14) may have one or more openings (34), allowing access to an interior of the cell (14) and reducing the weight of the product (10). |
| US09550316B2 |
Nozzle mouthpiece for an injection molding nozzle, injection molding nozzle and injection molding tool
A nozzle mouthpiece for an injection molding nozzle for use in an injection molding tool and for processing a fluid mass has a flow channel having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. A first sealing surface is formed radially with respect to a longitudinal axis. A stop surface is arranged between the first sealing surface and the outlet opening and is aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and facing the outlet opening. A a coupling means is arranged radially with respect to the longitudinal axis for fixing the nozzle mouthpiece in a mold sprue opening of a pattern plate. An injection molding nozzle and an injection molding tool is provided having such the telescopic nozzle mouthpiece, which can be fixed in a mold sprue opening of a pattern plate. |
| US09550315B2 |
Delivering liquid additive
A reservoir assembly (40) comprises a container (4), a support assembly (42) on which the container (4) is mounted and fixed and a rotary electric vibrator device (44) coupled to the support assembly (42). The container holds a shear thinning additive for a plastics material. The reservoir assembly is arranged so that on operation of the device (44), an appropriate frequency and amplitude of vibration is applied to the container (4) and, therefore, its contents. As a result, a liquid dispersion in the container is shear thinned and recovery of dispersion from the container is increased. |
| US09550314B2 |
Flotation type system and method for crushing, separating and washing waste plastics
Provided are flotation system and method for crushing, separating and washing waste plastics. In a direction of transporting materials, the flotation system includes a crusher, a flotation tank, a multi-functional rubbing and separating device, a washing tank and a dehydrator which are connected in turn; the flotation tank and the washing tank are disposed abreast; the floatation tank is a straight launder, and the washing tank is a U-shaped launder; and the discharge port of the flotation tank and the feeding port of the washing tank are connected via the multi-functional rubbing and separating device. The method is to crush the waste plastics first and then execute multiple stages of washing and separating. The flotation system and method herein are capable of improving the effect of washing waste plastics effectively and improving the quality of products. |
| US09550313B2 |
Process for the production of storage-stable epoxy prepregs, and composites produced therefrom, based on epoxides and acids amenable to free-radical polymerisation
A process for the production of storage-stable epoxy prepregs is provided. In addition, composites produced from the prepregs based on epoxides and acids having groups reactive to free-radical polymerization is provided. |
| US09550309B2 |
Method for making an apertured web
A method for making apertures in a precursor web using a forming apparatus is provided where the web comprises a film having molecular orientation and the forming apparatus comprises an arrangement of teeth. The orientation of the arrangement of teeth and the molecular orientation of the film are predetermined and modified to provide a relative angle between the orientation of the teeth and the molecular orientation of the film. Apertures formed in the precursor web material have a length and width exhibiting a minimal aspect ratio. |
| US09550308B2 |
Device for perforating and/or fluting and/or punching for rotary presses, in particular for rotary printing presses
A device for perforating and/or fluting and/or punching for rotary presses and/or rotary printing presses has a rotation cylinder with a holding device that fixes a base plate of a flexible and dimensionally stable material to the rotation cylinder. Fixing rods are arranged at a distance from each other in the peripheral direction of the rotation cylinder, the rods holding a flexible tool support supporting at least one machining tool on the rotation cylinder such that tool support lies directly or indirectly on the base plate. The fixing rods are respectively formed from at least one multi-jointed hinge bar having a first hinge bar which holds the hinge bar on the rotation cylinder. A second hinge bar is articulated to the first hinge bar so that, when the hinge bars are superimposed and/or closed, the tool support is clamped and/or received between the bars. |
| US09550306B2 |
Single transfer insert placement and apparatus with cross-direction insert placement control
An apparatus and method is provided for single transfer insert placement. The apparatus receives continuous web material and cuts a discrete section or pad from the web. The pad is then supported on a single transfer surface. The single transfer surface then may spin the supported pad to a desired angle and provide the pad to a receiving surface at a desired interval. The web material can be cut to different insert lengths and the placement location varied. |
| US09550303B2 |
Shaving device
A shaving device comprising a head assembly having a support member and a blade cartridge. The support member is configured to be detachably coupled to a handle. The blade cartridge has a first and a second face wherein at least one of the first or second faces comprises at least one razor blade. The blade cartridge is configured to be rotatably coupled to the support member about a pivot axis such that the blade cartridge is pivotable by a user to select one of the first or second faces. |
| US09550300B2 |
Articulating retractors
The present invention provides an articulating retractor including: a plurality of distal segments, a distal segment of the plurality of distal segments being movable relative to others of the plurality of distal segments; a plurality of proximal segments, a proximal segment of the plurality of proximal segments being movable relative to others of the plurality of proximal segments, the proximal segment corresponding to the distal segment; and multiple sets of cables, the proximal segment connected to its corresponding unit of the distal segment, by a set of cables, such that movement of the proximal segment causes corresponding reciprocal movement of the distal segment. The mechanisms of the articulating retractor may also be combined in such a way to remotely mimic finger movements for manipulation of an object or body tissue. |
| US09550298B2 |
Covering material and covering structure for robot grasping unit
An object is to provide a covering material and a covering structure of a robot gripping portion capable of providing proper gripping performance depending on various objects to be gripped so as to grip the objects and is solved by a covering material disposed on a surface of a base material 11 having a function of gripping an object, including an inner layer 121 made up of an elastic body and an outer layer 122 made up of an elastic body coming into contact with the object when gripping the object on a surface of the inner layer 121, the inner layer 121 being made up of the elastic body having a tackiness and having a hardness lower than the outer layer 122, the outer layer 122 having one or more penetrating portions 13 penetrating to the inner layer 121 such that when a stress acts at the time of gripping of the object, a portion of the inner layer 122 enters the penetrating portion 13 or protrudes from the penetrating portion 13 depending on a magnitude of the stress. |
| US09550297B2 |
Modular gripping mechanism for heavy loads
A modularly-structured gripping mechanism for robots, machines, and handling devices comprises at least one movable gripping finger that sits directly or indirectly on a finger module and works counter to a stationary or movable finger. The finger module consists of a slide unit that comprises a housing and a slide made from an aluminum section which is hollow all the way through and has multiple bore holes. The housing consists of a frame and multiple rods which extend parallel to one another, between the end faces, and prestress all parts of the housing. The rods simultaneously function as guide rods for the slides. A very stable gripping mechanism for heavy loads is produced by form-fittingly mounting any number of finger modules on a flange case. The finger modules can have their own drive or can share one drive. |
| US09550294B2 |
Autonomous robot auto-docking and energy management systems and methods
A method for energy management in a robotic device includes providing a base station for mating with the robotic device, determining a quantity of energy stored in an energy storage unit of the robotic device, and performing a predetermined task based at least in part on the quantity of energy stored. Also disclosed are systems for emitting avoidance signals to prevent inadvertent contact between the robot and the base station, and systems for emitting homing signals to allow the robotic device to accurately dock with the base station. |
| US09550293B2 |
Manipulator
A manipulator includes an elongated main unit, a bending portion, and a distal end portion that are disposed in this order from a basal end; a plurality of main bending mechanisms having main linear members that extend from the distal end portion to the main unit, main motive-power generating portions), and main motive-power transmitting portions that transmit motive powers generated by the main motive-power generating portions to the main linear members in the form of linear motions in the longitudinal direction; a plurality of auxiliary bending mechanisms that are provided so as to form pairs with the respective main bending mechanisms and parallel thereto and that exert a pressing force and a tensile force on the distal end portion; and switching portions that selectively actuate either the main bending mechanisms or the auxiliary bending mechanisms, which are paired. |
| US09550292B1 |
Wall mounted tool rack
A wall mounted tool rack having a plurality of pivotally attachable panels is disclosed. The tool rack includes an open rectangular frame mountable on a vertical wall, wherein the frame includes a number of horizontal mounting apertures which are spaced to match a spacing of a wall stud and accept a fastener used to mount the frame flush to the vertical wall, and a number of pivot apertures. The pivot apertures accept top and bottom pins of a mounting rail which is attached to a panel, and allows the panel to rotate about a vertical axis through at least 120 degrees of rotation. The panels may be composed of peg-board and may accept mounting clips which provide a means to attach or hang tools of different sizes, shapes, and weights to the panel. |
| US09550291B2 |
Grip for generally rod shaped objects
A detachable grip is provided with bracket system that can be removably attached to a desired location along the length of a fishing rod, and that has a removable grip which attaches to the bracket. More particularly, in one embodiment the bracket girdles the fishing rod using bolts to fasten a top half of the bracket to the bottom half of the bracket. In one or more embodiments, the grip attaches to the bracket and extends in a direction away from the bracket that is substantially in a direction perpendicular to the rod. In one embodiment, the grip is attached to the bracket by a bolt, and is adapted to allow the grip to be readily detached. |
| US09550286B2 |
Apparatus for removing pin from target location
An apparatus for removing a pin from a target location is described. The apparatus includes a rod; a clamp that includes multiple arms and attached to a one end of the rod; a sleeve coupled to the rod and adapted to enclose the clamp, where the arms of the clamp are pushed towards each other to engage with a pin in the enclosed position. The apparatus further includes a clip member to couple with the rod for removing the pin from the clamp by disengaging the clamp from the sleeve. The clip member includes a first arm coupled to a second arm via a pivot member, the clip member being adapted to couple to the rod between the sleeve and a hammer. The hammer is coupled to the rod and adapted to strike a force on the clip member to disengage the clamp from the sleeve. |
| US09550285B2 |
Connection device for connecting bit to hand tool
A hand tool includes a handle with a shank and a fixing member is connected to the shank. An isolation layer is coated on the outside of the shank and an annular groove is defined between the isolation layer and the fixing member. A socket has a lip having a positioning member to be engaged with a notch of the fixing member. A guide member is located beside the positioning member. A ring-shaped locking member is connected to the socket and has a recess with which the guide member is engaged. The locking member has two flexible blocks. A positioning member has a protrusion inserted into the through hole of the locking member and has a ridge contacting the lip of the socket. The protrusion has two passages, which are engaged with the two blocks. A bit is inserted into the reception hole of the positioning member. |
| US09550281B2 |
Pneumatic tool
A pneumatic tool has an outer casing, a selector valve, a switching button and a cover. The outer casing has two elongated holes formed through an external surface of the outer casing, and facing and communicating to each other. The selector valve is rotatably mounted in the outer casing and has a communicating hole and two connecting blocks. The connecting blocks are axially formed on and protrude from an external surface of the selector valve, align with each other and respectively face the elongated holes. The switching button is detachably connected to one of the connecting blocks and extends out of one of the elongated holes. The cover is detachably connected to the outer casing to cover the other elongated hole and has a shape corresponding to a shape of the external surface of the outer casing. |
| US09550280B1 |
Tool for installing and removing threaded camera lenses
This invention provides a tool for tightening and loosening lenses with respect to camera bodies. The tool includes a body that defines a cavity that is slightly larger in diameter than the sidewalls of the lens adjacent the lens face. Within the cavity is a thin, high-friction, elastomeric material that resides between the edges of the lens when the cavity is pressurably engaged over the lens face. The material frictionally couples the tool body to the lens face and adjacent side walls, thereby allowing a predetermined level of torque to be applied to tighten or loosen the lens. The tool can be adapted for attachment to a handle, such as a torque wrench or can include a handle specifically adapted/contoured for grasping by a user's hand. |
| US09550279B2 |
Garbage disposal installation tool
A garbage disposal installation tool is provided that is adapted to support a garbage disposal from its upper opening and through the sink drain, whereby the disposal unit is supported from above while the installer secures the unit to the sink drain. The device comprises a tool body having an elongated, threaded rod with an upper end and a lower end. The upper end comprises a handle, while the lower end comprises a pivotable garbage disposal support member adapted to support the disposal unit from its upper opening and from the interior thereof. Along the threaded rod is a sink drain bridge element that is adapted to bear against the upper surface of a sink drain and support the tool body and the disposal unit therefrom. The bridge element is threaded to the elongated rod and positionable along its length to elevate the disposal unit by rotating the handle. |
| US09550278B2 |
Tire beading locking tool and method for making same
A tire bead locking tool is provided. The tool may include a body; a first jaw connected to the body; a second jaw pivotally connected to the body and located to oppose the first jaw; a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the first and second jaws in a relative position with respect to each other; and a resilient member attached to one of the first and second jaws and located between the first and second jaws. A method of manufacturing may also be provide. The method may include: forming a body; forming a pair of jaws on the body wherein at least one of the jaws pivots with respect to the body; attaching a resilient member to at least one of the jaws; and forming a locking mechanism that can selectively lock the jaws in a position; and extending a handle further from the jaws than the locking mechanism. |
| US09550275B2 |
Disc-shaped grindstone
A disc-shaped grindstone 1 includes a plurality of split grindstones provided in an outer circumferential surface of a disc-shaped base 3. At least a part of the split grindstones include a moving grindstone 6 which is movable in the axial direction of the disc-shaped base 3. Since a part of the split grindstones 4 is the moving grindstone 6 which is movable in the axial direction, the width of the disc-shaped grindstone 1 may be changed in a manner such that the moving grindstone 6 is moved in the axial direction. Accordingly, it is possible to promptly handle a plurality of kinds of grinding targets without replacing the disc-shaped grindstone 1. |
| US09550273B2 |
Polishing device and method of polishing semiconductor wafer
According to an embodiment, a polishing device includes a stage, a polishing unit, and a strain measuring unit. The stage is rotatable together with a semiconductor wafer. The polishing unit polishes the rear surface of the semiconductor wafer mounted on the stage beside the stage. The strain measuring unit measures a first strain that is a radial-direction strain of the semiconductor wafer and a second strain that is a circumferential-direction strain of the semiconductor wafer during the polishing. |
| US09550272B2 |
Magnetic fixture
A fixture is provided for retaining a metal workpiece for contact by finishing media during operation of a media based finishing operation. The fixture comprises a body and a magnet for retaining the workpiece in contact with the body. By use of super-magnetic materials a significant holding force may be achieved. |
| US09550271B2 |
Substrate holding apparatus and polishing apparatus
A substrate holding apparatus and a polishing apparatus which can reduce vibrations of a top ring in its entirety by damping vibrations transmitted from a retaining ring to a top ring body is disclosed. The substrate holding apparatus includes a top ring body having a substrate holding surface configured to hold and press a substrate against a polishing surface, a retaining ring configured to surround the substrate and to contact the polishing surface, and a drive ring comprising a ring member configured to hold the retaining ring on a lower surface thereof, a central member disposed at a central part of the top ring body and supported by the top ring body, and a connecting portion configured to connect the ring member and the central member. The drive ring includes a first material and a second material having a modulus of longitudinal elasticity smaller than the first material. |
| US09550269B2 |
Polishing device and polishing method
The polishing device includes an edge chamber that presses the surface to be polished against the polishing pad by pressing a back side of the surface to be polished of the wafer, a thickness measuring unit that estimates a remaining film profile of the surface to be polished of the wafer in realtime during polishing, and a closed loop control device that controls a pressing force on the back side of the surface to be polished by the edge chamber in accordance with a measurement result by the thickness measuring unit during polishing. The closed loop control device controls not only the pressing by the edge chamber during polishing, but also the pressure of a retainer ring as a periphery of the edge chamber affecting the pressing of the surface to be polished against the polishing pad. |
| US09550268B2 |
Substrate holding apparatus and polishing apparatus
A substrate holding apparatus holds a substrate and presses the substrate against a polishing pad. The substrate holding apparatus includes a top ring configured to hold the substrate and press the substrate against the polishing pad, a vertical movement mechanism configured to vertically move the top ring, a torque detector configured to detect a torque of the vertical movement mechanism when the top ring is being lowered or being lifted by the vertical movement mechanism, and a controller in which a torque of the vertical movement mechanism when the top ring is brought into contact with a surface of the polishing pad at the time of a pad search is preset as a torque limit value. The controller calculates a torque correction amount from the torque detected by the torque detector and a preset reference value, and corrects the torque limit value by using the torque correction amount. |
| US09550267B2 |
Tool for abrasive flow machining of airfoil clusters
A tool for use during the abrasive flow polishing of an airfoil cluster in an abrasive flow machine is described. The tool may comprise a body and prongs extending from the body. Each prong of the tool may be configured to insert between an adjacent pair of airfoils of the airfoil cluster to create at least one channel therebetween. The channel may allow the flow of an abrasive media therethrough. |
| US09550261B2 |
Method for retrofitting a gas turbine power plant
A method for retrofitting an already existing gas turbine power plant is provided. The method features at least the following steps: fluidically connecting a gas turbine to a flue gas duct which is suitable for conducting flue gas which is produced by the gas turbine; connecting the flue gas duct to a steam generating unit which is fluidically connected to a water-steam cycle, and via which water-steam cycle a power generating facility can be operated; fluidically connecting a CO2 separation apparatus to the flue gas duct for separating the CO2 from the flue gas in the flue gas duct; and electrically connecting the power generating facility to the CO2 separation apparatus, preferably for the essentially energy-autonomous operation of the CO2 separation apparatus. |
| US09550258B2 |
Method and system for thermomechanically decoupling heatsink
A structure and method of mounting a heat sink having a body and mounting points configured so as to connect to a mounting medium, at least one of the mounting points being configured to allow movement in a thermally-induced expansion direction. |
| US09550250B2 |
Torch-mounted fingertip welding controller
A torch-mounted power controller mounts to the handle of a welding torch and includes a control lever that is operated by the user's finger. The control lever is arranged to allow the user to hold the torch with a normal grip. Power supply to the welding torch is controlled by applying finger pressure to a control lever. A voltage control circuit is operatively connected to the control lever and controls the amount of power supplied responsive to the movement of the control lever. |
| US09550249B2 |
High power factor rectifier/filter for three phase input welder or plasma cutter
A power supply is provided. The power supply in one form includes a rectifier circuit, a capacitor and an RC circuit. The rectifier circuit is configured to receive a three phase AC signal. The rectifier circuit has a positive output connected to a positive node and a negative output connected to a negative node. The capacitor is connected in parallel with the rectifier circuit between the positive node and the negative node. The RC circuit includes a resistor and capacitor connected in electrical series connection where the resistor and capacitor are connected between the positive node and the negative node in parallel with the first capacitor and the rectifier circuit. |
| US09550248B2 |
Electric arc welder using high frequency pulses and negative polarity
An electric arc welder including a high speed switching power supply with a controller for creating high frequency current pulses with negative polarity components through the gap between a workpiece and a welding wire advancing toward the workpiece, where the pulses and a background current defining a series of weld cycles. A wave shape generator defines the shape of the pulses and the background current including a controlled ramp up and/or ramp down in each of said cycles, and a circuit to change the shapes of the pulses and/or background current in a repeating pattern in each of the weld cycles, including a negative current in at one of said pulses. The shape change in a cycle can be between first and second shapes or by a rhythmic AC modulation. |
| US09550243B2 |
Gear and manufacturing method for the same
A gear includes teeth 3 to be engaged with teeth of a corresponding gear to transmit a rotational motion, in which a form (b) of a tooth root side of each tooth 3 includes: a first curved surface c which smoothly connects with a tooth surface a having an involute curve and has a profile represented by a curve which is convex in a direction opposite to the involute curve of the tooth surface a; and a second curved surface d which smoothly connects with the first curved surface c and has a profile defined by a quadratic function having a curve being convex in the same direction as that of the first curved surface c. Therefore, a stress generated on the tooth root side at the time of engagement with the teeth of the corresponding gear can be reduced, and the strength of the teeth can be increased. |
| US09550241B2 |
Flange bolt cutter
A flange bolt cutter for separating two connected flanges. The flange bolt cutter contains a circular saw blade connected to an flange mount which can be vertically adjusted relative to the flange mount and/or includes two arms which can be pivotally adjusted relative to each other. |
| US09550239B2 |
Cutting insert, cutting tool, and method of producing machined product
A cutting insert includes an upper surface, a lower surface, a side surface, and an upper cutting edge. The upper cutting edge includes a major cutting edge having an outwardly projecting curvilinear shape, and a minor cutting edge having a straight line shape and being continuous with the major cutting edge. The side surface includes a continuous inclined surface with the major cutting edge and is inclined outward from the upper surface to the lower surface with respect to a virtual straight line connecting the respective centers of the upper and lower surfaces. An inclination angle of the inclined surface with respect to a virtual straight line on the side surface increases from a portion of the inclined surface which is continuous with an end portion of the major cutting edge to a portion of the inclined surface which is continuous with a center of the major cutting edge. |
| US09550237B2 |
Chuck tool and bits
A tool arrangement and chuck apparatus for quick change of a range of tools; particularly, a quick change chuck adapted to engage various diameter drill bits, tools and tool holders. The tools are rotatable in a chuck or adaptor and have at one end a centering shaft portion having a constant diameter for multiple tool end diameters and shapes, a drive shoulder portion and a lock portion. The chucks have a tool centering arrangement for accommodating the constant diameter centering shaft. The chucks are also described as having tool bit release mechanism operable to disengage the tool from a retention mechanism when a force is applied inwards of the body of the chuck by the user to allow the tool bit to be removed longitudinally from the chuck but also arrange to allow the tool bit to be inserted longitudinally into the chuck without requiring any other user operation. |
| US09550229B2 |
Fluoride-free continuous casting mold flux for ultralow-carbon steel
A fluoride-free continuous casting mold flux for ultralow carbon steel, comprising the following components in weight percentage: 3-10% of Na2O, 0-3% of Li2O, 3-8% of MgO, 5-15% of MnO, 0-8% of BaO, 4-12% of Al2O3, and impurities with a content of no more than 2%, the balance being CaO and SiO2, wherein the ratio of CaO/SiO2 is 0.8-1.3; the raw materials are mixed and then pre-melted; the pre-melted mold flux requires micro-adjusting according to the component deviation, and the ratio of the pre-melted material is not lower than 70%; then a carbonaceous material of 1-3% by the total weight of the mold flux is added and mixed so as to obtain the finished product mold flux. Said mold flux has a melting point of 1100-1200° C. and a viscosity of 0.2-0.6 Pa·s at 1300° C. A method for preparing a mold flux comprising the following steps: mixing raw materials, pre-melting to obtain a pre-melt; then continuously supplementing raw materials into the pre-melt to obtain a substrate with a desired composition; then adding a carbonaceous material to the substrate and mixing so as to obtain said mold flux. This mold flux is a boron-free and fluoride-free mold flux, can effectively reduce the inclusion defect of blank casting and increase the yield of blank casting. |
| US09550227B2 |
Press molding machine
Two press dies are formed by arranging a plurality of segments side by side to form die faces. The press dies are used to press a plate member. First and second joint portions are positioned differently between one of the press dies and the other of the press dies. |
| US09550222B2 |
Bodymaker and double action domer assembly with staged piston
A domer station having a domer assembly, a housing assembly, and a stacked piston assembly is provided. The domer assembly is movably disposed within a domer body passage located in the housing assembly and structured to move between a forward, first position and a retracted, second position. The stacked piston assembly includes a plurality of pistons, preferably three pistons, disposed in series and a pressure supply. The pistons are disposed behind the domer in pressure chambers. The pistons have a constant pressure applied thereto and are biased towards the domer. The pistons are, however, each restrained by a stop and do not contact, or operatively engage, the domer when the domer is in the domer first position. |
| US09550219B2 |
Apparatus of inhalation type for stocking wafer at ceiling and inhaling type wafer stocking system having the same
Provided is an apparatus of an inhalation type for stocking a wafer at a ceiling and an inhaling type wafer stocking system having the same including a stocking system having a shelf that is fixed to a ceiling and supports a container in which a wafer is present; and an inhalation assembly that is installed in the stocking system so as to correspond to the shelf and is configured so as to inhale gas that leaks from the container. |
| US09550215B2 |
Method and apparatus for sorting particles
A method and a system are provided for detecting particles moving through a detection region or regions for facilitating or processing a sample having one or more particles flowing through the detection region. The particle detection system may include an optically detectable pattern associated with a detection region. The optically detectable pattern may be configured to receive a particle optical signal and produce a patterned optical signal. The detection system may further include a detector configured to analyze the patterned optical signal to determine both a particle characteristic based on a property of the particle optical signal and a particle parameter based on a property of the optically detectable pattern. |
| US09550214B2 |
Sorting and bagging apparatus and method
A sorting and bagging apparatus including a container defining an internal chamber with an opening thereinto and a lid configured to be positioned on the container. The lid defines a through opening aligned with the opening into the container. A basket extends through the through opening and is supported by the lid. The basket has sidewalls and a bottom surface and at least the bottom surface has a plurality of passages therethrough. A funnel having a funnel body extending between an inlet edge and an outlet edge is secured relative to the basket such that the inlet edge extends along the basket bottom surface wherein a sorting chamber is defined between the basket sidewalls, the basket bottom surface and the funnel. The lid is configured to be tilted such that contents within the sorting chamber pass from the sorting chamber to the funnel and out of the funnel at the outlet edge. |
| US09550210B2 |
Method of coating pipes or pipe sections
The present publication discloses a method for coating pipes. The method comprises applying curable first polymer (e.g. epoxy) onto the surface of the pipe and partially curing the first polymer or leaving the first polymer uncured to in order to form a reactive first polymer layer. Thereafter, the pipe with the reactive first polymer layer is heated and a second polymer (e.g. polyolefin) is applied directly onto the heated reactive first polymer layer, whereby the two polymers react and form a protective coating on the pipe or pipe section. In particular, the heating can be carried out in two steps such that the first polymer stays reactive until the application of the second polymer. |
| US09550202B2 |
Substrate transport roller
Provided is a substrate transport roller (2a) capable of ensuring a broad temperature-control region on a substrate, without reducing substrate transport quality. This substrate transport roller (2a) is provided in a film-forming device (1) for executing a film-forming process on the surface of a film substrate (W), transports the film substrate (W) by rotating around a center axis, and is equipped with: a center-section segment (13a) positioned in the center section in the axial direction extending along the center axis, and having a first outer-circumferential surface; end-section segments (12a, 12b) positioned on both sides on the outside in the axial direction of the center-section segment (13a), and each having a second outer-circumferential surface which contacts the substrate (W) and has a larger diameter than that of the first outer-circumferential surface; a center-section-rising-falling-temperature-medium mechanism for changing the temperature of the center-section segment (13a); and a both-end-section-rising-falling-temperature mechanism for changing the temperature of each of the end-section segments (12a, 12b) independently from the center-section segment (13a). |
| US09550200B2 |
Dispensers for delivering a consistent consumer experience
A dispenser for applying at least two compositions, the dispenser including at least two reservoirs for storing the at least two compositions, at least two pumps for pumping the at least two compositions, a premix chamber for mixing the two compositions, at least two channels for delivering the compositions from the reservoirs to the premix chamber, an exit orifice, optionally a swirl chamber, and an actuator. |
| US09550199B2 |
Flushing dispensers for delivering a consistent consumer experience
An assembly for flushing a dispenser that internally mixes a first composition and a second composition; dispensers including the assemblies are also provided. |
| US09550197B2 |
Dampening unit comprising a rotating brush, and container-handling machine
A dampening unit that sprays viscous application liquid to a treatment surface includes a rotating brush driven to rotate around the axis, a liquid applicator that supplies the liquid to the brush, and a brush chamber to accommodate the brush. The brush chamber includes a wall that surrounds the brush. The wall defines an ejection window for discharging viscous application liquid that is either sprayed or spun away from the brush. |
| US09550191B2 |
Flotation of silicates from ores
The present invention relates to a method for the flotation of silicates from ores in the presence of a collecting agent and an effective amount of a froth modifier/collecting booster comprising at least one of the compounds of general formula (I) or mixtures thereof: wherein X is C1-C3 alkyl; R′ is straight or branched hydrocarbyl group containing 8 to 22 carbon atoms; n is integer from 2-4; m can vary from 0 to 2 and R′ is X or —(CH2)n-N(X)2, with the proviso that when R′ is —(CH2)n-N(X)2, then m is 1. |
| US09550187B2 |
Vertical shaft impact crusher feed tube
A vertical shaft impact crusher feed tube arranged for protecting a rotor feeding opening of a feeding funnel of a vertical shaft impact crusher. The feed tube includes a tube portion via which material may flow from the feeding funnel and vertically downwards into a rotor. The tube portion has a first width at a material inlet, and a second width at a material outlet, wherein the second width is larger than the first width. |
| US09550177B2 |
Processes using molecular sieve SSZ-101
This disclosure is directed to uses for a new crystalline molecular sieve designated SSZ-101. SSZ-101 is synthesized using a N-cyclohexylmethyl-N-ethylpiperidinium cation as a structure directing agent. |
| US09550175B2 |
Honeycomb filter
A honeycomb filter includes a plurality of cells, porous cell walls, and an oxidation catalyst. The plurality of cells include exhaust gas introduction cells and exhaust gas emission cells. The oxidation catalyst is supported inside the porous cell walls in an amount of 5 to 60 g/L. The exhaust gas emission cells have an average cross sectional area larger than an average cross sectional area of the exhaust gas introduction cells in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. A total volume of the exhaust gas introduction cells is larger than a total volume of the exhaust gas emission cells. |
| US09550174B2 |
Mixed manganese ferrite coated catalyst, method of preparing the same, and method of preparing 1,3-butadiene using the same
This invention relates to a method of preparing a mixed manganese ferrite coated catalyst, and a method of preparing 1,3-butadiene using the same, and more particularly, to a method of preparing a catalyst by coating a support with mixed manganese ferrite obtained by co-precipitation at 10˜40° C. using a binder and to a method of preparing 1,3-butadiene using oxidative dehydrogenation of a crude C4 mixture containing n-butene and n-butane in the presence of the prepared catalyst. This mixed manganese ferrite coated catalyst has a simple synthetic process, and facilitates control of the generation of heat upon oxidative dehydrogenation and is very highly active in the dehydrogenation of n-butene. |
| US09550172B2 |
Promoted, attrition resistant, silica supported precipitated iron catalyst
A structurally promoted precipitated catalyst containing crystalline silica, at least one chemical promoter selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, and iron, the structurally promoted precipitated catalyst comprising maghemite and hematite catalytic phases, and exhibiting a main reduction peak temperature, as determined by TPR, in the range of from about 210° C. to about 350° C. A method of producing the structurally promoted precipitated catalyst is also provided. |
| US09550170B2 |
Synthesis of nanoparticles using ethanol
The present disclosure relates to methods for producing nanoparticles. The nanoparticles may be made using ethanol as the solvent and the reductant to fabricate noble-metal nanoparticles with a narrow particle size distributions, and to coat a thin metal shell on other metal cores. With or without carbon supports, particle size is controlled by fine-tuning the reduction power of ethanol, by adjusting the temperature, and by adding an alkaline solution during syntheses. The thickness of the added or coated metal shell can be varied easily from sub-monolayer to multiple layers in a seed-mediated growth process. The entire synthesis of designed core-shell catalysts can be completed using metal salts as the precursors with more than 98% yield; and, substantially no cleaning processes are necessary apart from simple rinsing. Accordingly, this method is considered to be a “green” chemistry method. |
| US09550159B2 |
Mixer and dispensing device
The invention relates to a delivery device having two containers (4a, 4b) that are connected with each other and a mixer (3). Preferably, the mixer can be connected with the containers (4a, 4b) by an outer thread (17). Thereby, the mixer has a coupling element (13), a mixer housing (11) rotatable relative to it and a mixing element (12) that is housed in the mixer housing (11). |
| US09550155B2 |
Mixing element and mixing module for two air flows intersecting in an air conditioner
Disclosed herein is a mixing element for two air flows intersecting in an air conditioner with a main wall of a mixing region for mixing first and second air flows. The main wall is disposed such that an inflow direction of the first and second air flows into the mixing region run longitudinally with respect to a main extension plane of the main wall. The mixing element includes first and second auxiliary walls of the mixing region, each having a main surface at opposite side edges of the main wall, and disposed such that the inflow direction of the first air flow runs past a side edge of the first auxiliary wall and transverse to the main surface of the first auxiliary wall. The inflow direction of the second air flow into the mixing region runs longitudinally with respect to the main surface of the first auxiliary wall. |
| US09550152B2 |
Point of use filtration system with backwash
A system and method for a point of use filtration system with backwash is provided. The system includes a first filtration element, a tank, and a second filtration element positioned downstream from the tank. A first and second valve are each positioned downstream from the first filtration element. A first control line is coupled to a first control switch or a first permeate line and the first valve, and a second control line is coupled to the second control switch or a second permeate line and the second valve. When the point of use demands permeate water, the first and second pressure drops cause the first and second valves to open so water from the tank flows in a reverse direction to backwash the first filtration element and exit through the first and second valves to the drain, while water from the tank simultaneously flows through the second filtration element to the point of use. |
| US09550149B2 |
Exhaust gas purification apparatus for internal combustion engine
An exhaust gas purification apparatus for an internal combustion engine is designed to prevent a decrease in the accuracy of measurement by a PM sensor (17). The apparatus includes an NOx catalyst (7) provided in an exhaust passage (3) of an internal combustion engine (1) to reduce NOx by reducing agent supplied to it, a supplying device (6) that supplies urea to the NOx catalyst (7) from the upstream of the NOx catalyst (7), the PM sensor (17) that detects the amount of particulate matter in the exhaust gas in the downstream of the NOx catalyst (7), and a restriction part (10) that restricts supply of urea by the supplying device (6) when the amount of particulate matter adhering to the NOx catalyst (7) is equal to or larger than a threshold. |
| US09550148B2 |
Heavy metal removal
The method of capturing gaseous heavy metals disclosed herein includes exposing a stream of vapor including the gaseous heavy metals to a reactor bed of carbon (C) and aluminum (Al) in the form of pellets and granules. The gaseous heavy metals include mercury (Hg), mercury oxide (HgxOy), and other heavy metals in ionized or oxidized form. |
| US09550146B2 |
NOx reduction catalyst for exhaust gas and method for producing same
To provide a catalyst having excellent performance and durability by improving a NOx reduction ratio at 350° C. or higher without deteriorating excellent durability of a Ti—V—Mo—P catalyst in view of problems of conventional art. A NOx reduction catalyst for exhaust gas, which is composed of a catalyst composition that comprises titanium (Ti), an oxide of phosphorous, molybdenum (Mo) and/or tungsten (W), oxide of vanadium (V), and high-silica zeolite that has an SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of not less than 20 is obtained by kneading in the presence of water, drying and calcining (1) titanium oxide, and phosphoric acid or an ammonium salt of phosphoric acid in an amount of more than 1% by weight and not more than 15% by weight relative to the titanium oxide in terms of H3PO4, (2) an oxo acid or oxo acid salt of molybdenum (Mo) and/or tungsten (W) and an oxo acid salt of vanadium (V) or vanadyl salt respectively in an amount of more than 0% by atom and not more than 8% by atom relative to the titanium oxide and (3) high-silica zeolite in an amount of more than 0% by weight and not more than 20% by weight relative to the titanium oxide. |
| US09550145B2 |
Exhaust gas treatment apparatus, ship, and exhaust gas treatment method
An exhaust gas treatment apparatus and method that absorbs gas by bringing the gas and a liquid into contact with each other has a plurality of scrubbers that each include an absorption tower main unit in which an internal space is formed. A spray apparatus sprays liquid in a predetermined vertical region of the internal space, and a gas supply apparatus introduces the gas into the absorption tower main unit. A number of first passages branch from a pipe supplying the liquid to the exhaust gas treatment apparatus and are connected to the spray apparatuses of the scrubbers. A number of second passages branch from a pipe supplying the gas to the exhaust gas treatment apparatus and are connected to the gas supply apparatuses of the scrubbers. |
| US09550141B2 |
Device for cleaning contaminated air
A device for filtering contaminated air includes an air filter, an intake fan driven by an electric motor, a filter housing, to which the air filter can be fastened by means of a threaded connection, and a battery for driving the electric motor, wherein the intake fan has a guide blade and an impeller, and the intake fan is arranged in a chimney-shaped shell on the filter housing. |
| US09550137B2 |
Filter element interface for an oil filter of an engine
Various systems are provided for an interface between an oil filter element and an oil filter mount of an oil filter. In one embodiment, an oil filter comprises an oil filter element adapted to be fittable over an outwardly projecting step of a first oil filter mount and fittable on a second oil filter mount without an outwardly projecting step, the oil filter element having an opening adapted to sealably engage with a base of the first oil filter mount and a base of the second oil filter mount. |
| US09550133B2 |
Process and equipment for separating 1,2,4 trimethylbenzene (pseudocumene) from a mixture containing aromatic hydrocarbons
A method and an apparatus (7′) for separating 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene by fractional distillation of a mixture (31) that contains C9 or C9+ aromatic hydrocarbons, and possibly hydrocarbons with less nine nine carbon atoms. In an aspect of the invention, a first distillation step and a second distillation step are carried out in respective distillation chambers (75, 75′) defined by a cylindrical vertical container 501 and by an inner partition wall (85) of the container. |
| US09550128B1 |
Assembly with toy character in housing
In an aspect, a toy character assembly is provided, and includes a housing, a toy character, at least one sensor and a controller. The toy character is positioned inside the housing and includes a breakout mechanism that is operable to break the housing to expose the toy character. The at least one sensor detects interaction with a user. The controller is configured to determine whether a selected condition has been met based on at least one interaction with the user, and to operate the breakout mechanism to break the housing to expose the toy character if the condition is met. Optionally, the condition is met based upon having a selected number of interactions with the user. |
| US09550122B2 |
System and method for dynamically determining paths between destinations in a virtual space
A system may be configured to host a virtual space for access by users. The virtual space may be a game space in which users control one or more characters (or sets of characters) to achieve game objectives. The system may be configured such that the travel paths within the virtual world are determined dynamically. This may provide for travel which may have dynamic aspects at a lower cost than providing full interactivity between destinations. |
| US09550121B2 |
System and method for enabling characters to be manifested within a plurality of different virtual spaces
A system and method for providing virtual spaces, where a character associated with a user can be manifested within instances of a plurality of the different virtual spaces. Since a single character can be manifested within instances of different virtual spaces, the character can be transferred by the corresponding user between instances of different virtual spaces and controlled by the user to interact with the different virtual spaces. When the user transfers the character between instances of different virtual spaces (and/or different types of virtual spaces), various aspects of the character may persist between the different virtual spaces (and/or the different types of virtual spaces). This may provide an enhanced continuity to the character between the different virtual spaces. |
| US09550120B2 |
Toll image review gamification
A method for gamifying a toll image review process includes receiving an image of a vehicle that has utilized a toll road and identifying a region of interest of the image depicting an identifier of the vehicle. A second image is generated that includes the region of interest and is preprocessed to generate a plurality of images of the region of interest. Each of the images includes unique display settings. The images are displayed within a graphical user interface along with progress information for a first user. The progress information is related to an amount of vehicles to identify. Progress information is displayed for additional users. An input including the identifier is received using the user interface. Images related to an image of a second vehicle's region of interest are displayed. A progress of the additional users is monitored and then the displayed progress information is updated. |
| US09550116B2 |
Controller for a games console
An improved controller (10) for a games console. The invention is a games controller (10) that is intended to be held by a user in both hands in the same manner as a conventional controller (1). Additionally, the controller of the invention (10) may comprise the same controls (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) as a conventional controller (1). The controller of the present invention (10) is advantageous as it additionally comprises four additional controls (11A, 11B, 11C, 11D) located on the rear of the controller (10) in a position to be operated by the middle fingers of a user (12). The additional controllers (11A, 11B, 11C, 11D) may be paddle levers and may replicate the functions of one or more of the controls (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) located on the front or top of the controller (10). |
| US09550111B2 |
Systems and methods for generating and sharing video clips of cloud-provisioned games
Apparatus, systems and methods for providing inputs to a game executing on a game server, is disclosed. A controller includes a circuit, a plurality of input controls interfaced with the circuit of the controller for producing controller data, and a communication circuit for connecting the controller with an internet access device. The communication circuit is configured to exchange controller data with a game server. The exchange of the controller data occurs without a communication link between the controller and a local game console. The game server is configured to execute a game play of a video game and drive interactivity of the video game using the controller data. The game server is remote from the local game console. The game server transmits a video feed of the game play to the game console. |
| US09550110B2 |
Cashless play system
A cashless play system for arcade games on passenger ships utilizes a key card reader to read patron identity information. The key card reader sends the patron identity information to a shipboard game play server and receives game play authorization information based on the patron identity information and patron data stored in a shipboard patron database. The key card reader activates the arcade game based on the game play authorization information and causes game play data to be stored in a game play database. Further, the game play server uploads game play data to a remote server, at a geographic location other than the geographic location of the passenger ship, and downloads game play server updates. |
| US09550109B1 |
Video string poker
A method and system of generating and displaying a game of chance with a computer on an electronic device to a player, wherein the player places a wager on a primary poker hand dealt from a deck of cards and a secondary string bonus hand of one to five cards. The game may be played on site at a legal game casino, in a non-gambling mode on-line over the internet, or off-line on a home computer using a disc such as a compact disc. The game could also be played as a game in gambling or non-gambling mode at a tavern, bar, or the like. |
| US09550106B1 |
Impact energy absorbing mouth guard
An energy absorbing mouth guard is provided with several sets of open spaces. The sets are arranged in the guard at preferred locations. At least some of the sets have arrays of open spaces, where the arrays are arranged in a triangular pattern. Each array in the triangular pattern has three open spaces. |
| US09550103B1 |
Selectable boundary fencing strip
A selectable boundary fencing strip that includes a plurality of light assemblies, in communication with the scoring controller and console. Light assemblies are embedded at predetermined locations within the fencing strip so as to indicate boundary lines, playing lines, hits, yellow cards and the command to fence. The strip includes a plurality of light sources, each controllable from a master control. The conductive top surface is perforated so that the light sources project through. Light sources in the strip provide visual cues for commencing to fence, warning cards and hits that are visible to spectators, fencers and the referee. In a further embodiment, the illustrative fencing strip is constructed and arranged with a plurality of panels along the sides of the strip that can be marketed for advertising sponsorship revenue. This revenue can be used to pay for the strip and/or underwrite activities of the fencing organization. |
| US09550101B2 |
Combination game throwing target and chair and method of assembly
An apparatus in which propping mechanisms and seat mechanisms augment a throwing game target with the ability to alternately function as a chair when it is not in use as a target. The throwing target components, the components of the propping mechanisms, and the components of the seat mechanisms are all capable of collapse or removal to facilitate the apparatus to be carried, transported or stowed. |
| US09550099B2 |
Handle-dampening lacrosse stick
A lacrosse stick for reducing the rebound of a ball caught therein. The head of the lacrosse stick has a socket for receiving the shaft, and incorporates one or a plurality of flexible elastomer pads within or as part of the handle or socket, where the head and handle meet, to damp impact and rebound. The flexibility of the damping pads produces a “give” that minimizes the rebound of a pocket after being impacted by a ball. This pocket dampening limits the movement of the ball and makes the ball easier to control and to retain in the pocket. The precise location of the dampening material on the lacrosse head may be varied to control the degree of pocket “give” in response to, for example, the force on the pocket created by a ball impacting the pocket during a catch or swinging in the pocket during cradling. |
| US09550098B2 |
Golf club shaft
A golf club and golf club shaft includes a tubular member having at least one neck portion with a reduced outer diameter and at least one relatively rigid two-piece sleeve secured to the tubular member in overlying relationship to each neck portion. The two-piece sleeve defines a small central gap filled by a compressible ring to allow the two otherwise longitudinally aligned sleeve pieces to pivot relative to one another under dynamic loading of the tubular member during a golf swing, and then upon reaching a limit point restrict additional deflection or bending of the tubular member. |
| US09550093B2 |
Golf ball
A golf ball 2 includes a core 4, a mid layer 6 and a cover 8. The golf ball 2 further includes a large number of dimples 10 on a surface thereof. The surface has a northern hemisphere N and a southern hemisphere S. Each of the hemispheres has a high-latitude region 14, a mid-latitude region 18 and a low-latitude region 16. The number of planes that can divide a dimple pattern of the hemisphere so that divided dimple patterns are mirror symmetry to each other is one. Neither a dimple pattern of the high-latitude region 14 nor a dimple pattern of the low-latitude region 16 is rotationally symmetrical. A product THm of a thickness and a hardness for the mid layer 6, and a product THc of a thickness and a hardness for the cover 8 satisfy the following mathematical formula. THc−THm≦50 |