Document Document Title
US09617273B2 Fused tetra or penta-cyclic dihydrodiazepinocarbazolones as PARP inhibitors
Provided are certain fused tetra or penta-cyclic compounds and salts thereof, compositions thereof, and methods of use thereof.
US09617270B2 Cytotoxic benzodiazepine derivatives
The invention relates to novel benzodiazepine derivatives with antiproliferative activity and more specifically to novel benzodiazepine compounds of formula (I)-(VII). The invention also provides conjugates of the benzodiazepine compounds linked to a cell-binding agent. 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.
US09617268B2 Compounds for treating spinal muscular atrophy
Provided herein are compounds, compositions thereof and uses therewith for treating spinal muscular atrophy. In a specific embodiment, provided herein are compounds of a form that may be used to modulate the inclusion of exon 7 of SMN2 into mRNA that is transcribed from the SMN2 gene. In another specific embodiment, provided herein are compounds of a form that may be used to modulate the inclusion of exon 7 of SMN1 into mRNA that is transcribed from the SMN1 gene. In yet another embodiment, provided herein are compounds of a form that may be used to modulate the inclusion of exon 7 of SMN1 and SMN2 into mRNA that is transcribed from the SMN1 and SMN2 genes, respectively.
US09617264B2 2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonane compounds
The present invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a stereoisomer, enantiomer, racemic, or tautomer thereof, Formula (I), wherein R1, R3, R4, L1, L2, L3, L4, and n, have the same meaning as that defined in the claims and the description. The present invention also relates to compositions, in particular pharmaceuticals, comprising such compounds, and to uses of such compounds and compositions for the prevention and/or treatment of metabolic disorders and/or neurodegenerative diseases, and/or protein misfolding disorders.
US09617259B2 Histone deacetylase inhibitors and compositions and methods of use thereof
Provided are certain histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors of Formula I, compositions thereof, and methods of their use.
US09617252B2 Processes for preparing dihydropyrimidine derivatives and intermediates thereof
The present invention refers to processes for preparing a dihydropyrimidine compound having Formula (I), or a tautomer thereof having Formula (1a), as well as a intermediate thereof. The process of the invention has simple operation, high optical purity of product, high yield and convenient work-up, which is suitable for industrial production.
US09617251B2 Indanylaminopyridylcyclopropanecarboxylic acids, pharmaceutical compositions and uses thereof
The present invention relates to compounds of general formula I, wherein the groups R, R1, R2, R3, m and n are defined as in claim 1, which have valuable pharmacological properties, in particular bind to the GPR40 receptor and modulate its activity. The compounds are suitable for treatment and prevention of diseases which can be influenced by this receptor, such as metabolic diseases, in particular diabetes type 2. Furthermore, the invention relates to novel intermediates, useful for the synthesis of compounds of formula I.
US09617250B2 Pyridin-4-yl derivatives
The invention relates to compounds of the Formula (I), Formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 are as described in the description, their preparation and their use as pharmaceutically active compounds. Said compounds particularly act as immunomodulating agents.
US09617249B2 Benzoheterocyclic anti-bacterial agents
Embodiments herein provide compounds and methods of making and using such compounds for prevention and treatment of multidrug resistant bacteria. In particular, embodiments are directed to anti-bacterial agents from benzo[d]heterocyclic scaffolds for prevention and treatment of multidrug resistant bacteria.
US09617247B1 Form of halosulfuron-methyl, a process for its preparation and use of the same
The present invention describes the crystalline form of halosulfuron-methyl of formula (I), the crystal preparation process, the analyses of the crystal through various analytical methods and using the crystal to prepare stable agrochemical formulation. The invention also describes the use of various solvents towards the crystalline form preparation conditions.
US09617246B2 Thioether-piperidinyl orexin receptor antagonists
The present invention is directed to thioether-piperidinyl compounds which are antagonists of orexin receptors. The present invention is also directed to uses of the thioether-piperidinyl compounds described herein in the potential treatment or prevention of neurological and psychiatric disorders and diseases in which orexin receptors are involved. The present invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. The present invention is also directed to uses of these pharmaceutical compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which orexin receptors are involved.
US09617238B2 2-oxo-1,3-dioxolane-4-carboxamide building blocks, their preparation and use
The present invention suggests a 2-oxo-1,3-dioxolane-4-carboxamide of formula (I), wherein R is an n-valent radical, n is an integer from 2 to 4, preferably from 2 to 3, and x is an integer from 1 to n−1. The invention furthermore suggests a process for the preparation of the 2-oxo-1,3-dioxolane-4-carboxamide of formula (I) from 2-oxo-1,3-dioxolane-4-carboxylic acid of formula (II) with a polyisocyanate of the formula R(NCO)n, where R and n have the meanings given, the use of the 2-oxo-1,3-dioxolane-4-carboxamide of formula (I) for the preparation of a 2-oxo-1,3-dioxolane-4-carboxamide-substituted prepolymer, and the 2-oxo-1,3-dioxolane-4-carboxamide-substituted prepolymer thus obtainable.
US09617237B2 Partially saturated tricyclic compounds and methods of making and using same
The invention provides tricyclic compounds and their use in treating medical disorders, such as obesity. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of making various tricyclic compounds are provided. The compounds are contemplated to have activity against methionyl aminopeptidase 2.
US09617234B1 Method to produce furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF)
A process to produce furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). The process includes the steps of reacting a C6 sugar-containing reactant in a reaction solution comprising a first organic solvent selected from the group consisting of beta-, gamma-, and delta-lactones, hydrofurans, hydropyrans, and combinations thereof, in the presence of an acid catalyst for a time and under conditions wherein at least a portion of the C6 sugar present in the reactant is converted to 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF); oxidizing the HMF into FDCA with or without separating the HMF from the reaction solution; and extracting the FDCA by adding an aprotic organic solvent having a dipole moment of about 1.0 D or less to the reaction solution.
US09617232B2 Dicarboxylic acid compound
It is an object of the present invention to provide a medicament for preventing or treating hyperphosphatemia. Solution: A compound represented by a general formula (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof. [In the formula, R1: a methyl group or the like, R2: a hydrogen atom or the like, R3: a hydrogen atom or the like, A: a cyclohexyl ring or the like, X: CH or the like, Y: CH or the like, Z: CH or the like, and n: 2 or the like].
US09617231B2 Deuterated 1-piperazino-3-phenyl indanes for treatment of schizophrenia
The present invention relates to deuterated 1-piperazino-3-phenyl-indanes and salts thereof with activity at dopamine receptors D1 and D2 as well as the 5HT2 receptors in the central nervous system, to medicaments comprising such compounds as active ingredients, to the use of such compounds in the treatment of diseases in the central nervous system, and to methods of treatment comprising administration of such compounds.
US09617227B2 Process of preparing a quinazoline derivative
A concise, efficient and cost- and time-saving process for the preparation of a quinazoline derivative of formula A given below: which is an intermediate for making gefitinib or gefitinib itself, comprising reacting a compound of Formula B: with 3-chloro-4-fluoroaniline (VI) in the presence of a N,N-dialkyl formamide acetal, a Bronsted acid catalyst, and a solvent in a one-pot reaction.
US09617226B2 Fused heterocyclic or carbocyclic compounds carrying a substituted cycloaliphatic radical and use thereof for treating vasopressin-related diseases
The present invention relates to novel fused heterocyclic or carbocyclic compounds of formula I wherein the variables are as defined in the claims and the description. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, and to their use for the treatment of vasopressin-related disorders.
US09617225B2 4,6-disubstituted aminopyrimidine derivatives have anti-HIV activity
Novel 4,6-disubstituted aminopyrimidine derivatives with the following structure (I) have anti-HIV activity.
US09617222B1 Alkynyl indazole derivative and use thereof
The main object of the present invention is to provide a novel compound which has a VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitory activity and is useful as an active ingredient for the treatment of diseases accompanying angiogenesis or edema, for example, age-related macular degeneration or the like.The present invention includes, for example, an alkynyl indazole derivative represented by the following general formula (I), a pharmaceutical acceptable salt thereof, and a medicine containing thereof.
US09617218B2 Crystalline forms of a prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor
The present disclosure relates to crystalline solid forms of [(4-hydroxy-1-methyl-7-phenoxy-isoquinoline-3-carbonyl)-amino]-acetic acid, the process of preparing the forms, and pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use thereof.
US09617208B2 N-hydroxylsulfonamide derivatives as new physiologically useful nitroxyl donors
The invention relates to N-hydroxylsulfonamide derivatives that donate nitroxyl (HNO) under physiological conditions and are useful in treating and/or preventing the onset and/or development of diseases or conditions that are responsive to nitroxyl therapy, including heart failure and ischemia/reperfusion injury. Novel N-hydroxylsulfonamide derivatives release NHO at a controlled rate under physiological conditions, and the rate of HNO release is modulated by varying the nature and location of functional groups on the N-hydroxylsulfonamide derivatives.
US09617206B2 Modularized system and method for urea production using stranded natural gas
A modular system and method for producing urea from stranded natural gas includes removal of foreign particulate matter to obtain a substantially homogeneous gas. The gas is processed by controlling the quality of the stranded natural gas to maintain a substantially homogenous mixture The resultant gas stream is further cleaned and compressed to a high pressure of about 3,000 psi. The resultant ammonia stream is processed in a bypass recycling loop system at 30% conversion rate at a high pressure of about 6,000 to 7,000 psi. The equipment associated with each of the process steps may be skid mounted for portability and/or contained within the footprint of a standard 48-foot flatbed trailer.
US09617203B2 Metabolites of (1R-trans)-N-[[2-(2,3-dihydro-4-benzofuranyl)cyclopropyl]methyl]propanamide
Isolated metabolites of (1R-trans)-N-[[2-(2,3-dihydro-4-benzofuranyl)cyclopropyl]-methyl]propanamide, methods for their use, and compositions containing the metabolites.
US09617202B2 Method for producing 1,5-pentanediamine
A simple and efficient method for producing 1,5-pentanediamine in a free form is provided. The method for producing 1,5-pentanediamine in a free form from a salt of 1,5-pentanediamine includes a step of adsorbing 1,5-pentanediamine in a free form onto a column of an ion exchange resin by applying a solution of salt of 1,5-pentanediamine to the column of the ion exchange resin, and a step of eluting a solution of the 1,5-pentanediamine in a free form from the ion exchange resin by applying an eluent solution to the column of the ion exchange resin onto which the 1,5-pentanediamine in a free form is absorbed.
US09617201B2 Fixed bed process for clay catalyzed alkylation of aromatic amines
Aromatic amines, for example, diarylamines such as diphenylamine, dinaphthylamine, N-phenyl-N-naphthyl amine etc., are alkylated by passing a mixture of the amine and an olefin, though a clay catalyst in a fixed bed reactor system. The process is conveniently run as a continued process, produces an alkylated aromatic amine in excellent purity and provides efficiencies in material and energy use.
US09617191B1 Bioreactor system and method
The present invention is a composting bioreactor system that can be continually fed with biodegradable solid wastes, waste waters and exhaust gases, that can automatically recycle the biodegradable wastes into liquid nutrients and heat energy, and that automatically supplies the nutritious liquid and heat into the integrated hydroponics system or aquaponics system. The invention together with the integrated food growing system can be installed onsite in places such as household balconies, household backyards and premises of restaurants and food factories etc. therefore can lead to zero mileage targets both for recycling the wastes and for growing the foods consumed in the same location. It can fully recover and reuse all the nutrients and heat energy from the treated wastes. It can also reach the target of nearly zero pollution to the environment during all processes. For better operational efficiency, an oblique cone agitator, a fish plow agitator and a vortex flower turbine are specially designed for the bioreactor system.
US09617189B2 Apparatus and method for materials processing utilizing a rotating magnetic field
An apparatus for materials processing utilizing a rotating magnetic field comprises a platform for supporting a specimen, and a plurality of magnets underlying the platform. The plurality of magnets are configured for rotation about an axis of rotation intersecting the platform. A heat source is disposed above the platform for heating the specimen during the rotation of the plurality of magnets. A method for materials processing utilizing a rotating magnetic field comprises providing a specimen on a platform overlying a plurality of magnets; rotating the plurality of magnets about an axis of rotation intersecting the platform, thereby applying a rotating magnetic field to the specimen; and, while rotating the plurality of magnets, heating the specimen to a desired temperature.
US09617187B2 Catalyst support, process for its preparation and use
An open-pore catalyst support comprising a material that comprises a natural sheet silicate and ZrO2. In order to provide a catalyst support, by means of which alkenyl acetate catalysts can be prepared which are characterized by a high level of alkenyl acetate activity over a relatively long period, the catalyst support comprises a material that comprises a natural sheet silicate and ZrO2 in the tetragonal modification.
US09617186B2 Curable organopolysiloxane compositions
An artificial stone can be prepared by binding a suitable stone filler with a binder which contains a silicon bonded, hydroxyl-functional silicone resin also optionally bearing silicon bonded alkoxy groups, and an organosilicon compound which is a silane or siloxane bearing silicon bonded alkoxy groups. The artificial stone is resistant to the effects of UV light as well as heat.
US09617181B2 Method of heating a glass sheet for tempering
The invention relates to a method of heating a glass sheet for tempering. It comprises conveying the glass sheet on top of rollers in a roller-hearth furnace, heating the glass sheet in the roller-hearth furnace to a transfer temperature at which the glass sheet is transferred into an air support furnace. The glass sheet, while resting on an air cushion, is carried on an air support table and the glass sheet is heated in the air support furnace to a tempering temperature. The transfer temperature is not lower than 620° C. and not higher than 675° C. and the tempering temperature is not lower than 650° C. and not higher than 720° C.
US09617178B2 Process for treating organic materials
The present invention provides a process for the treatment of sewage sludge with enzymes, which process comprises treating a sewage sludge resulting from the treatment of municipal or industrial waste water with a composition comprising a fermentation supernatant product from a Saccharomyces cerevisiae culture and a non-ionic surfactant, wherein said fermentation supernatant product is free of active enzymes, at conditions suitable for generating said active enzymes from said sewage sludge in situ.
US09617175B2 Water purification
The invention provides an efficient method to purify an aqueous solution, typically mine drainage water, especially of anions and cations present in the aqueous solution as dissolved solids, the anions and cations are removed by treatment with a positively charged extractant having at least eight carbon atoms, whereby an unstable emulsion is formed; the unstable emulsion is allowed to break into an extract phase loaded with the anions and cations, and a water phase depleted in anions and cations; a floc inherently forms in the loaded extractant phase and then the loaded extractant phase and floc are separated from the purified water and treated to remove the anions and cations as concentrated useful products; the treated aqueous phase now reduced in anion and/or cation content is also separated from the emulsion as a purified aqueous solution. The extractant phase is preferably recycled. A continuous water purification process is provided.
US09617167B2 Locally powered water distillation system
A system for distributed utilities including electrical power and water. A generation device is provided for converting an available resource to a desired utility; the resource may be water, in which case the generator is a purifier for purifying untreated water, or, alternatively, the generator may convert a fuel to electrical power. In either case, an input sensor is provided for measuring input to the generation device, while an output sensor is provided for measuring consumption of output from the generation device. The monitoring system has a controller for concatenating measured input and consumption of output on the basis of the input and output sensors. Measured parameters are telemetered to a remote site where utility generation and use are monitored and may also be controlled. At least a portion of the electrical power capacity of the electric generation unit may power a water purification unit such as a vapor compression distillation unit, and heat output of the electric generation unit may supply heat to the water purification unit.
US09617163B2 Method for making EUO framework type molecular sieves
A method for preparing EUO framework type molecular sieve is disclosed using an N,N′-dimethyl-1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane dication as a structure directing agent. The EUO framework type molecular sieve, in its as-synthesized form, contains in its intracrystalline pores the N,N′-dimethyl-1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane dication.
US09617158B2 Cohesive assembly of carbon and its application
Cohesive carbon assemblies are prepared by obtaining a carbon starting material in the form of powder, particles, flakes, or loose agglomerates, dispersing the carbon in a selected organic solvent by mechanical mixing and/or sonication, and substantially removing the organic solvent, typically by evaporation, whereby the cohesive assembly of carbon is formed. The method is suitable for preparing free-standing, monolithic assemblies of carbon nanotubes in the form of films, wafers, or discs, having high carbon packing density and low electrical resistivity. The method is suitable for preparing adherent cohesive carbon assemblies on substrates comprising various materials. The assemblies have various potential applications, such as electrodes or current collectors in electrochemical capacitors, fuel cells, and batteries, or as electromagnetic interference shielding materials.
US09617155B2 Production of trisilylamine from monochlorosilane and ammonia by use of inert solvent
The present invention relates to a specific process for producing trisilylamine from monochlorosilane and ammonia in the liquid phase. The invention further relates to a plant wherein such a process can be carried out with advantage.
US09617152B2 Reforming apparatus and method
A multiple adiabatic bed reforming apparatus and process are disclosed in which stage-wise combustion, in combination with multiple reforming chambers with catalyst, utilize co-flow and cross-flow under laminar flow conditions, to provide a reformer suitable for smaller production situation as well as large scale production. A passive stage by stage fuel distribution network suitable for low pressure fuel is incorporated and the resistances in successive fuel distribution lines control the amount of fuel delivered to each combustion stage.
US09617148B2 Interposer for hermetic sealing of sensor chips and for their integration with integrated circuit chips
Integration of sensor chips with integrated circuit (IC) chips. At least a first sensor chip including a first sensor is affixed to a first side of an interposer to hermetically seal the first sensor within a first cavity. An IC chip is affixed to a second side of the interposer opposite the first sensor, the IC chip is electrically coupled to the first sensor by a through via in the interposer. In embodiments, the first sensor includes a MEMS device and the IC chip comprises a circuit to amplify a signal from the MEMS device. The interposer may be made of glass, with the first sensor chip and the IC chip flip-chip bonded to the interposer by compression or solder. Lateral interconnect traces provide I/O between the devices on the interposer and/or a PCB upon which the interpose is affixed.
US09617146B2 Apparatus and method for fabricating nano resonator using laser interference lithography
A method of fabricating a nano resonator, includes forming a line pattern in a first substrate, and transferring the line pattern to a second substrate including a gate electrode. The method further includes forming a source electrode and a drain electrode on the transferred line pattern.
US09617137B1 Oil drainage apparatus for a lawn mower
An oil drainage apparatus for a lawn mower including a tapered semi-cylindrical upper funnel having a semicircular top surface and a semicircular bottom surface. A semicircular bottom edge of a semi-cylindrical lip is attached to the top surface of the upper funnel. A semicircular top area of a semi-cylindrical middle funnel is attached to the bottom surface of the upper funnel. A semicircular top end of a tapered semi-cylindrical lower funnel is attached to the bottom area of the middle funnel. A substantially U-shaped channel is continuously disposed from the lip to the lower funnel. A crimp protrusion is medially disposed on the lip. A screen is disposed within the interior cavity between the bottom surface of the upper funnel and the top area of the middle funnel. The lip removably extends around a lower portion of a lawn mower oil drain plug.
US09617136B2 Beverage filling method and apparatus
Only a bottle properly preliminarily heated is sterilized by hydrogen peroxide. Temperature inspection to the bottle is performed while travelling the bottle. During the inspection, a bottle of which temperature does not reach a predetermined temperature is removed and a bottle of which temperature reaches the predetermined temperature is continuously traveled, hydrogen peroxide condensed mist α is blown toward a mouth portion 1a of the bottle by a spray tube 59 disposed at a predetermined position, and hot air is blown into the bottle from the nozzle while the nozzle 64 following the mouth portion of the bottle. According to such operation, only the bottle properly heated can be sterilized by the hydrogen peroxide, Thereafter, beverage fills the bottle, which is then sealed.
US09617135B2 Beverage filling method and apparatus
Only a bottle properly preliminarily heated is sterilized by hydrogen peroxide. Temperature inspection to the bottle is performed while travelling the bottle. During the inspection, a bottle of which temperature does not reach a predetermined temperature is removed and a bottle of which temperature reaches the predetermined temperature is continuously traveled, hydrogen peroxide condensed mist α is blown toward a mouth portion 1a of the bottle by a spray tube 59 disposed at a predetermined position, and hot air is blown into the bottle from the nozzle while the nozzle 64 following the mouth portion of the bottle. According to such operation, only the bottle properly heated can be sterilized by the hydrogen peroxide, Thereafter, beverage fills the bottle, which is then sealed.
US09617132B2 Equipment with side-shifter
An equipment (1) for a lift truck or similar self-propelled work machines, comprising: a fixed frame (2) which can be mounted solidly constrained to an arm of said lift truck, a movable frame (3), to which a tool (41, 42) is fixed, and actuating means (5) for displacing said movable frame (3) with respect to said fixed frame (2).The fixed frame (2) comprises a straight upper guide (22, 23) and a straight lower guide (24, 25) which lie on parallel or coincident planes. The movable frame (3) comprises upper connecting means (31, 32) and lower connecting means (33, 34) slidably coupled respectively to the upper guide (22, 23) and to the lower guide (24, 25) and coplanar thereto, so as to enable translation of the tool (41, 42) with respect to the fixed frame (2).
US09617131B2 Single drive three pivot forklift truck
A single drive three pivot fork lift truck includes a steering bridge, a steering motor that drives the steering bridge, and at least one rear wheel that is connected to the steering bridge. The forklift truck also includes a first sensor that senses rotational position of a steering wheel, a second sensor that senses rotation of the steering motor, and a controller that receives signals from the first sensor and second sensor and controls the steering motor. The forklift truck also includes a battery carried by the truck frame in a battery compartment located at the rear of the forklift truck, which can take the place of counterweight blocks.
US09617125B2 Crane with automatic adjustable tightening mechanism
A hoisting crane that comprises a male shaft, a female shaft, a locking shaft, a tightening spring, a hoisting arm, a pressure arm, a top shoe, a bottom shoe, a top bearing, and a bottom bearing. The crane is portable and collapsible and is equipped with an automatic adjusting tightening mechanism that fixes and secures the crane to the work room floor and ceiling using a spring and in a way that the greater the load on the crane, the more the pressure arm increases the tightening force that the crane applies to the work room floor and ceiling.
US09617124B2 Crane
A cargo crane (1) for transferring containers (50) to and from a ship (100) birthed alongside a quay (110) is disclosed. The cargo crane (1) includes: at least one quayside support leg (10) supported by a bogie (60) arranged to travel on a rail, at least one landside support leg (20) supported by a bogie (60) arranged to travel on a rail, a boom (2) configured to extend over a ship (100) birthed alongside a quay (110), a trolley (3) displaceably connected to said boom (2), and container lifting means (5) connected to said trolley (3) The invention is novel and inventive in that said at least one quayside support leg (10) in a first height define an outer horizontal width (A) and, in a second height, said at least one quayside support leg (10) define an inner horizontal width (B′) wherein said inner horizontal width (B′) in said second height is greater or less than said outer horizontal width (A) of said quayside support leg (10) in said first height.
US09617117B2 Elevator brake control including a solid state switch in series with a relay switch
An exemplary elevator brake control device includes a relay switch that is associated with a safety chain configured to monitor at least one condition of a selected elevator system component. The relay switch is selectively closed to allow power supply to an electrically activated elevator brake component responsive to the monitored condition having a first status. The relay switch is selectively opened to prevent power supply to the brake component responsive to the monitored condition having a second, different status. A solid state switch is in series with the relay switch between the relay switch and the brake component. A driver selectively controls the solid state switch to selectively allow power to be supplied to the brake component only if the relay switch is closed and the monitored condition has the first status.
US09617116B2 Load measuring device for an elevator installation
An elevator installation includes an elevator cage with a support construction carrying the elevator cage, wherein the support construction has two beams. Mounted on each beam is a positioning arrangement on which a sensor is positioned, which is part of a load measuring device, wherein the positioning arrangements have material structures. The sensors detect a change in spacing of the material structures from one another, wherein this change in spacing is caused by a change in loading of the elevator cage. Signals of the sensors are processed in an evaluating unit and a signal representing the loading is used in an elevator control.
US09617115B2 Method for determining and using parameters associated with run time of elevators and an elevator system configured to perform same
A method for determining the parameters connected to the run times of elevators and for using said parameters in the control of the elevators in an elevator system includes selecting a plurality of floor pairs from a plurality of floors served by the elevators; measuring runs between the selected floor pairs with one or more elevators; registering run events connected to the measured runs; determining, on the basis of the run events, a plurality of run time parameters connected to the run times; and controlling the elevators based on the aforementioned run time parameters when the elevators are in transport operation.
US09617107B2 Web-guiding or sheet-guiding machine, and method of operating the same
A web-guiding or sheet-guiding machine has at least one roller nip, and at least one roller, which delimits the roller nip or is located downstream of the roller nip on a transport path, that is driven by an electric drive. A power controller is assigned to the electric drive, and the machine has a safety device to monitor whether foreign bodies are penetrating the roller nip and/or whether a specified torque for the drive is being maintained. The safety device has a first measuring device to monitor at least one first electric variable of the power to the drive by the power controller, a second measuring device to measure a second physical variable having a functional relationship with the first electric variable, and a computer module to compare time sequences of the two variables and generate warning signals in the event of deviations in the time sequence.
US09617106B2 Liquid ejecting apparatus and tension applying method
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes an ejecting unit that is capable of ejecting a liquid; and a tension adjusting unit that is rotatable about a rotational shaft and that is capable of applying a tension to a medium by coming into contact with the medium onto which the liquid is ejected. The tension adjusting unit is capable of applying the tension to the medium at a balancing position at which the tension adjusting unit is balanced by a weight of the tension adjusting unit.
US09617098B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus has a registration roller pair, an upstream-side roller pair, a driving force source, a shared clutch, and an upstream-side roller stop delay mechanism. The upstream-side roller pair is provided on the upstream side of the registration roller pair with respect to the sheet transport direction. The driving force source generates a rotating driving force. The shared clutch engages and disengages the transmission of the rotating driving force from the driving force source to the registration roller pair and the upstream-side roller pair. When the transmission of the rotating driving force is disengaged by the shared clutch, the upstream-side roller stop delay mechanism delays the stopping of the upstream-side roller pair relative to the stopping of the registration roller pair.
US09617093B2 Paper feeder, image reading apparatus and image forming apparatus including the same
A paper feeder includes a housing, a driving unit, a sheet loading portion, a paper feeding unit, and a lock mechanism. The lock mechanism is located in the housing. The paper feeding unit includes a pickup roller, a second shaft portion, a feed roller, a holder, and a stopper. The stopper is swingably supported in the holder, and is configured to change states between a regulation state and a permission state. The regulation state is a state that regulates entrance of the sheet to be loaded in the sheet loading portion into a side of the feed roller side corresponding to the second position of the holder. The permission state is a state that permits entrance of the sheet into the feed roller side corresponding to the first position of the holder. The lock mechanism locks the holder in the second position at a time of non-paper feeding.
US09617092B2 Device and method for separating value documents, and value document processing system
An apparatus and a corresponding method for singling value documents, in particular banknotes, includes a support means and a conveyor belt for picking a single value document from a stack of value documents lying on the support means. The singling device has a positioning device by which at least a portion of the conveyor belt can be moved back and forth relative to the support means between a first position and a second position. In the first position the conveyor belt cannot touch the stack lying on the support means. In the second position the conveyor belt can touch the lowermost value document of a stack lying on the support means and pick the former from the stack at least partially.
US09617091B2 Feeding device and image forming device
Interlocked with an operation in which a feeding cassette is drawn out from a main body of a device, a restriction rib moves to a permissive position from a restrictive position, and interlocked with an operation in which the feeding cassette is inserted into the main body of the device, the restriction rib moves to the restrictive position from the permissive position.
US09617090B2 Image forming apparatus that includes a plurality of sheet storage portions
An image forming apparatus of the invention includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet; a plurality of storage portions each configured to store the sheet with the image formed thereon by the image forming unit; an opening configured to expose the sheet stored in the storage portion to the outside; and a sheet moving unit configured to move the sheet until a leading edge of the sheet stored in the storage portion passes the opening and a portion of the sheet is exposed from the opening to the outside. The sheet moving unit exposes sheets stored in a plurality of the storage portions in a stacked manner from the opening.
US09617088B2 Pneumatic conveyor for transporting bulk materials
A pneumatic conveyor for transporting bulk materials, in particular tablets, has a compressor for conveyor gas and has a bulk material feed and a conveyor line, in particular hose, arranged therebetween, and a bulk material discharge. To prevent contamination of the environment during operation, a shut-off device is provided between a collection volume and the conveyor line. A method for operating a pneumatic conveyor conveys sample volumes intermittently.
US09617086B2 Process and tubular device for the controlled feeding of incoherent solid materials in differentiated pressure systems
A process and device for controlled feeding of incoherent solid materials for differentiated pressure systems along a pipeline through the pressure of a fluid in the gaseous state. The pipeline is obtained by combining a plurality of consecutive trunk sections. The device includes a mechanism for intermittent feeding of the incoherent solid material in the pipeline, a mechanism for feeding the gaseous fluid under pressure in a plurality of predefined feeding points of the pipeline, a first series of valve members applied to each trunk section for intercepting the pipeline under control, a second series of valve members applied to each trunk section for allowing the escape of the expanded gaseous fluid from the pipeline and centralized control for closing the first series of valve members and for the concurrent opening of the second series of valve members. The feeding mechanism for the gaseous fluid under pressure can introduce the gaseous fluid under pressure in each feeding point of the pipeline when the first valve members located upstream of the feeding point are closed and the first valve members located downstream are open, and when the second valve members located upstream of the feeding point are open and the second valve members located downstream are closed.
US09617084B1 Tandem conveyor
In one aspect, an apparatus includes an elongated housing, first and second spaced-apart material inlet openings in a top wall of the housing, an outlet opening in a bottom wall of the housing, a first conveyor configured to move material received from the first material inlet toward the outlet opening, and a second conveyor configured to move material received from the first material inlet toward the outlet opening. The outlet opening is longitudinally disposed between the first and second spaced-apart material inlet openings. In another aspect, an apparatus includes a housing having first and second opposite ends and an outlet opening in a bottom wall of the housing. The first end is configured to receive a portion of a first conveyor and the second end is configured to receive a portion of a second conveyor. The first and second conveyors are configured to move material toward the outlet opening.
US09617083B2 Transfer apparatus and positioning method of device having motor
In a transfer apparatus, a lifting unit has a lifting mechanism having a plurality of combined members and a motor. The lifting mechanism converts the rotation force of the motor to movement in the lifting direction, transmits the movement to at least one of first and second conveyors, raises or lowers at least one of first and second conveyors, and stops rotation of the motor when one of conveying paths reaches a predetermined height. In that process, a physical limit identification operation is executed in which the motor is rotated to operate the lifting mechanism to a physical operation limit and is then stopped, and control of the motor is changed so that the motor is rotated at low speed until the lifting mechanism reaches the physical operation limit.
US09617077B2 Conveyor belt and drive belt comprising knitted belt, and conveyor device using conveyor belt
(PROBLEM) To provide a seamless conveyor belt comprising knit fabric.(SOLUTION MEANS) A seamless conveyor belt employing monofilament made up of continuous fiber at filament constituting core yarn; being made up of weft-knit or warp-knit in which there is mutual intertwining of filament; flexural stress and heat causing monofilament at core yarn to undergo plastic deformation at locations of entanglement; being a seamless knit belt (1a) comprising a knit pattern (8) which is weft-knit or warp-knit; being a knit pattern (8) in which pitch (Ps) of stitch loops in a width direction (18) is smaller than pitch (Pg) of stitch loops in a conveying direction (17) of the seamless knit belt; mutually contacting loops (9) and filament undergoing deformation; entangled regions of filament being maintained; fraying at side ends of the knit belt (1a) during conveyance by the conveyor belt being prevented; spacing of pitch (Ps) of stitch loops in the width direction (18) being small; and strength being improved.
US09617075B2 System and method for overhead warehousing
An overhead warehousing system for use in a warehouse having a ceiling and a plurality of storage racks supported by the floor of a warehouse includes a plurality of tramways affixed to the ceiling, each tramway associated with at least one storage rack. At least one robotic module is engaged upon each tramway and translatable thereon. Each robotic module includes a powered carrier engaging the tramway for translating the robotic module therealong and a utility head connected to the powered carrier. The utility head is vertically positionable with respect to the powered carrier and is rotatable about a vertical axis. At least one gripper head is horizontally translatable from and rotatable relative to the utility head and includes a plurality of gripper fingers for grasping a parcel. A plurality of drones may be incorporated by the system to perform some of the parcel transporting operations of the robotic modules.
US09617071B2 Lid sensor and retrofit system
A non-contact lid sensor is provided for use with an oil field thief hatch and a latch. The sensor is mounted to the latch and comprises a reed switch. The latch pin is removed and embedded with a magnet with the magnet's north-south poles parallel to the pin's length so that the magnet triggers the reed switch. The reed switch is oriented so that it is perpendicular to the lower latch pin and the face of the sensor. The magnet and reed switch are aligned so that when the lid is closed the reed switch never sees the 0 Gauss line of the magnet. When the latch is in a closed position the reed switch allows the current to pass through the sensor and signal that the hatch is closed. The sensor system also allows for a Hall effect sensor to be used.
US09617070B1 Supplemental lid for containment sump
An apparatus and method for providing a water impenetrable barrier between an underground duct and an access opening. The apparatus is particularly well suited to cover a secondary opening in a containment sump of an underground storage tank or the manway of a sanitary sewer, catch basin or other manhole system. The apparatus includes a lid, inflatable seal and pressurized tank contained within the lid to inflate the seal. When sealed to the access opening, the lid restricts the inflow of water or other debris into the interior of the underground duct and restricts removal of the lid.
US09617065B2 Bulk material shipping container
A bulk material shipping container in one embodiment including a pallet, a bottom compartment mounted on the pallet, a top compartment mounted on the bottom compartment and movable from a retracted position relative to the bottom compartment to an expanded position relative to the bottom compartment, a plurality of top compartment supporting assemblies configured to support the top compartment in the expanded position relative to the bottom compartment, and configured to release the top compartment from the expanded position to enable the top compartment to move downwardly into the retracted position, a material unloading assembly, a material loading assembly, and an extension assembly.
US09617062B2 Discharging device
A dispensing apparatus includes a storage container having an outlet flange with a component outlet which is at least partly surrounded by an inlet flange. The inlet flange is configured to adopt a closed position and a dispensing position with respect to the outlet flange. A change from the closed position into the dispensing position is carried out by a rotation of the inlet flange with respect to the outlet flange. The component outlet is arranged at a cylindrical jacket surface of the outlet flange. The first component outlet is closed by the inlet flange in the closed position of the inlet flange. In the dispensing position, a connection is established by a crossover passage between the first component outlet and a dispensing opening.
US09617061B2 Cup package of a fibrous material and a method of manufacturing the same
The invention relates to a cup package made of a fiber-based material and to a method for manufacturing it. The package comprises a cup 1 for the product 9 to be packaged and a lid 2 for closing the cup mouth. In accordance with the invention, the lid is partially nested in the cup, the adhesion between the inner surface of the cup and the lid retaining the lid in position. Adjacent beads, such as mouth rolls 5, 8 have been formed at the mouth of the cup and the edge of the lid, the beads acting as solder bases for the user's fingers/when the package is opened. The lid can be formed by connecting a discoid centre 6 and a surrounding frame 7 and by equipping the frame with a mouth roll by a technique corresponding to the manufacture of a cup formed of a bottom 4 and a mantle 3 connected to this.
US09617056B2 Expandable container having lid for providing headspace control in a food can
The invention relates to lids for cans for receiving foodstuff which are to be subjected to a thermal treatment above 50° C. as sterilization or at least pasteurization. The lid (1) has an annular ring (2) seamable to the can body which ring can be firmly and sealingly connected with the can body rim portion and a cover panel (3) which is sealingly disposed (13) to said ring. The annular ring comprises a flat web (6) that points towards a vertical central axis (8) of the lid and is axially outwardly inclined (11) with respect to a horizontal plane (15). The cover panel (3) is sealed to the flat inclined web by means of a radially outer ring band (3a). A central area (3b) that is surrounded by the ring band is axially inwardly preformed towards an interior in a dome or bowl-shaped fashion and thereby stabilized. After closing of the can, it is subjected to the thermal treatment. Upon a change in pressure (in the closed can) occurring during this thermal treatment the cover panel changes from the preformed position (3b) to an axially outwardly directed bowl/dome-shaped position (3b′). After cooling the closed can, the cover panel (3) returns—at least substantially exactly—into its preformed position.
US09617054B2 Dual thread nozzle and cap assembly for dispensing pouch
A nozzle and cap assembly for a dispensing pouch includes a hollow unitary nozzle terminating in a rim. The nozzle including a first exterior threaded section and a second exterior threaded section having a different diameter than a diameter of the first exterior threaded section. A cap receives the nozzle and has an inner surface interfacing with the rim to seal the nozzle.
US09617048B2 Peelable and resealable packaging
A resealable package includes a bottom portion defining an interior and including a sealing surface extending about a top of the interior; a film coupled to the bottom portion along at least a portion of the sealing surface and including a tab portion extending inward from one side of the top film; and a seal disposed between the film and the bottom portion and including at least first and second sides that intersect and form a seal portion tip. The seal seals the film to the bottom portion such that the film is configured to be resealably peeled away from the bottom portion along at least a portion of the seal area upon application of a force to the seal tip portion via the tab portion.
US09617046B1 Beverage lid apparatuses for directing scent to a user
Beverage lid apparatuses for directing scent to a user are provided. In some embodiments, a beverage lid apparatus can be configured to attach to a beverage container and, by way of a drinking aperture on the lid, direct the scent of a beverage in the beverage container to the nose of a user when the user drinks from the drinking aperture. For example, the size and shape of the drinking aperture can be configured to allow scent from the beverage container to pass through the drinking aperture and above the flow of the beverage, upward into the nose of the user when the user drinks from the drinking aperture. In some embodiments, a beverage lid apparatus can further include a sliding cover configured to prevent spillage and/or contain heat and/or aroma.
US09617045B2 Cap, cap/container combination
Caps, containers embodying such caps, and methods of enhancing cap safety. Air flow passages through the cap enable one, who accidentally swallowed the cap, to breathe/pass air through the cap. Some air passages extend top to bottom. Openings in the outer side wall, and an air flow path across the cap, allow air to enter the cap on a first side, flow transversely through the cap, and exit an opposing side. The top-to-bottom air flow passages, and the air flow path across the cap, including the openings in the outer wall of the cap, collectively support air flow through the cap, thus through the person's airway, if/when the cap becomes accidentally lodged in a person's airway. The openings can be used to engage and extract an accidentally swallowed cap. Elements of an optional tamper evident ring remain attached to the cap after the cap is removed from the container.
US09617044B2 Fluid container ship cap
A fluid container ship cap seals a plurality of fluid interconnects of a fluid container during one or both of shipping and storage. The fluid container ship cap includes an elastomeric seal having a plurality of fluidic sealing members to seal a corresponding plurality of fluid interconnects. The fluid container ship cap further includes a rigid shell to rotate the fluid container ship cap about an axis of rotation at a fulcrum provided by a first fluidic sealing member of the plurality of fluidic sealing members. The elastomeric seal is affixed to the rigid shell.
US09617042B2 Injection-molded flexible tube based on high-density polyethylene
The present invention relates to a tube having a dispensing head and a flexible skirt. The skirt and the dispensing head include a single wall manufactured in a single injection-molding operation in an injection mold. According to the invention, the wall is made of a material whose base constituent is a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or a mixture of polymers, at least one of which is a high-density polyethylene representing from 5% to 100% by weight of the polymers constituting the wall. The present invention also relates to a process for manufacturing such a tube.
US09617041B1 Conversion envelopes
The present invention provides an envelope that converts from a larger envelope to a smaller envelope to enable the envelope to be reused when multiple page statements are mailed or when barcodes would otherwise prevent the reuse. A larger envelope can convert down to a smaller reply envelope, making the return envelope suitable for automated remittance processing. As such, envelopes may advantageously be provided that can be reused one or more times.
US09617040B1 Disinfectant material comprising copper iodide
An article of manufacture includes a liquid tight container that holds a disinfecting material. A disinfecting material includes a liquid gel material. The disinfecting material is dispensable from the container through a manual dispenser. The material is usable to apply a antimicrobial coating on surfaces, including the external surfaces of mammals such as human skin.
US09617038B2 Container including an inlet having an IC chip and an antenna for monitoring tamper events of the container
This container includes a container main body, an inlet including a substrate, an IC chip and an antenna, and a covering film that covers a part of an outer surface of the container main body and has a brittle part. The brittle part is a part easily torn by an external force than parts other than the brittle part in the covering film. At least a part of the inlet is positioned between the covering film and the outer surface of the container main body and adhered to the covering film. The brittle part covers at least a part of the antenna.
US09617036B2 Packaging container having a secure closure mechanism
A packaging container having a secure closure includes a base section and a cover section, with the cover section adapted to cover said base section when in a closed state. The closure mechanism includes a first aperture formed within an inner wall segment of the base section and a second aperture formed within an outer wall segment of the base section. A projection extends inwardly from a side wall portion of the cover section for engaging the first and second apertures of the base section, wherein the closure mechanism retains the cover section over the base section and securing the packaging container in a closed position.
US09617033B2 Two-component polyurethane compositions that are especially suitable for use as structural adhesives
The invention relates to two-component polyurethane compositions that are especially suitable for use as structural adhesives. Said compositions are constituted of a polyol component K1 and a polyisocyanate component K2, the polyol component K1 comprising at least one alkoxylated aromatic diol A1 and at least one aliphatic triol A2 and the polyisocyanate component K2 comprising at least one polyisocyanate B1.
US09617032B2 Bakery boxes
Disclosed is a bakery box including an outer box and an insert removably positioned within the outer box.
US09617030B2 Blank of sheet material having centring tabs, box and method implementing such a blank
The present invention relates to a blank and a box obtained from such a cardboard or corrugated-cardboard blank, comprising a succession of four leaves that are connected together in pairs by first folding lines, specifically two end leaves that are separated by two intermediate leaves, and comprising on each side a set of rectangular flaps. One intermediate leaf comprises at least one opening adjacent to a first folding line joining to an end leaf, the adjacent end leaf comprising, on its peripheral edge opposite the first folding line, at least one tab which has a shape complementary to the opening, is located in line with the opening and is connected to the leaf by a second folding line parallel to the first folding lines.
US09617027B2 Plastic container neck configured for use with a fitment
An apparatus is provided in the form of a neck for a plastic bottle or other plastic container. The neck includes an external thread with a constant major diameter that can engage with a bottle cap with an internal thread. The neck has an internal surface with an irregular shape where the internal diameter proximate to the top sealing surface is greater than the internal diameter proximate to the side wall of the plastic bottle. The internal surface of the neck engages with a fitment inserted into the neck of the plastic container to prevent movement of the fitment.
US09617025B2 Packaging machine having an exchangeable tool
The present invention relates to a packaging machine having a thermoforming station, a sealing station and/or a cutting device, wherein at least one of said stations or the cutting device have a lifting table having a lifting device.
US09617023B2 Method for producing cluster packs
A method for producing a cluster pack forming containers received in a container stream into lanes of single-track container streams, then for each lane, separating containers from neighboring containers by a pre-determined separation distance, for a subset of containers in the lane, applying adhesive to selected regions of the containers, rotating the containers in the subset such that adhesive regions of containers in the subset that are to be joined face each other, dividing off a pre-determined number of containers from the single-track container stream to form a container group. The method then includes pressing the container group against at least one other container group to form the cluster pack. The adhesive is selected such that a container is separable from the cluster pack by hand without damaging the container.
US09617022B2 Food packaging with vertical to horizontal transfer loading
A method and system for packaging products provides for initially, vertically stacking a plurality of products during production in a transfer canister, simultaneously removing a stack of the products from the transfer canister, reorienting the stack and horizontally loading the stack into a final product package cavity. The invention has applicability to a wide range of products, particularly food products, such as refrigerated dough products. In one embodiment of the invention, the product package cavity is thermoformed as part as an overall horizontal form, fill and seal system.
US09617021B2 Apparatus for bagging a bale and method of bagging such bale
A bale bagging apparatus for wrapping a bag around a bale of compressed material includes a base frame member having a first end and a second end, a transportation system, a bale chute and a bag retrieval system. The transportation system is provided to transport a bale through the bale chute having a bag for wrapping the bale. Additionally, the bale bagging apparatus has the bag retrieval system to position a bag from a first position to a second position to a third position, where in the third position an open end of the bag is positioned around the output end of the bale chute when the bale is transported by the transportation system through the bale chute.
US09617019B2 Automated packaging methods
An automated method for forming a packaged good article includes establishing a continuous path of travel for a mandrel. The mandrel defines an open interior between a package side and a loading side. With the mandrel at a first angle, a packaging material is wrapped about the mandrel at a first station along the path of travel to define a partial package. Product is dispensed into the partial package at a second station. With the mandrel at the second angle, the partial package and the mandrel are separated from one another at a third station. The first angle of the mandrel (at the first station) differs from the second angle of the mandrel (at the third station). The partial package is closed to form a packaged good article. In some embodiments, the mandrel is horizontal at the first station and is vertical at the third station.
US09617017B1 Apparatus and methods for orbital debris removal
An orbital debris interception vehicle includes a satellite bus and a debris interception module releasably coupled to the satellite bus. The debris interception module includes a debris impact pad, such as a pancake-shaped Whipple shield. A plurality of such vehicles can be deployed into an equatorial orbit and maneuvered to intercept orbital debris as it passes through the equatorial plane. In particular, the satellite bus can release the debris interception module before an intercept and reconnect to it after the intercept.
US09617013B2 Rotorcraft fuselage structure incorporating a load-bearing middle floor interposed between a cabin space and an equipment space
A fuselage structure for a rotorcraft (1), the structure comprising load-bearing members including middle frames (9a, 9b) carrying a top floor (12a) and a middle floor (12b). The middle floor (12b) internally partitions the fuselage into two compartments (6, 7), including a cabin-forming top compartment (6) and a bottom compartment (7) having an open bottom (23) leading to the outside via the bottom face of the fuselage. The middle floor (12b) provides a loading plane in the top compartment (6) having a false-floor (27) made up of interchangeable slabs (28) fitted out in a variety of ways. The middle floor (12b) also forms an anchor member from which equipment (16, 17) for suspending can be suspended, which equipment is accessible from outside the fuselage through said open bottom (23).
US09617006B2 Emergency power system for an aircraft
The present invention relates to an emergency power system for an aircraft having at least one fuel cell unit for producing electric power, wherein the fuel cell unit is cooled via at least one cooling circuit which includes at least one heat exchanger, and wherein the heat exchanger is connected to at least one air distribution system of the aircraft cabin so that exhaust air heated by the heat exchanger in the operation of the emergency power system can be distributed via the air distribution system in the aircraft cabin.
US09617001B2 Holding device for a display and/or operating unit for attaching in an aircraft and display and operating device with a holding device
A holding device for a display and/or operating unit for use in an aircraft on an aircraft seat is proposed, with a holding arm and an attachment device and a coupling unit for connecting the display and/or operating unit, wherein one end region of the holding arm is provided on the attachment device so as to be pivotable about an axis of rotation and the coupling unit for pivotably connecting the display and/or operating unit is provided on the opposite end region of the holding arm, and wherein the holding arm can take up a use position and a storage position on the attachment device. According to the invention, a spiral spring unit is arranged between the attachment device and the holding arm is such a manner that a torque is exerted on the holding arm by the spiral spring unit.
US09616996B2 Stiff inplane elastomeric rotorhead
An aircraft rotor head is provided and includes a rotor hub including a central portion and radial arms extending outwardly from the central portion, blade retention yokes, each blade retention yoke being pivotably coupled to a corresponding one of the radial arms at one end and to a corresponding blade at another end and a lag restraint star rotatable about and translatable along the central portion. The lag restraint star is coupled to each of the blade retention yokes to facilitate uniform blade lead/lag and uniform blade coning.
US09616994B2 Asymmetric multirotor helicopter
An asymmetric multirotor helicopter has a structure supporting at least one main and two secondary propulsion systems. A flight control unit controls the helicopter by varying the relative speed of each of the main and secondary propulsion systems. Each main propulsion system includes at least one main motor drive and a main drive shaft that carries and propels a main differential contra-rotating transmission configured to share the power provided by the main drive shaft with two contra-rotating output shafts. Each secondary propulsion system includes at least one secondary motor drive and a secondary drive shaft that carries and propels respective secondary propulsion blades. The two contra-rotating output shafts support and propel for mutually contra-rotation motion two sets of main propulsion blades. The main drive shaft rotates in the same direction as one of the secondary drive shafts and at least one secondary drive shaft rotates in an opposite direction.
US09616991B2 Mechanically self-regulated propeller
Generally, a mechanically self-regulating propeller is described which may have a central hub unit disposed around a shaft member, at least two blades coupled to the central hub unit, at least one timing hub coupled to each of the at least two blades, and a hydraulic unit coupled to the at least one timing hub. The at least one timing hub is slidably engaged to the shaft member. When not in use the blades lay substantially parallel to the central hub unit. When the central hub unit is rotated the blades begin to open or fan out to a position that is substantially perpendicular to the central hub unit. The propeller may be used any number of implementations including vehicles, generators, and any other mechanism requiring a propeller or similarly structured device.
US09616988B2 Energy-absorbing beam member
An energy-absorbing (EA) beam member and having a cell core structure is positioned in an aircraft fuselage proximate to the floor of the aircraft. The cell core structure has a length oriented along a width of the fuselage, a width oriented along a length of the fuselage, and a depth extending away from the floor. The cell core structure also includes cell walls that collectively define a repeating conusoidal pattern of alternating respective larger and smaller first and second radii along the length of the cell core structure. The cell walls slope away from a direction of flight of the aircraft at a calibrated lean angle. An EA beam member may include the cell core structure and first and second plates along the length of the cell core structure on opposite edges of the cell material.
US09616987B1 Marine engines and exhaust systems for marine engines
Marine engine includes a cylinder block having first and second banks of cylinders that are disposed along a longitudinal axis and extend transversely with respect to each other in a V-shape so as to define a valley therebetween. A catalyst receptacle is disposed at least partially in the valley and contains at least one catalyst that treats exhaust gas from the marine engine. A conduit conveys the exhaust gas from the marine engine to the catalyst receptacle. The conduit receives the exhaust gas from the first and second banks of cylinders and conveys the exhaust gas to the catalyst receptacle. The conduit reverses direction only once with respect to the longitudinal axis.
US09616984B2 Method for operation of an unmanned ocean vessel
A method is described for steering of an un-manned ocean vessel (10), where the vessel comprises a hull (12), a self-tacking wing sail (16) for propulsion, a keel (18) for direction stability and a rudder (20). The method comprises the steps: to set the rudder (20) and the sail (16) so that the vessel (10) holds a stable direction with regard to the wind at a given rudder deflection, a) to check the position of the vessel (10) with the help of an electronic steering system (22) on board, and if it is registered that the vessel (10) is not getting any nearer its destination, b) adjust the rudder (20) to set a new, arbitrary course, where the course is chosen from among a number of pre-determined course changes, c) check again the position of the vessel (10) with the help of the electronic steering system (22) and if it is registered that the vessel (10) has got nearer its destination, d) to let the vessel (10) continue on the same course, and e) to repeat said check of the position of the vessel (10) and the steps a) to d) at regular intervals.
US09616983B2 Vibration-powered floating object
A vibration-powered device adapted for flotation and propulsion on an upper surface in a liquid. The device having a body with a top side adapted to be at least partially disposed above the surface of the liquid, and a bottom side adapted to be at least partially submerged below the surface of the liquid. A vibration mechanism is disposed in the body. A propulsion fin is connected to the body. The fin includes a top side adapted to be disposed at least partially above the liquid surface, a bottom side adapted to be disposed at least partially below the surface. The vibration mechanism is adapted to oscillate the free distal end of the propulsion fin upward and downward.
US09616978B2 Navigation route generation device, automatic steering system, and navigation route generation method
There is provided a navigation route generation device with which a host moving body can be navigated by offsetting it parallel to a line on the current travel direction of the host moving body by a simple operation, without changing the preset destination or bearing. A plotter that is part of an automatic steering system of a ship comprises a current route acquisition component, a parallel route generator, and a navigation route setting component. The current route acquisition component acquires the travel direction of the host ship. The parallel route generator generates a parallel route, which is a route that is parallel to the travel direction acquired by the current route acquisition component. The navigation route setting component sets the parallel route generated by the parallel route generator to the navigation route of the host ship.
US09616977B2 Paddle boards and the manufacturing method of the same
Disclosed herein is a paddle board and a manufacturing method thereof, and in particular a paddle board and a manufacturing method thereof wherein a board body is formed of a double space sheet to accommodate air therein, thus obtaining a light structure and an easier storage and transfer, and a wedge part is formed at a lower side of a front end of a board so as to guide the current of water, thus enhancing speed feeling when in use.
US09616974B2 Auger anchor
An anchor device and method for safely and reliably securing watercraft to the bed of a body of water is provided. The anchor device may include a handle member with detachable components and an auger. The auger may be bored into the ground upon rotation of the handle member and then detached from the handle member by lifting the handle member vertically. The auger may include a shaft with a square cross-section and a pointed bottom end. Two auger blades, separated by an axial gap, may be attached to the shaft. Each auger blade may extend circumferentially around the shaft in a helical configuration.
US09616973B2 Marine hull and marine vessel
A marine hull including a hull plate manufactured from metal, a set of longitudinal reinforcements and a set of transverse reinforcements, at least one longitudinal reinforcement of the set of longitudinal reinforcements being arranged between the hull plate and at least one transverse reinforcement of the set of transverse reinforcements, and being connected to an inside of the hull plate. The marine hull is characterized in that the hull plate has a thickness that is less than 10 mm, and that the at least one longitudinal reinforcement is manufactured from the same metal as the hull plate and comprises at least one resilient segment arranged to spring in the direction transverse to the thickness of the hull plate, and that the resilient segment is arranged to bottom upon a compression that is more than 10 mm and less than 50 mm.
US09616972B2 Attitude-adaptive hydrofoil apparatus for high-speed underwater towing operation
An attitude-adaptive hydrofoil apparatus, including: strut-braced wing assemblies, a horizontal wing assembly, connection plates, and attack angle adjusting plates. The strut-braced wing assemblies each include a bearing, at least one inclined tube, at least one inclined flow-guiding wing, and at least one stop dog. The horizontal wing assembly includes a horizontal tube, at least one horizontal flow-guiding wing, and at least one depth-locating wing. The attack angle adjusting plates each include an angle adjusting end plate having a hole. The strut-braced wing assemblies are symmetrically disposed at two sides of the horizontal wing assembly. The bearing is fixed on a vessel body by welding. The at least one inclined flow-guiding wing is sleeved on the at least one inclined tube, and is limited by the at least one stop dog. The attack angle adjusting plates are disposed at two ends of the horizontal tube, respectively.
US09616969B2 Gearing system for a dual-powered bicycle
A gearing system comprises a first rotational input, a second rotational input and a rotational output. The first rotational input and second rotational input may transmit a rotation to the rotational output, wherein one of the first rotational input and second rotational input is connected to the rotational output through a one way clutch, and wherein the other of the first rotational input and second rotational input is connected to the rotational output through an overrunning clutch, wherein said one way clutch and said overrunning clutch are rotationally coupled. The gearing system may be used in electric bicycles, but may also be used in other dual propulsion vehicles such as hybrid cars.
US09616965B2 Automatic pedal for bicycles
An automatic pedal for bicycles comprising a main body provided with means for its pivoting along an axis to a pedal crank, the main body comprising a compartment arranged to abuttingly house a first portion of a cleat associated with a shoe of a cyclist, and a coupling element pivoted to the main body and spring loaded, adapted to cooperate with a second portion of said cleat to removable fix, together with said compartment, the cleat to the main body, in which said compartment comprises at least one first and one second seat arranged to alternatively abuttingly receive said first portion of the cleat, the first seat being closer to the axis of said pivotal means than the second seat, such that the cyclist is able to choose where to abuttingly position the cleat, hence adjusting the position of the shoe relative to the pivotal axis.
US09616964B2 Bicycle wireless control system
A bicycle wireless control system is basically provided with a first bicycle electric component and a second bicycle electric component. The first bicycle electric component includes at least one operating member and a first wireless communication unit that wirelessly transmits a control signal in response to an operation of the at least one operating member. The second bicycle electric component includes a second wireless communication unit that is configured to wirelessly receive the control signal from the first wireless communication unit and to wirelessly transmit an acknowledgement signal to the first wireless communication unit upon receiving the control signal from the first wireless communication unit.
US09616957B2 Motorcycle fairing adjustment member and assembly and method of adjusting a motorcycle fairing
A motorcycle fairing adjustment assembly, a motorcycle fairing adjustment member, and a method of adjusting a motorcycle fairing are disclosed. The motorcycle fairing adjustment member includes an outer side configured for mounting to an inner fairing member of a motorcycle, an inner side configured for mounting to a fairing bracket extending longitudinally forward from a neck portion of a motorcycle frame, and an adjustment angle formed by the outer side and the inner side. The adjustment angle adjusts an angle of the inner fairing member relative to the motorcycle frame.
US09616946B2 System and method of trailer attachment
The disclosure provides a system and method for trailer attachment.
US09616945B1 Aerodynamic fairings for cargo enclosures
A nose fairing for a cargo enclosure may generally include a nose body configured to extend outwardly from a front wall of the enclosure. The nose body may include an upper nose wall, a lower nose wall and a leading edge region extending between the upper and lower nose walls. The upper nose wall may include a concave region that terminates at the leading edge region such that the nose fairing transitions directly from the concave region of the upper nose wall to the leading edge region. The lower nose wall may include a convex region that terminates at the leading edge region such that the nose fairing transitions directly from the convex region of the lower nose wall to the leading edge region. The leading edge region may define a radius of curvature that differs from a radius of curvature of the convex region of the lower nose wall.
US09616943B2 Tractor trailer gap control system
A method for increasing the aerodynamic efficiency of a vehicle includes monitoring operating condition of a vehicle, determining if a pre-selected event has occurred with respect to the operating condition of the vehicle, communicating a spacing value to a moving device and adjusting a spacing between a cab and a trailer of the vehicle based on the communicated spacing value.
US09616942B2 Tractor
It is an object to provide a tractor, which is a work vehicle, being capable of providing an air-conditioner unit and rear working lights in the interior of a ceiling without protruding the rear end of the cabin. Regarding a tractor, which is a work vehicle in which a cabin for covering a drive operating unit is provided, the ceiling of the cabin is formed in an arc shape from the front end to the rear end thereof, and a radius of curvature of the arc shape is configured to increase as the ceiling advances from the front end to the rear end of the ceiling.
US09616937B2 Vehicle body structure
In a vehicle rear structure that is one example of a vehicle body structure, a rear suspension tower that is made of die-cast aluminum and a wheel housing outer that is made of a metal material having a higher fatigue strength than the die-cast aluminum of the rear suspension tower, are joined together via an extension panel that is made of a metal material having a higher fatigue strength than the die-cast aluminum of the rear suspension tower. Further, a step portion is formed between an inner peripheral portion and an outer peripheral portion of the extension panel to form a deformable portion.
US09616935B2 Vehicle structures and methods of assembling the same
Vehicle structures and methods of assembling the same are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of assembling a unibody structure of a vehicle includes assembling a door surround ring comprising a forward pillar portion, a roof rail portion, a rearward pillar portion, and a rocker portion. The method also includes, subsequent to assembling the door surround ring, installing the door surround ring into a vehicle side outer panel, coupling the door surround ring to the vehicle side outer panel. The method further includes, subsequent to installing the door surround ring into the vehicle side outer panel, coupling the door surround ring and the vehicle side outer panel to a vehicle interior structural member.
US09616934B2 Hybrid automotive side sill and manufacturing method thereof
The present disclosure provides a hybrid side sill for an automobile. The hybrid side sill may includes a pultruded profile part including a continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic polymer, which has a heat deflection temperature of at least 200 °C., and a terminal part including steel, which is attached to an end portion of the pultruded profile part. The present disclosure further provides an automobile body including such a hybrid side sill and also a method of manufacturing a hybrid side sill for an automobile. The manufacturing method includes a step for forming a pultruded profile part including a continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic polymer, which has a heat deflection temperature of at least 200 °C., and a step for attaching a terminal part made of steel to an end portion of the pultruded profile part.
US09616933B2 Sub frame structure of vehicle
A sub frame structure of a vehicle comprises a pair of right-and-left side members extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction, to which a pair of right-and-left upper-side lower arm supporting rear wheels are pivotally connected, a rear cross member holding the vicinity of rear ends of the side members, and a front cross member interconnecting the side members in a vehicle width direction and being positioned in front of the rear cross member, being spaced apart from the rear cross member. The side member includes a front support bracket and a rear member holding member to which a front connection portion and a rear connection portion of the upper-side lower arm are connected, and a displacement portion to cause the rear member holding member to be displaced forward is provided between the front support bracket and the rear member holding member.
US09616932B2 Chassis assembly including connector breaking feature
A chassis assembly of a vehicle includes an underbody and a subframe. A connector extends along an axis and connects the subframe and the underbody. A first wedge is fixed to one of the underbody and the subframe about the axis and a second wedge is fixed to the other of the underbody and subframe about the axis. The first wedge includes a protrusion and the second wedge defines a recess receiving the protrusion in a direction along the axis. During a frontal impact of the vehicle, the subframe may rotate relative to the underbody. During this rotation the first wedge and second wedge rotate relative to each other and the protrusion moves along the recess to apply a tensile load to the connection to break the connection.
US09616931B2 Releasable cradle to body joint
A releasable joint configured to attach a cradle to an underbody of a vehicle subjectable to an external force includes a fastener, an attachment portion of the cradle, and a partial sleeve. The fastener attaches the cradle to the underbody. The attachment portion of the cradle encircles the fastener and includes a breakaway portion that fractures when the external force exceeds a threshold force. The partial sleeve is attached to and disposed within the attachment portion of the cradle and partially encircles the fastener so as to form an opening that provides a horizontal pathway for the fastener to move through to exit the cradle when the breakaway portion fractures. The cradle may separate from the underbody at the releasable joint with no vertical motion of the cradle relative to the underbody when the external force exceeds the threshold force.
US09616930B2 Suspension frame structure
A suspension frame structure with which a high rigidity can be obtained with respect to load applied from suspension arms and an engine mount is provided. In a suspension frame structure according to the present invention, a suspension frame includes a right front fixing portion, a left front fixing portion, a right rear fixing portion and a left rear fixing portion to which a right suspension arm and a left suspension arm are fixed, contours of the right extension bracket and the left extension bracket on an interior side of a vehicle extend along an circular arc-shaped locus that connects side member fixing positions and an engine mount attachment portion, as viewed from an upper side of a vehicle, and tangents at front ends of the contours respectively pass through arm fixing positions.
US09616929B2 Cross-member and method for mounting a component to a vehicle frame beam
A cross-member is provided for a vehicle having a frame structure including two longitudinal beams, wherein the cross-member includes a main portion and two end-sections wherein each end section includes an outer surface for facing an inner surface of a longitudinal frame beam wherein the cross-member includes at least one protrusion extending from the outer surface of the end-sections for being introduced into a hole or notch of the frame beam for forming a form-lock to one more components to be mounted to the longitudinal frame beam.
US09616926B2 Steering assistance apparatus and method for vehicles
A steering assistance apparatus and method for a vehicle controls a steering of the vehicle by cognizing a surrounding space at the time of entry and exit of the vehicle, in a parking lot in which an entry and exit road is designed in a helix form. The apparatus includes a sensor module configured to sense at least one of an entry of the vehicle into a parking lot, and an exit of the vehicle from the parking lot, and sense whether the driving road in which the vehicle is driving is a ramp. The apparatus includes a control module configured to control steering of the vehicle within the parking lot by enabling a ramp parking area steering assist mode based on the sensing.
US09616920B2 Power steering apparatus
An apparatus for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes a power steering motor assembly connected with the steerable vehicle wheels. A first pump connected with the power steering motor assembly is continuously driven by an engine of the vehicle, during operation of the engine, to supply fluid under pressure to the power steering motor assembly. A second pump connected with the power steering motor assembly is continuously driven by an engine of the vehicle, during operation of the engine. A valve connected with the power steering motor assembly and the second pump directs fluid flow from the second pump to at least one of the power steering motor assembly and reservoir during operation of both the first pump and the second pump. A pumping mechanism includes a first pumping area defining the first pump and a second pumping area defining the second pump. The first pumping area is smaller than the second pumping area.
US09616919B2 Hydraulic steering device
A hydraulic steering device is provided comprising a supply port arrangement having a pressure port (P) and a tank port (5), a working port arrangement having two working ports (L, R), a main flow path (14) between the pressure port (P) and the working port arrangement, a return flow path (16) between the working port arrangement and the tank port (5), flow meter means (15) being arranged in said main flow path (14), an amplification flow path (17) being arranged in parallel to said main flow path (14), said amplification flow path (17) being connected to said main flow path (14) downstream said flow meter means (15) in a direction from said pressure port (P) to said working port arrangement. A risk of dangerous situations in case of jamming of the flow meter should be reduced. To this end pressure increasing means are provided increasing a pressure over said flow meter means (15) in case a flow through said main flow path (14) is blocked by said flow meter (15).
US09616918B2 Vehicle steering system and vehicle steering method
In a vehicle steering that sets a target steering reaction force to be applied to a steering wheel on the basis of a steering angle of the steering wheel and that applies the target steering reaction force to the steering wheel; the target steering reaction force is set so that the target steering reaction force changes on the basis of whether a steering mode of the steering wheel is turn steering in which the absolute value of a steered angle of a steered wheel is increased or return steering in which the absolute value of the steered angle is reduced; and the set target steering reaction force is applied to the steering wheel.
US09616916B2 Electric power steering device
An electric power steering device includes a ferrite core mounted on a wire harness connected to an electric motor and a bracket configured to fix the ferrite core to a vehicle.
US09616915B2 Steering system
A steering system includes an engaged member fixed to an upper jacket, an engaging member rotatably supported by a lower jacket, and an impact absorbing member including a movable portion that moves together with the engaging member at the time of a secondary collision, to absorb impact made at the time of the secondary collision. The engaged member has a plurality of engaged teeth. The engaging member comes into engagement with the engaged teeth in accordance with an operation of an operation member. At the time of the secondary collision, the engaging member is disengaged from the lower jacket, and moves along with the upper jacket while in engagement with the engaged teeth.
US09616913B2 Direction setting device for the seat of a baby stroller
A direction setting device for the seat of a baby stroller includes the main backrest providing an auxiliary backrest whose bottom end is sewed with the seat fabric to form a sewing thread line via which the auxiliary backrest moves to the front end of the frame to change the seat direction. A a rear canopy is secured on the sunshade, and a switching line for turning over the rear canopy to change the direction forms at the joints of the rear canopy and the sunshade. The rear canopy is fastened to the auxiliary backrest and to the footrest respectively by a fastening element after the seat direction is switched, so that the sunshade may simultaneously change its direction. Furthermore, the tilting angle of the auxiliary backrest may be controlled by adjusting the elevation angle of the footrest.
US09616912B2 Infant stroller apparatus
A stroller apparatus includes a front and a rear leg, a side handrail respectively connected pivotally with the front and rear legs, a handle pivotally connected with the side handrail, a seat support frame including a side bar located below the side handrail and pivotally connected with the front leg and the handle, a first seat detachably installable on the side handrail facing rearward at a first position adjacent to the handle, and a second seat detachably installable on the side bar facing rearward at a second position, the second position being located below the first position and adjacent to the handle.
US09616907B1 Multi-mode hand truck
A hand truck is convertible to assume an expanded use mode and a flat storage mode. The hand truck includes a rolling base and a base pusher. The rolling base is arranged to support goods and to roll on ground underlying the hand truck. The base pusher is mounted on the rolling base for pivotable movement about a base-pusher pivot axis from an upright hand-truck position to a storage position to rearrange the hand truck between the expanded use mode and the flat storage mode.
US09616898B2 System and method for determining effective road grade characteristic
A vehicle system includes a computer in a vehicle, and the computer includes a processor and a memory. The computer is configured to determine an operational state of a vehicle, calculate a road grade value from data from a first sensor, calculate an effective road grade value from a torque demand value, update modeling variables to map the road grade value substantially to the effective grade value when the operation state is determined to be a steady-state condition, and calculate a road grade characteristic with the road grade value and the modeling variables.
US09616897B2 Systems and methods for predicting weather performance for a vehicle
Systems and methods for obtaining data about road conditions as they pertain to an individual vehicle, using this information to build a model of vehicle behavior as a function of its environment, and aggregating information concerning multiple vehicles along with data from other sources in order to predict vehicle behavior in future environments.
US09616895B2 Controlled regenerative braking torque incrementing in hybrid vehicle downshift
A controller and control strategies minimize shift shock in a hybrid electric vehicle during a downshift during regenerative braking by maintaining the transmission input speed substantially linear when the transmission input speed is slowing. The controller and the control strategies control the regenerative braking torque during a downshift occurring during regenerative braking in such a way that the transmission input speed is maintained substantially linear when the transmission input speed is slowing during a torque phase of the downshift.
US09616890B2 ACC and AM braking range variable based on internal and external factors
When employing an adaptive cruise-with-braking (ACB) system to control host vehicle braking reaction distance, a plurality of trigger conditions (e.g., environmental parameters) are monitored. If one or more of the monitored parameters exceeds a predefined threshold, a trigger event is detected, and at least one of a braking reaction distance (BRD) and a following distance limit shape (FDLS) are adjusted. The BRD and FDLS adjustments may be predefined according to the type and/or magnitude of the trigger event. Trigger events may be weighted or prioritized such that higher priority trigger event types correspond to larger BRD reductions, etc. Monitored trigger conditions may include adverse weather, dangerous road terrain or topography, high traffic density, erratic forward vehicle behavior, and the like.
US09616885B2 Vehicular acceleration suppression device
A vehicular acceleration suppression device reduces the degradation in the drive performance due to the acceleration suppression control activated outside the parking region. A parking frame line candidate which is a candidate of a parking frame line is extracted from a bird's-eye view image acquired by performing a bird's-eye view conversion on a captured image around a vehicle, and a parking frame line candidate corresponding line corresponding the parking frame line candidate is extracted from the captured image of the front of the vehicle. Then, the parking frame line candidate corresponding to the parking frame line candidate corresponding line length of which is longer than a parking frame line length threshold is eliminated from the candidate to be detected as the parking frame.
US09616881B2 System and method of controlling a powertrain
A vehicle and a method of controlling a powertrain are provided. The vehicle may include a controller programmed to operate a powertrain in a hybrid mode. The controller may be further programmed to, responsive to a request to operate the powertrain in electric mode, transition powertrain operation from the hybrid mode to the electric mode without shifting gears until a change in accelerator pedal position exceeds a threshold following the transition.
US09616880B2 Shift control method for preventing starting stage implementation failure of hybrid electric vehicle
A shift control method for preventing a starting stage implementation failure of a hybrid electric vehicle may include operating a driving motor included in the hybrid electric vehicle to have an RPM of the driving motor in a predetermined range, operating an automatic manual transmission (AMT) included in the vehicle to implement a starting stage, and operating the driving motor to allow the AMT to implement a neutral stage and a clutch gear restricted to an input shaft of the AMT to rotate up to one gear tooth when the starting stage is not implemented.
US09616879B2 Battery state of charge control with preview information classification
In a vehicle, a controller divides a route into route segments. The controller operates a traction battery over the route segments to achieve a target state of charge upon completion of one of the route segments. The target state of charge is based on a target battery power defined by a classification for each of the route segments including the one of the route segments according to a set of fuzzy rules applied to vehicle acceleration and road grade associated with the route segments. Fuzzy rules may be applied to the classification for each of the route segments.
US09616878B2 Control apparatus for hybrid vehicle
A control apparatus is applied to a hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle includes an MG which is connected with an input shaft of a manual transmission via a first clutch that is operated by a press operation to a clutch pedal and an internal combustion engine which is connected with the MG via a second clutch. The hybrid vehicle is allowed to execute an EV traveling mode where: the internal combustion engine is stopped; the internal combustion engine and drive wheels are separated by the second clutch; and the drive wheels are driven by the MG. In the control apparatus, when the EV traveling mode is executed, a required torque is obtained based on an accelerator opening degree, and a required transmission torque is obtained based on an operation amount to the clutch pedal. And, when a smaller one of the required torque and the required transmission torque is greater than a determination value, the internal combustion engine is started.
US09616871B2 Method of operating brake system
The invention provides a method of operating a brake system, including: transmitting a valve operating command to an inlet valve an outlet valve calculating a valve operating time of each of the inlet valve and the outlet valve based on a difference in pressure between both ends of each of the inlet valve and the outlet valve; performing the linear or On-Off control for increasing pressure and calculating the quantity of brake oil passing through the inlet valve and, the ON-OFF control for decreasing pressure and calculating the quantity of brake oil passing through the outlet valve; and calculating hydraulic pressure in the wheel brake cylinder based on the quantity of brake oil passing through the inlet valve and the quantity of brake oil passing through the outlet valve.
US09616868B2 Pre-assemblage internal gear pump
An internal gear pump, in particular a hydraulic pump for a slip-controlled vehicle braking system, is configured to be pre-assembled. The internal gear pump includes a cartridge configured as a casing, which is configured to be inserted in a receptacle in a hydraulic block of a vehicle braking system.
US09616867B2 Vehicle line-locking brake system and method
A line-locking brake system consists of a brake pressure generator which, in conjunction with a brake fluid solenoid isolates the front brake circuit from the master cylinder while maintaining a precise brake pressure in the front brake hydraulic system. The brake pressure generator consists of a pressure amplifier having a high pressure chamber located in the flow path from the master cylinder to the front brake cylinders and a low pressure chamber in fluid communication with a regulated gas pressure source. When activated, the brake pressure generator applies a pressure to the front brake circuit that is directly proportional to the pressure of the regulated gas and therefore is precisely controllable irrespective of wear on parts, driver fatigue or other variables.
US09616866B2 Vehicular brake hydraulic pressure control apparatus
Inlet and outlet ports are in the top part of a base; a reservoir is in the bottom part of the base; pumps are between the inlet port and the reservoir; a pressure booster valve, a depressurizing valve, a cut valve, and a caliper pressure sensor are along the center axis of each pump; the pressure booster valve is above the center axis; the depressurizing valve is below the center axis; the cut valve is between the pressure booster valve and the depressurizing valve and is nearer the middle of the base than the pressure booster valve and the depressurizing valve; and a suction valve is between the depressurizing valves aligned nearer the end of the base than a vertical reference line passing through the rotational center axes of the pumps. The suction valve communicates with cut valves, and a master pressure sensor is on the reference line.
US09616864B2 Method and device for operating a braking device, braking device
A method for operating a wheel braking device having an electrically motorized actuator, wherein the actuator comprises an electric motor and an actuator element that can be moved by means of the electric motor. The actuator element is moved into a brake application position to actuate the wheel braking device and moved into a brake release position to release the wheel braking device. A movement travel of the actuator element is monitored while releasing the wheel braking device. The electric motor is switched from a control operation into a free-running operation during a release process and a free-running voltage is determined and that a minimum duration of movement of the actuator element for achieving the release position is calculated based upon the determined free-running voltage and is compared with a measured duration of movement of the actuator element to perform a plausibility check of the movement travel.
US09616861B2 Pedal assembly for electronic braking system
An electrical-mechanical brake apparatus includes a bracket and a pedal arm supported by the bracket. The bracket has a cam surface. An arm extends from the pivot arm to a follower. As the pedal arm moves toward the bracket, the follower moves along the cam surface, compressing the cam bias for simulating the feel of a purely mechanical brake system. In certain embodiments, the earn body rotates while in others the cam follower rotates.
US09616860B2 Portable wheel rolling apparatus
A portable powered roller assembly configured to impart a motive force to a wheeled vehicle or structure consists of a roller mounted in a rolling support structure. The roller is rotationally driven by a battery-powered drive unit coupled through a torque multiplying transmission, and is configured for engagement with the circumferential surface of a vehicle wheel. Rotational movement of the roller in engagement with the circumferential surface of the vehicle wheel draws the powered roller assembly towards, and under, the curved circumferential surface of the vehicle wheel, imparting a force to the vehicle wheel which include both a lifting force perpendicular to the supporting surface on which the powered roller is resting, and a motive force parallel to the surface.
US09616857B1 Overhead snow moving device
An overhead snow moving device for moving snow positioned overhead includes a plurality of rods. Each rod has a first end and a second end, and comprises a plurality of nested sections. Supports are coupled to and extend between the rods proximate to top ends of the nested sections. A strut is coupled to and extends between the rods proximate to the first ends of the rods. First couplers are positioned proximate to the top ends of the nested sections. Second couplers, complimentary to the first couplers, are positioned proximate to bottom ends of the nested sections. Each of a plurality of extenders is angularly coupled to and extends from a respective second end of a rod. A plow is coupled to each of the extenders distally from the second ends of the rods.
US09616852B2 Image processing apparatus, image-capturing method, and vehicle
An image processing apparatus includes a light source configured to emit light onto a glass; an image-capturing unit configured to capture light from an image-capturing region including reflection light of the emitted light from the glass; an object detection filter used to detect an object attached to the glass, light from a portion of the image-capturing region entering the object detection filter; an exposure control unit configured to determine a first exposure amount used in image capturing for a first region where the object detection filter does not exist and a second exposure amount used in image capturing for a second region where the object detection filter exists; and an image analysis unit configured to analyze a captured image obtained by the image-capturing unit. The image-capturing unit switches an exposure amount used in an image-capturing process for the image-capturing region between the first exposure amount and the second exposure amount.
US09616847B2 On/off detecting buckle switch
An ON/OFF detecting buckle switch includes: a case in a housing shape; a substrate fixing member equipped in an inner side face of the case; a slider insertion port equipped in an upper face of the case; a support portion equipped in an inner side face of the case; a first fixed terminal folded stepwise in a longitudinal direction of a strip shape to circumvent the substrate fixing member, having one end provided with a notched portion and the other end fixed to the inner side face of the case; a first movable terminal in a strip shape having one area fixed to the support portion; a slider provided with a terminal press portion that projects inside the case penetrating through the slider insertion port and the notched portion, and when pressed down, presses down an end of the first movable terminal; and a spring that biases the slider upward.
US09616846B2 Belt retractor
The invention relates to a belt retractor for a seat belt having a belt reel for winding up and unwinding the seat belt and a torsion bar which is arranged outside the belt reel and is connected at one bar end to a switchable fixing device. The switchable fixing device keeps the bar end rotationally fixed in one state and permits rotation of the bar end in another state. The switchable fixing device has a displaceable piston which, with a piston portion, in a locking position, can secure the bar end against rotation and, in a release position displaced in relation to the locking position, releases the bar end.
US09616845B2 Webbing take-up device
A webbing take-up device is obtained capable of suppressing slight axial direction movement of a gear configuring a mechanism to release overload. A large gear portion of a two-step gear configuring an overload release mechanism of the webbing take-up device is sandwiched between a small gear portion end face of a small gear portion and a bottom portion of a rotor. This thereby enables rattling which is slight axial direction movement of the large gear portion to be suppressed.
US09616844B2 Vehicle seat belt assembly
A seat belt assembly for a vehicle may be arranged to facilitate installation of a seat belt while improving the operation and feel during use. The vehicle may have a pair of left and right occupant seats on a vehicle body frame. A pair of left and right standing frames may be disposed on the outside of the seats, and the upper end parts of the pair of standing frames may be connected by a cross frame. A winding device of the belt may be supported on the frame so as to be positioned in back of the seat. A through-anchor into which the belt may be inserted may be supported on the upper part of the standing frame. Guide ribs may be provided on a back surface of the seat between the winding device and the through-anchor so as to guide the movement of the belt.
US09616838B2 Airbag module and assembly having an instrument panel and an airbag module
The invention relates to an airbag module (10) for being arranged on an instrument panel (5) comprising a fastening portion (22) provided for being arranged on the instrument panel (5), an inflator (16), an airbag (12), a receiving portion (26) for the airbag (12) extending from the inflator (16) to the fastening portion (22) and a retaining portion (24) which is accessible from outside of the receiving portion (26) and serves for retaining the inflator (16). The invention also relates to a subassembly comprising an instrument panel (5) and an airbag module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the fastening portion (22) of the airbag module (10) being connected to the instrument panel (5) and a retainer (28) formed separately from the airbag module (10) being provided which is connected to the retaining portion (24) of the airbag module (10).
US09616836B2 Two dimensional pedestrian impact sensing
A vehicle system includes a sensor that outputs an impact signal and a processing device that is programmed to calculate an acceleration envelope from the impact signal, determine a number of times the impact signal crosses a predetermined threshold, and determine whether the impact signal represents a pedestrian impact. Whether the impact is a pedestrian impact is based at least in part on the acceleration envelope and the number of times the impact signal crosses the predetermined threshold.
US09616835B2 Vehicle-mounted emergency report device
A vehicle-mounted emergency report device having a function of transmitting an emergency report signal to a center device via a communication network when a vehicle has been determined to collide, includes a backup battery supplying an operating power when electric power supplied from a vehicle battery decreases, and a voltage detection unit detecting a voltage of the backup battery. Also, the vehicle-mounted emergency report device has a first determination unit determining whether the voltage detected is lower than a battery exhaustion warning threshold, a second determination unit determining whether a second order differential coefficient calculated by differentiating a battery voltage function twice by time is negative, and a warning unit refraining from warning when the voltage detected is lower than the threshold and the coefficient is not negative, and warning when the coefficient is negative. Thus, decrease of a discharge performance of the backup battery can be detected accurately.
US09616832B2 Bumper system for a vehicle
One bumper system for a vehicle includes a bumper bracket and a deformation element connected to the bumper bracket. The bumper bracket is composed of a metallic workpiece with an undulating form such that the bumper bracket has at least one undulation trough and at least two undulation peaks, and reinforcement zones are formed in regions of the undulation trough. Another bumper system for a vehicle includes a bumper bracket and a deformation element connected to the bumper bracket. The bumper bracket has an undulating form such that the bumper bracket has a plurality of undulation troughs and a plurality of undulation peaks, and reinforcement zones are formed in each undulation trough. In each system, a second deformation element may be connected to the bumper bracket, and at least one characteristic of the reinforcement zones may increase or decrease between the deformation elements and a middle of the bumper bracket.
US09616831B2 Bumper assemblies including vertical rigidity flange
A bumper assembly includes a bumper upper member that is reinforced in a vehicle vertical direction against a bumper energy absorber structure. The bumper upper member includes a vertical rigidity flange that extends outwardly toward the bumper energy absorber that limits movement of the bumper upper member in response to a downward vertical force, which can improve static subjective rigidity, while maintaining pedestrian performance.
US09616829B2 Vehicle electrical center
An electrical center for distributing electrical power to an electrical system of a vehicle is provided. A housing of the electrical center includes a shroud that protrudes outward from a sidewall of the housing. A fuse assembly which is configured to fit into the housing includes a tab that protrudes outward from the sidewall. A sleeve is configured to engage the shroud and the tab such that a receptacle for a connector of the electrical system is formed on the sidewall.
US09616827B2 Wire harness
A wire harness includes a plurality of electrical pathways or a plurality of circuits of electrical pathways, and an exterior member into which the electrical pathways are inserted and which protects the electrical pathways. The exterior member is formed by being resin molded into a single pipe-like shape, and has at least one of irregular portions in a pipe axial direction. The irregular portion has a first irregular pipe pan, a second irregular pipe part which is different in shape from the first irregular pipe part and a shape converting part which links the first irregular pipe part and the second irregular pipe part. The shape converting part is formed as a part which extends a predetermined length in the pipe axial direction to straightly wire the wire harness.
US09616826B2 Wire harness exterior member and wire harness
Tubes are connected to each other by a tube connecting part such that a distance between respective ends of the tubes is an optional distance or such that the ends of the tubes abut each other.
US09616824B2 Soundproof body for motor vehicles and silencer for motor vehicles
A dash silencer has a lamination structure of a first layer, an intermediate layer, and a second layer. The intermediate layer is formed as a non-air permeable thin-membrane layer. The second layer is formed as a perforated layer having a plurality of opening portions.
US09616819B2 Ditch rail stowable article carrier system and method
A vehicle article carrier is disclosed for use on a vehicle having a roof, where the roof has a pair of parallel extending ditch rails forming elongated recesses in the roof. The vehicle article carrier may incorporate a pair of tracks configured to rest within the ditch rails and to be fixedly secured within the ditch rails. A pair of cross bars may be removably securable to the tracks. Each cross bar may further be configured with a cross sectional shape to rest at least partially within an associated one of the ditch rails when placed in a stowed configuration. Each cross bar may further be securable to the tracks so as to extend perpendicularly between the tracks and above the roof when placed in an operative position.
US09616816B2 Image display mirror for a vehicle
Provided is an image display mirror that includes a half mirror and an image display apparatus, reduces an influence of a reflected image provided by the half mirror, and is excellent in visibility of an image displayed on the image display apparatus. The image display mirror for a vehicle includes a first polarizing plate that is arranged removably and attachably, a half mirror that has a reflection axis and is configured to reflect polarized light, and an image display apparatus in the stated order from a viewer side, in which: the first polarizing plate has a polarizer; and when the first polarizing plate is in an attached state, an absorption axis of the polarizer and the reflection axis of the half mirror are parallel to each other.
US09616815B2 Vehicle interior rearview mirror assembly with actuator
An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mounting structure configured to mount to an interior portion of a vehicle, a housing, a reflective element disposed at the housing and an actuator disposed in the housing and connected to the reflective element. The actuator includes a first motor connected to the reflective element via a first drive element and a second motor connected to the reflective element via a second drive element. Responsive to an input, the actuator may be operable to adjust an orientation of the reflective element in tandem with the housing relative to the mounting structure. The first and second motors may operate in tandem to adjust the orientation of the reflective element and the housing relative to the mounting structure. The actuator may adjust the reflective element responsive to a user input, a glare sensor and/or a driver eye tracking system of the vehicle.
US09616808B2 Ground illumination system for vehicle
A ground illumination system for a vehicle includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly configured to attach at a side of a vehicle, with a ground illumination module disposed at the exterior rearview mirror assembly and having a light source operable to emit light. The ground illumination module includes a reconfigurable display element. The reconfigurable display element is operable to form an icon responsive to one of (i) a user selection of an icon for display and (ii) programming of the reconfigurable display element for an icon for display. When the light source is operated and with the exterior rearview mirror assembly attached at the side of the vehicle, light emitted by the light source passes through the reconfigurable display element and the ground illumination module projects the icon of the reconfigurable display element onto the ground area at the side of the equipped vehicle.
US09616802B1 Apparatus and method to visually communicate with a vehicle
A visual communication apparatus affixed to a vehicle. The visual communication apparatus includes a smart key system that detects a key fob of a user within a keyless detection zone, a projector projecting visual indications on a projecting zone lying on a ground surface of the vehicle, a sensor optically capturing gestures of the user of the vehicle, and an electrical control unit capable of actuated key elements of the vehicle. The visual indications include passive visual indications requiring no activation from the user and active visual indications requiring activations from the user. The activations are performed by gestures of the user on the active visual indications.
US09616791B2 Seat configuration member and vehicle seat employing the seat configuration member
A seat configuration member and a vehicle seat employing the seat configuration member are provided that are capable of covering reclining mechanism components and maintaining a high quality external appearance of the vehicle seat, and are moreover capable of achieving a reduction in the number of components. A lower side coupling and fixing portion disposed on a seat width direction outer side of a seat back board that is made from resin is integrally formed with an attachment portion that is L-shaped in plain view. A side airbag device is attached to a horizontal wall portion of the attachment portion. A seatback pad and a cover are mounted to the seat back board configured as described above, and the seat back board is assembled to side frames of a seatback frame.
US09616790B2 Fastener
A fastener, such as for coupling a trim cover to a seat, including an elongated body portion; a first end extending from the elongated body portion to define a connecting structure having a substantially J-shape, a middle portion between the elongated body portion and the first end, and a receiving space there between for receiving a structure; a second end extending distally from the elongated body portion for attachment to the trim cover; and wherein the connecting structure includes an arcuate hook shaped to define a barb pointing outward and a planar surface pointing inward for retaining the fastener on the structure.
US09616789B2 Seat headrest
A seat headrest having at least one side cushion, a base and a plurality of headrest connection points for use in conjunction with existing, standard car headrests. The seat headrest may have a first side cushion and a second side cushion to provide head and neck support by serving as headrests on the sides of a users head. The user may be any individual in a passenger vehicle.
US09616788B2 Headrest with headrest stay
A patch element 20 of a doughnut-like disc shape is fixedly provided, by sewing or adhesive, to a reverse surface of a seat-back-side area 12a defined in a trim cover assembly section covering a top region 12 of a headrest HR, in such a fashion that the patch element 20 circumscribes an entire edge of a headrest stay passage hole 14. Additionally, the patch element 20 is formed from a material capable of being impregnated with a liquid foaming agent injected in the trim cover assembly 2. Such patch element 20 has been impregnated with the liquid foaming agent S injected in the trim cover assembly 2 during a foaming process to form the headrest HR. Consequently, a density of the patch element 20 itself becomes extremely high, and therefore a strength of the patch element 20 can be increased to a great degree.
US09616786B2 Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat having a tiltable unit provided in a receiving recess formed in a seatback, the vehicle seat including a stopper structure configured to keep the tiltable unit in the receiving recess, wherein the stopper structure is configured so that a protrusion piece provided to one of an inner peripheral part of the receiving recess and an outer peripheral part of the tiltable unit is pressed against the other, and wherein the protrusion piece is arranged to be sandwiched between a seat cover, which covers a general plane of the one of the inner peripheral part of the receiving recess and the outer peripheral part of the tiltable unit, and a seat pad covered with the seat cover, and the protrusion piece forms a protrusion shape protruding further than the general plane and pressed against the other.
US09616782B2 Car seat vehicle connection system, apparatus, and method
A car seat connection system for connecting the car seat to a vehicle is provided. The system includes at least one strap, each having a first connector at a respective first end of said strap and a second connector at a respective second end of said strap. The first connector is configured to removably connect to the car seat and the second connector is configured to removably connect to a car seat anchor of the vehicle. The seat connector and the first connector may be seatbelt connectors of opposite gender. The second connector may be a LATCH or ISOFIX connector. A method is provided for removably connecting the car seat to the vehicle. The method includes connecting the first connector to the seat connector of the car seat and connecting the second connector to the car seat anchor of the vehicle.
US09616778B1 Vehicle seat structure
A vehicle seat structure having a seat back section, a latch mechanism and a striker member. The latch mechanism is connected to the seat back section. The striker member has a first attachment end, a striker bar portion, a serpentine portion and a second attachment end. The striker bar portion is located between the first attachment end and the serpentine portion. The serpentine portion is located between the striker bar portion and the second attachment end. The first and second attachment ends are adapted to be attached to an upright rear wall of the passenger compartment. The striker bar portion is configured to releasably engage the latch mechanism to limit movement of the seat back section with respect to the rear wall of the passenger compartment. The serpentine portion is configured to deform in response to application of force to the seat back section in excess of a predetermined level of force.
US09616777B2 Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat includes a slide rail. A cap provided in an upper rail integrally includes a base portion adjacent to a longitudinal rear end of the upper rail provided with the cap, and a first deformation prevention portion extending into a space from the base portion toward a longitudinal center of the upper rail provided with the cap, the first deformation prevention portion being provided between the pair of side face portions within the space so as to restrain deformation of the upper rail. When the upper rail is placed in a rearmost position within a slidable range, the first deformation prevention portion is placed in vicinity to the rear end of the lower rail.
US09616775B2 Seat depth adjustment device for a vehicle seat
A seat depth adjustment device for a vehicle seat has a seat structure (3) that includes a support plate (6) that is displaceable relative to the seat structure (3) with the aid of a linear guide (7) of the seat structure (3). The seat structure (3) is designed for receiving an upholstery cover. The upholstery cover is pretensioned with the aid of a cover return (22), and wherein the cover return (22) is connected to the support plate (6). Accordingly, the cover return (22) is connected to the support plate (6) in a manner positionable infinitely variably.
US09616769B2 Torque control apparatus and method for drive motor
A torque control apparatus and method for a drive motor is provided. The torque control method includes determining whether an input request torque is a rising torque or a falling torque. In addition, a controller is configured to select one of a rising rate map and a falling rate map based on a result of the judgment on the input request torque. Further, the controller is configured to adjust a rising rate of the rising torque using the rising rate map or a falling rate of the falling torque using the falling rate map.
US09616767B2 System and method for power distribution of fuel cell hybrid vehicle
A system and method for power distribution of a fuel cell hybrid vehicle are provided. The method includes measuring current-voltage performance of a fuel cell and determining a deterioration state of the fuel cell based on the current-voltage performance of the fuel cell. After the deterioration state is determined a battery charging timing, a battery assist quantity, a battery charging quantity, and battery assist timing are variably adjusted based on the deterioration state of the fuel cell.
US09616764B2 Method and device for dynamically adjusting an operational voltage for an electric motor
Device and method for dynamically adjusting an operating voltage for an electric motor (9), which voltage is provided by a voltage source (1) formed in a modular manner, wherein modules (2-i) of the voltage source (1) formed in a modular manner are switched in dependence upon a rotational speed (n) of the electric motor (9) such that the overall degree of efficiency of the electric drive train is improved in a low rotational speed range of the electric motor (9), wherein the modules (2-i) of the voltage source (1) are switched by means of a switching network (3) which is composed of controllable power switches (5) and can be actuated by control signals which are generated by a switching controller (4) in dependence upon the rotational speed (n) of the electric motor (9).
US09616760B2 Inverter-charger integrated device for electric vehicle
An inverter-charger integrated device for an electric vehicle is provided. The inverter-charger integrated device for the electric vehicle includes a motor; a power input unit; a rectifying unit; an inverter; and a control unit, wherein the inverter comprises a first group of switches including first and second switches, a second group of switches including third and fourth switches, and a third group of switches including fifth and sixth switches, the rectifying unit is directly connected to the first of the first to third groups of switches, and phases of the motor are respectively connected to the first to third group of switches.
US09616759B2 Electric vehicle
An electric vehicle comprises an electric motor which rotates a wheel; a battery which is an electric power supply unit for the electric motor; and a battery accommodating space which is provided in a vehicle body and accommodates the battery therein; wherein the battery accommodating space includes a first accommodating section which stores a standard battery pack including a first battery as the battery, and a second accommodating section which accommodates an optional battery pack including a second battery as the battery such that the optional battery pack is removable from the vehicle body, and wherein a voltage of the first battery is a value corresponding to an activation voltage of the electric motor, and the electric vehicle is capable of driving with an electric power supplied from at least the first battery.
US09616755B2 Regenerative brake control system of electric vehicle
A regenerative brake control system of an electric motorcycle comprises an electric motor, sensors for detecting vehicle states of the electric motorcycle, and a control unit which sets target regenerative torque based on the vehicle states, when a regeneration condition is satisfied, and performs asymptotic control in such a manner that a torque command provided to the electric motor gets gradually close to the target regenerative torque with a passage of time.
US09616746B2 Power transfer unit straddle mount ring gear disconnect
A gear assembly includes an input shaft, a drive ring gear assembly, a pair of input/ring bearings, a driven pinion gear assembly, a first and second clutch members, and an actuator assembly. The first cutch member is fixedly connected to the input shaft. The drive ring gear assembly is mounted about the input shaft. The input/ring bearings are mounted so as to straddle the drive ring gear. The driven pinion gear assembly is operatively engaged with the drive ring gear. The second clutch member is slidingly mounted to the drive ring gear and the actuator assembly operates to move the second clutch member into engagement with the first clutch member to cause the drive ring gear to rotate when the input shaft rotates.
US09616745B2 Actuation device
The invention relates to an actuation device for a flap mounted moveably on a component between a closed position and an opened position, in particular for a flap mounted moveably on a housing of an automobile, comprising: a first actuation part and a second actuation part which are designed to engage with one another in a movement direction, locking means with a locking reception provided on the first or second actuation part and a locking element provided on the other of the first or second actuation part, wherein the locking element engages in the locking reception during engagement of the actuation parts and thus holds the actuation parts together in a locking position, wherein the locking reception has sufficient size so that in the locking position a relative movement between the locking element and the locking reception in the movement direction of the actuation parts and thereby a corresponding relative movement of the actuation parts in their movement direction with regard to one another is possible, and a sensor device which is designed to detect a relative movement between the locking element and the locking reception in the movement direction in the locking position.
US09616742B1 Vehicle grill shutter system
A vehicle grill shutter system comprising at least one grill shutter and a controller. The grill shutter is movably coupled to a vehicle at a location forward of a radiator of the vehicle. The grill shutter comprises first and second portions. The first portion has a first surface and includes a first material having a first porosity, and the second portion has a second surface and includes a second material having a second porosity which is less porous than the first porosity. The controller is configured to operate the grill shutter, in response to a detected vehicle condition pertaining to the vehicle, to move between a first position at which the first surface is oriented transverse to a flow direction of air entering a grill of the vehicle toward the radiator and a second position at which the second surface is oriented transverse to the flow direction.
US09616739B2 Power transmission apparatus for hybrid electric vehicle
A transmission for a vehicle may include a first input shaft selectively connected to an engine through a first clutch, a second hollow input shaft disposed in a front side portion of the first input shaft and selectively connected to the engine through a second clutch, a continuously variable transmission mechanism (CV) that continuously shifts and outputs rotation power transferred from the first input shaft, a shift output mechanism that receives rotation power transferred from driving gears on the second input shaft and the CV through driven gears connected to an external gear and selectively shifts and outputs the rotation power, a reverse idle mechanism that transfers the rotation power of the first input shaft to the shift output mechanism in a reverse direction, and a final reduction mechanism that reduces the rotation power output from the shift output mechanism.
US09616738B2 Hybrid vehicle
A hybrid vehicle includes an engine: a regenerative motor for use when the hybrid vehicle runs, the motor having characteristics such that motor efficiency is 90% or more at a rotational speed of 1.5 times of a rotational speed of the motor where the motor efficiency is highest when the load of the motor is 10% or more of the maximum load of the motor; and a transmission which transmits the power of the engine to a wheel drive shaft. The motor is coupled to the wheel drive shaft without being coupled to the transmission.
US09616737B2 Link device for a motor vehicle cradle
A link device for linking a motor vehicle cradle and a structural element of a body of the vehicle, the link device including a unitary ear including a base for connection to the cradle and an upper portion for connection to a structural element of the body. The ear includes a lateral portion including a bent U-shape for accommodating a bearing for guiding an anti-roll bar.
US09616728B2 Bypass for a suspension damper
A vehicle suspension damper comprises a cylinder and a piston assembly including a damping piston along with working fluid within the cylinder. A bypass permits fluid to avoid dampening resistance of the damping piston. A fluid path through the bypass is controlled by a valve that is shifted by a piston surface when the contents of at least one predetermined volume is injected against the piston surface which acts upon the valve. In one embodiment, the bypass is remotely operable.
US09616727B2 Shock absorber mounting device
A shock absorber mounting device joins a shock absorber provided between an axle and a vehicle body to the vehicle body. The shock absorber mounting device includes a magnetic rubber mount having magnetic particles thereinside and being provided between the shock absorber and the vehicle body, an electromagnetic coil configured to apply a magnetic field to the magnetic particles, and a controller configured to supply an excitation current to the electromagnetic coil.
US09616725B2 Suspension arm member
A suspension arm member includes a connecting portion configured to connect plural members of a suspension, and a support bar extending and provided with the connecting portion at each end. The support bar is made of a resin material and includes plural lightening hole portions each formed in a shape of a recessed portion. The lightening hole portions include plural front upper lightening hole portions (11) formed in a front upper portion of the support bar, plural front lower lightening hole portions formed in a front lower portion of the support bar, plural rear upper lightening hole portions formed in a rear upper portion of the support bar, and plural rear lower lightening hole portions formed in a rear lower portion of the support bar.
US09616723B2 Receiver pin locking device
A receiver pin lock for insertion into first and second sized opposed engaging apertures of first and second hitch receivers is shown and described. The receiver pin lock may include a stem, a first stepped portion extend from the stem, and a lock member selectively engageable with the stem, the lock member preventing removal of stem from either of the first and second hitch receivers. The receiver pin lock may also include a second stepped portion positioned on the lock member and extending from the stem, where the stem is configured to operatively engage the first sized engaging apertures of the first hitch receiver and the first and second stepped portions are configured to operatively engage the second sized engaging apertures of the second hitch receiver.
US09616717B2 Bead lock with wheel flange protection
A system. The system includes a wheel, a tire and a bead lock assembly. The wheel defines an axis of rotation and includes an outboard wheel flange and an inboard wheel flange. The tire is mounted on the wheel, and the tire and the wheel cooperate to define a tire cavity. The bead lock assembly is within the tire cavity, and has a radially outermost surface which is a first distance from the axis of rotation. At least one of the outboard and inboard wheel flanges has a radially outermost surface which is a second distance from the axis of rotation. The first distance is greater than the second distance.
US09616715B2 Tread for tire of a drive axle of a heavy goods vehicle and tire
Tread for a tire for the driven axle of a heavy goods vehicle, comprising a plurality of circumferential grooves delimiting at least three ribs each having a height and a width measured in the axial direction, axially delimited by two edge rows, each rib having a plurality of sipes able to close at least in part as they enter the contact patch, and opening onto each lateral face of the rib to form two edge corners and having a depth at least equal to 50% of the height of the rib, these sipes in pairs delimiting an elementary rib volume and an elementary contact surface, wherein each elementary volume delimited by two sipes of one and the same rib has a void volume opening on the contact face in the new state, having a total area on the tread surface at least equal to 0.4% and at most equal to 1.5% of the area of the elementary contact surface, having a depth at least equal to half the depth of the grooves, and determined such that it remains open as it passes through the contact patch so as to allow any liquid present on the road surface to be picked up.
US09616713B2 Non-pneumatic tire
A composite material comprises a plurality of springs forming a structure embedded within a polymer. Each spring is interwoven with at least one other spring thereby forming an entirely polymer-coated structure.
US09616712B2 Process for producing rubber wet master batch, rubber composition and tire
Provided are a process for efficiently producing a rubber wet master batch in which a dispersibility of carbon black in the rubber is improved, in which a reinforcing property and an abrasion resistance of the rubber can be enhanced by using carbon black having a high surface activity, in which a yield of the carbon black in the wet master batch obtained is not reduced and in which a handling property of the carbon black is good as compared with master batches prepared by using a granulated and dried substance of carbon black prepared by a conventional wet method and non-granulated carbon black, a carbon black-containing rubber wet master batch obtained by the above process and a rubber composition and a tire prepared by using the master batch.It is a process for producing a rubber wet master batch comprising a step for mixing a slurry (A) in which a filler containing carbon black is dispersed with a rubber liquid (B) in which a rubber component is dispersed or dissolved, wherein the slurry (A) is prepared by using a filler containing a carbon black granulated substance which is granulated by a wet method and which stays in a non-drying state.
US09616708B2 Vehicle-wheel bearing device with sensor
A vehicle-wheel bearing device with a sensor of the present invention includes a plurality of sensors, mounted to a vehicle-wheel bearing, for detecting load thereon, and signal processor for processing an output signal therefrom to generate a signal vector, and load calculator for calculating load acting on a wheel based on the signal vector. The load calculator includes: a coefficient conversion processing unit for calculating an actual-state load estimation coefficient MC that is a load estimation coefficient for a state where the bearing is mounted to an actual vehicle, based on a standard load estimation coefficient MB that is a determined standard load estimation coefficient for the bearing; and a load calculation unit for calculating load on the wheel based on the signal vector and the actual-state load estimation coefficient MC calculated by the coefficient conversion processing unit.
US09616707B2 Omnidirectional pinion wheel
Concepts of an omnidirectional pinion wheel are described. In one embodiment, the wheel includes a hub, first and second annular rims each including inner and outer rim surfaces, spokes that extend from the hub to the first and second annular rims, a pinion ring including pinion rods that extend between the inner surfaces of the first and second annular rims, and first and second annular rings of rollers affixed on the outer surfaces of the first and second annular rims. Using an axis of freedom of the rollers, the wheel can move sideways in addition to forward and backward. Further, when used with a vertical rack gear, the wheel can provide vertical displacement by engagement between teeth of the gear and the pinion ring. Additionally, various racks and tracks with teeth for pinion ring engagement are described along with an example vehicle capable of vertical displacement using the wheels.
US09616706B2 Adapter for dual-wheel vehicle
A kit for a dual wheel assembly for a vehicle is provided having a drive shaft adapter with an outwardly projecting extension attachable to an inner wheel by a flange and a drive shaft coupler having an outwardly projecting receiver attachable to an outer wheel with a flange, whereby drive shaft extension and receiver are telescopically engageable over a range of distances, which allows the inner wheel and outer wheel to be mounted with the tires abutting or the tires spaced apart by incorporating a spacer element into the assembly.
US09616702B2 Decorative lawn utility structure cover and method
A decorative cover for a lawn utility structure is provided. The cover secures to the structure using an elongated perimeter band, which is secured therearound and provides upstanding tabs to fasten a decorative cover over the lawn structure. The tabs support fasteners that secure the cover, while the cover takes the form of a decorative landscape feature such as a bird bath, water well, faux rock, or the like. The cover may support functional items such as birdbaths or the like, or alternately include an open interior that supports access to the underlying structure while the cover is affixed thereover. An upper portion of the cover is removable to expose a hollow interior portion, which affords access to the fasteners extending through the tabs and the cover when securing or removing the cover for access to the underlying lawn structure.
US09616698B2 Bookbinding apparatus
A bookbinding apparatus includes an application roller that applies glue onto a back edge face of a sheet bundle and a bookbinding control unit that positions the application roller onto the back edge face and causes the roller to execute glue application. The bookbinding apparatus applies a required amount of glue determined by a sheet bundle thickness by, after applying side glues to both side surfaces of the sheet bundle, bringing the application roller in contact with a first position within a central region on the back edge face and rotating the roller in a forward direction, bringing the application roller in contact with a second position between the first position and a right side of the sheet bundle, and rotating the roller in the forward direction. The glue is leveled to form a flat layer of adhesive with an adequate thickness.
US09616697B2 Blanket for transferring a paste image from an engraved plate to a substrate
A blanket for transferring a paste image from an engraved plate to a substrate is provided. The blanket includes a foam; a supporting layer on the foam; and a paste transfer layer on the supporting layer. The paste transfer layer is an inter-penetrating polymer network of silicone rubber and fluoroelastomer.
US09616694B2 Image recording method
An image recording method includes a process of applying an ink containing a pigment to a recording medium, and a process of applying a liquid composition containing organic acid to the recording medium in such a manner as to be at least partially overlapped with a region to which the ink is applied. The content (% by mass) of the organic acid in the liquid composition is 10% by mass or more based on the total amount of the liquid composition. The content (% by mass) of an organic solvent in the liquid composition is 5% by mass or more based on the total amount of the liquid composition. The content (% by mass) of an organic solvent having a hydroxyl group in the liquid composition is 4% by mass or less based on the total amount of the liquid composition.
US09616693B2 Printing control apparatus, control method thereof, and storage medium
A printing control apparatus according to one aspect of this invention controls to print images on sheets based on image data of a plurality of pages, generate a bookbinding product by executing folding processing for the image-printed sheets, and output the bookbinding product. The printing control apparatus further accepts the position of an insertion sheet to be inserted into the sheets for which the folding processing is executed, and controls to output a plurality of bookbinding products by using, as a reference, the accepted position of the insertion sheet.
US09616689B2 Transport mechanism and method for transporting a print medium in a printing system
A transport mechanism and method are provided for transporting sheets of a print medium in a printing system. The transport mechanism includes a first conveyor device having a first conveyor body configured to hold a plurality of sheets of print medium and to convey the sheets along the transport path, and a transfer system including a second conveyor device having a second conveyor body configured to hold the sheets and to convey the sheets further along the transport path. The transfer system is configured to transfer the sheets from the first conveyor body to the second conveyor body in a transfer region. The second conveyor body is adjacent the first conveyor body in the transfer region, and the transfer system includes a suction device configured to provide an under-pressure at the second conveyor body for contactless transfer of the sheets from the first conveyor body to the second conveyor body.
US09616687B2 Print data generating device, printing device, print data generating method, and program
A print data generating device generates print data printable by a tape printer including a feeding mechanism which feeds a print tape in a scanning direction, a print head which performs print processing on the print tape fed in the scanning direction, and a tape cutter which is arranged downstream of the print head in the scanning direction and cuts the print tape. In the print data generating device, a print direction of a print image is changed in such a way that an image arrangement area on the print image of the print data, and a print area where the print processing is carried out by the print head in a paper feed acceleration/deceleration zone at the time of cutting the print tape, do not overlap with each other.
US09616683B2 Formaldehyde-free inkjet compositions and processes
Disclosed are a process for inkjet printing color images on various substrates using a formaldehyde-free crosslinking agent in the ink composition, which is therefore devoid of formaldehyde emission and suitable for health-aware manufacturing practices, as well as objects having images and designs printed thereon which are devoid of formaldehyde and therefore suitable for use by infants.
US09616681B2 Image forming apparatus and drying device for image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit to form an image on a recording medium by discharging liquid droplets onto the medium; and a media heater to heat the medium by contacting a rear surface of the medium opposite a surface of the medium on which the image is formed, in which the media heater includes a contact member with a contact surface having a predetermined curvature that the medium contacts, the contact member is a roller member, and the medium closely contacts the contact surface of the contact member across an entire width of the medium in a direction perpendicular to the media conveyance direction.
US09616679B2 Method and system for emitting offset illumination for reduced stray light
A method for example of irradiating a light-curable material, may comprise irradiating light about a first axis from an array of light-emitting elements towards a light-curable surface, directing the irradiated light through an optical element interposed between the array of light-emitting elements and the light-curable surface, wherein a central axis of the optical element is offset from the first axis, and deflecting the irradiated light directed through the optical element asymmetrically away from the first axis towards the light-curable surface.
US09616678B2 Motor control device and printer device
Speed fluctuations are decreased with a simple method even when a stepping motor (100) having comparatively large torque fluctuations is used. A drive pulse modulating unit (112) which modulates the frequency of a drive pulse to be inputted to the stepping motor (100) is provided. The drive pulse modulating unit (112) modulates the constant frequency of the drive pulse such that the frequency of the drive pulse within excitation-phase one cycle of the stepping motor (100) is: low for a period that is, by ⅛ cycle of the excitation-phase one cycle, before an excitation phase where the vibration of the stepping motor is the maximum; and high in an excitation phase that is by ½ cycle subsequent to the excitation phase where the drive pulse frequency is low.
US09616676B2 Ink composition
The invention relates to an ink composition including a water-dispersed resin a water dispersible colorant and water and wherein the ink composition further includes a co-solvent, wherein the co-solvent is selected from the group consisting of saccharides and co-solvents having a ring structure, wherein the ring structure contains a 5-membered, a 6-membered or a 7-membered ring. Additionally, the ink composition includes a cyclodextrin compound. The invention further relates to a method for preparing such ink compositions and to a method for applying an image onto a receiving medium using such ink composition.
US09616673B2 Liquid jet unit and liquid jet apparatus
A liquid jet unit includes a circulation path through which liquid is circulated, and a liquid jet head having an inflow port and an outflow port between which is disposed a flow path forming a part of the circulation path, and a nozzle communicating with the flow path and configured to eject liquid from the liquid jet head. A liquid pump is inserted into the circulation path for circulating liquid in the circulation path. A supply path is connected to the circulation path for supplying liquid to the circulation path. A pressure sensor detects the pressure of liquid in the circulation path and generates corresponding pressure information. The liquid pump is configured to change an amount of liquid to be fed on the basis of the pressure information generated to maintain liquid in the nozzle at a predetermined pressure and draw liquid into the circulation path from the supply path.
US09616672B2 Fluid container parts including a latch handle and rib
A part of a fluid container includes a wall and a latch handle connected to the wall through a live hinge. The latch handle slants away from the wall. A rib spans over the hinge and is connected to the latch handle and the wall.
US09616671B2 Cartridge
An object is to provide a cartridge that is configured to be readily mountable and stir a liquid contained in the cartridge. A cartridge includes an ink pack, a first air bag and a casing provided to place the ink pack and the first air bag therein. The casing has an ink supply port, an air flow port for first air bag and an air flow port for casing that are provided on a front face of the casing in a mounting direction so that this configuration enables the cartridge to be readily mounted to the inkjet printer. The pressurized air is introduced through the air flow port for first air bag into the first air bag. This expands the first air bag to press the ink pack and thereby stir ink I contained in the ink pack.
US09616665B2 Method for manufacturing liquid supply member and method for manufacturing liquid discharge head
A method for manufacturing a liquid supply member that supplies a discharge port with liquid includes preparing a transparent member and an absorption member, at least one of both members having a groove for a supply path; bringing both members into contact; and forming the supply path by emitting laser beams simultaneously from a plurality of laser beam sources, toward a contact portion, which is provided in a vicinity of the groove and at which both members are in contact, to weld both members. Laser beams are emitted during the forming such that a total laser-beam irradiation amount per unit area for a first portion included in the contact portion and located in a vicinity of an end in a longitudinal direction of the groove is larger than that for part with a smallest irradiation amount of a second portion other than the first portion of the contact portion.
US09616664B2 Liquid ejection head
Provided is a liquid ejection head, including: an ejection unit including: a recording element substrate including a plurality of recording elements configured to generate energy; and a support member formed of a plate-like member and configured to support the recording element substrate, the support member including: a liquid chamber configured to store liquid therein, and an inlet formed in the liquid chamber so as to allow the liquid to flow into the liquid chamber; a flow path unit including a liquid path through which the liquid is supplied into the ejection unit from a liquid tank storing the liquid therein; a joint member sandwiched between the support member and the flow path unit and configured to seal the liquid; and a buffer chamber formed in a space defined by the joint member, the ejection unit, and the flow path unit and configured to retain gas therein.
US09616663B2 Liquid ejecting head
Adhesion of particles to a liquid ejecting head due to an electric field generated at an electric power supply wire disposed in the liquid ejecting head can be suppressed. The liquid ejecting head is provided with a conductive member covering at least a part of the electric power supply wire for supplying electric power to an ejection energy generating unit configured to generate ejection energy for ejecting liquid, with an insulator therebetween. The conductive member covers the electric power supply wire in a coverage determined based on a relative movement speed between an ejection port and a print medium, a size of particles floating between an ejection port forming surface and the print medium, an electric charge amount of the particles, and a voltage applied to the electric power supply wire.
US09616661B2 Inkjet device and method for the controlled positioning of droplets of a substance onto a substrate
An inkjet device for controlled positioning of a droplet of a substance onto a substrate includes a print head having a nozzle configured to eject the droplet. A camera is configured to detect and generate images of the droplet after ejection of the droplet from the nozzle. If the droplet volume, velocity, flight path, viscosity or surface tension start to deviate from preset values, a computer is configured to correct for this in a closed loop manner. If the droplet fails to eject, the computer is configured to stop the inkjet device and an operator can maintain the print head. The computer is configured to determine viscosity and surface tension of the droplet from characteristics of the droplet identified from the droplet images, and the computer is configured to control the positioning of the droplet onto the substrate during the printing process based on the determined viscosity and surface tension.
US09616658B2 Liquid ejecting apparatus
A waveform selecting process includes selecting one of a plurality of kinds of driving waveforms for each of a plurality of dot elements, based on a density value set to each of the plurality of dot elements in image data. The waveform selecting process includes, for a dot element array of each of the plurality of ejection ports: determining whether a dot element corresponding to a target dot has a second density value and determining whether a subsequent dot element corresponding to a subsequent dot has a first density value and, when both determinations are positive, setting the dot element corresponding to the target dot as a correction-target dot element, the subsequent dot being subsequent to the target dot in the formation order; and selecting one of a first driving waveform and a second driving waveform as a driving waveform of a correction-target dot element.
US09616654B2 Imaging member for offset printing applications
An imaging member includes a surface layer comprising a fluorosilicone and an infrared-absorbing filler. At least 75% of the siloxane units in the fluorosilicone are fluorinated. Methods of manufacturing the imaging member and processes for variably lithographic printing using the imaging member are also disclosed.
US09616653B2 Systems and methods for ink-based digital printing using dampening fluid imaging member and image transfer member
An ink-based digital printing system for variable data lithographic printing includes an imaging member having a surface configured to absorb dampening fluid. A dampening fluid patterning system jets dampening fluid onto the imaging member surface according to image data to form a dampening fluid pattern. The system includes a transfer member that receives the jetted dampening fluid pattern from the imaging member at a dampening fluid loading nip for subsequent inking of the dampening fluid pattern to form an ink pattern. The ink pattern is transferred to a substrate from the transfer member at an ink pattern transfer nip.
US09616650B2 Method of fabricating a composite engineered wood material floor board
The described method of fabricating a composite engineered wood material floor board, having a top wood layer secured to a wood material substrate layer, minimizes the effect of telegraphy in the resulting floor board. The method includes selecting a top wood layer from a top surface quality wood material having a thickness of between 1 mm and 8 mm, and selecting a substrate wood material layer having a minimum thickness of 6 mm and a thickness ratio between 1:1 and 1:10 between the top wood layer and the substrate wood material layer. A plurality of transverse rectangular spaced-apart grooves are also formed in a bottom surface of said wood substrate layer. The ratio between the depth of said grooves and the thickness of the substrate wood material has an impact on telegraphy of said grooves in said top wood layer and is therefore selected accordingly.
US09616649B2 Manufacturing laminated glazing provided with an electrical conductor
A method for manufacturing dished laminated glazing including two sheets of glass, a separator layer made of polymer material arranged between the sheets of glass, and an electrical conductor, the method including the simultaneous thermal dishing of the sheets of glass in the paired state followed by their cooling and then the assembly of the laminated glazing by bonding of the sheets of glass to the separator layer on either side thereof, the cooling including a controlled cooling of the sheets of glass in the paired state, the controlled cooling including a general controlled cooling and a local controlled cooling of a cutting zone, the local controlled cooling being faster than the general controlled cooling, a cutting of one of the sheets of glass along a cutting line in the cutting zone to form a holed zone, the electrical conductor being placed between the sheets of glass and exiting from the laminated glazing through the holed zone.
US09616648B2 Profile carriers and related methods
A profile carrier includes a base profile of metal and a reinforcement member of fiber-reinforced plastic material that reinforces the base profile. The reinforcement member and the base profile are connected to each other by at least one wall-side positive-locking element that is provided on a profile wall of the base profile and that extends in a transverse direction of the profile wall. The at least one wall-side positive-locking element and the reinforcement member engage one inside of the other in the transverse direction of the profile wall with a positive-locking connection between the reinforcement member and the base profile formed substantially parallel to the profile wall.
US09616642B2 Multilayer pipe for transporting water or gas
The invention relates to a multilayer pipe which comprises (in the following order, from the inside of the pipe outwards): optionally, a layer C1 of a fluoropolymer; a layer C2 of a fluoropolymer onto which at least one unsaturated monomer has been radiation-grafted, optionally blended with a fluoropolymer; optionally, an adhesion tie layer C3, this layer C3 being directly attached to the layer C2 containing the radiation-grafted fluoropolymer; a layer C4 of a polyolefin optionally blended with a functionalized polyolefin, directly attached to the optional layer C3 or else to the layer C2; optionally, a barrier layer C5; and optionally, a layer C6 of a polyolefin.
US09616637B2 Die for forming honeycomb structure and manufacturing method therefor
A die for forming a honeycomb structure, including: a second plate-shaped portion that is formed of iron and the like and has back holes; and a first plate-shaped portion that is formed of tungsten carbide based cemented carbide and has cavities communicating with the back holes and slits communicating with the cavities, with the first plate-shaped portion having a first layer arranged in the second plate-shaped portion side and a second layer arranged on the first layer, the cavities are opened on both sides of the first layer, and the slits are opened on both sides of the second layer.
US09616633B2 Screw extruder for continuous extrusion of materials with high viscosity
A screw extruder for the continuous extrusion of materials with high viscosity, in particular metals such as aluminum and its alloys. The extruder includes an Archimedes screw (1) rotationally provided within a liner (2) of a screw housing (4) having an inlet (11) for the feeding of the material to be extruded, a compacting or extrusion chamber (5) and an extrusion die assembly with a die (6) which forms the shape of the extruded product (7). The required compaction takes place at the down-stream end of the screw towards the extrusion chamber (5) corresponding to up to 540° of the rotation of the screw, or up to 1.5 turns of the screw flight length. The solid plug of metal formed at the end of the screw and extrusion chamber (5) is restricted from rigid rotation to obtain the required compaction and extrusion pressure.
US09616629B2 Blade having an integrated composite spar
A blade including a structure with aerodynamic profile including two opposite skins obtained by three-dimensional weaving of a fibrous reinforcement densified by a matrix, and a longeron including a fibrous reinforcement obtained by three-dimensional weaving and densified by a matrix, the longeron including a first part extending outside the structure with aerodynamic profile and designed to be connected to a drive hub in rotation of the blade and a second part arranged inside the structure with aerodynamic profile between the two skins. The second part of the longeron has a thickness substantially similar to that of the skins of the structure with aerodynamic profile. In addition, the fibrous reinforcement of the second part of the longeron has the same weaving armor as that of the reinforcement of the skins of the structure with aerodynamic profile.
US09616628B2 Apparatus and process for manufacturing tyres for vehicle wheels
An apparatus for manufacturing tires for vehicle wheels wherein each tire includes a carcass structure formed starting from at least one carcass ply laid on a forming support extended along a longitudinal axis. The apparatus includes at least one device for positioning at least one annular anchoring structure on at least one end edge of the carcass ply, the positioning device being circumferentially extended around the longitudinal axis of the forming support and axially movable with respect to the forming support between an operating position distal from the forming support and at least one operating position close to the forming support. The apparatus further includes a device for turning up the end edge of the carcass ply around the annular anchoring structure, the turning up device being circumferentially extended about the longitudinal axis of the forming support and axially movable for approaching/moving away to/from the forming support. The positioning device and the turning up device are radially expandable/contractible in a synchronous manner with respect to the longitudinal axis of the forming support and are settable in a plurality of different operating radial positions, each operating radial position being selected based on a respective radial dimension of the tire to be manufactured.
US09616625B2 Electronic device having a display and method of manufacture
A transparent lens and differing plastic material housing is provided that includes a transparent lens including a front surface, a rear surface, and a perimeter edge, the perimeter edge including a flange, a plastic housing affixed to the perimeter edge flange having a different material than the transparent lens, a portion that is tangent to the front surface of the transparent lens; and a portion that is tangent to the rear surface of the transparent lens.
US09616621B2 Wheel made of fiber composites and process for the manufacture thereof
A one-part wheel which is made of fiber composites without interruption of fibers with excellent mechanical properties and with low weight at the same time as well as a process for the manufacture thereof. The wheel has especially a rim well as well as a wheel disk passing over into a wheel flange of the rim well, where the wheel disk is formed at least partly by fiber layers, which run from the rim well over a wheel flange and the wheel disk. The wheel is manufactured by a multipart mold with parts displaceable at least in the axial direction. The mold is completely removed after the deposition of fibers or remains as a lost core in the wheel.
US09616617B2 Scalable biochip and method for making
The present disclosure provides a biochip and methods of fabricating. The biochip includes a fluidic part and a sensing part bonded together using a polymer. The fluidic part has microfluidic channel pattern on one side and fluidic inlet and fluidic outlet on the other side that are fluidly connected to the microfluidic channel pattern. The fluidic inlet and fluidic outlet are formed by laser drilling after protecting the microfluidic channel pattern with a sacrificial protective layer. The polymer bonding is performed at low temperature without damaging patterned surface chemistry on a sensing surface of the sensing part.
US09616615B2 Apparatus for embossing a web
An apparatus for embossing a web having a static gas pressure plenum and a forming structure disposed in contact to the static gas pressure plenum. The static gas pressure plenum provides a static gas pressure of from about 0.1 MPa to about 25 MPa.
US09616612B2 Apparatus for producing a stretchable sheet
An apparatus for producing a stretchable sheet includes a pair of gear rolls each having a plurality of teeth arranged on a circumference thereof. The apparatus is configured to draw a raw sheet by passing the raw sheet through a gap between the pair of gear rolls. The raw sheet contains a plurality of types of fibers, and has a plurality of recessed sections formed by pressing. The recessed sections are formed collinearly at least along the drawing direction at a predetermined formation pitch in the drawing direction. An arrangement pitch of the teeth in the drawing direction is greater than the formation pitch and smaller than twice the formation pitch.
US09616609B2 Sterile blow moulding machine with non-sterile media supply
An apparatus for the shaping of plastics material pre-forms into plastics material containers, with a plurality of shaping stations which are arranged on a movable carrier, wherein the shaping stations have blow molds which are used for receiving the plastic pre-forms and inside which the plastic pre-forms are shaped into the plastic containers, and wherein the shaping stations have stressing devices which are movable relative to the plastic pre-forms and which act upon the pre-forms arranged in the blow molds with a sterile flowable medium to expand them, with a clean room, inside which the shaping stations are conveyed, wherein this clean room is arranged or demarcated from the environment by means of at least one wall. At least one supply device is provided for supplying a flowable control medium to at least one shaping station), wherein this supply device (60) is sealed off from the clean room.
US09616606B2 Cooling device and cooling method for an extrudate
A device for sizing and cooling an extruded flat product made of plastic material includes at least two main rolls and a polishing stack including a plurality of rolls arranged in tandem and disposed downstream of the main rolls. An adjustable sizing nip is disposed between all of the adjacent respective rolls. The sizing nip is adjustable so as to pinch the flat product during an extrusion process to a greater or a lesser extent.
US09616603B2 Floating core for glass insert molding method and apparatuses therefrom
A tool (1200) includes a mold defining a cavity (1202). The cavity can be for receiving a glass layer (402). A floating core insert (1201) can be placed in the cavity. One or more wedge-shaped backing plates (1203,1204) can translate along a first axis, in response to a servo or other translation engine, to apply a preloading force through the floating core insert against a first major face of the glass layer, preclude an overmolding operation on the first major face, and allow overmolding only on minor faces of the glass layer when polymeric material is injected into the tool.
US09616600B2 Hockey stick
A blade for a hockey stick which can readily absorb impact from the puck, and can allow the user to feel the puck on the blade in contrast to conventional carbon fiber blades. The blade can include a blade member integrally formed of composite material having discontinuous fibers bonded within thermosetting resin. The blade member can have a blade periphery surrounding a central blade region. The central blade region can have a plurality of openings arranged in a pattern to form series of elongate criss crossing ribs that extend between and connect different sides of the blade periphery to each other. The fibers in the blade periphery can be in a generally jumbled orientation, and the fibers in the central blade region can be positioned within the ribs in a manner wherein each rib contains a plurality of fibers that substantially extend in said each rib's elongate direction.
US09616587B2 Fence assembly for a miter saw
A leaning grid device, also referred to as a fence assembly, for a miter saw includes at least one upper leaning grid which is a movable leaning grid having an upper support surface for a work piece and at least one lower leaning grid having a lower support surface for the work piece. The lower leaning grid is also a movable leaning grid and may move between two support positions. The lower support surface and the upper support surface are in a same plane when the lower leaning grid is located at the support positions and the lower support surface and the upper support surface are in different planes when the lower leaning grid is located at a position that is between the support positions.
US09616585B2 Slitting tool configured for fine-tuning
A slitting tool configured for fine-tuning thereof includes basic body, which in turn includes a body portion and a cutting portion extending therefrom. The slitting tool includes a biasing screw which is seated in a biasing bore and is configured to adjust the position of the cutting portion. The biasing screw is configured to engage a biasing surface of the body portion to adjust the cutting portion's position. The biasing surface is oblique relative to the biasing screw for retarding movement of the biasing screw a fine-tuned position.
US09616584B2 Shaving razor and shaving handle with an interconnection mechanism
A reduced cost interconnection for shaving razor cartridges. A base member is injection molded as a single continuous mass. The base member defines at least one void that may receive a mass increasing member. The base member has a handle portion integrally formed with a living hinge and an interconnection feature. The interconnection feature is biased to detachably engage a counterpart interconnection feature of a blade cartridge. Elastomeric reinforcement in over molded onto the base member to improve the structural integrity of the living hinge.
US09616583B2 Rotary shavers, with improved drive and support structure for the shaving heads
A shaver with a handle and at least two rotary shaving heads. The shaver driven by at least one drive shaft which protrudes from the handle, and a support structure for supporting the shaving heads onto the handle so as to have their joined shaving surface extend substantially perpendicular to the at least one drive shaft. The support structure is configured such that a space (A), restricted at one side by the shaving head and at the opposite side by the handle, is substantially open to its remaining, surrounding side.
US09616582B2 Handling system and method of operating a handling system
A handling system having at least one vacuum generator and an associated vacuum handling device connected to and operable via the vacuum generator. The vacuum handling device is provided with an individually assigned recognition unit including a memory device in which operating data for the vacuum handling device is storable and can be read out. Each vacuum generator has a respective sub-control unit adapted to control the vacuum generator depending on data transmitted from the recognition unit. The memory device of the recognition unit can be read out directly from the sub-control unit.
US09616578B2 Handling apparatus of modular design for handling parts
A handling apparatus for handling parts, in particular large-volume workpieces, and having at least two gripper modules which are disposed opposite one another at a horizontal carrier which can be moved relative to one another and which are driven by a motor. The handling apparatus is of modular design and having at least one carrier module forming the horizontal carrier and at least two gripper modules as components which can be assembled in modular form.
US09616576B2 Mobile tele-presence system with a microphone system
A remote controlled robot system that includes a robot and a remote control station. The robot includes a binaural microphone system that is coupled to a speaker system of the remote control station. The binaural microphone system may include a pair of microphones located at opposite sides of a robot head. the location of the microphones roughly coincides with the location of ears on a human body. Such microphone location creates a mobile robot that more effectively simulates the tele-presence of an operator of the system. The robot may include two different microphone systems and the ability to switch between systems. For example, the robot may also include a zoom camera system and a directional microphone. The directional microphone may be utilized to capture sound from a direction that corresponds to an object zoomed upon by the camera system.
US09616575B2 Device for removing plate-shaped elements with fourth lever
The present invention relates to a device (1) for removing plate-shaped elements (2), in particular cardboard blanks, comprising a carrier device (16), a holding device (9) which is arranged on the carrier device (16) for holding the plate-shaped element (2), a drive (7) with a driven shaft (8), a first lever (11) which is arranged fixedly on the shaft (8) so as to rotate with it, a second lever (12) which is connected rotatably to the first lever (11) and rotatably to the carrier device (16), a fourth lever (14) which is arranged such that it can be rotated about a fixed point (18), wherein the fourth lever (14) is connected rotatably to the carrier device (16), and a third lever (13) which is connected rotatably to the first lever (11) and rotatably to the fourth lever (14).
US09616573B2 Robot control apparatus, robot control method, program, recording medium and robot system
An end effector can be removed to a target position and calibration loads can be reduced, even if there is an error in a kinematic operation in a robot main body and/or cameras. A positional deviation integral torque obtained by integrating a value corresponding to a positional deviation is applied to joints while being superimposed with torques based on angular deviations. If movements of the joints stop or are about to stop before the end effector reaches a target position due to an error in a kinematic operation, the positional deviation integral torque increases with time, to move said joints and move the end effector to the target position. Thus, the end effector can be reliably moved to the target position by the positional deviation integral torque, and calibration loads can be reduced.
US09616567B2 Robotic hand, method for making the same, and robot having the same
A robotic hand includes an interior casing, a cladding layer wrapped around the interior casing, a plurality of pressure sensors, and a controller. The pressure sensors are located at different locations on an exterior surface of the interior casing, and are wrapped by the cladding layer. The pressure sensors can sense pressure at different locations on the exterior surface of the interior casing, and generate corresponding electrical signals. The controller can obtain the generated electrical signals, and generate a control signal according to the obtained electrical signals causing the robot to generate feedback.
US09616561B2 Nail gun having a dry firing prevention device
A nail gun includes a body, a valve unit, a nail striking member and a detector. The body has a nail path, an air chamber, and an intake chamber guiding flow of air into the air chamber. The nail striking member is drivable by air pressure in the air chamber for striking a nail in the nail path. The valve unit is operable to switch between unblocking and blocking states to respectively permit and prevent fluid communication between the intake chamber and the air chamber. The detector is connected pivotally to the body, and is contactable with the valve unit such that, when there is no nail in the nail path, the valve unit is controlled by the detector to be in the blocking state.
US09616551B2 Method to provide an abrasive product surface and abrasive products thereof
The invention relates to obtaining an abrasive product comprising a surface with multiple abrasive zones supported by a backing layer. The abrasive zone are surrounded by interconnected channel portions comprising first channel portions with a first transverse dimension td1 and second channel portions with a second transverse dimension td2 larger than the first transverse dimension td1.
US09616548B1 Positioning structure for cutting machines or grinder machines
A positioning structure for cutting machines or grinder machines has a rotating shaft and a positioning assembly. The rotating shaft has an abutting face, a fixing portion, at least one mounting protrusion, and a fastening hole. The at least one mounting protrusion axially protrudes from the abutting face, and the fixing portion axially protrudes from the at least one mounting protrusion. The fastening hole is axially formed in the at least one mounting protrusion. The positioning assembly is screwed with the rotating shaft and has a positioning element and a fastening element. The positioning element has an abutting portion and a through hole. The fastening element is mounted through the through hole and the fastening hole. Therefore, when a size of an assembling hole of a cutting disk or a grinder disk changes, the rotating shaft does not need to be changed and reinstalled.
US09616547B2 Chemical mechanical planarization pad conditioner
A pad conditioner for a CMP polishing pad is disclosed that includes a substrate that has a matrixical arrangement of protrusions that have a layer of poly crystalline diamond on at least their top surfaces. The protrusions may have varying shapes and elevations and may comprise a first set of protrusions and a second set of protrusions, the first set of protrusions have a first average height and the second set of protrusions have a second average height, the first average height different from the second average height, a top of each protrusion in the first set of protrusions has a non-flat surface and a top of each protrusion in the second set of protrusions has a non-flat surface.
US09616546B2 Rolling tool
Disclosed is a rolling tool which serves for working—in particular rolling smooth—an inner lateral surface of a cylindrical clearance. For this purpose, the rolling tool has at least one rolling body, which is held in the rotatably drivable rolling tool, and can be taken along by said tool on a peripheral path along the inner lateral surface. The at least one rolling body is inserted into a radial clearance in the rolling tool and can be subjected to a pressurized fluid from the inside to the outside along the radial clearance. The fluid is an aerosol. The aerosol is a fluid mixed with gas and serves for hydrostatic bearing and lubrication.
US09616542B2 Manufacture of synthetic quartz glass substrate
A rough surface of a starting synthetic quartz glass substrate is polished to a mirror finish, using a polishing slurry containing tetragonal or cubic zirconia.
US09616540B2 System and method for dispensing a minimum quantity of cutting fluid
Devices, systems, and methods are provided for controlling a quantity of cutting fluid dispensed for a cutting tool within a CNC or other machining system. The devices, systems, and methods may include controlling multiple fluids such that coolant, lubricant, or other fluids can be delivered at different locations, at different flow rates, have their flow rates changed independently, and/or have their flow rates changed dynamically during a machining operation. In some embodiments, a feedback loop or input may be provided to obtain and/or provide information regarding the machining operation—such as cutting force, cutting temperature, cutting friction, machining operation, tool in use, work piece geometry, and/or material—and automatically and/or independently modify the fluid flow rates. The fluid may be atomized with air or other gases to minimize the quantities of fluid used. Components in the system may be modular to allow the system to be used with existing and new machining technologies.
US09616534B2 Modular structures for motion stages
A modular structure includes a structural element, a rod, a knuckle, a rod mount, and a bearing holder. The knuckle is connected to a first end of the structural element and the rod mount is connected through the structural element. The bearing holder is removably connected to an actuated member and slides along the rod held by the rod mount.
US09616529B2 Piston and method of making a piston
A one-piece piston including a combustion bowl which is cast to its final form and includes at least one irregularity spaced from a central axis. The piston is initially fabricated of an upper crown member and a lower crown member, which are joined together. The piston is then chucked into a machine tool, such as a CNC lathe, which locates either the piston's top surface or a portion of the combustion bowl and establishes its location as a datum plane. It is this datum plane which serves as a reference location for subsequent machining operations of the piston.
US09616526B2 Method and device for controlling an auxiliary tool axis of a tool being guided by a manipulator
According to a method according to the invention for operating an additional tool axis (Z) of a tool (2) guided by a manipulator, in particular a robot (1), a position and/or an orientation of the tool in space are defined by axis positions (q1-q6) of the manipulator axes and a position value (f) of the tool axis, are saved and/or displayed, with an automatic conversion being carried out between the position value (f) and an axis position (e) of the tool axis which brings it about.
US09616522B2 Device and method for laser material machining
The invention discloses a device for laser material machining, with at least two laser beam sources (2a-2c) which emit laser beams (5a-5c) of different wavelengths, with associated beam imaging means (3a-3c), to configure appropriately the beam paths of each associated laser beam (5a-5c), a beam superposition device (6), to overlay the laser beams (5a-5c) on each other, and imaging optics (8), to image the overlaid laser beams (5a-5c) onto a workpiece (12) so that respective focal points are associated with the laser beams (5a-5c) in the focus of the imaging optics (8) on the workpiece (12), wherein the beam imaging means image the laser beams (5a-5c) onto the respective focal points in a predefined arrangement which can be varied by means of the beam imaging means (3a-3c). According to the invention, electronic control devices (4a-4c) are provided which are able to vary each of the outputs of the laser beams (5a-5c) with a high frequency to vary the intensities of the respective focal points at the focus of the imaging optics (8) in a predefined manner. In this way, a high frequency control of the parameters of laser material machining which can be combined with conventional modulation techniques is implemented.
US09616518B2 Feed-through
A feed-through, in particular a feed-through which passes through part of a housing, in particular a battery housing, for example made of metal, in particular light metal, for example aluminum, an aluminum alloy, AlSiC, magnesium, an magnesium alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, steel, stainless steel or high-grade steel. The housing part has at least one opening through which at least one conductor, in particular an essentially pin-shaped conductor, embedded in a glass or glass ceramic material, is guided. The base body is, for example, an essentially annular-shaped base body.
US09616511B2 Wire saw
Provided is a wire saw (1) that cuts an ingot (I) while swinging the ingot. The wire saw (1) includes a first driving block (100), a second driving block (110), and an ingot holder (120). When the first driving block (100) moves, the second driving block (110) moves in a direction perpendicular to a moving direction of the first driving block (100), and simultaneously the ingot holder (120) is swung. The ingot holder (120) is transferred to a z-axial direction in which the ingot is cut by a lifting block (73), and the lifting block (73) moves independently of the first or second driving block (100 or 1110). Thus, the ingot (I) can be swung separately from the lifting block (73), and be inhibited from moving left and right. Since only the first driving block (100) is controlled, easy control and a simple structure are provided.
US09616504B2 Milling machine
A milling machine including a frame (2) having a work surface (2.1) disposed in a vertical plane and a C-shaped moving bridge (3). In addition, the machine includes: at least three heads (7), each head including a machining spindle (15); and five movement axes (X, Y, Z, A, B), such that the moving bridge (3) is moved by the frame (2) along a horizontal axis (X). Each head (7) is moved independently on the moving bridge (3) along a vertical axis (Y) in order to be moved towards or away from the work surface (2.1) along a depth axis (Z) perpendicular to both the horizontal axis (X) and the vertical axis (Y), as well as rotating independently about a first axis of rotation (A). Each spindle (15) rotates independently about a second axis of rotation (B).
US09616501B2 Apparatus for feeding bars to a machine tool
An apparatus for feeding bars to a machine tool including an end adjacent a working zone in which a spindle is provided; a drum element, rotatable around an axis; a movable support provided on the drum element for supporting and guiding a bar parallel to the axis. The movable support slidably drivable on the drum element parallel to the axis between a disengagement retracted configuration and an engagement extended configuration. The movable support having telescopic tube configured for being received inside tubular housing and guide for coupling with the spindle. The telescopic tube defines, a cylindrical containing structure configured for enclosing and supporting in a distributed manner a respective bar along the entire supporting zone, so as to prevent the bar from flexing because of the centrifugal actions generated by rotation.
US09616500B2 Guide bush adjusting device
A guide bush adjusting device includes a drawbar (a mobile body) displaceable relative to a guide bush sleeve (cylindrical body). The drawbar is formed from a screw connection member (a connection member) which is connected to a guide bush housed in the guide bush sleeve (a cylindrical body), and an operation member configured to displace the screw connection member. The guide bush adjusting device adjusts an inner diameter of the guide bush by releasing the operation member from its fixation, displacing the drawbar, moving the guide bush with respect to the guide bush sleeve via the drawbar to thereby position the guide bush, and fixing the operation member of the drawbar (mobile body) at a predetermined position.
US09616496B2 Refractory component for lining a metallurgical vessel
In a steel ladle used for handling molten steel, a precast ladle barrel ring forms part of a refractory structure that covers the bottom wall and side wall of the steel ladle. The precast ladle barrel ring is comprised of a monolithic annular ring formed of a high-temperature, cast refractory. The annular ring further includes means for positioning the precast ladle barrel ring in a steel ladle.
US09616495B2 Amorphous alloy and method for manufacturing the same
An amorphous and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The amorphous alloy may have a formula of ZraCubAlcMdNe, M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Ni, Fe, Co, Mn, Cr, Ti, Hf, Ta, Nb and rare earth elements; N is at least one selected from a group consisting of Ca, Mg, and C; 40≦a≦70, 15≦b≦35, 5≦c≦15, 5≦d≦15, 0≦e≦2, and a+b+c+d+e=100.
US09616494B2 Conductive liquid three dimensional printer
A printer that produces objects from liquid conductive material is disclosed. In one embodiment, the printhead has a chamber for containing liquid conductive material surrounded by an electromagnetic coil. A DC pulse is applied to the electromagnetic coil, resulting in a radially-inward force on the liquid conductive material. The force on the liquid conductive material in the chamber results in a drop being expelled from an orifice. In response to a series of pulses, a series of drops fall onto a platform in a programmed pattern, resulting in the formation of an object.
US09616490B2 Investment technique for solid mold casting of reticulated metal foams
A method to manufacture reticulated metal foam includes coating a precursor in a molten wax to increase ligament thickness; and investment coating the molten wax coated precursor with a ceramic plaster.
US09616486B2 Process for making forged and machined components
The present invention discloses a process of manufacturing forged components using a combination of open die and closed die forging, and machining. The process involves the steps of cogging of the ingot, upsetting the cogged bloom in two steps to form a preform, closed forging the preform on a hammer, rough machining, heat treatment, semi-finishing, and finally finishing the component. The present invention is applicable to any forged components that are used in variety of industries, particularly those which are formed from large ingots. The invention is particularly useful for safety- and application-critical components such as a fluid end which is used in oil and gas industry. With the process of the present invention, 55 to 60% of the shape and size of the final component is achieved through forging and remaining 40 to 45% through machining. Incorporating the closed die forging stage in between open die forging and machining stages of the results in about 27% material reduction and over 60% reduction in machining time.
US09616483B2 Can end with retort resistant panel, and tooling and associated method for providing same
A method of making a can end, which includes a recessed panel defined by an upwardly extending chuck wall, a peripheral scoreline disposed in a public side of the panel proximate to the base of the chuck wall, a tab fastened to the panel by a rivet, includes the step of employing tooling to form a pressure resistance bead extends around the panel inboard of the peripheral scoreline and outboard of the rivet. The tooling forms a saw tooth panel formation proximate to the pressure resistance bead inboard of the pressure resistance bead. Among other benefits, the pressure resistance bead and saw tooth panel formation created by the tooling and method combine to resist wrinkling or other undesired deformation of the can end.
US09616475B2 Method and device for producing seamless steel pipes having low eccentricity
The invention relates to a method for producing seamless steel tubes in a rolling mill train with one or more consecutively positioned longitudinal or cross-rolling units and an inside tool which is used as mandrel bar or piercing plug during the rolling process. The aim is to provide a method to reduce the eccentricity of the rolling stock considerably.To achieve this, the longitudinal axis of the inside tool is forced by means of an apparatus to a movement in a distance to the longitudinal axis of the rolling stock. Simultaneously the rotation of the tool around its axis is kept, driven by the rolling stock during rolling.
US09616474B2 Device and method for laterally guiding a rolled or cast product on a transport track
The invention relates to a device (1) and a method for laterally guiding a slab (2) on a transport track (3), comprising a first guide rule (4) and a second guide rule (5). The guide rules (4, 5) are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the transport track (3) and are each connected to at least one actuating drive (6) so as to move in a direction of a width of the transport track (3). The actuating drive can be actuated perpendicularly to the transport direction (7) of the slab (2), wherein the respective longitudinal axis (4L, 5L) of the first guide rule (4) and/or the second guide rule (5) can be positioned at a specified angle (α) relative to the transport direction (7) of the slab (2). The first and/or the second guide rule (4, 5) has at least one contact roller (8) which can be brought into contact with a lateral edge of the slab (2) in order to guide and/or compress the slab (2).
US09616468B2 Agricultural container washer and method
An agricultural seed box washing device and method includes a modular enclosure having a washing area having a stationary first spray array and a second spray array movable transverse to the path of travel of the seed box for washing all six geometric sides of the seed box. The device includes a two-directional conveyor that allows the seed box to cycle back and further through the first spray array for multiple passes through the spray arrays.
US09616466B1 Garment processing systems, programs and methods
Methods, programs and systems are provided for arranging in correct delivery sequence a plurality of individual garments from multiple delivery routes. A first of two sorting operations utilizes predicted wearer data to create a wearer-rail association where a selection of a plurality of sequenced sorting rails is designated to receive garments according to a set number of predicted wearers/placeholder-wearers, and where the garments of the batch are distributed about the rails based on at least two or more levels of garment designation, including route, stop, customer and/or wearer. The second sort assembles, rail-by-rail, the garments from each of the respective sequenced rails into groups according to wearer which produces a correct delivery order for the batch of garments after only two scan/sort operations and where each garment moves along a non-repeating path.
US09616465B1 Dry trim and sift bag apparatus and method of use
A dry trim and sift bag apparatus comprising a hollow body having open axial ends; a pair of selectively openable and closable end caps respectively sealing the open axial ends; a compression spring operatively coupled to the hollow body and configured to hold the hollow body in an expanded configuration and to be collapsed under compression to a collapsed configuration; and a sifting screen operatively coupled within the hollow body partitioning the interior of the hollow body into a trim chamber for product to be trimmed and a sift chamber for sifted product, the trim chamber having a greater volume than the sift chamber. Additionally, the dry trim and sift bag apparatus comprises multiple handle assemblies for ergonomic and efficient motion series of operation.
US09616462B2 Protective polymer layer
The present invention relates to a method of joining polymer coated steel pipes comprising the steps of—providing polymer coated pipe segments with an uncoated length on both ends of the segments; —welding the polymer coated pipe segments together; —applying a curable polymer (A) onto the uncoated length of the welded pipe segments to form an first coating layer; and—applying a polymer composition (B) onto the first coating layer to form a topcoat layer with a thickness of 0.5 to 10 mm, wherein the polymer composition (B) has a melt flow rate MFR2 of 1.0 to 6.0 g/10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 at a temperature of 190° C. under a load of 2.16 kg, and includes a base resin comprising (B-1) a non-elastomeric polyethylene in an amount of 60 to 85 wt % of the total polymer composition being produced in a process using a single-site catalyst, and (B-2) an elastomer comprising a copolymer of ethylene and at least one polar comonomer, wherein component (B-1) or components (B-1) and (B-2) have been grafted with an acid grafting agent and the use of polymer composition (B) as topcoat layer with a thickness of 0.5 to 10 mm in a coating of coated steel pipe field-joints, a method of coating a steel pipe and the use of polymer composition (B) for the coating of steel pipe joints or steel pipes.
US09616459B1 Polymeric coatings for fortification of visible, infrared, and laser optical devices
A method for coating a surface of a material involves contacting a surface of a material with a surface activator containing a fluoride-containing compound and an organic solvent to form an activated surface, contacting the activated surface with a protective reagent to form an initial coated surface, and contacting the initial coated surface with a thinning agent containing a fluoride-containing compound and a surfactant to from a final coated surface, wherein the final coated surface is coated with a protective coating that is covalently bonded to the surface of the material.
US09616458B2 Sintering and laser fusion device, comprising a means for heating powder by induction
A device for producing or building up a metal part by sintering and laser fusion, the device including a laser beam generator, a mechanism for deflecting the beam to scan a surface of the part to be produced, a sintering pan including a metal powder used to cover the surface of the part and to be melted by the laser beam to thicken the part, and at least one mechanism for heating powder contained in an area of the sintering pan by induction.
US09616456B1 Apparatus and methods for tool(s) to work on building surface(s)
The present invention is directed to construction tools. The present invention includes tools used for applying mastic or mud to a work surface, for example, a corner finishing tool that may have a quick engage/disengage ball and socket feature that automatically stays open and automatically closes and locks. Various embodiments may include a universal and interchangeable working/running blade and cooperating frame design. The frame design may be partially held in place with a face or top plate. Various embodiments may include a multiple tension spring design with one or more adjustment arm(s) for varying the tension on the frame(s) and blade(s). Various embodiments may include flat internal walls to accommodate the one or more adjustment arm(s). Various embodiments may also include a input port cone with ball for attachment to, for example, an applicator box, that may be formed from multiple parts that may be made from different materials.
US09616455B1 Paint roller anti-rotation lock
A paint roller locking mechanism that prevents a roller cover from rotating is designed to apply paint in a smoother manner that typically provided by a roller. The locking mechanism prevents the roller cover from rotating as it is rolled along the surface being painted. This, in effect, allows the roller cover to emulate a paint brush, allowing for a smooth painted surface without surface irregularities. The locking mechanism may easily pivot away allowing the paint roller to function in a normal rolling manner, as well as allow a user to reload the roller or apply bulk paint when needed.
US09616452B2 Shower apparatus
A shower apparatus comprises a head, a base end portion, and a multi-spherical bendable joint pipe disposed between the head and the base end portion, the pipe comprising a plurality of spherical joints provided consecutively. Each joint has a male or female spherical surface for rotationally fitting with adjacent joints each other. The spraying direction of shower water is freely changeable by adjusting the direction of the head through a flection of the multi-spherical bendable joint pipe. The shower apparatus allows a jet direction of shower water to be changed widely three-dimensionally compared with a conventional shower apparatus, and thus the present invention provides a user-friendly shower apparatus.
US09616445B2 Foam pumps with lost motion and adjustable output foam pumps
Embodiments of lost motion foam pumps are disclosed herein. One exemplary embodiment includes a liquid chamber, a liquid piston movable in the liquid chamber, an air chamber and an air piston movable in the air chamber. The air piston is linked to the liquid piston. A connector is linked to the air piston or the liquid piston. The connector includes an engagement member for connecting to an actuator of a foam dispenser. Movement of the actuator in a first direction moves the liquid and air pistons to contract the liquid chamber and the air chamber. Movement of the actuator a first distance in a second direction does not move the liquid piston or the air piston; however, continued movement of the actuator a second distance in the second direction moves the liquid piston and the air piston and expands the liquid and air chambers.
US09616442B2 Rotating disk atomizer with treatment fluid feed arrangement
A rotary atomizer is disclosed for the even distribution of a treatment fluid within a treatment chamber. The treatment fluid is delivered onto a rotating disk atomizer through multiple outlet ports. Fluid passages provide each outlet port with an even flow of treatment fluid at generally the same time and rate. This even and simultaneous flow of treatment fluid results in a more even distribution of treatment fluid on the seed that flows through the treatment chamber throughout the treatment cycle.
US09616441B2 Multiple function dispenser
A dispenser for mixing and dispensing a liquid chemical concentrate with a dilutent from a container. The dispenser includes two slideable eductors one of which is also rotatable. Both a high and low flow rate can be obtained with simultaneous adjustment of concentration of the chemical concentrate. The dispenser has a high degree of accuracy of the amount of dilution of the chemical concentrate as well as positive positioning of the high and low flow rate.
US09616439B2 Circuit for displaying the relative voltage at the output electrode of an electrostatically aided coating material atomizer
A coating dispensing device includes a trigger assembly for actuating the coating dispensing device to dispense coating material and a nozzle through which the coating material is dispensed. The coating dispensing device further includes a source of voltage and a voltage multiplier for multiplying the voltage. The voltage multiplier is coupled to the source. An output terminal of the voltage multiplier is charged to a high-magnitude electrostatic potential and is adapted to charge coating material as the coating material is dispensed from the dispensing device. The coating dispensing device further includes a circuit for providing a visual indication of the voltage at the output terminal. The circuit for providing a visual indication of the voltage at the output terminal comprises a first impedance across which a portion of the voltage at the output terminal appears and an amplifier. The output terminal of the amplifier is coupled to a light source for providing the visual indication of the voltage at the output terminal of the voltage multiplier.
US09616437B2 Sprinkler arc adjustment mechanism
The present invention is directed to a rotor or sprinkler that allows its watering arc to be rotated, increased, or decreased by user-rotation of the sprinkler's rotating nozzle base.
US09616435B2 Self-cleaning sprinkler
A self-cleaning sprinkler is disclosed, generally comprised of an upper and lower housing, which encase a nozzle and a diaphragm. The diaphragm moves in an upward and downward position relative to the nozzle, which allows water located within a chamber to be expelled out of an exit aperture of the nozzle. A needle is secured within the diaphragm to correspondingly move in an upward and downward position, such that once in a closed position, the needle will penetrate the exit aperture of the nozzle in order to clean any debris that may have accumulated therein. The diaphragm moves in from a closed position to an open position depending on the incoming water pressure.
US09616433B2 Shower apparatus
In this shower apparatus, a part of an internal space thereof closer to the outer circumference thereof than an aeration unit is defined as a plurality of small spaces, and all of the small spaces have a uniform channel resistance.
US09616431B2 Sand separator
An apparatus and method for separating a natural gas production stream from hydrocarbon well operations into a gas component and a sand and liquid component is described. More specifically, a sand separator comprising a cylindrical body, a production stream inlet port, a gas outlet port and a solid and liquid drain port is described. The cylindrical body has an inner cavity with an inner cone having one-way gas vents and a stationary auger wrapped around the inner cone. The production stream inlet port includes a pipe having a curved tip that directs the production stream into the body and around the inner cone and stationary auger, causing the production stream to slow down and the components to separate.
US09616430B2 Centrifugal separator and rotor having an external hub to shaft connection
The invention relates to a centrifugal separator for separation of at least two components of a fluid mixture which have different densities. The centrifugal separator comprises a rotor arranged for rotation about a vertical axis of rotation (R) and having a rotor wall which surrounds a separating chamber within the rotor, with an inlet adapted to feeding the fluid mixture into the rotor's separating chamber, and at least one outlet adapted to discharging outwardly from the rotor a component separated from the fluid mixture. A rotor shaft supports the rotor and is drivably connected to a motor (M) for rotation of the rotor about the axis of rotation (R). A hub is provided outside the rotor, and the hub and the rotor shaft are arranged to be connected together from the outside of the rotor by means of a lockable and releasable fastening which is configured to lock the rotor shaft relative to the hub in both a torque-transmitting and an axial force-transmitting way.
US09616425B2 Paper-based chemical assay devices with improved fluidic structures
A chemical assay device includes a hydrophilic substrate and one or more hydrophobic structures that extend from a first side of the hydrophilic substrate to a second side of the hydrophilic substrate. A hydrophobic structure in the hydrophilic substrate forms a fluid barrier wall that extends from the first side of the hydrophilic substrate to the second side of the hydrophilic substrate with a deviation of less than 20° from a perpendicular axis between the first side and the second side. The hydrophobic material in the first hydrophobic structure occupies more than 50% of a void volume fraction of the hydrophilic substrate.
US09616421B2 Catalyst for olefin multimerization and method for producing olefin multimer in presence of catalyst for olefin multimerization
The objectives of the present invention are to provide an olefin oligomerization catalyst that allows properties of particles of a polymer component by-produced in an α-olefin production process to be obtained in such a shape that does not negatively affect a separation process for the particles and to provide a method for producing an olefin oligomer performed in the presence of the olefin oligomerization catalyst. The objectives can be achieved by the olefin oligomerization catalyst obtained by contacting (D) a transition metal compound with a preliminary contact solid catalyst component (II) obtained by contacting a solid catalyst component (I) formed by supporting (B) an organoaluminum oxy-compound (b-2) on (A) a solid carrier with (C) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an organometallic compound (c-1), an organoaluminum oxy-compound (c-2), and a compound (c-3) that reacts with the transition metal compound (D) to form a pair of ion.
US09616417B2 Catalyst for the conversion of oxygenates to olefins and a process for preparing said catalyst
A catalyst for the conversion of oxygenates, such as alcohols or ethers, to olefins consists essentially of a selected SUZ-4 zeolite that has a Si/Al ratio of at least 20, preferably between 20 and 500, especially between 20 and 100. The basic SUZ-4 zeolite is prepared in a manner known per se, whereafter the Si/Al ratio is increased to the desired value. The selected SUZ-4 zeolite catalyst of the invention has a longer life time and a better product selectivity than the conventional/standard SUZ-4 zeolite catalysts.
US09616416B2 Process for preparing an industrial hydroconversion catalyst, catalyst thus obtained and use thereof in a hydroconversion process
The invention relates to a process for preparing a hydroconversion catalyst based on modified zeolite Y, comprising the steps of: A—preparation of a modified zeolite Y, whose intracrystalline structure presents at least one network of micropores, at least one network of small mesopores with a mean diameter of 2 to 5 nm and at least one network of large mesopores with a mean diameter of 10 to 50 nm, these various networks being interconnected; B—mixing the zeolite with a binder, shaping the mixture and then calcining; C—introducing at least one catalytic metal chosen from metals of group VIII and/or of group VIB, followed by calcination. The invention also relates to a catalyst obtained via this process and also to the use thereof.
US09616414B2 Alkaline earth metal/metal oxide supported catalysts
Disclosed is a hydrocarbon gas reforming supported catalyst, and methods for its use, that includes a catalytic material capable of catalyzing the production of a gaseous mixture comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide from a hydrocarbon gas, and a support material comprising an alkaline earth metal/metal oxide compound having a structure of D-E, wherein D is a M1 or M1M2, M1 and M2 each individually being an alkaline earth metal selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Ba, and Sr, E is a metal oxide selected from the group consisting of Al2O4, SiO2, ZrO2, TiO2, and CeO2, wherein the catalytic material is attached to the support material.
US09616412B2 Mixed metal oxidic nano sheets coated monolithic catalysts useful for the decomposition of toxic N2O and a process for the preparation thereof
A process for the preparation of nano-oxide coated catalysts useful for the treatment of toxic gases by coating of composite materials containing LDHs over ceramic monolithic substrates. The process combines reacting oxides and salts of metals so as to prepare LDHs or mixed metal layered hydroxides possessing positive layer charge, from which a stable gel is prepared by adding swellable clay having a negative charge in different LDH:clay ratio in an aqueous medium and homogenizing the same in a high intensity ultrasonic processor. The gel is then dip-coated over cordierite/mulite honey-comb monolithic supports at various dipping and withdrawal rates. The dip-coated monoliths are then dried and calcined at different temperatures to develop the alumino-silicate supported nano-oxide coats over honey-comb ceramic substrates for carrying out decomposition of N20 gas in a He flow in various flow rates at 400 to 600° C. temperature in a cylindrical quartz tube.
US09616407B2 Isothermal CO2 adsorption column
A new adsorbent CO2-ONE for removal of acidic gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide was developed from hydrothermal reaction of natural limestone with natural kaolin via sodium hydroxide. Several synthesis conditions were employed such as initial concentration of NaOH, weight ratio of limestone to kaolin, reaction temperature and pressure. The produced Ca—Na—SiO2—Al2O3 samples were characterized using XRD and EDS and showed that a mixture of Gehlenite Ca2Al(Al1.22Si0.78O6.78)OH0.22 and Stilbite Na5.76Ca4.96(Al15.68Si56.32O144) with percentage of 43 and 57 was successfully produced, respectively. Another produced sample showed the presence of Gehlenite Ca2Al(Al1.22Si0.78O6.78)OH0.22, Stilbite Na5.76Ca4.96(Al15.68Si56.32O144) and Lawsonite CaAl2Si2O7OH2(H2O) with percentage of 4.1 and 7.4 and 88, respectively.
US09616402B2 Catalyst loading tool
There is provided a loading tray for loading particulate material into a catalytic reactor comprising an upper tubesheet and an array of reaction tubes extending downward from the tubesheet; wherein the loading tray comprises: a loading template comprising one or more loading openings; one or more supports for spacing the loading template above the tube-sheet to form a volume between the loading template and the upper tube-sheet; and a vacuum outlet for application of suction to the volume between the loading template and the upper tubesheet.
US09616399B2 Method for feeding chemical into a liquid flow
A method to feed a chemical into a liquid flow using a feed device including a nozzle casing having an isolated mixing space including: feeding the chemical to the isolated mixing space in the feed device; feeding a mixing liquid to the isolated mixing space; mixing the chemical and the mixing liquid in the isolated mixing space to form a mixture of chemical and mixing liquid, and feeding the mixture of chemical and mixing liquid to the liquid flow.
US09616395B2 Membrane comprising self-assembled block copolymer and process for producing the same by spray coating (Ic)
Disclosed are membranes formed from self-assembling diblock copolymers of the formula (I): wherein R1-R4, n, and m are as described herein, which find use in preparing porous membranes. Embodiments of the membranes contain the diblock copolymer self-assembled into a cylindrical morphology. Also disclosed is a method of preparing such membrane which involves spray coating a polymer solution containing the diblock copolymer to obtain a thin film, followed by annealing the thin film in a solvent vapor and/or soaking in a solvent or mixture of solvents to form a nanoporous membrane.
US09616391B2 Black porous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane, method for producing same, gas-permeable membrane and ventilation member using same
Provided is a black porous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane including a porous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane dyed black. A whiteness of a principal face of the black porous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane as measured according to JIS L 1015 (Hunter method) is 18.0 to 23.0%, and the whiteness of the principal face falls within a range of 18.0 and 25.0% after heating at 350° C. for 1 minute. This black porous PTFE membrane is suitable as a gas-permeable membrane that blocks entry of water and/or dust and that allows permeation of gases; specifically, the black porous PTFE membrane is suitable, for example, as a waterproof sound-transmitting membrane, a waterproof gas-permeable membrane, and a dustproof gas-permeable membrane.
US09616389B2 Hydrogen generation assemblies and hydrogen purification devices
Hydrogen generation assemblies, hydrogen purification devices, and their components are disclosed. In some embodiments, the devices may include a permeate frame with a membrane support structure having first and second membrane support plates that are free from perforations and that include a plurality of microgrooves configured to provide flow channels for at least part of the permeate stream. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a return conduit fluidly connecting a buffer tank and a reformate conduit, a return valve assembly configured to manage flow in the return conduit, and a control assembly configured to operate a fuel processing assembly between run and standby modes based, at least in part, on detected pressure in the buffer tank and configured to direct the return valve assembly to allow product hydrogen stream to flow from the buffer tank to the reformate conduit when the fuel processing assembly is in the standby mode.
US09616387B2 Exhaust gas treatment apparatus functionality check
An exhaust fluid treatment apparatus used to treat exhaust fluid emitted by a combustion engine includes a check of its functionality. A method of monitoring operation of an exhaust fluid treatment apparatus includes comparing a calculated temperature difference with an expected temperature difference associated with combustion of fuel. If the calculated temperature difference is within an acceptable margin of the expected temperature difference, further fuel injection may be permitted. If the calculated temperature difference is outside the acceptable margin of the expected temperature difference, a temperature of the exhaust gas upstream of the exhaust fluid treatment apparatus may be increased.
US09616385B1 System and method for regulating exhaust emissions
An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust gas pathway configured to receive exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine, an ammonia source, and a first ammonia injector in fluid communication with the ammonia source. The first ammonia injector is configured to inject ammonia into the exhaust gas pathway at a first rate. The exhaust gas treatment system also includes a first treatment element positioned downstream of the first ammonia injector and a second ammonia injector in fluid communication with the ammonia source and positioned downstream of the first treatment element. The second ammonia injector is configured to inject ammonia into the exhaust gas pathway at a second rate different from the first rate. The exhaust gas treatment system further includes a second treatment element positioned downstream of the second ammonia injector.
US09616366B2 Care-free pumped or gravity flow rotating drum screen with stationary stabilization pad assemblies
A pumped or gravity flow rotating drum screen removes unwanted solids from a flowing fluid. The drum screen may comprise: a housing having a fluid inlet end, a solid discharge end and an area between the two ends, the fluid inlet permitting a flow of influent containing unwanted solids into a hollow portion of a drum screen positioned lengthwise in the area between the two ends of the housing, the screen comprising a filter medium that retains at least a portion of the unwanted solids within the hollow portion of the drum screen and which produces a liquid effluent that is discharged from an outer surface of the drum screen, the retained solids being removable via the solid discharge end; a drive assembly configured to rotate the drum screen about an axis running the length of the drum screen; and one or more stabilization pad assemblies in contact with one or more rings circumscribing the outer surface of the drum screen at one or more locations.
US09616361B2 Systems for separation of particulates and associated methods and devices
A system is provided for separating particulates dispersed within a base fluid wherein at least one of the particulates and the base fluid is an organic liquid. The system relies on a microfluidic separation device comprising a microchannel in fluid communication across a microporous body with a collection chamber. Particulates and a portion of the base fluid traverse the microporous body under the influence of an external force field and are collected in the collection chamber. A first fluid flow having a first flow rate through the microchannel together with the microporous body operationally generate a second fluid flow within the collection chamber as base fluid and particulates traverse the microporous body and enter the collection chamber, and as base fluid re-traverses the microporous body and re-enters the microchannel, the second fluid flow having a flow rate which is a fraction of the first flow rate.
US09616358B2 Quaternary phosphinates with co-solvents for extracting C1 to C4 carboxylic acids from aqueous streams
This invention relates to solvents for extracting C1 to C4 carboxylic acids from aqueous streams. More specifically, the extraction solvents include one or more salts composed of a tetraalkylphosphonium cation and a phosphinate anion. The extraction solvents may further include one or more co-solvents as an enhancer. The co-solvents may be selected from higher carboxylic acids, ethers, esters, ketones, aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and nitriles. The extraction solvents are useful for extracting aqueous mixtures containing one or more lower carboxylic acids, such as monocarboxylic acids and organofluorine carboxylic acids.
US09616357B2 Drive unit for at least one traction means
A drive unit for at least one traction means, especially in stage machinery, with a winding drum comprising at least one take-up region, on (each of) which a traction means is received which can be wound up or unwound, characterized in that axially adjacent to the take-up region there is a cylindrical drive region disposed on the winding drum, on which is received a belt-shaped drive means that can be wound up or unwound and which can be wound up onto a drivable drive drum, generating a drive torque acting on the winding drum, or can be unwound from the drive drum, releasing the winding drum.
US09616356B2 Blowout
A blowout in which the required exhaling force of for stretching thereof may be precisely set to a suitable level. The blowout may include: a stretchable body having a generally tubular shape; a wire body having elasticity and arranged along the longitudinal direction of the stretchable body; and a mouthpiece connected to an end of the stretchable body. In use, the mouthpiece may be held in the mouth such that air is blown therethrough, whereby the stretchable body is stretched. The stretchable body remains curled into a spiral shape by the wire body when air is not blown thereinto. The elastic force of the wire body may be set to a predetermined value, the mouthpiece may include an air regulator for regulating the quantity of airflow, and the stretchable body may not stretch unless the force of air blown is equal to or more than a predetermined value.
US09616354B2 Railway modeling assembly system
A model train railway assembly system having a plurality of foam boards cut to support at least one model train track on each board. Bus wires may be used to facilitate running of electricity along the track. The system comprising connecting a plurality of the assembled boards in a desired train track configuration.
US09616344B2 Two-dimensional database query
A data structure includes a plurality of player entries that associates a player with a respective set of player activity data points having a first value and a second value. In response to a query defining ranges for the first value and second value, a response is generated using the data structure, the response indicating players matching the criteria of the ranges.
US09616340B2 Computer device, storage medium, and method of controlling computer device
Provided are a computer device, a storage medium, and a method of controlling the computer device, which enable a player character to perform various actions according to the user's intention. A game program causes a CPU of a game device to function as a game space generating section and a PC control section. The PCU control section causes the CPU to function as a movement control section and a stance control section. The stance control section increases the variation in the player character's stance changed from a reference stance, with an increase in the operation amount of a second operation unit, and decreases the variation in the player character's stance changed from the reference stance, with a decrease in the operation amount of the second operation unit.
US09616337B2 Information processing program and information processing apparatus
A computer of an information processing apparatus repeatedly accepts an operation to designate at least one of a plurality of command elements making up of a command, executes at least any one of a first memory writing processing to write a first command element having a specific attribute out of the command elements corresponding to the accepted operation in a first memory and a second memory writing processing to write a second command element having an attribute different from the attribute in a second memory, determines whether or not a command element array stored over the first memory and the second memory satisfies an execution allowable condition every execution of the writing processing, and processes information according to the command element array when the satisfaction is determined.
US09616331B1 Gaming machine tournament management system
A system and method of managing a gaming machine tournament, such as a slot tournament, are described that include organizing a gaming machine tournament that takes place on a set of gaming machines where each gaming machine has an interface into a tournament management system. The tournament game play parameters are configured using the tournament management system. Perks are provided to players, where the perks can be redeemed during tournament play and provide the player an advantage in the tournament play.
US09616325B2 Play by play football game
A game is provided that simulates American style football. Action cards include offensive plays and defensive outcomes. Skill is introduced by the offensive play chosen by an offensive player. Chance is introduced by the defensive outcome corresponding to the offensive play selected by the offensive player. The game lacks dice, spinners, or other random number generators. The game includes one set of action cards, which are selected consecutively by the offensive player. As preferably listing only offensive plays, only the defensive outcomes, thus the results of the offensive plays, vary from card to card. The game includes a field with markers that may be used to track the progress of the game.
US09616324B2 Shuffling devices including one or more sensors for detecting operational parameters and related methods
An automatic card shuffling device for randomizing playing cards is disclosed. The device comprises a processor in informational connection with the shuffling device, and a detection system capable of detecting or predicting a deficiency in operation of at least one component of the shuffling device. The detection system is configured to transmit an indication of a deficiency to a distal location.
US09616317B2 Collapsible pole assembly
A releasable lock assembly for use with a collapsible pole assembly having a first shaft section slidably secured to a second shaft section includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the first and second shaft sections in an extended position. The releasable lock assembly further includes a stop assembly having an elongated member having first and second ends, wherein the first end is secured to one of the first and second shaft sections and the second end secured to the other of the first and second shaft sections. The stop assembly further comprises a stop assembly biasing member configured to urge the first and second shaft sections into a collapsed position.
US09616315B2 Goal tender leg pad
A goaltender leg pad providing profile adjustment, toe attachment and/or toe thickness adjustment. The leg pad can include an adjuster element that configures adjacent pads at a user selected angle or configuration to provide a desired front profile of the leg pad. The leg pad can include an optionally elastic toe attachment strap joined with a foot pad and/or boot, and a redirection element slidably engaging the strap. The strap can secure the foot pad to the user's skate, and generally centrally locate the foot pad over the user's skate when the user transitions to a standing position and/or a crouching position. The leg pad can include a foot pad configured to engage the top of a user's skate. The foot pad can define a cavity within which a secondary pad can be selectively installed or removed to alter the toe thickness of the foot pad and provide desired performance.
US09616314B2 Adaptive mouth guard and method of use
A dental appliance is disclosed designed to protect a wearer's dentitions against injury from impacts suffered in sports or other activities that can cause chipping, fracturing, dislodging or evulsion of teeth. The appliance may be custom-fittable with at least one pocket having an energy absorbing fluid. The energy absorbing fluid be nanosuspensions of small particles in viscous fluids that can undergo shear thickening when the dental appliance is struck by an object. The appliance dampens and diffuses horizontal and axial forces and directs them away from dentitions thereby reducing the risk for dental injuries.
US09616309B2 Baseball and softball bat swing training device
A swing training device for improving the batting mechanics of baseball players includes a device handle for gripping by a player in the manner of a baseball bat handle and a device barrel having a ball striking surface. The device barrel is interfaced at an angle from about 20° to about 40° to the device handle. At least the ball striking surface of the device barrel is formed in the size and circular shape of a baseball bat barrel. A joint maybe provided for interfacing the device barrel to the device handle at the desired angle of interface, in which case threaded bolts are utilized to attach the device handle and the device barrel to the joint. Longitudinally oriented threaded bores are provided on substantially planar faces of the device handle and the device barrel to matingly receive the bolts.
US09616306B2 Golf hole marker having a self-righting structure
A golf hole marker, having a self-righting structure, includes a base, a weighting material received in the base, a telescopic pole and a flag. The base includes a top shell and a bottom shell. The bottom shell is substantially spherically curved and receives the weighting material therein. The top shell has a passage to receive a bottom portion of the pole and a protuberance to press down the weighting material for preventing the weighting material from moving within the bottom shell. The weighting material lowers a center of mass of the golf hole marker lower than a center of the spherically curved bottom shell. Preferably, the base is in the shape of a golf ball.
US09616301B2 Releasable threaded component for a golf club having a mechanism for preventing over rotation
The invention includes a releasable component for use on a golf club head, wherein the component itself may serve as a portion of the club head face, crown, sole, or other portion of the club head body when attached to the club head. The component includes an anti-over rotation mechanism configured to prevent overtightening of the component to a corresponding counterbore on the golf club head. The anti-over rotation mechanism is embodied as a taper design defined on a flange of a threaded component and a corresponding taper design on a flange surface of a counterbore. The counterbore is configured to receive and retain the releasable component by way of a threaded engagement, wherein the interaction between the corresponding taper flange designs of the releasable component and counterbore prevents over rotation of the releasable component, particularly resisting rotation due to ball strike impacts.
US09616299B2 Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, has a face with a striking surface configured for striking a ball, and a channel extending across a portion of the sole. The channel extends across a portion of the sole in a heel to toe direction, wherein the channel is recessed from adjacent surfaces of the sole and has a depth of recession from the adjacent surfaces of the sole, wherein the channel comprises a center portion extending across a center of the sole, a heel portion extending from a heel end of the center portion toward the heel, and a toe portion extending from a toe end of the center portion toward the toe, wherein the width of the center portion of the channel is substantially constant, and the width of the channel at the heel and toe portions increases from the heel end of the center portion toward the heel and from the toe end of the center portion toward the toe.
US09616298B1 Golf club with improved weighting
A golf club with improved weighting characteristic is disclosed. More specifically, the present invention discloses to a golf club wherein the improved weighting distribution stems from an increase in the mass of the golf club at a specific distance away from the butt end or proximal end of the golf club head to help increase the feel and minimize the dispersion of the golf shot by minimizing the pull and or draw tendencies of a golf shot.
US09616295B2 Climbing device with anchoring surface
A fastening element for a climbing device configured for fastening to a tree, pole, mast, column, pillar, or like climbing surface includes an outer shell, a concave contact surface formed within the outer shell and a plurality of anchoring nubs. A lattice structure including a plurality of raised ribs may form the contact surface. Each of the plurality of anchoring nubs protrudes from the raised ribs, and one or more may be formed at least partially at an intersection of the lattice structure. The nubs may have a rounded profile and are preferably symmetrically aligned around a longitudinal axis of the fastening element. The plurality of anchoring nubs and the concave contact surface, e.g., a plurality of raised ribs, form an anchoring surface configured to contact a climbing surface, and to anchor the fastening element to the climbing surface, a tree, for example, without damage thereto.
US09616294B2 Modular activity board
An apparatus for receiving one or more activity attachments including a deck having one or more openings along a long axis of the deck and between the top surface and the bottom surface of the deck. Each of the one or more openings having a circular aperture for receiving an accessory of a set of accessories. Each accessory of the set of accessories providing an activity for a user of the activity. Each accessory having an attachment platform configured to attach the accessory to the board. The attachment platform having a locking mechanism to engaging with a complementary locking mechanism of the board.
US09616292B2 Exercise tracker
An exercise tracker includes a force sensor programmed to output a force signal representing a force applied to a cable associated with a piece of exercise equipment. The exercise tracker further includes a processing device programmed to receive the force signal and determine, from the force signal, exercise data including an amount of weight lifted.
US09616289B2 Wearable device assembly having athletic functionality and milestone tracking
A wearable device assembly has a housing supporting a controller, display and indicator system thereon. The controller has at least one sensor wherein activity of a user wearing the device is detected. The controller selectively illuminates the indicator system to indicate a level of activity of the user.
US09616285B2 Core exercise apparatus and methods
A dual-mode exercise apparatus may include an articulating arm assembly coupled through a joint to a support assembly. In an illustrative embodiment, the arm assembly may include a seat centrally mounted above a ball-and-socket joint and a stabilizer member for the hands and/or feet of the user. In a first mode of operation a user sits on the seat and uses his or her core muscles to articulate the seat on the ball-and-socket joint against the resistance provided by, for instance, weights mounted on distal portions of the arm assembly. In certain embodiments the apparatus may further provide a second mode of operation which simulates rowing a kayak. In a corresponding illustrative embodiment a user sits in a second seat positioned rearward of the arm assembly and the arm assembly includes handle members. In operation the user articulates the handles in a manner akin to rowing a kayak.
US09616283B1 Therapeutic device
A low stress therapeutic device is provided by utilizing foot plates and guide rails having operationally tracking surfaces of a low coefficient of friction supported by a platform. The device includes a rail stabilizer equipped with extending longitudinally recess or slot and a slideably mounted foot plate having upon its underside a longitudinal projection slideably retained within the rail recess. The therapeutic device may be designed to operate under relatively effortless strain at a low coefficient of friction. The therapeutic device is useful for knee replacement, stroke victims, ACL repair, and other therapeutic treatments requiring a nominal initiating effort of movement for rehabilitation. The device may be provided as a one or two footed device of a light weight particularly useful in a patient sitting or lying position. The foot plates may be appropriately equipped with longitudinally underside tracking guides reciprocating sliding within longitudinal slots provided by a tracking rail.
US09616278B2 Laterally tilting treadmill deck
A treadmill includes a running deck. The running deck includes a front portion, a rear portion connected to the front portion by a first side and a second side, a tread belt surrounding the front portion and the rear portion, a motor to drive movement of the tread belt, and an actuator that cause the running deck to tilt laterally towards either the first side or the second side to form a lateral tilt angle in response to a tilt command.
US09616272B1 Adjustable weight exercise ball
An adjustable weight exercise ball and particularly a soft exercise ball has one or more handles that are formed from a strap extending around the perimeter of the exercise ball. The exercise ball may have no rigid or hard materials, such as no more than 50 shore A hardness. The generally spherical exercise ball may have a substantially smooth outer surface with no significant protrusions from the surface. In addition, an adjustable weight exercise ball has a single aperture for the insertion of weights through an access slot to a pouch configured within the interior volume of the ball. The weights inserted into the exercise ball may be conformable weights that mold to the interior pouch area within the exercise ball. The interior material of the exercise ball may comprise an elastomeric material that compresses and seals the access slot closed after weights are inserted therein.
US09616271B2 Weight apparatus including weight adjustment arrangement
A weight apparatus includes a bar including a handle, an anchorage rotatably mounted to an end of the handle, the handle and the anchorage having an axially extending opening, a pinion gear rotatably mounted in the axially extending opening, a rod slidably disposed inside the axially extending opening and having a rack arranged to be moved axially relative to the axially extending opening upon rotation of the pinion gear, and a gear drive arrangement for rotating the pinion gear upon rotation of the handle relative to the anchorage.
US09616265B2 Padded pole vault box with curved stop board
A pole vault box with a base pan having opposite front and rear edges, a pole slide, and opposing sidewalls. The pole slide descends downwardly and the sidewalls extend upwardly from the pole slide at an angle from a horizontal axis. A lip extends inwardly towards the pole slide at an angle formed by an axis passing through the lip and by the pole slide in a downward direction. An end plate at the rear edge includes a rotational ledge and a stop board, the rotational ledge is in conjunction with the pole slide and the stop board is in conjunction with the opposing sidewalls and rear edge. The stop board includes lower and upper regions, the upper region curving away from the lower region and the lower region is at an angle outwardly from the rotational ledge. In embodiments, padding can cover one or more surfaces of the box.
US09616262B2 Dynamic deoxygenation of water for fire protection system
A corrosion prevention treatment of wet Fire Protection System (FPS) includes purging the pipes of O2 with an inert gas such as N2, followed by filling the pipes with deoxygenated water generated “on the fly” as the water enters a building, using one or more Gas Transfer Membrane (GTM) devices and N2 gas. The GTM device eliminates the need for a water reuse tank and its associated pipes, valves, recirculation regimen, and the like. Water is pumped directly from the building water supply to a GTM device, where it is deoxygenated to very low O2 levels—such as below 300 ppb (parts per billion). The deoxygenated water then flows directly into the O2-purged pipes of the FPS. When the FPS is drained for testing or repair, the deoxygenated water may be discharged, and replaced, upon return to service of the FPS, with water freshly deoxygenated from the building supply as the FPS piping is filled.
US09616261B1 Fireman shield assembly
A fireman shield assembly for inhibiting a fireman from being struck by falling, burning debris includes a frame that may be positioned around a fireman. A shield is positioned over the frame. The covers the fireman when the fireman stands in the frame. Thus, the shield inhibits falling debris from striking the fireman.
US09616257B2 Multi-layer chemical and biological protection fabric for mobile shelters
A lightweight, low bulk, mobile CB shelter fabric includes a high tensile strength woven scrim laminated between two thin CB-impenetrable polymer films. Laminate adhesives can include isocyanate adhesion promotors. Coatings can provide camouflage, increased light opacity, increased CB protection, sun, fire, and weather resistance. Lamination heat and pressure can cause the films to conform and bond through the scrim, while a pre-applied coating does not flow and remains uniform in thickness. The resulting fabric weight can be approximately 50% of conventional CB fabrics. The films can be hard-drawn polymers. A coating of hammer milled kaolin clay can provide increased light opacity. The films can be 1 micron thick, and can be nylon, aliphatic nylon, urethane, or poly-ether. The scrim can be a 1500 denier Vectran® (liquid crystal polymer) with a 4.5 ends-per-inch warp and a 3.5 ends-per-inch fill. The scrim yarns can be flattened bundles of untwisted fiber.
US09616254B2 Aqueous dispersion comprising silicone elastomer particles, a silicone elastomer particle and a cosmetic
One of the purposes of the present invention is to provide an aqueous dispersion of silicone elastomer particles to provide a stable emulsion and the silicone elastomer particle, wherein a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether which has an alkyl group having a large number of carbon atoms is used as a surfactant. Further, another purpose is to provide a cosmetic comprising said aqueous dispersion or said silicone elastomer particles and giving a good feeling in the use. The present invention provides an aqueous dispersion comprising (A) silicone elastomer particles having a 90% volume cumulative diameter (D90) of 0.3 to 20 μm in an amount of 5 to 80 mass %, based on a total mass of the aqueous dispersion, (B) at least one polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having an alkyl group having 18 carbon atoms in an amount of 0.01 to 15 mass %, based on a total mass of the aqueous dispersion, wherein a hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 12.8 to 15.1, and (C) water in an amount of 19 to 94 mass %, based on a total mass of the aqueous dispersion. Further, the present invention provides a material comprising the aforesaid components (A) and (B), a method for preparing the material and a cosmetic comprising the aqueous dispersion or the material.
US09616252B2 Multi-field cancer therapy apparatus and method of use thereof
A multi-field cancer therapy apparatus and method of use thereof is described increasing dimensionality of incident tumor treatment angles while minimizing distance between a final beamline focusing magnet and the patient. Increased dimensionality of incident tumor treatment angles is achieved through coordinated use of one or more of: a rotatable targeting magnet; a first patient rotation platform rotating the patient around, without intersecting, a vertical axis; a second patient rotation platform rotating a body part through a movable vertical axis; and patient tilt. The increased charged particle incident angle dimensionality distributes Bragg peak tail energy about the tumor. Dynamic energy and/or intensity control of the charged particle beam as a function of efficiency of beam delivery based on tumor shape further reduces Bragg peak tail energy delivered to healthy tissue about the tumor.
US09616250B2 Treatment system, control device and treatment method
According to an embodiment, a treatment system includes a plurality of first radiators, a plurality of detectors, a determiner, and a controller. Each of the first radiators irradiates a radioactive beam to a subject. Each of the detectors detects a radioactive beam transmitted through the subject and generates an image based on the detected radioactive beam. The determiner determines whether an object in the subject is included in a first region using a given image that is one of the images. The controller controls the first radiators so that, when the object is not included in the first region, a smaller amount of radioactive beams is irradiated per unit time than when the object is included in the first region.
US09616247B2 Treatment plan evaluation in radiotherapy by stochastic analysis of delineation uncertainty
The present application is directed to the idea of using sampling techniques to propagate segmentation uncertainty in order to evaluate variability in radiation planning. A radiotherapy planning apparatus (10) creates diagnostic image data of a region of interest of a subject. Image data from other sources can also be used. The image data is segmented (44) and combined with previously imaged model data. Target measures such as dose volume histograms are produced for each of the segmentations of the image data. These measures are later combined into a statistical quantification of the target measure (FIG. 3). This information is presented (52) to the user to give the user possible outcomes of the radiotherapy plan, and, e.g., confidence levels in those outcomes.
US09616245B2 Method of treating cells with drug and radiation according to proton density
This Invention relates to a method for achieving Focused Resonance Nanopermeabilization (FORN), which can be utilized in a novel anticancer therapy, and other selective permeabilization therapy and a machine to carryout the said method, where the transient permeabilization of cells by Focused Resonance pulses induces a significant increase of anti-tumor drug concentration in tumor or other interested cells. This invention can be successfully applied to the treatment of tumors in humans and Animals by using antimitotic drugs, chemotherapy. The invention is also useful in transpermeabilization of drug molecules for non cancer applications like vaccine and delivery of genetic materials for therapeutic purposes. Focused Resonance Nanopermeabilization (FORN), would enable a practical solution to a whole body application in its natural environment, without implanting electrodes or external probes, FORN is completely non-invasive. This invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the above method.
US09616242B2 Energy harvesting mechanism for medical devices
Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus, systems and methods for harvesting energy from bio-kinetic events to power various implanted medical devices. One embodiment provides an energy harvesting mechanism for a cardiac pacemaker comprising an energy converter and a signal path component. The energy converter is positionable inside a human body and configured to generate electric power signals in response to a bio-kinetic event of the human body such as a heart beat, respiration or arterial pulse. The converter can comprise a piezoelectric material which generates electricity in response to mechanical deformation of the converter. The converter can also have a power generation characteristic that is matched to the frequency of the bio-kinetic event. For heart beat powered applications, the power generation characteristic can be matched to the physiologic range of pulse rates.
US09616241B2 In-header perimeter RF antenna
This document discusses, among other things, an implantable dielectric compartment including a channel in an outer surface of the implantable dielectric compartment, the channel configured to constrain a portion of an implantable antenna in a specific configuration along the length of the portion of the implantable antenna. In certain examples, the implantable antenna can be configured to wirelessly transfer information electromagnetically at a specified operating frequency provided using the specific configuration of the portion of the implantable antenna.
US09616240B2 Systems and methods for fast discharge in pacing circuits during RF interference
The present disclosure provides a cardiac pacing system. The cardiac pacing system includes a right atrial ring electrode, a right atrial tip electrode, a right ventricle ring electrode, and a pacing integrated circuit (IC) including a first pace output node electrically coupled to the right atrial ring electrode, a pace return node electrically coupled to the right atrial tip electrode, and a second pace output node electrically coupled to the right ventricle ring electrode, wherein the pacing IC has a fast discharge configuration that facilitates reducing or eliminating a DC rectification current generated from RF interference during a fast discharge phase.
US09616234B2 System and method for neuro-stimulation
A neuro-stimulation system employs a includes a stimulator which may include electrode devices and/or vibration elements. A controller may be employed to drive the stimulating elements with an electrical signal. In response to the electrical signal, the stimulating elements deliver electrical and/or mechanical stimulation to the body part. The stimulation may be an aperiodic stimulation and/or may be a subthreshold stimulation. In one embodiment, the stimulator is disposable and the processor determines usage of the stimulator and ensures that the stimulator is limited to a certain amount of use. Neuro-stimulation systems may be applied to sensory cells of body parts during movement of the body parts to induce neuroplastic changes. Such movement may involve a variety of therapeutic applications, e.g. in stroke patient therapy.
US09616233B2 Systems and method of adjusting the compliance voltage in a neuromodulation device
A therapeutic neuromodulation system configured for providing therapy to a patient. The therapeutic neuromodulation system comprises a plurality of electrical terminals configured for being respectively coupled to a plurality of electrodes implanted within tissue, analog output circuitry configured for delivering therapeutic electrical energy between the plurality of electrical terminals in accordance with a set of modulation parameters that includes a defined current value, a voltage regulator configured for supplying an adjustable compliance voltage to the analog output circuitry, and control/processing circuitry configured for automatically performing a compliance voltage calibration process at a compliance voltage adjustment interval by periodically computing an adjusted compliance voltage value as a function of a compliance voltage margin. The control/processing circuitry may also be configured for automatically adjusting at least one of the compliance voltage adjustment interval and the compliance voltage margin during the compliance voltage calibration process.
US09616228B2 Device and method for modulating renal function
Renal function may be modulated by an implantable device having one or more leads or catheters disposed near the kidney via the lymphatic system. In one embodiment, lymphatic drainage from the kidney is modulated to increase or decrease tubular reabsorption of salt and water. The renal function modulation therapy may be delivered in an open-loop or closed-loop fashion, with the latter dependent upon a physiological variable such as blood pressure or cardiac output.
US09616227B2 Adaptive airway treatment of dorsal displacement disorders in horses
A method of using an airway treatment system for treating a dorsal displacement disorder in a horse includes generating a treatment signal configured to treat the dorsal displacement disorder, using a pacemaker processor, in order to continuously stimulate one or more muscles involved in displacing a laryngeal anatomical structure relative to an airway of the horse, and using one or more stimulation electrodes, configured to interface with tissue of the horse, to deliver the treatment signal to the tissue of the horse a period of hours every day to maintain an unobstructed airway.
US09616225B2 Device and implantation system for electrical stimulation of biological systems
The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of GERD. Individuals with GERD may be treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow, have improved energy storage requirements, enable improved LES function while concurrently delivering additional health benefits, and enable improved LES function post stimulation termination.
US09616219B2 Paddle leads having asymmetric electrode configurations
Various embodiments concern an implantable lead. The lead can comprise a lead body. At least two conductors can extend within the lead body, such as in respective lumens of the lead body. The lead can comprise at least two electrodes. Each electrode can be connected to a respective one of the at least two conductors. A paddle body can be connected to the lead body. The paddle body can comprise a longitudinal axis that divides the paddle body into left and right sides. The at least two electrodes can be partially embedded within the paddle body. The at least two electrodes can be arrayed along the longitudinal axis. Each electrode can be asymmetric about the longitudinal axis.
US09616216B2 Releasable blocking system of a catheter
The invention relates to a releasable blocking system (1) of a catheter (4), comprising a base (2) adapted to receive a catheter (4), and a shell (3), mounted in rotation on the base (2) between an open position, in which the shell (3) is away from the base (2), and a closed position, in which the shell (3)is hooked on the base (2) and blocks the catheter (4) in position, in which:the system comprises an actuator (25) provided with a guide aperture (251), mobile in a housing (20) between a rest position and a blocking position, the actuator (25) comprising a first drive element (255),the shell (3)comprises a second drive element (33), adapted to cooperate with the first drive element (255) when the shell (3) is shifted from its open position to its closed position, and shift the actuator (25) to its blocking position.
US09616209B2 Dispensing applicator for fluids
A single-piece, injection molded, hand-held liquid dispensing applicator. The single-piece applicator comprising a source of fluid and a frangible applicator tip attached to the fluid source. When the frangible applicator tip is broken, the fluid flows from the source to an absorbent member attached to the applicator tip to spread the liquid on a surface. The frangible tip may comprise a support element permanently connected to the fluid source, a relatively rigid tongue element, and a frangible region therebetween. The tongue element may comprise ribs for reinforcement. The frangible tip may comprise a semi-permeable or non-permeable cover to control the speed and direction of the dispersion of the fluid. The dispensing applicator may be used in various medical applications.
US09616207B2 Treatment of the ear
Presented herein are implantable systems and methods for long-term delivery of treatment substance to the ear of a recipient of an implantable auditory prosthesis.
US09616206B2 Electronic pill for delivery of powder medication
The invention relates to an electronic pill (102) for delivery of a medication (104) inside a mammal. The electronic pill (102) comprises a reservoir (106) for releasing the medication (104) in response to a predefined level of pressure. Furthermore a primary elastic element (108) is comprised for applying said predefined level of pressure to the reservoir (106) via a piston (110) upon release from the piston (110) of its constrained position. The piston (110) in its turn, when in constrained position, induces a predefined level of stress in the primary elastic element (108) by accordingly deforming it. The electronic pill (102) comprises a mechanism (114) for changing, upon actuation, from a constraining configuration in which the piston (110) is maintained at its constrained position to a releasing configuration in which the piston (110) is released. The mechanism (112) limits the displacement of the piston (110) during changing between said configurations to a level which is substantially smaller than the deformation introduced in the primary elastic element (108).
US09616198B2 Catheter with stepped skived hypotube
Catheter having a hypotube with a skive defined by a first angled cut, an axial cut, and a second angled cut. A midshaft member includes a guidewire lumen and an inflation lumen in fluid communication with an inflation lumen of the hypotube, the inflation lumen of the midshaft member configured to receive at least a portion of the hypotube. A distal tabular shaft member extends distally from the midshaft member. The distal tubular shaft member has a guidewire lumen and an inflation lumen defined therein, the guidewire lumen of the distal tubular shaft member in fluid communication with the guidewire lumen of the midshaft member. The inflation lumen of the distal tubular shaft member is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen of the midshaft member and a balloon is coupled to the distal tubular shaft member and in fluid communication with the inflation lumen.
US09616196B2 Catheter system with attachable catheter hub
A hemodialysis catheter assembly adapted for use in a subcutaneous tunneling procedure incorporates a mechanism for securing the catheter hub member to the elongated catheter, and to provide the requisite fluid communication between fluid passages within the hub and the catheter lumens within the catheter. The catheter hub member may be connected to the elongated catheter after implantation of the catheter via a subcutaneous tunneling procedure.
US09616193B2 Therapeutic gas delivery device with pulsed and continuous flow control
Described are methods and devices for therapeutic or medical gas delivery that utilize at least one proportional control valve and at least one binary control valve. The proportional control valve may be in series with the binary control valve to provide a valve combination capable of pulsing therapeutic gas at different flow rates, depending on the setting of the proportional control valve. Alternatively, the proportional control valve and binary control valve may be in parallel flow paths.
US09616191B2 Combi-valve for a blower driven ventilator
A valve assembly for a blower driven ventilator has a first conduit (1), an inlet (2) for receiving fluid from the blower (209) and a first orifice (4). A second conduit (5) is provided with an outlet (6) for forwarding fluid to a patient (203). A membrane (8) includes a front side (9) and a back side (10), wherein at least part of the membrane (8) is movable between a closed position and an open position. A switching circuit (12) enables the selective opening and closing of a fluid connection between the cavity (11) and the blower (209) via the fluid inlet (2), a fluid connection between the cavity (11) and the patient (203) via the fluid outlet (6), and a fluid connection between the cavity (11) and ambient air (13). A control system (17) controls the switching circuit (12) during a ventilation operation of the blower (209).
US09616186B2 Powder inhaling device with two-part rotary receiving element for blister strip closure layer
A powder inhaler having reservoirs containing a dose of powder and formed on a flexible blister strip having a base layer with cavities and a closure layer. The base layer containing empty blisters rolls up around a first rotary receiver element, and the closure layer peeled off the base layer rolls up around a second rotary receiver element that has a first portion forming a peeling wheel and a second portion forming a tensioner. The tensioner is capable of turning in a first direction of rotation and includes a fastener element for the leading end of the closure layer. The tensioner turns with the peeling wheel in the first direction to roll up the closure layer at each actuation of the device and turns relative to the peeling wheel in the first direction of rotation to tension the closure layer after the blister strip has been assembled in the body.
US09616185B2 System having multiple pneumatically sealed trocars
A valve assembly and method are provided for selectively controlling a flow of pressurized fluid from a fluid source to trocar assemblies. The valve assembly includes a first coupling for a primary trocar assembly for directing pressurized fluid thereto, a second coupling for a secondary trocar assembly for directing pressurized fluid thereto, a third coupling for a source of pressurized fluid for directing pressurized fluid from the source to the first and second couplings; and at least one valve member to be operable in at least first and second operating positions, the first operating position directing pressurized fluid from the source to a coupled primary trocar assembly while preventing pressurized fluid from the source from flowing to at least a coupled secondary trocar assembly, and the second operating position directing pressurized fluid from the source to the coupled primary trocar assembly and to at least the coupled secondary trocar assembly.
US09616184B2 Syringe facilitating retraction of multiple needles
A syringe for retracting and storing of the needles for transferring the fluids is provided. The syringe includes a hollow rotatable and retractable syringe plunger body, a hollow syringe barrel slidably disposed inside the hollow rotatable and retractable syringe plunger body a plunger slidably disposed in the hollow syringe barrel, a syringe adapter attached to the front end of the hollow syringe barrel, a syringe plunger adapter attached to the syringe adapter, a hollow retractable barrel body attached to the hollow rotatable and retractable syringe plunger body. The syringe further includes plurality of springs, a first needle and a second needle for injecting and ejecting fluid, on using the first needle, the first needle is retracted and then the second needle stored in the syringe barrel is pushed out the hollow retractable barrel.
US09616182B2 Injection devices
The invention relates to an injection device. Exemplary embodiments of the invention comprise an application element, an injection needle, an injection needle housing, a drive system for the injection movement, and a retraction system. In exemplary embodiments, a substance is injected during the retraction movement of the injection needle.
US09616178B2 Dose setting mechanism and method of using the same
The present invention relates to a dose setting mechanism for a drug delivery device and a method of using same. The mechanism comprises a drug delivery device housing, a dose dial component positioned in the housing and rotatable during dose setting and dose delivery, a clutch rotatable during dose setting and non-rotatable during dose delivery having, preferably located at a distal end, clutch teeth, and a clutch ring engaged with the housing in a first rotatable configuration and in a second non-rotatable configuration.
US09616175B2 Frost protected injection device
The invention relates to an injection device (100, 200, 300) which is capable of resisting proximal movements of a piston rod (107, 207, 307) relative to a housing (102, 202, 302), when the piston rod (107, 207, 307) is subjected to proximally directed forces below a threshold magnitude, and of allowing reversible proximal movements of the piston rod (107, 207, 307) relative to the housing (102, 202, 302), when the piston rod (107, 207, 307) is subjected to proximally directed forces of or above the threshold magnitude.
US09616173B2 System and method for an injection using a syringe needle
An auto-injector for injecting a fluid medicament into a patient from a pre-filled syringe requires a disposable cassette that is selectively engageable with the reusable injector. The syringe is latched onto the cassette, and the cassette is then engaged with the injector. Activation of the injector causes a first motor to move the syringe so its needle is extended from a concealed position inside the cassette for injection of the medicament. A second motor on the injector is then activated to expel fluid medicament from the syringe. Then, the first motor is again activated to withdraw the syringe into the cassette for disposal of the cassette/syringe after an injection.
US09616170B2 Infusion pump
An infusion pump comprises a tube attachment section configured such that an infusion tube is detachably attachable to the tube attachment section, an access cover configured to close the tube attachment section in an openable manner, and a tube clamp mechanism located within the tube attachment section and configured to clamp and block a portion of the infusion tube. The tube clamp mechanism comprises a base member, a clip clamp member rotatably mounted on the base member, a tube clamp release lever rotatably mounted on the base member, and a tube clamp member rotatably mounted on the base member.
US09616168B2 Medical device for delivering at least one fluid from a medical device
The invention relates to a medical device and a method for delivering at least one fluid from a medical device. More particularly, the present patent application relates to medical devices for delivering at least one, in particular two drug agents from separate reservoirs. The technical problem of preventing after-dripping and at the same time improving the safety and the dose accuracy of a medical device is solved by a method for delivering at least one fluid from a medical device, wherein the fluid is ejected from a reservoir by an advancing movement of a bung, wherein an electromechanical device is instructed to move the bung via a piston over a predetermined distance and wherein, after a dwell time following the advancing movement of the piston, the piston is retracted by the electromechanical device.
US09616167B2 Anesthetic delivery device
According to an example embodiment, a delivery device may include a needle and a pump operatively coupled to the needle, the pump having an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, the pump being biased to its expanded configuration such that fluid stored in the pump will exit the pump via the needle in response to pressure being applied to the pump, and in response to the pressure being released from the pump, the pump is configured to receive fluid from outside of the delivery device via the needle.
US09616166B2 Systems and methods of determining injection protocols for diagnostic imaging procedures
A method and system for tailoring an injection protocol to an individual patient, wherein the injection protocol is administered in connection with a diagnostic imaging procedure. The method includes: administering a test injection of a fluid including a contrast enhancing fluid into the patient at an administration site; performing a test scan of one or more regions of interest of the patient as the fluid propagates through the patient to obtain scan data; determining from the scan data an enhancement output from each of the one or more regions of interest at a plurality of points in time as a result of the propagation of the fluid through the patient; and determining the injection protocol for the patient based at least in part upon the enhancement output from each of the one or more regions of interest at each of the plurality of points in time.
US09616164B2 Device and method for detecting the recirculation during an extracorporeal blood treatment
A device and method for detecting recirculation for an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus and an apparatus with a device for detecting recirculation are based on targeted haemodilution by administration of a substituate bolus, causing a pressure change in venous and arterial branches of the extracorporeal circuit due to a viscosity change of flowing fluid. Recirculation is detected based on detection of the pressure change. The device includes a control unit cooperating with a device for conveying blood and a device for supplying substituate. The control unit provides an operating mode for detecting recirculation, in which blood flow rate is reduced during administration of a substituate bolus. With simultaneous substituate bolus administration and reduction of blood flow rate, the composition of fluid flow is optimized for detection of recirculation, so that fairly large pressure changes result in venous and arterial branches, thereby improving sensitivity and reliability of the measurement method.
US09616161B2 Dialysis precursor composition
The present invention concerns a dialysis acid precursor composition for use during preparation of a dialysis acid concentrate solution and for mixing with water and a bicarbonate containing concentrate into a ready-for-use dialysis solution. Said dialysis acid precursor composition consists of powder components comprising sodium chloride, at least one dry acid and at least one calcium salt, and optionally potassium salt, magnesium salt, and glucose. According to the invention said at least one calcium salt and said optional glucose, are present as anhydrous components in said dialysis acid precursor composition.
US09616148B2 Method and device for disinfecting a space
The present invention relates to a method and device for disinfecting a space and the objects present therein, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps of: (a) determining a first value of the relative humidity of the air in the space; (b) vaporizing a disinfecting liquid in the space until a predetermined second value of the relative humidity of the air in the space is reached; and (c) maintaining the relative humidity of the air at the second value for a predetermined time by means of vaporizing the disinfecting liquid, wherein the vaporization of the disinfecting liquid takes place by means of ultrasonic sound waves. With the method and device according to the invention all kinds of spaces of differing dimensions can be disinfected in very effective manner.
US09616147B2 Systems, methods, and devices for ozone sanitization of continuous positive airway pressure devices
The present invention is generally related to a device and method for sanitizing a medical instrument with ozone, in particular the invention relates to a system, method and a device for sanitizing a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. The device has an ozone compartment, an ozone operating system and one or more ozone distribution lines that distribute ozone to a continuous positive airway pressure device. The device may further include a heater adapter unit to connect heating systems in CPAP devices while distributing ozone to sanitize the CPAP device in accordance with the present invention.
US09616143B2 Mobile apparatus and method for sterilizing one or more surgical trays with integrable transfer and storage system
An improved mobile apparatus for sterilizing surgical trays serves as a self-contained autoclave, allowing sterilization of the interior of the apparatus and its contents. A method of sterilization using the apparatus is presented as well. By means of a dedicated transfer and storage system, the apparatus, integrable with respect to a transfer cart and a lift device, may be moved easily between a location of sterilization, a storage area, and an operating room, and more than one such apparatus may be stacked vertically for storage to enhance storage efficiency.
US09616141B2 Silica nanoparticles doped with multiple dyes featuring highly efficient energy transfer and tunable Stokes-shift
The present invention relates to silica nanoparticles comprising at least two dyes. Said dyes have a respective relationship of donor-acceptor couple in an energy transfer process and have a molar absorption coefficient ≧10,000 M−1 cm−1 for the considered spectral region, a fluorescence quantum yield ≧0.01, good overlap integral, according to the Förster theory, between said donor and said acceptor dye; said active compounds may be lipophilic or may present a functionality useful for the introduction of a trialkoxysilane moiety. The dyes provide an efficient energy transfer process. Said nanoparticles are useful as probes in the field of medicine, in particular therapy and diagnostics, more particularly in theranostics, and in the field of analytical chemistry.
US09616137B2 Nanoparticle-based tumor-targeted drug delivery
The present invention provides an aqueous tumor-targeting liposome nanoparticle composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of liposome nanoparticles. The nanoparticles preferably encapsulate an anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agent, which can be added to a pre-formed liposome composition or can be incorporated in the liposomes during the formation of the liposomes. The liposome nanoparticles comprise a legumain-targeting lipid admixed with one or more other micelle or vesicle-forming lipid materials in the form of nanoparticulate liposomes dispersed in an aqueous carrier. A preferred tumor-targeting liposome nanoparticle composition comprises (a) a legumain-targeting lipid component, (b) a zwitterionic lipid component; (c) an amino-substituted lipid component; (d) a neutral lipid component; and (e) polyethylene glycol-conjugated lipid component. The legumain-targeting lipid component comprising a hydrophobic lipid portion covalently attached to a legumain-binding moiety.
US09616131B2 Perfluorcarbon nanoemulsions with endocytosis enhancing surface for gene-transfer
The present invention provides stable perfluorcarbon nanoemulsions with endocytosis enhancing surfaces that are suitable for gene-transfer, its production and use.
US09616125B2 Stable nocathiacin lyophilized injection agent
A stable and lyophilized pharmaceutical agent containing nocathiacin, which is prepared by lyophilizing a liquid formulation of nocathiacin, a stabilizer, an excipient, a pH regulator and injectable water, wherein the stabilizer is selected from polyethylene glycol, polysorbate or a mixture thereof, and the pH value of the liquid formulation is 1.0-6.0 is provided.
US09616123B1 Method and compound for treatment of menopausal symptoms
The subject invention describes a method of use of Ropinirole™ to alleviate and control menopausal symptoms in women, and in particular, hot flashes. The invention describes the use of Ropinirole as a dopamine agonist with affinity for the dopamine D2, D3, or D4 receptors. Ropinirole may also be used to treat menopausal symptoms in conjunction with Tizanidine™ to further reduce the effects menopausal symptoms by providing a sedative and muscle relaxant effect which aids in sleep. The combination of Ropinirole and Tizanidine provides a useful new compound for treatment of menopausal symptoms that are most disruptive to the functioning in activities of daily living.
US09616122B2 PH sensitive metal nanoparticle and preparation method
The present invention relates to a pH sensitive particle, a method of preparation thereof, and a use thereof. More particularly, the invention provides a pH sensitive metal nanoparticle and its use for medical treatment utilizing cell necrosis during photothermal therapy. The pH sensitive metal nanoparticle based on this invention consists of a pH sensitive ligand compound whose charge changes depending on the pH of the metal nanoparticle. The particle can be collected in cells, such as cancer cells which present an abnormal pH environment. The pH sensitive metal nanoparticle based on this invention can induce cell death through a photothermal procedure after aggregation. Therefore, the invention enables medical treatment using cell necrosis for e.g. cancer treatment.
US09616117B2 Anthrax vaccine formulation and uses thereof
An anthrax vaccine with alhydrogel as the adjuvant is presented in a composition formulated by mixing rPA with colloidal alhydrogel (alum) adjuvant to produce the final product, comprising 200 μg/ml rPA bound to 0.26% alhydrogel in phosphate buffered saline (PBS), said formulation containing an optimal concentration of phosphate. Methods of using the vaccines to treat or prevent infections are also presented.
US09616116B2 Detoxified endotoxin immunogenic compositions and uses thereof
The present invention provides an immunogenic composition of a lipopolysaccharide vaccine and a non-alum adjuvant. The immunogenic composition may be detoxified J5 core lipopolysaccharide of Escherichia coli non-covalently complexed with group B meningococcal outermembrane protein. Also provided are methods for preventing an infection caused by a Gram-negative bacteria in an individual via administering the immunogenic compositions to the individual.
US09616115B2 Purified plasmodium and vaccine compositions
Disclosed are substantially purified Plasmodium sporozoites and preparations of Plasmodium sporozoites substantially separated from attendant non-sporozoite material, where the preparations of Plasmodium sporozoites have increasing levels of purity. Vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions comprising purified Plasmodium sporozoites are likewise provided. Methods of purifying preparations of Plasmodium sporozoites are also provided.
US09616111B2 C1-INH compositions and methods for the prevention and treatment of disorders associated with C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency
Compositions and methods for the treatment and/or prevention of disorders associated with C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency are disclosed.
US09616110B2 Fabrication method for stratified and layered tissue to repair osteochondral defects
Fabrication method for stratified and layered tissue to repair osteochondral defects. In a method of the present disclosure, the method comprises the step of applying a first direction magnetic field to a first quantity of a first collagen solution to align collagen within the first collagen solution in a first direction relative to the first direction magnetic field, forming a first layer of collagen. In a method of generating an aligned collagen layer of the present disclosure, the method comprises applying a first magnetic field at or greater than 0.1 Tesla to a layer of a first collagen solution defining a horizontal plane, within a temperature at or between 2° C. and 45° C., to generate an aligned collagen layer.
US09616109B2 Insulin vitamin D conjugates
The invention provides non-hormonal vitamin D conjugated to insulin peptides that result in the peptides having increased absorption, bioavailability or circulating half-life when compared to non-conjugated forms. The vitamin D targeting groups are coupled to the insulin peptides via the third carbon on the vitamin D backbone.
US09616102B2 Analogs of ShK toxin and their uses in selective inhibition of Kv1.3 potassium channels
Analogs of ShK toxin and methods for using such ShK analogs. The ShK analogs generally comprise ShK toxin attached to a chemical entity (e.g. an atom, molecule, group, residue, compound, moiety, etc.) that has an anionic charge. In some embodiments the chemical entity attached to the ShK toxin may comprise an amino acid residue. The ShK analogs may be administered to human or non-human animal subjects to cause inhibition of potassium channels or to otherwise treat diseases or disorders. In some embodiments, the chemical entity to which the ShK toxin is attached may be chosen to provide selective inhibition of certain potassium channels (e.g., Kv1.3 channels) over other potassium channels (e.g., Kv1.1 channels). In come embodiments, the chemical entity to which the ShK toxin is attached may include a fluorophore, thereby providing a fluorophore tagged ShK analog. Such fluorophore tagged ShK analogs may be used in flow cytometry alone, or in conjunction with class II tetramers that can detect autoreactive cells.
US09616090B2 Gene correction of SCID-related genes in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells
The present disclosure is in the field of genome engineering, particularly targeted integration of a functional SCID-related genes (e.g., IL2RG, RAG1 and/or RAG2 gene) into the genome of a cell for provision of proteins lacking or deficient in SCID.
US09616085B2 SiRNA hydrogel and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to siRNA hydrogel and a method for manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to siRNA hydrogel for targeted gene silencing, which is nano-structured for targeted gene silencing, and a method for manufacturing the same.
US09616082B2 Antitumor agent including irinotecan hydrochloride hydrate
Provided is a novel combination therapy using an FTD/TPI combination drug which exhibits remarkable antitumor effects, and few side effects.An antitumor agent is characterized in that one cycle of an administration schedule, in which, in a period of 14 days, the FTD/TPI combination drug is administered on days 1 to 5, and CPT-11 is administered on day 1, is repeated at least once.
US09616079B2 Aminoglycosides and uses thereof in treating genetic disorders
A new class of pseudo-trisaccharide aminoglycosides having an alkyl group at the 5″ position, exhibiting efficient stop codon mutation readthrough activity, low cytotoxicity and high selectivity towards eukaryotic translation systems are provided. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, and uses thereof in the treatment of genetic disorders, as well as processes of preparing these aminoglycosides. The disclosed aminoglycosides can be represented by the general formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl and aryl; and all other variables and features are as described in the specification.
US09616078B2 Dosage forms for oral administration of zoledronic acid or related compounds for treating disease
Oral dosage forms of bisphosphonate compounds, such as zoledronic acid, can be used to treat or alleviate pain or related conditions. The oral bioavailability of zoledronic acid can be enhanced by administering the zoledronic acid in the disodium salt form.
US09616077B2 Dosage forms for oral administration of zoledronic acid or related compounds for treating disease
Oral dosage forms of bisphosphonate compounds, such as zoledronic acid, can be used to treat or alleviate pain or related conditions. The oral bioavailability of zoledronic acid can be enhanced by administering the zoledronic acid in the disodium salt form.
US09616076B2 Methods for treating viral infections using hydrogen sulfide donors
Certain embodiments are directed to methods of treating respiratory infection by administering an H2S donor.
US09616074B2 Compositions and methods for suppressing endometrial proliferation
The subject matter of the instant invention is pertinent to the field of hormone therapy. More specifically, the subject matter of the instant invention concerns methods of treating estrogen-dependent conditions such as endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer in a female undergoing estrogen and/or selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) therapy. The instant invention is also relevant to the suppression of endometrial proliferation. The instant invention is also relevant to the treatment of pain associated with endometriosis. The compositions for practicing the methods, comprising progesterone antagonists are also disclosed. Embodiments of the instant invention also disclose methods for identifying new selective progesterone receptor modulators for practicing disclosed methods of treatment.
US09616072B2 Reduction of side effects from aromatase inhibitors used for treating breast cancer
The present invention is directed generally to pharmaceutical compositions, methods, and kits for improving side effects associated with aromatase inhibitor treatment in a subject diagnosed with breast cancer. More specifically, the present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits comprising an aromatase inhibitor and an androgenic agent.
US09616071B2 Oral sustained release pharmaceutical composition
An oral sustained release pharmaceutical composition comprising a plurality of granules having diameters of not more than 1000 μm, wherein each of the granules comprise a nucleus granule comprised of beraprost sodium and a coating agent coating the nucleus granule, and wherein the coating agent is comprised of a first skin layer containing one or more relatively water-insoluble macromolecular substances, and a second skin layer containing one or more hot-melt low-melting substances.
US09616068B2 Animal training using cognitive enhancement
Methods are disclosed to enhance the training potential of a domestic animal during training, thereby shortening the training period and/or increasing the effectiveness of the training. The method involves first administering to the domestic animal a pharmaceutical composition comprising a cognitive enhancing agent in an amount effective to improve cognitive function. The enhanced cognition allows the domestic animal to learn to perform a task and/or to change its existing behavior more effectively and on an accelerated basis. Therefore, while the animal's cognitive function is enhanced, the method then involves conditioning the domestic animal to perform a task or change an existing behavior.
US09616063B2 1-[2-(aminomethyl)benzyl]-2-thioxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydro-4H-pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidin-4-ones as inhibitors of myeloperoxidase
There are disclosed certain 1-[2-(aminomethyl)benzyl]-2-thioxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydro-4H-pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidin-4-one compounds of formula (I), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, together with compositions containing them and their use in therapy. The compounds are inhibitors of the enzyme MPO and are thereby particularly useful in the treatment or prophylaxis of cardiovascular disorders such as heart failure and coronary artery disease related conditions.
US09616062B2 Cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors and methods of use
The presently disclosed subject matter relates to methods and compositions for protecting healthy cells from damage due to DNA damaging agents. In particular, the presently disclosed subject matter relates to the protective action of selective cyclin dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors administered to subjects that have been exposed to or that are at risk of exposure to DNA damage.
US09616058B2 Potent selective LSD1 inhibitors and dual LSD1/MAO-B inhibitors for antiviral use
The present invention relates to the use of potent selective LSD inhibitors and LSD/MAO-B inhibitors for treating or preventing viral infections. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the new use of cyclopropylamine acetamide derivatives or cyclopropylamine derivatives, as defined herein, for treating or preventing viral infection and treating or preventing reactivation of a virus after latency.
US09616057B2 Desethylhydroxychloroquine for the treatment of diseases associated with inflammation
Compositions and methods are provided for inhibiting or treating the early and established stages of inflammatory diseases by administration of an effective dose of the desethylhydroxychloroquine (DHCQ). A benefit of the methods is the ability to deliver a dose of agent that is effective in treating inflammation while sparing the individual from retinal toxicity.
US09616056B2 Inhibition of leukotriene synthesis and activity in the treatment of sonic hedgehog-associated medulloblastoma
Treating Sonic Hedgehog-Associated Medulloblastoma comprises inhibiting the synthesis or biologic activity of leukotrienes that drive Nestin expression in cancerous or precancerous granule neuron precursors and that further drive growth and proliferation of medulloblastoma cells through Nestin-mediated aberrant Sonic Hedgehog signaling.
US09616052B2 Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of symptoms of anxiety and panic using beta adrenergic receptor antagonist and muscarinic receptor antagonist combinations
The present invention is focused primarily toward pro re nata (“as needed”) treatments for a psychiatric condition or disorder or the symptoms thereof, including the symptoms of acute anxiety and panic in living animals, including humans. The present invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions as combination therapies containing at least one beta adrenergic receptor antagonist and at least one muscarinic receptor antagonist. The invention provides methods for treating psychiatric condition or disorder or the symptoms thereof, including acute anxiety and panic comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition consisting essentially of a beta adrenergic receptor antagonist drug and an antiemetic muscarinic receptor antagonist drug in a therapeutically effective amount to stop or reduce the symptoms of anxiety and/or panic. The pharmaceutical compositions are administered as treatments immediately in advance of, at the onset of, or during an acute anxiety and/or panic episode.
US09616051B2 Drug targets to overcome de novo drug-resistance in multiple myeloma
Topoisomerase II alpha (topo IIα) is exported from the cell nucleus in human myeloma cells by a chromosome-maintenance protein-1 (CRM1)-dependent mechanism, resulting in topo II inhibitor resistance. The nuclear export signal (NES) of topo IIα is unique, making it a potential target for small molecule inhibitors. Small molecules NES inhibitors were identified, which inhibited binding of topo IIα to the export receptor CRM1. Inhibition was specific to topo IIα as p53 trafficking was unaffected along with topo IIα protein expression and function (decatenation). These topo IIα-specific nuclear export inhibitors may potentially lead to a new approach in circumventing drug resistance in multiple myeloma. The compounds provide a protocol for treating multiple myeloma or an oncogenic disease. Further, the topoisomerase II nuclear export signal inhibitor may be combined with a topoisomerase II inhibitor.
US09616049B2 Dexmedetomidine premix formulation
The presently disclosed subject matter relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising dexmedetomidine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein the composition is formulated as a liquid for parenteral administration to a subject, and wherein the composition is disposed within a sealed container as a premixture. The pharmaceutical compositions can be used, for example, in perioperative care of a patient or for sedation.
US09616047B2 Inhibitors of beta-catenin in treatment of colorectal cancer
Compounds are disclosed which are effective for inhibiting β-catenin or disrupting a β-catenin/Tcf-4 complex, and for causing effective attenuation of colon carcinogenesis. The compounds may be effective treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC) when administered in an effective dose to a patient afflicted therewith.
US09616037B2 Aryl-phenyl-sulfonamido-cycloalkyl compounds and their use
The present invention pertains generally to the field of therapeutic compounds, and more specifically to certain aryl-phenyl-sulfonamido-cycloalkyl compounds of the following formula (collectively referred to herein as “APSAC compounds”). The present invention also pertains to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and the use of such compounds and compositions, both in vitro and in vivo, in treatment, for example, of inflammation and/or joint destruction and/or bone loss; of disorders mediated by excessive and/or inappropriate and/or prolonged activation of the immune system; of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), atherosclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and the like; of disorders associated with bone loss, such as bone loss associated with excessive osteoclast activity in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer-associated bone disease, Paget's disease and the like, etc.; and of cancer, such as a haematological malignancy, a solid tumour, etc.
US09616036B2 Sustained release dosage forms
A sustained release dosage form comprises an active ingredient blended with a polymeric matrix. At least a portion of the polymeric matrix is formed by a cellulose ether having an onset dissolution temperature of at least 40° C., having anhydroglucose units joined by 1-4 linkages and having methyl groups, hydroxyalkyl groups, and optionally alkyl groups being different from methyl as substituents such that the cellulose ether has an MS (hydroxyalkyl) of 0.05 to 1.00, and hydroxyl groups of anhydroglucose units are substituted with methyl groups such that [s23/s26−0.2*MS(hydroxyalkyl)] is 0.31 or less, wherein s23 is the molar fraction of anhydroglucose units wherein only the two hydroxyl groups in the 2- and 3-positions of the anhydroglucose unit are substituted with a methyl group and wherein s26 is the molar fraction of anhydroglucose units wherein only the two hydroxyl groups in the 2- and 6-positions of the anhydroglucose unit are substituted with a methyl group.
US09616034B2 Trans-clomiphene and its analogues as agents that increase bone mineral density
The present invention relates to the administration of compositions comprising trans-clomiphene or an analog or salt thereof, for inhibiting bone resorption and bone turnover in a subject. The invention is also directed to methods for increasing bone mineral density in a subject and preventing or treating a bone related disorder in a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of trans-clomiphene or an analog or salt thereof.
US09616030B2 Tamper resistant pharmaceutical formulations
Disclosed in certain embodiments is a solid oral dosage form comprising a plurality of particles, each particle comprising (i) a core comprising an active agent susceptible to abuse and an internal adhesion promoter, wherein the cores are (i) dispersed in a matrix comprising a controlled release material or (ii) coated with a controlled release material. The dosage form can also include an alcohol resistant material.
US09616029B2 Abuse deterrent immediate release coated reservoir solid dosage form
An abuse deterrent immediate release coated reservoir solid dosage form that releases the drug at a desired rate for quick onset of action when a single unit or prescribed units of the dosage form are orally administered but exhibits a reduced rate of release when more than the prescribed number of units, are administered.
US09616023B2 Stabilized granules containing glyceryl trinitrate
Solid pharmaceutical preparation with the active substance glyceryl trinitrate for oromucosal or oral administration characterized in that it contains between 0.05 and 2 weight % glyceryl trinitrate, at least one carrier material, and at least one substance that reduces the volatility of the GTN, whereby this substance is a non-volatile ester stabilizer.
US09616022B1 Nanodiamond compositions and their use for drug delivery
The subject invention provides materials and methods for treating diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS) and/or other viral reservoir organs utilizing nanoscopic diamond particles, i.e., nanodiamonds (ND), loaded with therapeutic agents of interests. In one aspect, the subject invention provides a composition for treating a subject's brain and/or other organs acting as viral reservoirs, the composition comprising a plurality of ND particles measuring less than 10 nm in size, wherein the ND particles are loaded with at least one therapeutic agent of interest. In another aspect, the subject invention provides methods of treating disorders affecting the CNS such as, for example, the brain and other viral reservoir organs such as, for example, lymph nodes and gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT), utilizing the drug delivery system comprising a plurality of ND particles as provided herein.
US09616009B2 Composition containing at least one C7 sugar for alopecia treatment, cosmetic treatment of hair and nails, and care of hair, eyelashes or nails
The present invention relates to a composition including at least one C7 sugar, or derivative from esterification of said sugar, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for treating alopecia. The present invention also relates to a method for cosmetically treating hair and nails, said method being intended to stimulate the growth thereof and/or slow the loss thereof. According to said method, a cosmetic composition including at least one C7 sugar, or derivative from esterification of said sugar, is administered. The present invention finally relates to a method for cosmetic care of hair and/or eyelashes and/or nails.
US09616007B2 Composition comprising mixtures of isostearamide, glycerol ester and water
The present invention is directed to compositions comprising a mixture comprising at least one isostearamide, at least one glycerol ester and water, and also to the use of these compositions as thickeners or shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, body cleaning compositions or skin cleaning compositions or for producing shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, body cleaning compositions or skin cleaning compositions.
US09616003B2 Antibacterial mouthwash which is nontoxic in cellular level
The invention is antibacterial mouthwash which does not have any side effects as it does not have toxicity in cellular level during the fight against oral cavity diseases and which is used for eliminating microbial dental plaques.
US09616000B2 Medical kit and liquid filling method
A medical kit includes a liquid storage container in which a liquid is preliminarily stored, syringes, a first connector for connecting the liquid storage container and the syringes, and a regulating mechanism for collectively regulating limits of movement of gaskets of the syringes and. The syringes are collectively filled with the liquid by conducting an operation to feed out the liquid in the liquid storage container in a condition in which the liquid storage container and the syringes and in an empty state are connected through the syringes, until the limits of movement are regulated.
US09615996B2 Closure cap for receptacles for receiving medical liquids and receptacle for receiving medical liquids
The invention relates to a closure cap (1) for receptacles for receiving medical liquids, in particular receptacles filled with infusion solutions, transfusion solutions or liquids for enteral nutrition. The invention further relates to a receptacle (40) for receiving medical liquids, in particular a bottle, comprising such a closure cap. The closure cap (1) according to the invention is characterized by two injection parts (6 and 7) arranged separately from one another, each for injecting an additive. One injection part (6) serves to inject an additive with an injection syringe that has a needle (cannula), while the other injection part (7) serves to inject an additive with a needle-less injection syringe.
US09615992B2 System and method for supplementing circulation in a body
A system including a compressible element configured to compress a muscle in a limb of a user, a controller configured to control a sequence, rate or amount of compression of the compressible element, and a generator configured to move a working fluid to compress the compressible element as controlled by the controller. The sequence, rate or amount of compression of the compressible element is established to reduce an amount of effort expended by a heart of a user to move a volume of blood. Another system and a method are also disclosed.
US09615985B2 Direct drive tilt mechanism for infant-care medical devices
A system and method for tilting an infant-supporting device can be decoupled through a manual coupler or decoupler, that includes a clevis (40) coupled to the lifting means (4, 9) and a pivot pin (41) slidably coupled to the tilt means (12).
US09615980B2 Absorbent article having a fastening system
An absorbent article can include a fastening system configured to attach the rear waist region to the front waist region to define a wear configuration of the absorbent article. The fastening system can include a primary fastening system and a secondary fastening system. The primary fastening system can include at least one primary first fastening component and a primary second fastening component. The secondary fastening system can include at least one secondary first fastening component and at least one secondary second fastening component. The absorbent article can further include a strip coupled to the outer cover. The strip can include the primary secondary fastening component. The at least one secondary first fastening component can be coupled to a first carrier.
US09615974B1 Wound care pad management system and device
A system for wound management to maintain wound dressing isolation from the caregiver. The system includes a flexible wound pad with exterior separated wound engagement fields and a self-engaging applicator isolation pad retainment placement removal handle element which can be selectively used by the caregiver to manipulate the wound pad on the patient.
US09615973B1 Surgical knife
One or more wedges may be introduced into the bevel of a surgical knife near its tip, to thereby increase the bevel surface area of the knife, and thus increase the cutting edges of the knife, and render the knife more effective and/or easier to use in surgical applications such as ophthalmic procedures.
US09615965B2 Inserter
The present invention relates to an inserter for an intrauterine system comprising a handle (3), and an insertion tube (6) having a first end and a second end, and being arranged in connection with the handle. The inserter is characterized in that the first end of the insertion tube (6) comprises at least one frame slot for receiving a frame of the intrauterine system. The invention also relates to a kit comprising an inserter according to the present invention and an intrauterine system, wherein the intrauterine system (1) comprises a therapeutic component (1b) and a continuous, closed frame (1a), the therapeutic component (1b) being connected to the frame (1a) at least one point, and therapeutic component (1b) of the intrauterine system (1) is at least mainly arranged inside the first end of the insertion tube (6) and the frame (1a) of the intrauterine system (1) is at least mainly arranged outside the first end of the insertion tube (6).
US09615961B2 Percutaneous implant and ostomy method
A percutaneous ostomy implant for implantation into the abdominal wall of a patient is provided, which includes a connecting member for mounting an external detachable device thereto; a first tubular ingrowth member depending from the connecting member; and a second tubular ingrowth member depending from the connecting member and being radially outwardly spaced from the first tubular ingrowth member. The first tubular ingrowth member is configured and dimensioned to receive a bowel segment within it to allow the stoma and serosal tissue of that bowel segment to infiltrate the first tubular ingrowth member. The second tubular member is configured and dimensioned to abut dermal tissue to allow the dermal tissue to infiltrate the second tubular ingrowth member, thereby securing and sealing the ostomy implant to the dermis.
US09615960B2 Male penile sexual enhancement device and medical aid
An apparatus for assisting in copulation and preventing discomfort due to testicular retraction or displacement (e.g., retractile testicle) during copulation and other activities is disclosed. The apparatus substantially encompasses, circumferentially, the upper portion of the shaft of a penis without constricting the urethra area at the base of the shaft of the penis. The apparatus further conforms to the torso behind the scrotal sack (i.e., between scrotum and torso) to prevent undesired movement of testicles into the abdomen area. The apparatus has a substantial U-shape, the legs curving inwardly toward respective anchoring nodes. Anchoring nodes may be included at the end of each leg of the apparatus to assist in minimizing movement of the apparatus while in use. The apparatus may rigid or may be slightly flexible and, when in use as a copulation aid, provides pressure to restrict outflow of blood from corpora cavernosa thus assisting to maintain erection.
US09615958B2 Heel float therapeutic footwear
A heel float therapeutic footwear for people that spend a large amount of time in bed. The heel float therapeutic footwear includes a lower leg support portion, a foot support portion, and a wing support structure. The foot support portion extends from the lower leg support portion and includes a foot support platform. The wing support structure is permanently attached to the foot support platform. The wing support structure is adjustably fastenable to a side of the lower leg support portion to adjustably support a position and an angle of the foot support platform with respect to the lower leg support portion. A method of making a heel float therapeutic footwear is also disclosed.
US09615956B2 Orthopedic clavicle brace
An easily-accessible, self-adjustable orthopedic clavicle brace and method of use for preventing and treating damage to the clavicle. The brace supports the shoulder region of a user's body during the healing or mending of an injured, dislocated, fractured or broken clavicle. The device uses a simple coupling means located towards the front of the user to allow for easy accessibility by the user for self-application, self-adjustment, and self-removal of the brace without having to rely on assistance by a second party.
US09615951B2 Manual actuation system for deployment of implant
A system for mechanically deploying intraluminal implants is disclosed. The system is used with an implant that is delivered and/or deployed via a pull wire and includes a handle having a funnel and receiving channel for receiving the pull wire, a slider having a thumb grip and a wedge, and a shuttle having a grabber for grasping the pull wire. The thumb grip is pulled proximally to retract the wedge to cause the grabber to grasp the wire and retract the shuttle but not the wire. An extension spring linked between the slider and the shuttle abruptly pulls the shuttle to retract the pull wire after the slider is fully retracted.
US09615950B2 Catheter device
A catheter device having a shaft that extends from a proximal end to a distal end to carry on its distal end a self-expanding implant for intraluminal advance on a guidewire and delivery of the implant to an implant site by proximal withdrawal of a sheath that lies radially outside the implant in the catheter, the catheter including a first shaft element to pull the sheath proximally and a second shaft element to push the implant distally to prevent the implant moving proximally with the sheath when the sheath is pulled proximally, wherein the second shaft element carries a stopper for abutting the implant, the stopper including proximal and distal portions having different radiopacities.
US09615947B2 Artificial blood vessel using decellularized blood vessel sheet
An artificial blood vessel that can be transplanted to blood vessels with a small diameter, can be adjusted to an arbitrary size of a diameter, improves in invasiveness when a graft is taken, and overcomes the problem on the provision of a graft is provided. An artificial blood vessel prepared from a decellularized tubular structure, which is prepared by processing a decellularized, sheet-like blood vessel (decellularized blood vessel sheet) into a roll structure, and a tissue adhesive, wherein a portion which is contacted with blood that flows within the artificial blood vessel consists of the tissue of the tunica intima lined with the tissue of the tunica media whereas a portion of the sheet that overlaps when the sheet is processed into a roll structure (overlap width) consists of the tissue of the tunica media and wherein a tissue adhesive is applied to the overlap width.
US09615942B2 Method and apparatus for trialing and implanting a modular femoral hip
A modular femoral hip implant trialing system. The system generally includes a proximal body, a fastener, and a fastener retention member. The proximal body includes a proximal bore, a tapered distal bore, and a passageway connecting the proximal bore to the distal bore. The proximal bore, the distal bore, and the passageway are aligned along a first axis. The fastener includes a head in the proximal bore and a stem in the distal bore, the fastener is aligned along the first axis. The fastener retention member is positioned in the proximal bore and is operable to retain at least a portion of the fastener within the proximal bore.
US09615941B2 Orthopedic tool for altering the connection between orthopedic components
An orthopedic tool for loosening the connection between orthopedic components. In one embodiment, the orthopedic tool includes a housing and a wedge. The housing has a head, an upper portion, a lower portion, and an opening between the upper and lower portions. The wedge is positioned at least partially between the upper portion and the lower portion of the housing and is actuatable to move toward the head of the housing. When at least a portion of the head of the housing is placed in mating engagement with the junction between two assembled orthopedic components, advancement of the wedge towards the head results in separation of the upper portion and lower portion of the housing. Thus, as the wedge is advanced toward the head, the upper and lower portions of the housing are separated, which results in corresponding separation of the assembled orthopedic components.
US09615938B2 Methods and apparatus for insertion of implant material
Various surgical devices and methods for facilitating distraction of adjacent vertebrae and/or insertion of an intervertebral implant material therebetween are disclosed. The devices include an elongated barrel having a cannula. A distal end of the barrel is configured to engage the adjacent vertebrae. Slots may be formed on at least a portion of the barrel such that at least the distal end of the barrel may be expanded to distract vertebrae. In one embodiment, an inner member is reciprocally positioned within the barrel. The inner member includes features that engage one or more surfaces of the barrel to expand the distal end of the barrel as the inner member moves with respect to the barrel. In some embodiments, cams are used to expand the distal end of the barrel.
US09615929B2 Posterior-stabilized total knee prosthesis
In an orthopaedic knee joint prosthesis, an intercondylar fossa of a femoral component cooperates with a spine formed in a tibial component to reproduce the screw home mechanism of a natural knee. When the femoral component and tibial component are positioned to correspond with slight flexion of the knee, the components are mutually rotationally locked against internal or external rotation. At higher degrees of flexion, such as greater than about 10-20 degrees of flexion, internal/external rotation of the tibia is permitted. The tibia is in an externally rotated position when locked, thereby reproducing the screw home mechanism and providing high stability.
US09615926B2 Adjustable endolumenal implant for reshaping the mitral valve annulus
Excessive dilation of the annulus of a mitral valve may lead to regurgitation of blood during ventricular contraction. This regurgitation may lead to a reduction in cardiac output. Disclosed are systems and methods relating to an implant configured for reshaping a mitral valve. The implant comprises a plurality of struts with anchors for tissue engagement. The implant is compressible to a first, reduced diameter for transluminal navigation and delivery to the left atrium of a heart. The implant may then expand to a second, enlarged diameter to embed its anchors to the tissue surrounding and/or including the mitral valve. The implant may then contract to a third, intermediate diameter, pulling the tissue radially inwardly, thereby reducing the mitral valve and lessening any of the associated symptoms including mitral regurgitation.
US09615917B2 Energized ophthalmic lens
This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing an ophthalmic lens with a stacked integrated component device for function. In some embodiments, the stacked integrated component device may contain an energy source capable of powering an electrical component incorporated into the lens.
US09615916B2 Intraocular lens
An intraocular lens including a flexible optic and at least one rigid plate haptic connected to the optic. The at least one rigid plate haptic can include a rigid structure. The at least one rigid plate haptic can be resistant to bending from pressure exerted on a distal end of the at least one haptic by contraction of the ciliary muscle. The intraocular lens can be a non-accommodating IOL having a longitudinal length that is fixed and configured to resist deformation by the action of the ciliary muscle. Various embodiments also include accommodating intraocular lenses.
US09615914B2 Apparatus and methods for nipple and breast formation
Apparatus and methods for nipple and breast formation are described where devices precondition or expand a target nipple tissue to reduce the pressure exerted by the skin on an eventual implant. Generally, the apparatus comprises a mold having a contact surface which is curved in conformance with a breast upon which the mold is positionable, the contact surface having an adhesive for securement upon the breast, and the mold defining a cavity along the contact surface which conforms to a size of a nipple to be formed upon the breast and where the cavity further comprises the adhesive for securement to the nipple. A breast enlargement device comprises a cup larger than the target breast and further defines an inner surface which adheres to the breast when contacted.
US09615911B2 Delivery system for inflatable implant
An implant delivery system can be used to deliver an implant into a body. The implant delivery system can include an inflation tube and a tubular member surrounding the inflation tube. The inflation tube can be used to provide an inflation medium to the implant. The tubular member can have a distal tip and an opening spaced from the tip to allow the implant to be released through the opening into an anatomical structure within the body.
US09615910B2 Layered collagen and HA scaffold suitable for osteochondral repair
The invention relates to a method for producing a multi-layer collagen scaffold. The method generally comprises the steps of: preparing a first suspension of collagen and freezing or lyophilizing the suspension to provide a first layer; optionally preparing a further suspension of collagen and adding the further suspension onto the layer formed in the previous step to form a further layer, and freezing or lyophilizing the layers, wherein when the layer formed in the previous step is formed by lyophilization the lyophilized layer is re-hydrated prior to addition of the next layer; optionally, repeating the aforementioned step to form one or more further layers; and preparing a final suspension of collagen and pouring the final suspension onto the uppermost layer to form a final layer, and freeze-drying the layers to form the multi-layer collagen composite scaffold.
US09615909B2 Removable embolus blood clot filter and filter delivery unit
A blood filter includes a hub, a plurality of legs, and a plurality of arms. Each of the legs includes a hook at a distal end thereof, a first linear segment extending substantially parallel to a hub longitudinal axis, a second linear segment extending obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis at a first angle, and an intermediate linear segment coupled to the first and second segments, the intermediate segment extending obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis at a second angle less than the first angle. Each of the arms has a free end closer to the longitudinal axis than the hook of each of the legs. The free ends of the arms are spaced radially transverse to the longitudinal axis at substantially the same radial distance.
US09615906B2 Gluteal implants and implant systems
Gluteal implants and gluteal implant systems are described herein, as are methods of manufacturing and implanting the same. In certain embodiments, the gluteal implant includes a body having a convex upper surface, a concave lower surface, and an edge, the edge being formed by the intersection between the convex upper surface and the concave lower surface. The body can take on various shapes, including a truncated ovoid shape, a truncated approximate ovoid shape, a truncated substantially ovoid shape, a truncated ellipsoid shape, a truncated approximate ellipsoid shape, or a truncated substantially ellipsoid shape, among others. In certain embodiments, the gluteal implant system includes first and second gluteal implants that have the same or different shaped bodies. In certain embodiments, the gluteal implants and gluteal implant systems are implanted in a buttock region.
US09615905B2 Male urethral prosthesis with tensioning member
The present invention includes a method of implanting a urethral prosthesis. The method includes making an incision, positioning arms of the prosthesis in the pelvic region of the patient, and positioning a stem of the prosthesis in the scrotum of the patient.
US09615899B2 Constructive system of a self-ligating bracket with variable resistance to sliding
A self-ligating bracket and system with variable resistance to sliding. The bracket includes locking elements and/or deflection control components that govern the flexibility and movement of blades or clips that extend over an archwire slot, in order to adjust the action of such blades or clips relative to an archwire positioned within an archwire slot in the bracket.
US09615897B2 Self-ligating orthodontic bracket
An orthodontic bracket for coupling an archwire with a tooth includes a bracket body, a hinge pin, and a latch. The bracket body includes a first surface configured to be mounted to the tooth and an archwire slot in a second surface. The hinge pin includes a first shaft portion coupled with the bracket body. The latch is coupled to the bracket body by a second shaft portion of the hinge pin. The latch is movable between an opened position and a closed position. A cross-sectional profile of the first shaft portion and/or the second shaft portion of the hinge pin is configured to elastically deform to impart a spring bias to the latch that opposes movement of the latch relative to the bracket body.
US09615893B2 Seal cleaning obturator
A surgical instrument configured for insertion through a surgical access device including a seal member is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes an elongate body having a central passageway extending at least partially therethrough and a plurality of slots extending radially outward from the central passageway. The plurality of slots are configured to engage the seal member and the surgical access device when the elongate body is translated therethrough to remove debris from the seal member and the surgical access device. The plurality of slots and the central passageway are configured to retain the removed debris therein during withdrawal of the surgical instrument from the surgical access device.
US09615892B2 Surgical drapes with patches to provide ports
Surgical drapes having opposing first and second primary surfaces with fixably attachable patches to provide ports through which cables or tools can be inserted without compromising a sterile field. The patches may be earlier affixed to the surgical drape or the patch may be affixed in situ by a clinician to the drape prior to a surgical procedure.
US09615887B2 Bone cutting system for the leg and method therefor
A knee bone cut system and method is disclosed. The knee bone cut system supports cutting an anterior portion of a distal end of a femur. The system comprises a sensored insert, a femoral rotation guide, and a remote system to receive and display sensor data. The sensored insert provide data related to load magnitude, position of load, and leg position. The femoral rotation guide has moveable condyles to adjust condyle position in a rapid manner. A pinch mechanism and lock mechanism respectively move the condyles into contact with the sensored insert. Moreover, the femoral rotation guide can be loaded similar to a final installed insert over a range of motion. For example, the patella can be placed on the femoral rotation guide allowing the patella to load the sensored insert. The femoral insert guide includes guide holes that are used in conjunction with a bone cutting jig.
US09615882B2 Methods and devices for applying energy to bodily tissues
Devices and methods for treating tissue with microwave energy used in applications such as destroying a soft tissue by microwave ablation and/or creating point, line, area or volumetric lesions. Various embodiments of flexible, low-profile devices are also disclosed where such device can be inserted non-invasively or minimally invasively near or into the target tissue such as cardiac tissue. The devices disclosed herein comprise antennas wherein the field profile generated by an antenna is tailored and optimized for a particular clinical application. The antennas use unique properties of microwaves such as interaction of a microwave field with one or more conductive or non-conductive shaping elements to shape or redistribute the microwave field.
US09615878B2 Device, system, and method for imaging and tissue characterization of ablated tissue
Disclosed herein is a system for ablating and characterizing tissue. The system comprises an ablation element configured to emit ablative energy toward a tissue of interest, an imaging apparatus configured to emit energy and collect imaging data including reflected signals from the tissue of interest, and a characterization application. The characterization application comprises a signal analyzer for analyzing the imaging data and determining one or more signal properties from the reflected signals, and a correlation processor configured to associate the one or more signal properties to pre-determined tissue signal properties of different tissue components through a pattern recognition technique. The pre-determined tissue signal properties are embodied in a database, and the correlation processor is configured to identify a tissue component and an ablation level of the tissue of interest based on the pattern recognition technique.
US09615877B2 Tissue sealing forceps
A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. One (or both) of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One (or both) of the jaw members includes an opposed jaw surface having an electrically-conductive tissue sealing plate disposed thereon. The electrically-conductive tissue sealing plate includes a first portion configured to conduct energy through tissue grasped between the jaw members to create a main tissue seal and a second portion including a plurality of spaced-apart fingers extending from the first portion. The second portion is configured to conduct energy through tissue grasped between the jaw members to create an auxiliary tissue seal extending from the main tissue seal for reducing stress concentrations adjacent the main tissue seal.
US09615876B2 Bipolar surgical morcellator
A device for morcellating tissue within a body cavity of a patient comprises a stationary tube (8) having a distal end portion, and a bipolar electrosurgical electrode assembly (13) located at the distal end of the tube. The electrosurgical electrode assembly (13) comprises first and second electrodes (14, 16) separated by an insulation member (15). When an electrosurgical cutting voltage is applied to the electrode assembly (13), and relative movement is initiated between the tube (8) and the tissue, a slug of resected tissue is formed within the tube such that it can be removed from the body cavity of the patient. The bipolar electrosurgical assembly (13) has a first circumferential region (A) and a second circumferential region (B), the first circumferential region (A) being longer than the second circumferential region (B), the bipolar electrosurgical assembly being adapted to cut tissue preferentially in the first circumferential region (A) as compared with the second circumferential region (B).
US09615874B2 Bone plate shaping system
Methods and systems for bone plate bending are provided which include bending tools that couple relative to the bone plate to bend the plate. Such system permit bending without necessitating that the bending tools are in direct contact with the holes in the plate, which could deform the holes.
US09615872B2 Implants for creating connections to tissue parts, in particular to skeletal parts, as well as device and method for implantation thereof
A method for locating a material having thermoplastic properties in pores of bone tissue includes providing a pin having the material having thermoplastic properties and a core, wherein the material having thermoplastic properties is arranged on the circumferential surface of the core constituting an outer region of the pin. An opening is provided in the bone tissue, and the pin is positioned at least partly in the opening. The outer region of the pin is then impinged with mechanical vibration energy for a time sufficient for liquefying at least part of the material having thermoplastic properties, and, in a liquefied state, pressing it into the pores of the bone tissue surrounding the opening. The vibration energy is stopped for a time sufficient for re-solidification of the liquefied material, and then the core is removed.
US09615870B2 Intramedullary fixation assembly and method of use
A method for applying compression to a joint includes providing an intramedullary fixation assembly having a proximal screw member positioned at a proximal end of the intramedullary fixation assembly and a lag screw member positioned at a distal end of the intramedullary fixation assembly. Medullary canals are drilled in a first and second bone and the medullary canals are reamed. The proximal screw member is inserted into the first bone and a drill is used create a dorsal hole in the first bone. The lag screw member is slideably coupled to the dorsal hole and to the proximal screw member and into the second medullary canal. A torque is applied to the lag screw member to apply compression to the joint.
US09615867B2 Multi-rod bone attachment member
A fixation element for use in orthopedic surgery is capable of being screwed, hooked, or otherwise attached to a bone, and is configured to accommodate two or more rods or other elongated members. The head of the fixation elements thus has multiple places for positioning a rod, either vertically or horizontally spaced from each other.
US09615861B2 Minimally invasive vertebral laminar reconstructive plate
A laminar plate that reconstructs or supports the lamina of a vertebra after lamina bone has been removed during spinal surgery and prevents bone growth material from entering the spinal canal. The laminar plate spans a gap from the removed lamina bone and is coupled to, or proximate to, and between a facet and the spinous process by screwing the plate to the bone.
US09615860B2 Plates configured to rigidly fix fragments of a pars interarticularis to one another
An apparatus for securing a vertebra during healing of a fracture within a pars area of the vertebra is described. In certain embodiments, the apparatus is a plate that has an outer shape similar to a shape of a pedicle and/or lamina of the vertebra, and an inner section that facilitates access to the pars area when the plate is secured to the vertebra.
US09615859B2 Posted translation system and method
Connector assemblies are provided to couple an elongate member extending along the spinal column to a bone engaging implant engaged to the spinal column. The connector assembly includes a coupler having an implant coupling portion and an elongate member coupling portion. The positioning and orientation of the coupler relative to the implant and elongate member can be adjusted to facilitate engagement of the connector assembly between the implant and elongate member.
US09615858B2 Spring clip-bottom loading polyaxial ball and socket fastener
The bottom loading fastening system that consists of the polyaxial ball and socket joint used in conjunction with a bone screw having threads on one end for use in anchoring to the spine and a spherical connector on the other end operating as a pivot point about which a connecting assembly moves in a polyaxial fashion. A substantially U-shaped connecting assembly has a lower receptacle having at least two retainer rings within at least two retaining ring grooves for use in securing the spherical connector to the connecting assembly.
US09615856B2 Sacroiliac fusion cage
Devices for sacroiliac joint fusion may be implanted from an anterior, posterior, or lateral approach. Multiple devices may be used in a single fusion procedure. Some examples include blade anchors which extend from a central beam, pin, cage, or body.
US09615853B2 Method of securing perianal support device
A perianal support device is provided that is configured to inhibit the formation and/or progression of tissue damage in the perianal region of the body. A method is provided to apply the perianal support device to patients during childbirth to inhibit the formation and/or progression of tissue damage in the perianal region of the body.
US09615851B2 Method and apparatus for insertion of a sensor
A device and method for delivering a device such as a sensor or fluid transport structure or a fluid transport structure sensor combination into, for example, mammalian skin. Such a device allows a sensor to penetrate mammalian skin without the use of an introducer device such as a needle. A device in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure includes a housing for attachment to mammalian skin including an exit port for receiving the distal end of a biosensor and an injection activation device including a mechanism for forcing the sensing device from a first position within the housing, through the exit port to a second position, with sufficiently high velocity to partially penetrate the mammalian skin.
US09615850B2 Atherectomy catheter with aligned imager
An atherectomy catheter is provided for excising and imaging material in a body lumen. In one embodiment, the catheter comprises a catheter body, a cutting blade, and an imaging device. The cutting blade is mounted on the catheter body and configured to move between a first position and a second position relative to an aperture or cutting window. When the cutting blade is in the second position, the blade substantially closes the aperture on the catheter body. The imaging device which is mounted on or otherwise coupled to the cutting blade is configured to be in an imaging position when the cutting blade substantially closes the aperture or cutter window. This allows the imaging device to survey material within the cutting zone of the atherectomy catheter. By allowing the imaging device to view materials within this cutting zone, material may be imaged and then removed from the body lumen without having to reposition the catheter between each step.
US09615847B2 Devices and methods for soft tissue hydro dissection
In one embodiment, a medical device may include an insertion member configured to be inserted into a body opening, and a needle member, movably coupled to the insertion member, configured to be inserted into the body opening. The needle member may include a lumen configured to transfer dissection fluid, a blunt tip located on a distal end of the needle member, and an opening disposed proximate to the blunt tip that is configured to discharge the dissection fluid into a space between tissue layers.
US09615844B2 Systems and methods for controlling delivery of ultrasonic energy to a bodily tissue
An apparatus includes a generator including a control module that is operably coupled to a power module. The power module is configured to produce an electronic signal to be received by an ultrasonic energy delivery assembly. The ultrasonic energy delivery assembly is characterized by a natural frequency, and the electronic signal is characterized by a frequency. The control module is configured to send a control signal to the power module to randomly vary the frequency of the electronic signal within a range defined at least in part by the natural frequency.
US09615840B2 System and method for association of a guiding aid with a patient tissue
A patient tissue includes a primary patient tissue area and an anatomically differentiated bordering secondary patient tissue area. An apparatus is at least partially customized responsive to preoperative imaging of the patient tissue. Means are provided for mating with the primary patient tissue area in a preselected relative orientation. Means are provided for fixing a first landmark to the primary patient tissue area in at least one of a predetermined marking location and a predetermined marking trajectory. Means are provided for fixing a second landmark to the secondary patient tissue area in at least one of a predetermined marking location and a predetermined marking trajectory. A method of associating a plurality of landmarks with a patient tissue is also provided.
US09615839B2 Shape-fit glenoid reaming systems and methods
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for securing a glenoid baseplate to a resected glenoid cavity in a preoperatively planned position. Image information obtained from the glenoid cavity and surrounding scapula is analyzed to determine the location of optimal bone stock. A guide is designed based on the image information, the guide having a patient specific contact surface that contacts a surface of the bone in a preoperatively planned position. The guide is designed to have a cannulated portion including a specific length. A marking pin having at least one reference feature is drilled into the glenoid cavity. The length of the cannulated portion of the guide is based on a location of the at least one reference feature on an outer surface of the marking pin. A cannulated reamer guided by the marking pin is then used to resect the glenoid cavity until a stop surface of the cannulated reamer contacts an end of the marking pin.
US09615835B2 Drill attachment for cannulated surgical drills
A hammer drill attachment is provided for attachment to a bi-directional surgical drill. The attachment comprises a lengthwise adapter to engage a chuck of the surgical drill, a transmission mechanism, and a quick-release mechanism. The transmission mechanism comprises a pair of toothed plates, the teeth of a proximal plate configured to permit engagement with the teeth of a distal plate. When the proximal plate rotates in a first direction, the proximal plate transmits a rotational motion to the distal plate. When the proximal plate rotates in a second direction, the proximal plate transmits an axial percussive force to the distal plate. The quick-release mechanism comprises a socket to receive a collet, a socket seater, and a latching arm to move the socket seater with respect to the socket, thereby seating or unseating the collet in the socket.
US09615834B2 Systems and methods utilizing patient-matched instruments
Patient-matched surgical instruments, and methods for making patient-matched surgical instruments, may include patient-matched surgical instruments having an anatomy facing side with several discrete, physically separate anatomy contacting portions configured to match the anatomy of a particular patient. The anatomy contacting portions may be one or more of non-uniform in distribution, non-uniform in shape or non-uniform in surface area.
US09615833B2 Method for producing in-vivo indwelling member
A method for producing an in-vivo indwelling member includes a step of winding a metal wire (1) to form a primary coil (2-4), a step of giving the primary coil (2-4) a shape to form a secondary coil (10-19), and a step of inserting the secondary coil (10-19) into an inner hollow section (43) of a shaping mold (40). The secondary coil (10-19) includes different patterns such as a helical shape (20, 22-25, 29, 61, 63-65), a linear shape (21, 26, 28), and a circular arc shape (27, 50-53, 60, 62). When the secondary coil (10-19) is pushed into the inner hollow section (43), the secondary coil (10-19) makes contact with the inner wall surface of the inner hollow section (43), and a portion between different patterns is randomly curved. Accordingly, the in-vivo indwelling member has a three-dimensional structure that corresponds to the shape of the inner hollow section (43). The in-vivo indwelling member is less likely to deviate from the inside of an aneurysm when released into the aneurysm.
US09615829B2 Tissue stop for surgical instrument
A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, an elongated portion, an end effector, and a stop member is disclosed. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one jaw member is movable with respect to the other jaw member between spaced and approximated positions. The first jaw member includes an upper tissue-contacting surface and a lower shelf portion. The shelf portion includes a groove disposed therein. The stop member is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the first jaw member and is pivotable with respect to the first jaw member between a first position, a significant portion of the stop member being positioned external to the first jaw member, and a second position where a lower portion of the stop member being positioned at least partially within the groove.
US09615826B2 Multiple thickness implantable layers for surgical stapling devices
In various embodiments, a staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler is disclosed. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a deck, a row of first staple cavities defined in the deck, a plurality of first staples, wherein the first staples are positioned in the first staple cavities, a row of second staple cavities defined in the deck, and a plurality of second staples, wherein the second staples are positioned in the second staple cavities. The staple cartridge further comprises a first layer comprising a first portion positioned over the first staple cavities and configured to be captured within the first staples and a second portion positioned over the second staple cavities and configured to be captured within the second staples. The staple cartridge further comprises a second layer positioned over the second portion and not positioned over the first portion of the first layer.
US09615821B2 Tensionable knotless anchor systems and methods of tissue repair
Systems and methods for soft tissue to bone repairs, without knot tying. The soft tissue repair systems include self-cinching constructs with splices and loops that are pre-loaded onto modified knotless anchors (for example, swivel and/or screw-in suture anchors and/or push-in suture anchors with a distal eyelet) to position the self-locking, adjustable construct at the repair site. The systems allow for knotless tensioning of the tissue after the knotless anchors have been implanted.
US09615819B2 Methods and instruments for subchondral treatment of osteoarthritis in a small joint
Devices, instruments and associated methods for the subchondral treatment of osteoarthritis in small joints are provided. In addition, a method for treating joint pain in small joints is provided. These small joints may be ankle, elbow or wrist joints. The methods may target one of many different access points having trajectories with a common focal point at or near the small joint. The instruments may limit access to areas within or near the small joint by providing predefined entry paths that avoid damage to surrounding tissues.
US09615817B2 Wound closure apparatus and method
A wound closure apparatus can be a self-contained device for delivery and deployment of a tissue engineered wound plug that can secure fascial closure of laparoscopic port-site wounds. The wound plug can include a subfascial rivet head, a suprafascial rivet head, and a compressible column. Once in the wound, the wound plug may be deployed with the subfascial rivet head below the fascia of the wound and the suprafascial rivet head above the fascia of the wound. As this occurs, the column of the wound plug can be stationed within the opening of the wound. Once the wound plug is secured above, below, and within the fascial defect, the rivet heads may be interlocked within an inner channel of the column and remaining elements of the apparatus may be removed and discarded.
US09615815B2 Devices that cooperate with ultrasound probes for muscoskeletal evaluations and related systems and methods
Adaptors for ultrasound probes can have an adaptor body can have an open lower end that allows a distal end of the ultrasound probe to extend therethrough to contact skin of a patient. The adaptor can include a plurality of spaced apart resilient members held by the adaptor body that, in operation, are able to change in length such that the resilient members translate from a first longer length to a second shorter length when the probe applies compressive force to the target tissue.
US09615813B2 Device for wide-band auscultation
The present invention relates to a device for auscultation of a body. An embodiment of the device includes a housing dimensioned and configured for disposition in an operative orientation relative to a predetermined portion of the body. The housing includes a plurality of chambers disposed therewithin. The plurality of chambers are collectively structured to receive an acoustic signal at least when the housing is disposed in the operative orientation. The housing also includes at least one transducer at least partially disposed in a corresponding one of the chambers. The transducer is structured to convert the acoustic signal into an electrical signal.
US09615812B2 Calibration of imagers with dynamic beam shapers
Calibration methods and related calibration controllers (CC) for calibrating imaging apparatuses (102) such as a 3D computed tomography imager or a 2D x-ray imager. The imaging apparatuses (102) are equipped with a dynamic beam shaper (RF). The dynamic beam shaper (RF) allows adapting the energy profile of a radiation beam (PR) used in the imaging apparatuses (102) to a shape of an object (PAT) to be imaged. A plurality of gain images are acquired in dependence on a shape of the object and the view along which the gain images are acquired or a target gain image is synthesized from a plurality of basis gain images (BGI).
US09615811B2 Radiation imaging apparatus and method for controlling the same
A radiation imaging apparatus performs radiation image obtaining processing in accordance with an exposure instruction, and obtains a radiation image. Then the radiation imaging apparatus performs offset correction for the obtained radiation image, and displays it. The radiation imaging apparatus determines, in accordance with a predetermined criterion, whether or not offset images obtained by offset image obtaining processing are stable over time. Then, if it is determined that the offset images are not stable, offset correction is performed by using an offset image obtained by performing offset image obtaining processing, following the obtaining of the radiation image. If it is determined that the offset images are stable, the offset correction is performed by using an offset image obtained before the obtaining of the radiation image.
US09615808B2 Method and radiography system for grid-like contrast enhancement
A method and system for processing a radiography image derived from an X-ray radiation passing through an object. The method includes acts of estimating, based on the radiography image, a scatter signal present in said radiography image; calculating, based on the estimated scatter signal, a scatter removal signal indicative of a scattered radiation removable from the X-ray radiation passing through the object by a reference anti-scatter device; and correcting the radiography image based on the scatter removal signal.
US09615806B2 Method and apparatus for creation and display of artifact-corrected three dimentional (3D) volumetric data from biplane fluoroscopic image acquisition
A method and apparatus for creation and display of artifact-corrected three dimensional (3D) volumetric data from biplane fluoroscopic image acquisition is disclosed. Orthogonal images of a patient are obtained during an interventional medical procedure, the orthogonal images including an anterior-posterior (AP) image and a lateral image. A common coordinate system is established. The orthogonal images and the patient are plotted onto the common coordinate system. An intersection volume of the images is calculated. The data at each frame of the images are analyzed and a determination made regarding which x,z point of an AP image matches with which y,z point from a lateral image. An artifact correction process is performed and a resulting volumetric data set is plotted and displayed.
US09615800B2 Evidence based interactive monitoring device and method
A method for issuing an alert which includes the following steps:—carry out an R analysis on two or more physiological variable inputs;—carry out an N analysis on a primary physiological variable input;—issue an alert if the R analysis confirms a trend for each of the physiological variable inputs and the N analysis shows a statistically significant change in the primary physiological variable input; where the two or more physiological variable inputs include systolic or mean blood pressure and pulse volume, and the primary physiological variable input is systolic or mean blood pressure; such that the alert is a visual, audio, vibratory, tactile or a combination of two or more of these or an alert signal to an output unit configured to output the alert in one of those forms.
US09615795B2 Probe support apparatus
Employed is a probe support apparatus having: a base stand; an arm connected to an upper end of the base stand so that the arm can be tilted and rotated in a horizontal direction; and a probe support section connected to a distal end of the arm at a side opposite that of a portion connected to the base stand. The probe support section is constituted by a deformable section and a non-deformable section, and the non-deformable section is connected to a distal end of the arm so that the non-deformable section can rotate about an axis parallel to a rotation axis about which the arm is tilted.
US09615793B2 Continuous outpatient ECG monitoring system
An ECG monitoring system for ambulatory patients includes a small multi-electrode patch that adhesively attaches to the chest of a patient. A reusable battery-powered ECG monitor clips onto the patch and receives patient electrical signals from the electrodes of the patch. A processor continuously processes received ECG signals and stores the signals in memory in the monitor. The processor also analyzes the received ECG signals for predefined arrhythmia. If an arrhythmia is detected, a wireless transceiver in the ECG monitor transmits the event information and an ECG strip to a cellphone handset. The cellphone handset automatically relays the event information and ECG strip to a monitoring center for further diagnosis and necessary intervention.
US09615792B2 System and method for conserving battery power in a patient monitoring system
A vital-signs patch in a patient monitoring system is disclosed. The patch includes a housing configured to be attached to the skin of a patient, the housing containing a radio that can selectably transmit and receive on more than one frequency and a processor. The processor configures the radio to transmit and receive on a determined frequency based at least in part on the level of noise detected on the frequencies.
US09615787B2 Determining whether to change a time at which an alarm is to occur based at least in part on sleep data
In one aspect, a device includes a processor and a memory accessible to the processor. The memory bears instructions executable by the processor to receive data from a sleep sensor in communication with the device and, based at least in part on the data, determine whether to change a time at which an alarm is to occur at the device.
US09615784B2 Tactical clinical evaluation of patient monitor events
In the present invention, a method and accompanying system for evaluating alarm events generated by patient monitors includes the steps of receiving a plurality of alarm events and associated alarm event data from one or more patient monitors at a central control unit, storing the alarm event data in an electronic storage medium, calculating an acuity score for the patient monitor from the alarm event data and a customizable rule set input into and stored in the control unit, the rule set applied to the alarm event data and comparing the calculated acuity score to a threshold value for the acuity score.
US09615780B2 Method and apparatus for providing data processing and control in medical communication system
Methods and apparatus for providing data processing and control for use in a medical communication system are provided.
US09615774B2 CO2 sensor and CO2 measuring apparatus
A CO2 sensor includes: a sensing portion operable to change in color in accordance with a CO2 partial pressure in expiration from at least one of nares and a mouth of a living body; and a mounting member adapted to hold the sensing portion at a position where the expiration from the at least one of the nares and the mouth impinges on the sensing portion.
US09615770B2 Pediatric imaging assembly
A patient support assembly for use in a magnetic resonance image (MRI) scanner includes a first and a second patient support structure and a first and a second imaging coil. The patient support assembly provides support for multiple anatomical regions being imaged, improving patient comfort during the procedure. Access to the patient is improved by: providing a flexible coil that wraps around at least one of the anatomical regions being imaged, providing a support structure open to the anterior region of the anatomical region being imaged, and providing a support structure that may be opened and closed about the anatomical region being imaged. The patient support assembly also aligns the two imaging coils to minimize interference between coils during imaging.
US09615769B2 Method to generate an RF excitation pulse to excite an arbitrarily shaped volume, method for targeted excitation of spins within a vessel, and method to create MR angiography images, and magnetic resonance system
In order to generate an RF excitation pulse together with a gradient curve to excite nuclear spins an arbitrarily shaped volume with a magnetic resonance system, a volume segment is prepared in which the volume is situated, such that only spins within the volume yield an MR signal portion in the subsequent detection of an MR signal. An MR signal is detected from the volume segment along a trajectory of k-space. At least one gradient for scanning k-space along the trajectory is switched during the detection. The RF excitation pulse is generated corresponding to the MR signal detected in a temporally inverted manner, and the gradient curve is generated corresponding to the temporally inverted curve of the at least one gradient to scan k-space.
US09615766B2 Impedance measurement process
Apparatus for use in performing impedance measurements on a subject, the apparatus including a probe having a plurality of electrodes, the probe being configured to allow at least some of the electrodes to be in contact with at least part of the subject and a processing system for, determining at least one first impedance value, measured at a site using a first electrode configuration, determining at least one second impedance value, measured at the site using a second electrode configuration and determining an indicator indicative of the presence, absence or degree of an anomaly using the first and second impedance values.
US09615763B2 Ambulatory electrocardiography monitor recorder optimized for capturing low amplitude cardiac action potential propagation
Physiological monitoring can be provided through a lightweight wearable monitor that includes two components, a flexible extended wear electrode patch and a reusable monitor recorder that removably snaps into a receptacle on the electrode patch. The wearable monitor sits centrally (in the midline) on the patient's chest along the sternum oriented top-to-bottom. The placement of the wearable monitor in a location at the sternal midline, with its unique narrow “hourglass”-like shape, significantly improves the ability of the wearable monitor to cutaneously sense cardiac electrical potential signals, particularly the P-wave and, to a lesser extent, the QRS interval signals indicating ventricular activity in the ECG waveforms. Additionally, the monitor recorder includes an ECG sensing circuit that measures raw cutaneous electrical signals using a driven reference containing power supply noise and system noise to the reference lead, which is critical to preserving the characteristics of low amplitude cardiac action potentials, particularly P-waves.
US09615762B2 Coordinating interface for electrophysiology studies
A coordinating interface for electrophysiological signals provides inputs for ECG and intra-cardiac electrodes and provides a computer controllable processing path outputting data using a shareable digital data output. Requests received over a digital control line allow the computer to control a multiway switch and analog filter set to arbitrate among different uses of the electrophysiological signals by different devices. A single coordinating interface helps reduce interference from competing uses. Pre-stored configuration data simplifies the connection of different devices having different uses of the physiological data.
US09615756B2 Device and method for the continuous non-invasive measurement of blood pressure
A device and method for use in monitoring blood pressure. The device comprises a controller configured to monitor a first blood pressure measurement based on a first blood pressure signal. The controller is configured to initiate acquiring a second blood pressure measurement based on a second blood pressure signal if the first blood pressure measurement exceeds a predetermined threshold. The decision to initiate acquiring the second blood pressure measurement is based on only one blood pressure measurement.
US09615754B2 Inducing and measuring myocardial oxygenation changes as a marker for heart disease
The present disclosure relates to a method of assessing heart function and a system for assessing heart function. In detail, the present disclosure relates to a measuring a change in oxygenation or blood flow in the heart of the subject in response to a breathing maneuver and comparing the change in oxygenation or blood flow to a control. The change in oxygenation may be measured by segmenting an image of a heart, determining the signal intensity of a region of interest in a segment of the image and comparing the signal intensity to a control. An abnormal change in oxygenation blood flow or signal intensity in the heart compared to the control is indicative of reduced heart function. The disclosure further relates to a system for diagnosing heart disease which comprises an imaging device and processor configured to assess heart function.
US09615744B2 Chopper-stabilized instrumentation amplifier for impedance measurement
In general, this disclosure is directed to a mixer amplifier that can be utilized within a chopper stabilized instrumentation amplifier. The chopper stabilized instrumentation amplifier may be used for physiological signal sensing, impedance sensing, telemetry or other test and measurement applications. In some examples, the mixer amplifier may include a current source configured to generate a modulated current at a modulation frequency for application to a load to produce an input signal, an amplifier configured to amplify the input signal to produce an amplified signal, and a demodulator configured to demodulate the amplified signal at the modulation frequency to produce an output signal indicating an impedance of the load.
US09615740B2 Eye surgery microscope having an entity for measuring an ametropia
An eye surgery microscope 1 having an illumination beam path 9 for imaging a portion of an eye 3 of a patient and a measurement beam path 25 for measuring an ametropia of the eye. The microscope comprises an objective lens 11 having an objective plane 13 in which the eye of the patient is disposable; at least one ocular 17 or a camera 19 for generating and detecting an image of the object plane, respectively; a measurement light source for generating a measurement light beam 29; a measurement module 41 having a light detector; optics traversed by the measurement beam path for directing the measurement light beam onto the retina 7 of the eye of the patient and for providing measurement light 39 reflected at the retina to the measurement module; and a controller; wherein the measurement module and the controller are configured to determine a position of an image of the retina generated by the optics along the measurement beam path and to output a measurement value representing the ametropia of the eye of the patient.