| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09657726B1 |
Hydraulic running surface
A mounting member for a hydraulic pump or other rotating kit for a hydraulic drive device includes a running surface having a pair of arcuate kidney ports formed thereon. The running surface also includes a plurality of pressure gradient grooves formed on the running surface, each pressure gradient groove having a proximal end adjacent to a respective one of the ends of one of the kidney ports and a distal end. The distal end of one of the pressure gradient grooves associated with one kidney port may overlap the distal end of a pressure gradient groove associated with the other kidney port. The distal end of at least one of the pressure gradient grooves is located outside the circumference of a pitch circle that passes through the center of each of the kidney ports. The distal end of at least one of the other pressure gradient grooves is located inside the circumference of the pitch circle. |
| US09657724B2 |
Energy transfer and recycling open-closed hybrid system
The invention comprises an outer sphere, an inner sphere located within and movable relative to the outer sphere, a shaft attached to the inner sphere, jet impulse devices operatively connected to the equator of the inner sphere, and springs located to transmit the impulses via the shaft to the outer sphere. Both spheres are partially filled with liquid, and partially filled with compressed air. |
| US09657707B2 |
Autonomous glow driver for radio controlled engines
An autonomous glow driver system for radio controlled (RC) engines. Aspects of the system include a connector that securely attaches to the glow plug to maintain good electrical contact with the glow plug and reduce signal noise and using a current and differential amplifiers to determine the temperature of the glow element and the RPMs of the glow engine from a voltage signal (obtained via the connector) that varies with the temperature as induced changes in the resistance of the glow element occur. Using the data of temperature, non-running RPM, and running RPM to control operation of the glow driver leads to a very reliable approach to automatically activating the glow driver to maintain the combustion chamber temperature of the glow engine at a selected level because RPM is indicative of a rotating engine whereas temperature is not. |
| US09657704B2 |
Electromagnetic relay
An electromagnetic relay for starting a motor of a starter includes a resistor to reduce an activation current that flows through the motor from a battery for activation of the motor, a relay contact that causes the starting current to flow while bypassing the resistor, a relay coil that forms an electromagnet when excited by energization, and a control circuit that controls an excited state of the relay coil for activation of the motor to open or close the relay contact, thus controlling energization of the motor from the battery via the resistor. The electromagnetic relay incorporates therein the control circuit. |
| US09657702B2 |
Apparatus for controlling the lift of a valve member
An apparatus for controlling the lift of a valve member in a flow control valve comprises an end stop assembly having at least two pieces, a plunger with one end interposed between these pieces and biasing members that urge the pieces into contact with the plunger. The plunger is movable by an actuator to thereby move the pieces of the end stop assembly from a first position in which the pieces of the end stop assembly form a first surface for contacting the valve member to a second position in which the pieces form a second surface that comes into contact with the valve member when the valve member is lifted from its seated position, to thereby allow different discrete lifts of the valve member. |
| US09657698B2 |
Fuel pump module mounted with controller
Disclosed herein is a vehicle fuel pump module. The vehicle fuel pump module is configured such that a controller is spaced apart from a plate body installed so as to be exposed out of a fuel tank by a support member and an air gap is provided between the plate body and the controller. Consequently, a gas generated from a fuel in the fuel tank is discharged to the atmosphere by an outdoor air circulating the air gap and thus it may be possible to prevent the gas from affecting electronic parts of the controller. |
| US09657691B2 |
Canister
A canister has a housing whose one end is provided with a charge port and a purge port and whose other end is provided with a drain port and a heater. The housing is divided into a no-heat-application section on a charge port and purge port side and a heat-application section on a drain port side. The heat-application section is further divided into at least two spaces of a first space located on the drain port side and a second space located on a no-heat-application section side. The first space is filled with an activated carbon whose BWC is equal to or greater than 6 g/dL and less than 10 g/dL, and the second space is filled with an activated carbon whose BWC is 13 g/dL or greater. The heater heats whole of the heat-application section including the first space and the second space. |
| US09657690B2 |
Flap device for an internal combustion engine
A flap device for an internal combustion engine includes a flow housing comprising a flow channel, an actuating shaft, a flap body arranged on the actuating shaft in the flow channel, a housing bore arranged in the flow housing, a lever fixed on the actuating shaft, a bearing bush arranged in the housing bore, and a sealing disk comprising a surface which is at least partially spherically shaped. The housing bore has the actuating shaft protrude outwards therethrough. The lever comprises a rear wall. The bearing bush has the actuating shaft mounted therein. The surface rests under tension against the rear wall of the lever. |
| US09657689B2 |
Modulating bypass valve
A modulating bypass valve includes a valve housing defining a modulating fluid passageway and a bypassing fluid passageway through the valve housing. The valve also includes a throttle plate assembly that is inserted through the valve housing and has a rotating shaft on an axis that is generally perpendicular to the modulating fluid passageway and the bypassing fluid passageway. A modulating throttle plate is attached to the shaft and located within the modulating fluid passageway. A bypassing throttle plate is attached to the shaft and located within the bypassing fluid passageway. An actuator rotates the shaft. |
| US09657688B2 |
Assembly comprising a heat engine and an electric compressor
The invention relates to an assembly (1) comprising: an admission circuit (4) extending between an air inlet (11) and an outlet connected to the inlet of a heat engine (2); an exhaust circuit (6) extending between an inlet connected to the outlet of the heat engine (2) and an exhaust gas outlet (13); said heat engine (2); a return loop (22) enabling all or some of the exhaust gases in the exhaust circuit (6) to be reinjected upstream of the heat engine (2); and an electric compressor (30) arranged in the assembly (1) in such a way as to be able to receive gases recirculating in the return loop (22). |
| US09657685B2 |
Device for controlling a nozzle of variable cross-section of an aircraft
A variable cross-section nozzle of an aircraft has at least two movable parts enabling modification of the cross-section of the nozzle. A control device for the nozzle includes a system for regulating the engine, the system being connected to a control element which drives at least one electric motor which creates the movement of the movable parts, including an electric motor for each movable part and two mechanical transmission systems for each movable part connected only to the same electric motor. |
| US09657682B2 |
Cylinder liner assembly having a thermal barrier coating
A cylinder liner assembly is disclosed for use with an engine. The cylinder liner assembly may include a liner having a hollow generally cylindrical body extending from a top end to a bottom end along a longitudinal axis, and an internal annular cuff ring groove formed at the top end of the liner. An internal surface of the internal cuff ring groove may include a metal spray coating having a thermal conductivity that is less than a thermal conductivity of a base material of the liner to act as a thermal insulating layer. A cuff ring may be disposed within the internal cuff ring groove at the top end of the liner in contact with the metal spray coating. A seal may be disposed around an outer circumferential surface of the liner approximately in axial alignment with an internal axial end of the internal cuff ring groove. |
| US09657680B2 |
Zero flow lubrication for a high pressure fuel pump
Methods and systems are providing for improving zero flow lubrication (ZFL) of a high pressure fuel pump coupled to direct fuel injectors via a direct injection fuel rail. A ZFL transfer function for the fuel pump is learned while fuel is at non-nominal fuel bulk modulus conditions and corrected for variations from a nominal fuel bulk modulus estimate. When zero flow lubrication of the pump is requested, the pump is operated with a duty cycle based on the learned transfer function and an instantaneous estimate of the fuel bulk modulus to compensate for differences in fuel condition from the nominal fuel bulk modulus estimate. |
| US09657679B2 |
Control device and control method for multi-cylinder internal combustion engine
An electronic control unit, in an idle operating state, detects a crankshaft rotation fluctuation in each cylinder using a crank angle sensor, and updates an individual correction value for a control value for each fuel injection valve as a first learned value such that a degree of deviation in the crankshaft rotation fluctuation among the cylinders reduces. The electronic control unit uses a fuel pressure sensor to detect a manner of a fuel pressure fluctuation with fuel injection by each fuel injection valve, and updates an individual correction value for a control value for each fuel injection valve as a second learned value based on a result of comparison between a detected temporal waveform and a basic temporal waveform. In an idle operating state, a learning rate of the second learned value is reduced until the first learned value converges for the first time as compared with after its convergence. |
| US09657677B2 |
Integrated vehicle control apparatus and integrated control method
An integrated control apparatus includes an internal combustion engine, a stepped automatic transmission, a power train manager, and an engine controller. The power train manager is configured to: output a target torque and a forenotice torque to the engine controller; start lowering of the target torque after a specified time elapses from a timing of an upshifting instruction; lower the forenotice torque prior to the lowering of the target torque. The engine controller is configured to: start a reduction in an air amount in accordance with a magnitude of lowering of the forenotice torque; start reducing the air amount from a time when the lowering of the forenotice torque is started until a time when the lowering of the target torque is started; and adjust an air-fuel ratio in accordance with a deviation between the target torque and a torque that is estimated from a lean air-fuel ratio and the air amount. |
| US09657675B1 |
Control of piston trajectory in a free-piston combustion engine
Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards free-piston combustion engines. As described herein, a method and system are provided for displacing a free-piston assembly to achieve a desired engine performance by repeatedly determining position-force trajectories over the course of a propagation path and effecting the displacement of the free-piston assembly based, at least in part, on the position-force trajectory. In a dual-piston assembly free-piston engine, synchronization of the two piston assemblies is provided. |
| US09657674B2 |
Method and system for determining air-fuel ratio imbalance
Methods and systems are presented for assessing the presence or absence of cylinder air-fuel ratio deviation that may result in air-fuel ratio imbalance between engine cylinders. In one example, the method may include assessing the presence or absence of air-fuel ratio errors based on deviation from an expected air-fuel ratio during a deceleration fuel shut-off event. |
| US09657671B2 |
Method and system for pre-ignition control
Methods and systems are provided for reducing late burn induced cylinder pre-ignition events. Forced entry of residuals from a late burning cylinder into a neighboring cylinder may be detected based on engine block vibrations sensed in a window during an open exhaust valve of the late burning cylinder. In response to the entry of residuals, a pre-ignition mitigating action, such as fuel enrichment or deactivation, is performed in the neighboring cylinder. |
| US09657670B2 |
Exhaust system temperature estimation systems and methods
A control system for an engine of a vehicle includes an adder module that determines a temperature sum based on a sum of a plurality of temperatures determined based on (i) a plurality of operating parameters of the vehicle and (ii) a plurality of predetermined values calibrated for determining an estimated temperature at a location within an exhaust system of the vehicle. A temperature difference module determines a temperature difference based on the temperature sum and a previous value of the temperature difference. An estimating module determines the estimated temperature at the location within the exhaust system based on the temperature difference and a reference temperature. An actuator control module selectively adjusts at least one engine actuator based on the estimated temperature. |
| US09657668B2 |
Injector driver and operating method thereof
An injector driver and an operating method thereof are provided in which a driving semiconductor directly controls a brake signal when a brake error occurs in driving an injector, to thus secure a safety function. The injector driver a driving semiconductor configured to transmit an interrupt signal for acknowledging whether a brake signal has been received to a micro-control unit (MCU) when a brake signal is applied. In addition, the driving semiconductor receives a brake signal recognition acknowledgement response signal from the MCU and detects whether the MCU has an error based on the brake signal recognition acknowledgement response signal reception result. Further, the driving semiconductor operates an injector driving signal when the response signal is not received from the MCU for a predetermined period of time. |
| US09657666B2 |
Failure diagnosis device of emission control system
In a failure diagnosis device of an emission control system that utilizes an electrode-based PM sensor provided downstream of a particulate filter in an exhaust conduit to diagnose a failure of the particulate filter, disclosed embodiments may suppress reduction of accuracy of diagnosis of a failure due to in-cylinder rich control. The failure diagnosis device of the emission control system starts application of a predetermined voltage to electrodes of the electrode-based PM sensor after a sensor recovery process that removes PM depositing between the electrodes of the PM sensor, and diagnoses a failure of the particulate filter based on an output of the PM sensor measured after elapse of a predetermined time period since the start of application of the predetermined voltage. The failure diagnosis device performs the sensor recovery process during in-cylinder rich control or triggered by termination of the in-cylinder rich control and subsequently performs a measurement process after termination of the in-cylinder rich control and the sensor recovery process. |
| US09657663B2 |
Systems and methods for an air-fuel ratio imbalance monitor
Methods and systems are provided for detecting an air-fuel imbalance based on output from multiple degradation monitors. In one example, a method comprises, during feedback engine air-fuel ratio control responsive to output of an exhaust gas sensor positioned downstream of a catalyst, indicating a cylinder imbalance responsive to a catalyst transfer function determined only within a specified frequency range based on the exhaust gas sensor output after determining that the catalyst is nominal, and adjusting an actuator in response to the indicated cylinder imbalance. In this way, air-fuel ratio imbalances may be accurately identified and mitigated, thereby reducing emissions. |
| US09657662B2 |
Determination of the quantity of fuel flowing through a fuel injector based on the heating of the fuel by means of an electric heating device
A method for determining the quantity of fuel flowing through a fuel injector. The fuel injector has an electric heating device for heating the fuel and a temperature-measuring device for measuring the temperature of the heated fuel. The method includes (a) applying a predetermined electrical heating power to the electric heating device, (b) measuring an increase in the temperature of the fuel as a consequence of the heating power, and (c) determining the quantity of fuel flowing through the fuel injector on the basis of the applied electrical heating power and the measured increase in the temperature. A method for equalizing the fuel feed at at least two cylinders of an internal combustion engine utilizes the method for determining the quantity of fuel flowing through a fuel injector. An engine controller and a computer program carry out the specified methods. |
| US09657661B2 |
Engine control system
An engine control system is a system configured to selectively switch between first fuel and second fuel and perform an operation control of a single engine, including: a sensor configured to detect an oxygen concentration of an exhaust gas that is exhausted from the engine; and a control device configured to perform an air-fuel ratio feedback control such that an air-fuel ratio becomes a target air-fuel ratio based on an output signal of the sensor, wherein the control device calculates a correction coefficient of an air-fuel ratio feedback control during an operation with the second fuel, and further stores a fuel composition correction coefficient that is a value in a predetermined range and corrects a difference between the calculated correction coefficient and a targeted correction coefficient arising from a change in composition of the second fuel. |
| US09657655B2 |
Actuation device for controlling the power of an internal combustion engine and method for controlling the power of the internal combustion engine
The subject innovation relates to a control device for controlling the power of an engine, whereby the control device has a control range in which—with the drive train closed—neither a drive torque nor a braking torque is introduced, as well as to a control device for controlling the power of an engine, whereby the control device comprises a first control range in which the engine has a continuous braking torque, as a result of which the vehicle can be decelerated, and comprises a second control range in which the engine has a continuous drive torque, as a result of which the vehicle can be accelerated. In this process, assistance is provided for locating a third control range, whereby this third control range is situated between the first control range and the second control range. |
| US09657654B2 |
Engine speed controller of work machine
The present invention is to reduce the flow rate of pressure oil discharged from a main pump and returned to a tank when specific work is executed with an operation amount of an operating device being made small in the state in which an engine is kept at an idling speed. According to the present invention, there is provided a main controller (20) which is capable of controlling the speed of an engine (11) to a normal work speed at which a work implement such as a boom (4) can perform normal work and which controls the speed of the engine (11) to an idling speed serving as a speed lower than the normal work speed when an operating device has returned from an operating position to a neutral position. Configuration is made such that the main controller (20) performs a control process for bringing the speed of the engine (11) to a specific work speed serving as a speed higher than the idling speed but lower than the normal work speed, on detecting execution of the specific work which is performed with an operation amount of the operating device such as a boom operating device (16) being kept small in a state in which the speed of the engine (11) is kept at the idling speed. |
| US09657653B2 |
Gas pressure high and low detection
A system and method for detecting pressure deviation of a first fluid in an engine is disclosed. The method may comprise calculating, for each of a plurality of measurements, a delta between an actual first fluid pressure and a target pressure, summing each delta obtained from the calculating, and determining pressure deviation of the first fluid based on a cumulative sum of the deltas. In an embodiment, the first fluid may be natural gas. |
| US09657647B2 |
Methods and apparatus to adjust bleed ports on an aircraft engine
Methods and apparatus to adjust bleed ports on an aircraft engine are disclosed. An example apparatus for bleeding air from a multi-stage compressor of an aircraft engine includes a compressor case having a plurality of bleed ports. A first bleed port is associated with a first stage of a compressor, and a second bleed port is associated with a second stage of the compressor. The apparatus includes a plenum connected to the compressor case to define a plenum cavity. The plenum fluidly coupling the first and second bleed ports to a fluid conduit for providing bleed air to one or more systems of an aircraft. The apparatus also includes a bleed port selection mechanism located within the plenum cavity. The bleed port selection mechanism including a first portion proximate the first bleed port and operable to prevent fluid flow through the first bleed port. |
| US09657646B2 |
Aircraft engine driveshaft vessel assembly and method of assembling the same
A driveshaft vessel assembly for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The driveshaft vessel assembly comprises a driveshaft vessel and an outlet guide vane. The driveshaft vessel includes a forward face, an aft face, and opposing side faces and is configured to house at least a portion of a radial driveshaft. The outlet guide vane includes a leading edge and a trailing edge. The length of the trailing edge is substantially equal to a length of the forward face of the driveshaft vessel such that the trailing edge of the outlet guide vane is faired into the forward face of the driveshaft vessel. |
| US09657645B2 |
Engine architecture using electric machine
There is described a method for controlling an engine and a system architecture for an engine. The system architecture comprises a first electric machine having a single rotor dual stator configuration for operating as a starter-generator for the engine; a second electric machine having a single rotor dual stator configuration for operating as a motor; a dual channel motor drive unit coupled to the second electric machine; a dual channel power control unit coupled to the first electric machine and the motor drive unit; a dual channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC) coupled to the dual channel power control unit and the dual channel motor drive unit; and at least two accessories coupled to the second electric machine and driven by motive power from the single rotor of the second electric machine. |
| US09657644B2 |
Method for mounting an acoustic panel in a housing of a turbomachine and turbomachine comprising an acoustic panel
A method for mounting an acoustic panel on the inner surface of an annular housing of an axial turbomachine, the cylindrical acoustic panel comprising at least one longitudinal slot so as to define two opposing ends, the method comprising: bringing the two opposing ends closer together so as to reduce the cylinder radius of the acoustic panel; inserting the acoustic panel into the fan casing when the opposing ends are close together; deploying the opposing ends so as to increase the cylinder radius of the acoustic panel; and securing the acoustic panel to the housing by gluing. |
| US09657639B2 |
Ventilation system and method for monitoring air flow in a ventilation system for a turbomachine assembly
Ventilation systems for enclosing turbomachine assembly components and methods for monitoring air flow in ventilation systems are provided. A ventilation system includes an enclosure defining an interior, an air inlet circuit in fluid communication with the interior for flowing air into the interior, and an air outlet circuit in fluid communication with the interior for flowing air from the interior. The ventilation system further includes a fan disposed within one of the air outlet circuit or the air inlet circuit, and a motor in operable communication with the fan for driving the fan. The ventilation system further includes an electrical measurement device, the electrical measurement device in communication with the motor and operable to measure an electrical characteristic of the motor. |
| US09657633B2 |
Swirl-inducing intake valve arrangement
First intake valve and second intake valve for an engine cylinder bore within which a piston reciprocates are arranged side-by-side in a cylinder head for motion in unison along respective intake valve axes. First intake valve axis is nonparallel to the cylinder bore axis. A first intake valve seat for the first intake valve is disposed in a plane which is non-parallel to a plane which is perpendicular to the cylinder bore axis. First intake valve seat has a first semi-circumference toward a second semi-circumference of a second valve seat for second intake valve. At least a portion of first semi-circumference is closer, as measured along a direction parallel to the cylinder bore axis, to a plane passing through the piston perpendicular to the cylinder bore axis than is the second semi-circumference as measured along a direction parallel to the cylinder bore axis. |
| US09657630B2 |
Diagnostic systems and methods for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems based on NOx sensor feedback
A selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system includes a first sensor that determines a first concentration of NOx, a second sensor that determines a second concentration of NOx and NH3, and a fault determination module. The fault determination module diagnoses a fault in at least one of a dosing agent and a catalyst in an SCR device based on the first and second concentrations. |
| US09657624B2 |
Assembly and method for introducing a reducing agent into the exhaust pipe of an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine
An assembly (10) for introducing a reducing agent into the exhaust pipe (12) of an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, has a feed connector (14) which opens into the exhaust pipe (12) and includes a wall (16), a feed device (20) for reducing agents which opens into the feed connector (14), and a device (22) for generating a gas flow (G) which is additional to the reducing agent flow (R) and lines the wall (16) of the feed 10 connector (14). Furthermore, there is described a method of introducing a reducing agent into the exhaust pipe (12) of an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle. |
| US09657621B2 |
Systems and methods for differential heating of exhaust catalysts
Exhaust aftertreatment systems and methods are described for reducing emissions output therefrom. In one example, an exhaust gas aftertreatment system comprises a first catalyst downstream of a branchpoint in a first exhaust pathway, a second catalyst downstream of the branchpoint in a second exhaust pathway, an electrical heater positioned upstream of the branchpoint for heating the exhaust flow, a control unit for adjusting an exhaust heating current of the electrical heater, and a valve for adjusting a distribution of exhaust flow to the first and second catalyst, the control unit including instructions to adjust the valve responsive to a substrate temperature within one or more of the first and second catalysts. In this way, an exhaust system with increased efficiency across a range of operating temperatures is realized that reduces emissions and energy expended during usage. |
| US09657620B2 |
Exhaust gas system
A system for exhaust gas routing and aftertreatment in a motor vehicle includes a first exhaust gas duct element, which has an inlet opening and an outlet opening, and a second exhaust gas duct element, which has a transfer pipe having a longitudinal axis and having a sleeve surface and a first closed end. An intake opening is provided in the sleeve surface adjacent to the closed end. The transfer pipe projects into the outlet opening and is accommodated in the first exhaust gas duct element by its closed end and the intake opening, so that exhaust gas flowing in through the inlet opening in a first direction can flow through the intake opening and into the transfer pipe and flow—viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the transfer pipe—in the transfer pipe through the outlet opening out of the first exhaust gas duct element. The system also includes an injector unit fixed to the first exhaust gas duct element for introducing a reducing agent into an exhaust gas flow flowing through the first and the second exhaust gas duct element. |
| US09657615B2 |
Silencer for internal combustion engine
A silencer includes conduit with a downstream end portion configured from a tubular member which includes a conduit discharge port extending through a silencer main body and discharges exhaust gas to the outside therethrough. The tubular member includes a resonance communication hole communicating with a resonance chamber and an upstream side communication hole and a downstream side communication hole communicating with a second chamber. A barrier wall serving as a throttle portion for throttling an exhaust path at an intermediate location of the tubular member is provided in the inside of the tubular member and between the upstream side communication hole and the downstream side communication hole. |
| US09657614B2 |
Scavenge pump oil level control system and method
A hybrid vehicle includes a hybrid module, a transmission and a torque converter. The lubrication system associated with the torque converter includes an oil sump within the torque converter housing which is intended to be managed as a “dry” sump oil lubrication system. There is an oil pump in communication with the sump in order to manage the sump oil level. By monitoring an operational parameter of the oil pump motor (pressure, torque, or current) oil aeration can be detected. |
| US09657613B2 |
Engine and straddle-type vehicle equipped with engine
An engine, including a crankcase, a cylinder body extending upward from the crankcase, a cylinder head coupled to an upper portion of the cylinder body, a cylinder head cover coupled to an upper portion of the cylinder head, and a gasket disposed between the cylinder head and the cylinder head cover. The gasket includes a projection that projects along directions from an inner wall of the cylinder head and from the cylinder head cover toward a camshaft. The projection is located in a cam chain chamber, which is formed in the engine along the cylinder body, the cylinder head and the cylinder head cover, and a cam chamber formed in the engine along the cylinder head and the cylinder head cover. The projection has an oil supply portion disposed in the cam chain chamber and above a cam chain guide guiding a cam chain. |
| US09657611B2 |
Variable displacement solenoid control
Methods are provided for improved control of valve activation/deactivation mechanisms. One example method comprises, adjusting an electromechanical actuator to actuate cylinder valve deactivation/activation mechanisms. The actuator is operated at multiple levels based on engine operating conditions. |
| US09657608B2 |
Variable valve timing device and method of assembling same
A valve timing varying device includes a housing rotor (20) composed of a front side housing member (22) and a rear side housing member (21), a vane rotor (30), and an urging spring (40) for rotationally urging the vane rotor in one direction with respect to the housing rotor. The urging spring has a coil part, a first end provided outside in a radial direction with respect to the coil part, and a second end provided inside in the radial direction with respect to the coil part. The front side housing member has a first latching concave part for latching the first end on an inside wall face. The vane rotor has an accommodation concave part for accommodating at least a part of the coil part at the front end side, and a second latching concave part for latching the second end in an area facing an opening. |
| US09657607B2 |
Rocker arm assembly and valvetrain assembly incorporating the same
A rocker arm assembly for translating force between an intermediate member in communication with a camshaft of an internal combustion engine and a valve supported in a cylinder head of the engine. The rocker arm assembly includes a tube member and an arm. The tube member has first and second ends, a substantially cylindrical inner surface, and a tapered outer surface. The arm has a body extending between a pad for engaging the valve of the engine, and a socket for engaging the intermediate member of the engine. The body also has a tapered bore disposed between the pad and the socket. The tapered bore of the body of the arm cooperates with the tapered outer surface of the tube member so as to define a lock for constraining the arm to the tube member at a predetermined position between the first end and the second end. |
| US09657606B2 |
Direct-acting valve lifter of internal combustion engine
A valve lifter with a variable lift mechanism is required to be deployed at a predetermined angle with respect to a cam unit, and the present invention is intended to achieve this requirement with a simple configuration without too much processing such as a fitting of the conventional longitudinal groove and a pin.A cam sliding contact surface of a valve lifter on which a high lift cam and a low lift cam slides is formed to be a smooth inclined surface and a cam slide starting point is lower than a cam slide terminating point, thereby establishing an elevation difference between the cam slide starting point and the cam slide terminating point. As a result, since the high lift cam and the low lift cam always move uphill on the cam sliding contact surface, namely, from the low cam slide starting point toward the high cam terminating point along the slope of the cam sliding contact surface, the valve lifter is not subjected to a force around the reciprocating axis from the cam and therefore, the direction of the valve lifter is maintained constant. |
| US09657602B2 |
Exhaust heat recovery device for internal combustion engine and exhaust heat recovery method for internal combustion engine
An exhaust heat recovery device for an engine including a Rankine cycle, including a steam accumulator that stores a surplus of a working medium for driving a turbine, and a leveling line that discharges the stored surplus working medium from the steam accumulator to the turbine, when the turbine cannot output predetermined power only with the working medium flowing out from a boiler, and levels the power outputted from the turbine. Since the power outputted from the turbine can be leveled without reduction of the power, even if the working medium cannot vaporize with the boiler immediately after start-up, immediately before stop, or during a low-load operation of the engine, exhaust heat from the engine can be efficiently used. |
| US09657599B2 |
Power generation system and method with partially recuperated flow path
The present disclosure relates to a power generation system and related methods that use supercritical fluids, whereby a portion of the supercritical fluid is recuperated. |
| US09657596B2 |
Turbine housing assembly for a turbocharger
A turbine housing assembly is disclosed. The turbine housing assembly may have a turbine housing. The turbine housing may have a turbine housing flange. The turbine housing assembly may also have a bearing housing having a boss extending from a compressor end to a turbine end opposite the compressor end. The bearing housing may also have a bearing housing flange abutting on the turbine housing flange. The bearing housing flange may be disposed between the compressor end and the turbine end. The turbine housing assembly may also have a clamping plate abutting on the turbine housing flange and the boss. Further the turbine housing assembly may have a backing plate abutting on the clamping plate. In addition, the turbine housing assembly may have a fastener disposed within the boss and attached to the backing plate. |
| US09657589B2 |
System for washing an aero gas turbine engine
A wash system includes a wash unit associated with a mobile unit for providing wash fluid, one or more nozzles for streamline injecting wash fluid provided by the wash unit directly into an engine inlet, and an articulating arm for use in positioning the one or more nozzles. The wash unit is physically spaced from a surface of the engine inlet cowling during a washing process. The articulating arm is operable via one of a hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, or mechanically hand-driven operating means. |
| US09657587B2 |
Rotor tip clearance
A method of controlling a rotor tip clearance arrangement of a gas turbine engine and a control system configured to control rotor tip clearance. Steps include measuring at least one engine parameter; determining engine power demand from the at least one engine parameter; and calculating rotor tip clearance given the determined engine power demand. The rotor tip clearance arrangement is controlled to increase or decrease the rotor tip clearance based on the difference between the calculated clearance and a predefined target clearance. |
| US09657585B2 |
Axial compressor and operation method of the same
An axial compressor comprising liquid drop feed means for feeding liquid drops to an operating fluid of the compressor, a casing for forming a flow path through which the operating fluid flows down and a plurality of stages, each of which is composed of one continuous rotor blade row and one continuous stator vane row, the axial compressor being structured so that the liquid drops evaporate inside the compressor, characterized in that: the casing is provided with a cavity therein, and the cavity is formed by an outer casing and an inner casing which is enclosing a periphery of the rotor blade rows at the plurality of stages and forming internally a flow path of the operating fluid, and a flow path is provided for feeding the operating fluid to the cavity on a downstream side of a region forming the cavity of the inner casing. |
| US09657583B2 |
Composite material reinforcing part of pi-shaped section, in particular a platform for a turbine engine fan, and its method of fabrication
A reinforcing part of π-shaped section made out of composite material, and a method of making the part, the method including: making a first set of layers of interlinked yarns by three-dimensional weaving to form a first fiber blank portion to form a base preform; making a second set of layers of interlinked yarns by three-dimensional weaving to form a second fiber blank portion to form a stiffener preform, yarns of the second set being interlinked with yarns of the first set by weaving over a central interlinked strip that flares towards side edges of the first fiber blank portion in a zone corresponding to the step of the base; shaping the two fiber blank portions to obtain a single-piece fiber preform having a portion forming a base preform and a portion forming a stiffener preform; and depositing a resin in the fiber preform to form a matrix. |
| US09657582B2 |
Gimbaled tail rotor hub with spherical elastomeric centrifugal force bearing for blade retention and pitch change articulation
A rotor hub comprises a gimbal assembly and an elastomeric centrifugal force bearing. The gimbal assembly is configured to transfer rotational movement of a mast to the rotor hub and to enable the rotor hub to flap relative to the mast. The elastomeric centrifugal force bearing is configured to withstand centrifugal force of a rotor blade when the mast is rotated and is configured to accommodate pitch changes of the rotor blade. A method comprises designing a gimbal assembly that enables a tail rotor hub to flap relative to a tail rotor mast. A centrifugal force bearing is selected that enables tail rotor blades to withstand centrifugal force and that allows for tail rotor blade pitch change articulation. Then, instructions are provided to use the gimbal assembly and the centrifugal force bearing in an in-plane tail rotor assembly. |
| US09657574B2 |
Rotor of rotary machine and rotary machine
A rotor (10) of a rotary machine (T1) according to the invention includes a plurality of rotor members (20, 30, and 40) which are joined to each other in the axial direction in which the axis (P) extends, and among the plurality of rotor members (20, 30 and 40), the first rotor member (30) in hydraulic fluid injection portions (3a and 3b) of a passageway (3) is formed of Ni-based alloy so that the inside thereof is hollow throughout the entire length in the axial direction. |
| US09657572B2 |
Ring gear mounting arrangement with oil scavenge scheme
In one exemplary embodiment, an epicyclic gear train for a turbine engine includes a first shaft that is rotatable about an axis. A ring gear includes first and second portions each having an inner periphery with teeth. The first and second portions are secured to one another at a radial interface. At least one of the first and second portions includes a flange that extends radially outward. The flange is fixed to the first shaft in an axial direction by a fastening element. A carrier supports star gears that mesh with the ring gear. A sun gear meshes with the star gears and is coupled to a second shaft. |
| US09657571B2 |
Repair tool for a turbine rotor wheel, and a turbine rotor wheel
A process of preparing a turbine rotor wheel, a repair tool for machining a turbine rotor wheel, and a turbine rotor wheel are disclosed. The process includes providing the turbine rotor wheel, the turbine rotor wheel having a dovetail slot, a cooling slot, and a dovetail acute corner formed by the dovetail slot and the cooling slot and removing a stress region from the dovetail acute corner. The repair tool permits removal of strained material while also reducing the operating stress of the feature. The turbine rotor wheel includes a machined portion resulting in lower stress for the turbine rotor wheel. |
| US09657567B2 |
System and method for remote monitoring of drilling equipment
A system and method for capturing information related to mining machine performance and making the information accessible to remote maintenance staff. The information can be used to generate alarms, determine a state of the machine, determine performance statistics for the machine, and identify problems with the machine that may require attention. The information can be provided in a state message and the data can be packaged as XML data or in a string format. The data associated with a message can be particular to the current state or context of the mining machine. That is, in the case of a rope shovel, different data may be included in a message generated in a swing state versus a message generated in a tuck state. In some instances, a message is generated when progress thresholds are satisfied, such as for each foot of drilling performed by a mining drill. |
| US09657564B2 |
Methods and apparatus having borehole seismic waveform compression
An illustrative seismic while drilling system includes a drill string having at least one seismic sensor that can be employed to detect seismic signals during pauses in the drilling process, e.g., when extending the length of the drill string. An embedded processor digitizes a signal from the seismic sensor to obtain a digital waveform and processes the digital waveform to derive a compressed waveform representation for storage or transmission. Compression is provided by adaptively reducing the sampling rate and quantization resolution subject to one or more quality constraints including, e.g., error in first break timing, error in first break sign, mean square error, and bit count. Reasonably good representations of the received acoustic waveforms can be achieve with less than 200 bits. |
| US09657556B2 |
Metal bellows with guide rings
A well pump assembly has a pump driven by an electrical motor. A seal section reduces a pressure difference between a dielectric lubricant in the motor and a hydrostatic well fluid pressure. The seal section has a housing containing a guide tube concentric with the axis. Contractible and extensible inner and outer bellows surround the guide tube. An inner bellows guide ring is secured to the inner bellows between ends and has an inner surface with an inner diameter smaller than a minimum inner diameter of the inner bellows for sliding engagement with an outer surface of the guide tube as the inner bellows lengthens and contracts. The outer bellows has a guide ring secured between ends and having an outer surface with an outer diameter larger than a maximum outer diameter of the outer bellows for sliding engagement with an inner surface of the housing. |
| US09657554B2 |
Downhole filtration tool
A downhole filtration tool to remove sand and other solid particles from production fluid in a subterranean well. The downhole filtration tool includes a perforated mandrel surrounded by at least one filter element made of an open weave polymeric fiberglass material. In addition, the downhole filtration tool may include an additional screen or mesh installed in a separating annulus intermediate of the mandrel and the filter element to provide a filter having improved permeability and resistance to chemical and physical forces. |
| US09657549B2 |
Enhanced crude oil recovery using metal silicides
Enhanced oil recovery techniques include introduction of alkali metal silicides into subterranean reservoirs to generate hydrogen gas, heat, and alkali metal silicate solutions in situ upon contact with water. The alkali metal silicides, such as sodium silicide, are used to recover hydrocarbons, including heavier crudes where viscosity and low reservoir pressure are limiting factors. Hydrogen, which is miscible with the crude oil and can beneficiate the heavier fractions into lighter fractions naturally or with addition of catalytic materials, is generated in-situ. It. Heat is also generated at the reaction site to reduce viscosity and promote crude beneficiation. The resulting alkaline silicate solution saponifies acidic crude components to form surfactants which emulsify the crude to improve mobility toward a production well. The silicate promotes profile modification passively via consumptive reactions or actively via addition of acidic gelling agents. |
| US09657548B2 |
Apparatus and methods of running casing in a dual gradient system
A method of running casing in a dual gradient system includes lowering a casing into a low density fluid region and allowing the low density fluid to enter the casing; releasing a plug into the casing; supplying a high density fluid behind the plug; and lowering the casing into a high density fluid region until target depth is reached. |
| US09657545B2 |
Chemical-injection management system
An apparatus that includes a chemical-injection management system. The chemical-injection management system may include a tree interface configured to couple the chemical-injection management system to a tree and a positive-displacement flow meter. |
| US09657543B2 |
Wellbore isolation device containing a substance that undergoes a phase transition
A wellbore isolation device comprises: a substance, wherein the substance: (A) is a plastic; and (B) undergoes a phase transition at a phase transition temperature, wherein the temperature surrounding the wellbore isolation device is increased or allowed to increase to a temperature that is greater than or equal to the phase transition temperature. A method of removing a wellbore isolation device comprises: causing or allowing the temperature surrounding the wellbore isolation device to increase; and allowing at least a portion of the substance to undergo the phase transformation. A method of inhibiting or preventing fluid flow in a wellbore comprises: decreasing the temperature of at least a portion of the wellbore; positioning the wellbore isolation device in the at least a portion of the wellbore; and causing or allowing the temperature surrounding the wellbore isolation device to increase. |
| US09657542B2 |
Wireline crawler tractor
A well tractor for use in inserting a bottom hole assembly into a wellbore, the well tractor including a tractor body, and two or more wheels connected to the tractor body by pivot arms and having a retracted position and a deployed position, the at least two wheels moveable between the retracted and deployed positions by hydraulic cylinders attached to the pivot arms. The well tractor further includes a track creating a loop around at least two wheels and engaged with the wheels, so that when the wheels rotate, the track also rotates around the wheels. When the wheels are in the retracted position, the track is maintained in close proximity to the tractor body, and when the wheels are in the deployed position, the track extends radially away from the tractor body and into contact with surfaces of the wellbore. |
| US09657540B2 |
System and method for wireline tool pump-down operations
A system for pump down operations in a wellbore includes a tool string disposed in a wellbore, the tool string including a cable head having an upper end coupled to an electric wireline cable, a downhole tool coupled to the cable head, the downhole tool selected from the group consisting of perforating tools and downhole logging tools. In this embodiment, the system further includes a downhole tension sensor located proximal to the upper end of the cable head, the sensor adapted to obtain downhole wireline tension data and transmit the downhole wireline tension data via the electric wireline cable, a fluid pump with a fluid output operatively connected to the wellbore above the tool string, and a controller adapted to selectively adjust a pump fluid output rate of the fluid pump during pump down operations based on the downhole wireline tension data received from the downhole tension sensor. |
| US09657535B2 |
Flexible electrical submersible pump and pump assembly
A submersible pumping assembly for a deviated wellbore is disclosed. The pump assembly including one or more electric submersible pumps disposed in a casing. The casing being disposed in a below ground deviated wellbore. The assembly including one or more electric motors disposed in the casing and configured to operate the one or more electric submersible pumps. The assembly further including one or more flexible joints. The one or more flexible joints are configured to linearly couple the one or more electric submersible pumps and the one or more electric motors and impart flexibility to the assembly in the deviated wellbore. Also provided is a submersible assembly for pumping a fluid. |
| US09657531B2 |
Merlin drilling riser assembly
An improved drilling riser assembly including a male drilling riser assembly section and a female drilling riser assembly section that form a connection joint when mated. The drilling riser assembly sections having an internal stab type main drilling riser connector. The drilling riser assembly sections each have main drilling riser flanges that have helically threaded rings on an outer edge of the flange. A box and pin connector each have an inner helically threaded ring that mates with the outer helical flange ring of a drilling riser assembly section. The box and pin connectors extend towards each other and make up an enclosed compression joined mating section around the stab type connectors of the drilling riser assembly. |
| US09657530B2 |
Casing joint assembly
A casing joint assembly includes a casing joint having an upper end and a lower end, and an upper coupling joint having a first portion coupled to an upper casing section and a second portion coupled to the casing joint at the upper end. A joint interface secures the first portion to the second portion. The first portion is made of a first material and the second portion is made of a second material dissimilar to the first material, and an inner coating is applied on an inner radial surface of the upper coupling joint and extending axially across the joint interface. |
| US09657529B1 |
Polycrystalline diamond compact including a pre-sintered polycrystalline diamond table including a nonmetallic catalyst that limits infiltration of a metallic-catalyst infiltrant therein and applications therefor
Embodiments of the invention relate to thermally-stable polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”), and methods of fabricating such PDCs. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a substrate and a pre-sintered polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table bonded to the substrate. The pre-sintered PCD table includes bonded diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. The pre-sintered PCD table further including a first region remote from the substrate including a nonmetallic catalyst and a metallic catalyst each of which is disposed interstitially between the bonded diamond grains thereof, and a second region bonded to the substrate including a metallic-catalyst infiltrant disposed interstitially between the bonded diamond grains thereof. A nonplanar boundary is located between the first region and the second region. |
| US09657526B2 |
Method and apparatus for reaming well bore surfaces nearer the center of drift
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for increasing the drift diameter and improving the well path of the well bore, accomplished in one embodiment by cutting away material primarily forming surfaces nearer the center of the drift, thereby reducing applied power, applied torque and resulting drag compared to conventional reamers that cut into all surfaces of the well bore. |
| US09657516B2 |
Window covering motorized lift and control system gear train
A window covering includes a movable window covering material, lift cords for moving the material, a lift cord take-up shaft for gathering and releasing lengths of the lift cords to move the window covering material, and a motorized lift assembly. The motorized lift assembly includes a motor assembly including a motor, a gear train drivingly connected to and operated by the motor, and a driveshaft drivingly connected to the gear train and to the lift cord take-up shaft. The gear train includes a plurality of planetary gear stages. |
| US09657512B2 |
Reverse molded plant-on panel component, method of manufacture, and method of decorating a door therewith
A reverse molded, plant-on decorative panel component comprises a panel portion lying on a first plane, a skirt portion, and a contoured portion. The skirt portion has a first surface adapted to be exteriorly disposed and an opposite second surface adapted to be interiorly disposed in order to be adhesively secured to a planar surface. The contoured portion extends outwardly from and surrounds the panel portion and interconnects and is integral with the panel portion and the skirt portion. The skirt portion extends peripherally about the contoured portion. |
| US09657502B2 |
Door latch activator for trailers or truck bodies
A door latch activator system for a trailer or truck body coupled to a door latch, including: a plunger installed in a path of the door latch; a switch configurable into one of an open or closed position by the plunger; and a pneumatic valve configured to control flow of pressurized air through the pneumatic valve depending on the position of the switch, wherein the plunger is moved toward or away from the roller switch by the door latch operating in the path, which activates the pneumatic valve to control the pressurized air flowing through the pneumatic valve. |
| US09657500B2 |
Electronic-mechanical dual control lock
An electronic-mechanical dual control lock includes an electronic control mechanism, a mechanical control mechanism, a half gear, a cam, a rotary plug, and a rotary tongue. The electronic control mechanism includes an electronic actuating part and an engaging groove gear. The electronic actuating part is meshed with the engaging groove gear. A bottom surface of the engaging groove gear is fit with a bottom surface of the cam. The mechanical control mechanism includes a mechanical actuating part and the half gear. The mechanical actuating part is meshed with the half gear. The cam is driven by the engaging groove gear and the half gear separately and independently. The rotary plug includes a rotary shaft and a plug body. The rotary shaft is arranged at one end of the plug body and is engaged in the cam. The plug body is a cylinder provided at a side thereof with a groove. |
| US09657498B2 |
Elongate shaft for use with handle assembly
A handle assembly and related methods for actuating a mechanism such as a disconnect switch. |
| US09657493B2 |
Post reinforcement
A post reinforcement including a panel having a body portion and a stake portion. The post reinforcement further includes a first barb coupled to and extending away from the panel, wherein the first barb is generally positioned on a first side of the panel. The post reinforcement also includes a second barb coupled to and extending away from the panel, wherein the second barb is generally positioned on a second side of the panel opposite the first side. |
| US09657490B1 |
Universal panels and structures comprised of the same
Embodiments of the present technology provides universal panels and structures made from the same. The panels are formed using specific ratios for width and length of the panels, which are related to ratios of aperture spacings for the panels. These ratios are used to ensure that panels can be used in a universal manner to form walls, roofs, and doors. Additionally, the universality of the panels reduces the likelihood that installation errors will occur when building structures with these panels. Installation errors can deleteriously affect the structural integrity of the the resulting structure. |
| US09657488B2 |
Swimming pool cleaning apparatus with extractable filtration device
The invention relates to a swimming pool cleaning apparatus comprising: at least one hydraulic liquid circulation circuit between at least one liquid inlet (3) and at least one liquid outlet (4), and through a removable filtration device of the cleaning apparatus. The filtration device comprises at least one filtration chamber (8) comprising: a cover (2), a filtration basket (17), the hydraulic fluid circulation circuit comprising a liquid discharge tube (20) emerging from the apparatus through an opening (4) formed in the cover (2) of the filtration device, the filtration basket (17) comprising a central filtering wall (9) surrounding the liquid discharge tube (20) over at least a part of its length. |
| US09657483B2 |
Mechanical locking system for floor panels
Building panels, especially floor panels, which are provided with a locking system including several separate strip parts connected to the panel edge. A strip part, configured to lock panels horizontally and to be fixed to a panel edge, including a strip body with an inner part configured to be fixed under the panel edge and an outer part configured to extend outside the panel edge, wherein the inner part comprises a fixing element configured to lock the strip part to the panel edge in a horizontal direction, wherein the outer part including a locking protrusion, located above the strip body and configured to lock the strip part to the panel edge vertically and a locking element configured to lock the panels in a horizontal direction, and wherein the inner part includes a cavity formed in the strip body and located between the fixing element and the locking protrusion. |
| US09657480B1 |
High snow-load ridge ventilator
A high snow-load ridge ventilator includes a pair of support brackets, a perforated support, a ridge cover and a plurality of cover spacers. A bottom of one support bracket is attached to one side of a ventilation opening and a bottom of the other support bracket is attached to the other side of the ventilation opening. A plurality of perforated support spacers may be attached to the roof along a length of a pair of support brackets to provide additional load carrying capability. The perforated support is a formed plate with a plurality of perforated openings. The perforated support is attached to a top of the pair of support brackets. The plurality of cover spacers are attached to a top of the perforated support. The ridge cover includes snap clips that are sized to receive snap flanges extending from the perforated support. |
| US09657479B2 |
Shingle with reinforcement layer
A shingle, a method of making it, and a roof embodying the shingle is provided, in which an exterior surface of the shingle is provided with an attached reinforcement layer through which fasteners may be applied when the shingle is applied to a roof. |
| US09657476B2 |
Vibration control device
A vibration control device that can achieve the best vibration control effect within an allowable stroke range of a movable mass includes a controller that calculates at least one of a displacement deviation between a target displacement of a movable mass and a displacement of the movable mass detected by a mass displacement sensor and a velocity deviation between a target velocity of the movable mass and a velocity of the movable mass detected by a mass velocity sensor, and generates a control command for making a motor drive the movable mass on the basis of at least one of the displacement deviation and the velocity deviation. The target displacement and the target velocity are set in a manner that the amplitude of the movable mass becomes constant and that phases thereof are delayed 90 degrees with respect to the vibration of a building. |
| US09657475B1 |
Suspended ceiling unit
A drop panel unit of a suspended ceiling system, for preventing, in event of a fire, a suspended ceiling panel from interfering with a sprinkler system installed above the suspended ceiling system, the drop panel unit having a frame defining a drop panel opening and at least one drop panel for covering the drop panel opening. Each drop panel has a hinge for hinging the drop panel to one side of the frame, to provide for each drop panels to rotate about the hinge by gravity from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation. An electromagnetic support magnetically holds the drop panel in the horizontal orientation when electric power is provided to the electromagnetic support and a damper slows the rotation of the drop panel from the horizontal orientation to the vertical orientation when the electric power is removed from the electromagnetic support in the event of a fire. |
| US09657467B2 |
Sanitary insert unit
A sanitary insert unit (1) having an elastically deformable valve body (8) which can be switched between a first switching state and a second switching state and having a first flow path (3) and a second flow path (4). The second flow path (4) is blocked in the first switching state and open in the second switching state, and the first flow path (3) is open in the first switching state and in the second switching state. |
| US09657461B2 |
Hydraulic circuit for construction machine and control device for same
A hydraulic circuit for a construction machine including a center bypass passage including a group of directional control valves arranged in tandem; and a bleed-off valve arranged in the center bypass passage on a downstream side of the group, wherein each directional control valve includes a first internal passage causing the pressurized oil supplied to the directional control valve to flow out to the center bypass passage and a second internal passage supplying the pressurized oil to a cylinder port, wherein a parallel passage is formed by the center bypass passage and the first internal passage by causing the pressurized oil discharged from the hydraulic pump to flow to the center bypass passage on the downstream of the directional control valve, wherein the second internal passage supplies the pressurized oil from the center bypass passage through an opening of a spool and/or the bypass passage to the cylinder port. |
| US09657460B2 |
Wheel loader
A transmission of a wheel loader is configured so that a rotation speed ratio of an output shaft with respect to an input shaft is changed by changing the rotation speeds of a first motor and a second motor. A transmission case has an input shaft case for containing the input shaft. A lower part of the input shaft case includes a curved surface part. The curved surface part is curved to protrude downwards. The first motor and the second motor are arranged below the input shaft. At least a portion of each of the first motor and the second motor overlaps the curved surface part in a projection view in the up-down direction. |
| US09657459B2 |
Construction machine
Provided is a construction machine which is capable of stably support an exhaust aftertreatment device comprising a first treatment section and a second treatment section arranged in one-above-the-other and side-by-side relation. A hydraulic excavator comprises: an exhaust aftertreatment device comprising a first treatment section and a second treatment section which are arranged in one-above-the-other and in side-by-side relation; a lower plate attached to a lower surface of the exhaust aftertreatment device, and provided above a slewing frame to support the exhaust aftertreatment device from therebeneath in such a manner that the exhaust aftertreatment device is disposed at a position overlapping the engine in side view; and a left vertical plate disposed to extend upwardly from a portion of the lower plate located between the exhaust aftertreatment device and the engine, and attached to a lateral surface of the exhaust aftertreatment device. |
| US09657455B2 |
Over-the-stern deep digging trenching plow with instrumentation for assessing the protective capabilities of a seabed trench
A seabed trenching plow has a chassis, a sled and a towing assembly. The towing assembly has a pair of wings extending laterally from each side of the chassis. The wings are aligned on an axis transverse to the chassis and adapted for connection to a towing line. The transverse axis is forward of the center of gravity of the plow and rearward of the sled, affording an over the stern releasable and retrievable trenching plow of sufficient weight and strength to excavate a three meter trench in a single pass. To assess the protective capabilities of the trench, a threshold signal indicative of a desired composition of seabed-trench soil is compared with a real-time data signal indicative of the actual to produce an alarm signal when the real-time data signal is not protective-capability compliant with the threshold signal. |
| US09657454B2 |
Earth retaining system such as a sheet pile wall with integral soil anchors
A soil retaining system combining flat sheet pile walls in an open cell configuration includes integral soil anchors providing an improved earth retaining system. Another aspect of the invention is a method of designing and installing a soil retaining system with an open sheet pile cell structure having integral soil anchors. The method includes, inter alia, calculating soil forces by taking into account material strength of sheet pile, soil friction against the sheet pile in combination with the strength of the integral soil anchor, selecting sheet pile size and length based on soil forces calculation; and installation of sheet pile to form a soil retaining system. The integral soil anchors serve to provide higher load resistance to the improved earth retaining system. |
| US09657446B2 |
Paving-related measuring device incorporating a computer device and communication element therebetween and associated method
A system configured to determine a property of a paving-related material is provided. The system includes a measuring device configured for measuring a property of a paving-related material and a cellular computer device configured for being in communication with and receiving data from the measuring device. |
| US09657438B2 |
Textile comprising dye fixative agents and methods
Described are dye fixative agents, comprising an ether compound, including salts, of Formula I: wherein, R1 is, independently at each occurrence, C1-C6 alkyl; R2 and R3, are, independently at each occurrence, optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl; and X is, independently at each occurrence, Cl, Br, or I. |
| US09657437B2 |
Fibers sized with polyethereketoneketones
Fibers sized with a coating of amorphous polyetherketoneketone are useful in the preparation of reinforced polymers having improved properties, wherein the amorphous polyetherketoneketone can improve the compatibility of the fibers with the polymeric matrix. |
| US09657436B2 |
Liquid and soil repellent compositions for fibers
Included are compositions for fibers which include a clay nanoparticle and a wax. The composition provides the fibers with oil and water repellency. |
| US09657435B2 |
Metal free bleaching composition
The present invention relates to the use of a composition comprising specific a-amino-ketones, H2O2, a H2O2 precursor or a peracid and optionally an activator as a bleaching mixture for textile materials or dishes either manually or in an automatic washing machine or dish washer. Further aspects of the invention are the composition comprising specific a-aminoketones and H2O2, a H2O2 precursor or a peracid and a process for bleaching of stains or of soiling on textile materials or dishes in the context of a washing process either manually or in an automatic washing machine or dish washer. Also aspects of the invention are detergent formulations comprising such a composition and novel compounds. |
| US09657432B2 |
Drying apparatus and washing machine having the same and control method thereof
A drying apparatus having a structure capable of improving condensation efficiency, and a washing machine having the same. The washing machine including a cabinet, a tub installed inside the cabinet, a drum rotatably installed inside the tub, a condenser duct configured to condense moisture in air introduced from the inside the drum, a drying duct configured to heat the air introduced from the condenser duct and supply the heated air to the inside the drum, and a condensation water storage unit formed at a circumference of the condenser duct to store condensation water that is used to condense the moisture in the air moving inside the condenser duct. |
| US09657429B2 |
Laundry machine
The present invention relates to a laundry dryer that can prevent as well as remove wrinkles of laundry. A laundry dryer has a water supply source configured to be detachable from the laundry machine and a switch to switch a steam generator or a pump off or on when the water supply source is detached or not. |
| US09657428B2 |
Drain pump and washing machine having the same
A washing machine includes: a cabinet; a tub; a pump case provided so as to drain washing water; a pump filter that filters foreign substances in washing water and is able to be detached from the pump case; and a pump filter head that is combined with one side of the pump filter and causes the pump filter to rotate, wherein the pump filter head includes: a first head having a first state in which the first head is engaged with one side of the pump case and is combined with the pump case and a second state in which the first head is released from the pump case; and a second head that is positioned at front of the first head and is rotatable separately from the first head in the first state. A user can recognize whether the pump filter is fully fastened to the pump case. |
| US09657426B2 |
Washing machine and control method for the same
A washing machine is capable of determining whether measured vibration has been caused by noise or by rotation of the inner tub. The washing machine measures vibration occurring during rotation of the inner tub and performs control operation to address causes of vibration or prevent the washing machine from toppling in the case that the vibration has actually been caused by rotation of the inner tub. |
| US09657422B2 |
Washing machine
A washing machine of the present invention includes: an inner tub receiving laundry; a pulsator rotatably disposed in the inner tub; and guides disposed on the pulsator and guiding washing water, which is turned circumferentially in the inner tub, to the rotational center axis of the inner tub by hitting against the washing water. |
| US09657420B2 |
Sheared wool weaving method
A method of manufacturing an article of footwear includes providing a knitting machine having a processor programmed to cause the knitting machine to knit a wool pile fabric having a plurality of footwear components and simultaneously knitting wool fibers and a scrim to form the wool pile fabric including the footwear components. |
| US09657415B2 |
Fabric of continuous graphitic fiber yarns from living graphene molecules
Multi-functional and high-performing fabric comprising a first layer of yarns woven to form the fabric wherein the yarns comprise at least one unitary graphene-based continuous graphitic fiber comprising at least 90% by weight of graphene planes that are chemically bonded with one another having an inter-planar spacing d002 from 0.3354 nm to 0.4 nm as determined by X-ray diffraction and an oxygen content less than 5% by weight. A majority of the graphene planes in such a continuous graphitic fiber are parallel to one another and parallel to a fiber axis direction. The graphitic fiber contains no core-shell structure, has no helically arranged graphene domains or domain boundaries, and has a porosity level less than 5% by volume, more typically less than 2%, and most typically less than 1% (practically pore-free). |
| US09657406B2 |
Surface treating apparatus and plating tank
To prevent a plate-like work in a plating tank from swinging to improve quality of plating and prevent dropout or damages of a printed circuit board during transportation. A plating tank 2a includes an upper guide rail 11 that is provided above the plating tank 2a and transports a transport hanger 15a in a moving direction and a lower guide rail 14 that is provided inside the plating tank 2a and generates an attractive force against a lower clamp 49 of the transport hanger 15a. In the plating tank 2a, an attractive force is generated while performing plate processing to pull the lower clamp 49 of the transport hanger 15a downward, thereby giving tension to a plate-like work W. |
| US09657401B2 |
Gas generator for health use
A gas generator for health use is provided. The gas generator for health use includes an electrolysis device for electrolyzing water and producing a gas mixture that includes hydrogen and oxygen. The gas generator for health use further includes a gas mixing system coupled to the electrolysis device to receive the gas mixture. The gas mixing system is adapted to mix the gas mixture with water vapor, an atomized medicinal liquid, a volatile essential oil or a combination thereof to produce a health gas for being inhaled by a user. |
| US09657400B2 |
Electrolyzer assembly method and system
The present techniques provide a novel electrolyzer and methods for welding components of such electrolyzers. The techniques may use conductors, such as resistance wires, placed in paths around the internal structural features and edges of the components. The conductors may be incorporated into the components during manufacture by injection molding, or other molding techniques, or may be tacked or otherwise applied to the surface of the components after manufacture. When current, a field or other excitation is applied to the conductors, the plastic surrounding the wire is melted. If this plastic is in direct contact with an adjoining component, a strong, hermetic seal may be formed between the two components, including the internal structural features. |
| US09657396B2 |
Production of a decorative layer on ceramic surfaces
The invention relates to a mixture containing a gold thiolate, a rhodium(III) compound, and a solvent that contains at least one OH group, in which the mixture has a ratio V=(a)/(b)≧2.2; (a) is the fraction of solvent and (b) is the gold fraction of the gold thiolate, each relative to the total weight of the mixture. |
| US09657390B2 |
Magnetron sputtering coating device, a nano-multilayer film, and the preparation method thereof
A magnetron sputtering coating device includes a deposition chamber, sputtering cathodes, a rotating stand within the deposition chamber, a support platform on the rotating stand, a first rotation system for driving the rotating stand to rotate around a central axis of the rotating stand, and a baffle fixed on the rotating stand. The sputtering cathodes are arranged around and perpendicular to the rotating stand. |
| US09657386B2 |
Transparent conductive film and method for producing same
A transparent electroconductive film includes a transparent electrode layer on a transparent film substrate. The transparent electrode layer is formed of an amorphous indium tin composite oxide and has a tin oxide content of 3 to 12% by mass and a thickness of 15 to 30 nm. In an analysis range of the transparent electrode layer, a bond energy ESn of tin 3d5/2 and a bond energy EIn of indium 3d5/2 as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurement satisfy the following requirements: a minimum point of a bond energy difference between the bond energies ESn and EIn is present closer to the surface of the transparent electrode layer than a maximum point of the bond energy difference ESn−EIn; and a difference Emax−Emin between the maximum value Emax and the minimum value Emin of the bond energy difference is 0.1 eV or more. |
| US09657385B2 |
Method of manufacturing thermochromic substrate
A method of manufacturing a thermochromic substrate, with which transmittance can be increased. The method includes the steps of forming a first thin film as a coating on a base substrate, the refractive index of the first thin film being different from that of a VO2 thin film; forming a pre-thermochromic thin film by coating the first thin film with pure vanadium; forming a second thin film as a coating on the pre-thermochromic thin film, the refractive index of the second thin film being different from that of a VO2 thin film; and heat-treating a resultant stack that includes the base substrate, the first thin film, the pre-thermochromic thin film and the second thin film. |
| US09657383B2 |
Heat resistant ferritic steel and method for producing the same
There is provided a heat resistant ferritic steel including a base material including, by mass percent, C: 0.01 to 0.3%, Si: 0.01 to 2%, Mn: 0.01 to 2%, P: at most 0.10%, S: at most 0.03%, Cr: 7.5 to 14.0%, sol.Al: at most 0.3%, and N: 0.005 to 0.15%, the balance being Fe and impurities, and an oxide film that is formed on the base material and contains 25 to 97% of Fe and 3 to 75% of Cr. This heat resistant ferritic steel is excellent in photoselective absorptivity and oxidation resistance. |
| US09657382B2 |
High-strength hot rolled steel sheet
A high-strength hot rolled steel sheets with excellent stretch flangeability has small variations in mechanical properties in individual coils. Variations in strength from place to place in a coil are decreased by minimally reducing the Si and Mn contents to suppress the occurrence of problems such as segregation. Further, the microstructure of the steel sheets is configured such that a ferrite phase represents an area ratio of not less than 95%, the ferrite crystal grains have an average grain size of not less than 1 μm, and the ferrite crystal grains contain TiC with an average particle size of not more than 7 nm dispersed in the crystal grains. |
| US09657380B2 |
High strength hot-rolled steel sheet having excellent ductility, stretch flangeability and uniformity and method of manufacturing the same
A slab has a steel composition including 0.020% to 0.065% of C, 0.1% or less of Si, 0.40% to less than 0.80% of Mn, 0.030% or less of P, 0.005% or less of S, 0.08% to 0.16% of Ti, 0.005% to 0.1% of Al, 0.005% or less of N, and the balance being Fe and incidental impurities, in which Ti*(=Ti−(48/14)×N) satisfies [Ti*≧0.08] and [0.300≦C/Ti*≦0.375], is subjected to hot rolling to obtain a hot-rolled steel sheet in which the steel microstructure includes, in terms of area fraction, 95% or more of a ferrite phase; the average ferrite grain size is 10 μm or less; the average grain size of Ti carbides precipitated in steel is 10 nm or less; and Ti in the amount of 80% or more of Ti* is precipitated as Ti carbides. |
| US09657378B2 |
Pink colored silver containing alloys
The present invention is directed to a formulation of one or more low silver containing alloys (including those with silver content below 50 weight %, “w %”) that show one of the group of distinct pink, yellow and green colors and further demonstrate enhanced resistance to tarnish and other beneficial features described herein. |
| US09657371B2 |
Methods for extracting rare-earth metals and preparing gypsum plaster from phosphogypsum hemihydrate
The present invention relates to a method for complex processing of apatite concentrate resulting in producing concentrate of rare earth metals (REM) and plaster from phosphogypsum, a waste of sulphuric acid technology for producing phosphoric acid from apatite. The method comprises leaching of REM into solution by recrystallization of hemihydrate or anhydrite of calcium sulphate into dihydrate of calcium sulphate with a soluble calcium salt at concentrations of 0.075-3.75 M (in terms of Ca2+) and strong acid (pKa0) at a concentration of 0.2-8.0 M (in terms of H+). Recovery of REM into solution is up to 98%, the residual content of impurities of phosphorus, fluorine and alkali metals in dihydrate of calcium sulphate does not exceed 0.3 wt. %, 0.1 wt. %, 0.05 wt. %, respectively. |
| US09657367B2 |
Method for producing R-Fe-B based permanent magnet alloy recycled material having removed carbon
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing an alloy recycled material by effectively removing carbon from a carbon-containing alloy, which is produced as scrap or sludge of an R—Fe—B based permanent magnet, a used magnet, or the like. The method of the present invention as a means for resolution is characterized in that a carbon-containing R—Fe—B based permanent magnet alloy is subjected to an HDDR treatment to remove carbon. An alloy recycled material produced by the method of the present invention contains a reduced amount of carbon. Therefore, in the case where it is recycled for the production of a magnet, even when an increased amount is subjected to high-frequency heating in a vacuum melting furnace, a non-negligible increase in the amount of carbon contained in the produced magnet can be avoided. |
| US09657366B2 |
Method of reducing dew point of atmosphere gas in annealing furnace, apparatus for the same and method of producing cold-rolled and annealed steel sheet
Part of an atmosphere gas in a heating zone and/or a soaking zone is sucked out and is cooled through a high-temperature gas passage of a heat exchanger by heat exchange with a gas in a low-temperature gas passage, then cooled through a gas cooler, then dehumidified to a dew point of −45° C. or less in a dryer, then heated through the low-temperature gas passage of the heat exchanger by heat exchange with a gas in the high-temperature gas passage, and returned to the heating zone and/or the soaking zone. Part of gas flowing from the dryer toward the low-temperature gas passage of the heat exchanger is returned to a cooling zone. These can achieve a low dew point of −45° C. or less with high energy efficiency. |
| US09657362B2 |
Method for improving durability of exhaust pipe
In an exhaust gas purification apparatus or other apparatuses that are supplied with ammonia generated from a urea aqueous solution and causes selective reduction and purification of nitride oxides, a shot peening treatment is applied to a welded portion of its exhaust pipe which is made of a ferritic stainless steel plate and through which exhaust gas containing ammonia and hydrogen passes. By shot peening the welded portion of the exhaust pipe, a tensile residual stress in the welded portion of the exhaust pipe can be replaced with a compressive residual stress, and further the diameter of metal crystal grains in the welded portion can be reduced. In this way, the durability of the exhaust pipe can be improved. |
| US09657361B2 |
Broad detection of dengue virus serotypes
Processes for detecting Dengue virus (DENV) nucleic acid in a sample are provided including producing an amplification product by amplifying DENV nucleotide sequence and detection of an amplification by hybridization of a probe or other technique. The processes use primers or probes with introduced mutations and or degenerate bases that provide excellent superiority in detection and serotyping of DENV in a sample. |
| US09657358B2 |
Eukaryotic cells with artificial endosymbionts for multimodal detection
The present invention is directed generally to eukaryotic cells comprising single-celled organisms that are introduced into the eukaryotic cell through human intervention and which transfer to daughter cells of the eukaryotic cell, and methods of introducing such single-celled organisms into eukaryotic cells. The invention provides single-celled organisms that introduce a phenotype to eukaryotic cells that is maintained in daughter cells. The invention additionally provides eukaryotic cells containing magnetic bacteria. The invention further provides eukaryotic cells engineered with single-celled organisms to allow for multimodal observation of the eukaryotic cells. Each imaging method (or modality) allows the visualization of different aspects of anatomy and physiology, and combining these allows the imager to learn more about the subject being imaged. |
| US09657353B2 |
Specific detection of organisms derived from a sample
Methods, materials, and kits for distinguishing a population of cells or organisms truly present in a clinical specimen from contaminating cells or organisms is disclosed. The methods and kits use a suppressor to avoid false positive detection of contaminants in nucleic acid amplification reactions. |
| US09657351B2 |
MRNA-based gene expression for personalizing patient cancer therapy with an MDM2 antagonist
Use of at least an MDM2 gene panel, preferably a four gene MDM2 gene panel, as a biomarker for predicting the response to a MDM2 antagonist. |
| US09657349B2 |
PME-1 as a biomarker to predict and diagnose an increased risk of endometrial cancer and gene silencing of PME-1 to inhibit epithelial to mesenchymal transition
Disclosed are methods of attenuating activity of the PME-1 gene. siRNAs or shRNAs are used to target against PME-1, thereby reducing the PME-1 mRNA. It is disclosed that the siRNAs or shRNAs targeted against PME-1 attenuate the epithelial to mesenchymal transition, thereby inhibit endometrial cancer development. A kit containing siRNA or shRNA reagents for attenuating the PME-1 gene expression is also disclosed. |
| US09657348B2 |
Method of screening compounds for the treatment of diabetes
A method of screening for a candidate compound for the treatment of a condition involving dysregulation of metabolism in a mammal, by bringing a compound into contact with cells that express a GPCR and that further express a GRK, determining whether the contacting causes a response of the GRK in cells brought into contact with the compound, determining whether the contacting causes a response of a classical secondary messenger in cells brought into contact with the compound; and identifying the candidate compound based on the determined GRK response and response of a classical secondary messenger in the cells. A kit for use in the method. A compound for use in the treatment of a condition involving dysregulation of metabolism in a mammal and a method of treatment of such a condition. |
| US09657346B2 |
Methods, compositions, and kits comprising linker probes for quantifying polynucleotides
The present invention is directed to methods, reagents, kits, and compositions for identifying and quantifying target polynucleotide sequences. A linker probe comprising a 3′ target specific portion, a loop, and a stem is hybridized to a target polynucleotide and extended to form a reaction product that includes a reverse primer portion and the stem nucleotides. A detector probe, a specific forward primer, and a reverse primer can be employed in an amplification reaction wherein the detector probe can detect the amplified target polynucleotide based on the stem nucleotides introduced by the linker probe. In some embodiments a plurality of short miRNAs are queried with a plurality of linker probes, wherein the linker probes all comprise a universal reverse primer portion a different 3′ target specific portion and different stems. The plurality of queried miRNAs can then be decoded in a plurality of amplification reactions. |
| US09657344B2 |
Short cycle methods for sequencing polynucleotides
The invention provides methods for sequencing a polynucleotide comprising stopping an extension cycle in a sequence by synthesis reaction before the reaction has run to near or full completion. |
| US09657343B2 |
Rotation-dependent transcriptional sequencing systems and methods of using
Provided herein are rotation-dependent transcriptional sequencing methods and systems. |
| US09657342B2 |
Sequencing methods for prenatal diagnoses
The invention provides methods for determining aneuploidy and/or fetal fraction in maternal samples comprising fetal and maternal cfDNA by massively parallel sequencing. The method comprises a novel protocol for preparing sequencing libraries that unexpectedly improves the quality of library DNA while expediting the process of analysis of samples for prenatal diagnoses. |
| US09657340B2 |
Isothermal nucleic acid amplification
A kit for performing isothermal amplification of a nucleic acid target molecule, where the amplification relies on an upstream primer, a downstream primer, a strand invasion system and an oligonucleotide, wherein the upstream and downstream primers are not substrates for the strand invasion system during the amplification process and do not amplify the target molecule independently of the strand invasion system, wherein the oligonucleotide is a substrate for the strand invasion system. |
| US09657339B2 |
Method for amplification of target nucleic acid
A method for amplifying a target nucleic acid is disclosed, which includes: (a) fragmenting a nucleic acid sample to create a target fragment comprising a target nucleic acid and two probe-complementary portions; (b) contacting said fragmented nucleic acid sample with a probe comprising two target fragment-complementary portions complementary to the probe-complementary portions of the target fragment; (c) rendering the fragmented nucleic acid sample single-stranded; (d) allowing the probe-complementary portions to hybridise with the target-fragment complementary portions; (e) if the probe in step (b) is not immobilised, immobilising the probe-target fragment hybrid on a solid phase via immobilisation moiety; (f) separating non-immobilised nucleic acid fragments from the solid phase; (g) contacting the solid phase with a ligase to ligate ligatable 5′ and 3′ ends of the target fragment whereby the target fragment is circularized; and (h) amplifying said circularized target fragment. |
| US09657336B2 |
Systems and methods for detecting and quantifying a sequence of nucleotides
Methods and systems of quantifying a target material in solution include detection of a size change of a hybridized nanoparticle. In particular, the examples include functionalizing a plurality of nanoparticles to adapt the nanoparticles to hybridize with a species-specific target material, measuring the size of the functionalized nanoparticles to predetermine a standard distribution of non-hybridized nanoparticles, introducing the functionalized nanoparticles in a solution containing species-specific target materials and/or non-target materials, and hybridizing the functionalized nanoparticles with the species-specific target material if present in the solution. The size of the nanoparticles in solution are then measured after hybridization, and the presence or non-presence of the species-specific target material is detected and/or quantified by comparing the measured size of the nanoparticles after hybridization to the standard distribution of non-hybridized nanoparticles. |
| US09657333B2 |
Method for detecting target substance, assay kit, and detection apparatus
The present invention provides a method for detecting a target substance, including the steps of: preparing a complex (hybrid) comprising an aptamer which binds to the target substance, a first nucleic acid fragment comprising a nucleotide sequence complementary to the aptamer and a photoisomerizable molecule bound to a portion of the complementary nucleotide sequence, wherein the aptamer and the first nucleic acid fragment bound with the photoisomerizable molecule form double-stranded nucleotides binding; subjecting the photoisomerizable molecule to a first photoisomerization treatment to destabilize the double-stranded nucleotides binding; forming a complex of the target substance and the aptamer so as to dissolve the destabilized double-stranded nucleotides binding; subjecting the photoisomerizable molecule to a second photoisomerization treatment to restabilize double-stranded nucleotides binding; and detecting dissolution of double-stranded nucleotides binding wherein the first nucleic acid fragment bound with the photoisomerizable molecule separates from the aptamer. |
| US09657332B2 |
Probes for improved melt discrimination and multiplexing in nucleic acid assays
Methods and compositions for the detection and quantification of nucleic acids are provided. In certain embodiments, methods involve the use of primers or probes that comprise a non-natural nucleotide linked to a reporter. Target nucleic acids are detected by the polymerization of a complementary probe or primer that incorporated a cognate non-natural nucleotide linked to a quencher. |
| US09657329B2 |
Propeptide-luciferase fusion proteins and methods of use thereof
The present invention provides nucleic acid constructs that encode fusion peptides comprising a bioluminescent protein and a precursor of a secreted peptide or protein expressed at the cell surface and high throughput screening assays using same. |
| US09657328B2 |
Methods for modulating thermostability and acid tolerance of microbes
The present invention relates to a method for modulating thermostability or acid tolerance of a microbe by mutating a nucleic acid molecule encoding a homoserine o-succinyltransferase (MetA) to obtain a nucleic acid molecule encoding a mutant MetA and transforming a microbial cell with the nucleic acid molecule encoding a mutant MetA. The microbe, a bacteria expressing the mutant MetA of the present invention represents a growth rate improved in a vigorous environment such as higher-temperatures and/or lower pH conditions. |
| US09657327B2 |
Rapid microbial detection and antimicrobial susceptibility testing
A method for the detection of microorganisms in a sample comprising contacting said sample with a biosensor concentration module, allowing microorganisms to grow for a first period of time and detecting growth of discrete microorganisms as an indication of the presence of said microorganisms. |
| US09657326B2 |
Method of diagnosing pneumonia by detecting a volatile organic compound
The present invention relates to a method of diagnosing an existing or developing acute pneumonia induced by a microorganism by detecting one or more volatile organic compound(s) in a subject's sample and the use of one or more volatile organic compound(s) for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenza and optionally opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans. |
| US09657317B2 |
Host cells and method for making acrylate and precursors thereof using an odd-numbered alkane feedstock
Provided herein is an alkane-metabolizing cell that is unable to convert propionyl-CoA into methylmalonyl-CoA or 2-metylcitrate synthase. Depending on which enzymes are present in the cell, the cell can produce acrylate or a precursor for the same (e.g., propionate, 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA, 3-hydroxypropionate, acrylyl-CoA) that can be readily converted to acrylate enzymatically (e.g., in the cell) or by chemical treatment. In one embodiment, the cell may contain a cytochrome P450 or alkane oxidase enzyme that allows the production of 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA, which can be readily converted to 3-hydroxypropionate. In order to make such compounds, the cell may be grown in the presence of an odd-numbered chain alkane (e.g., pentane or heptane), although another odd-numbered chain alkane may be used. In another embodiment, the cell may contain acyl-CoA oxidase, enoyl-CoA hydratase, and hydrolase. |
| US09657315B2 |
Isobutanol production using yeasts with modified transporter expression
The present invention relates to recombinant microorganisms comprising an isobutanol producing metabolic pathway and methods of using said recombinant microorganisms to produce isobutanol. In various aspects of the invention, the recombinant microorganisms may comprise one or more modifications resulting in the reduction in the expression and/or activity of an endogenous transporter protein. In various embodiments described herein, the recombinant microorganisms may be microorganisms of the Saccharomyces clade, Crabtree-negative yeast microorganisms, Crabtree-positive yeast microorganisms, post-WGD (whole genome duplication) yeast microorganisms, pre-WGD (whole genome duplication) yeast microorganisms, and non-fermenting yeast microorganisms. |
| US09657313B2 |
Isoprene oligomer, polyisoprene, processes for producing these materials, rubber composition, and pneumatic tire
The invention relates to an isoprene oligomer that contains a trans structural moiety and a cis structural moiety, which can be represented by the following formula (1), wherein at least 1 atom or group in the trans structural moiety is replaced by another atom or group. The invention also relates to a polyisoprene, which is biosynthesized using the isoprene oligomer and isopentenyl diphosphate. Further, this invention provides a rubber composition comprising the isoprene oligomer and/or the polyisoprene, and a pneumatic tire, including tire components (e.g., treads and sidewalls) formed from the rubber composition. wherein n represents an integer from 1 to 10; m represents an integer from 1 to 30; and Y represents a hydroxy group, a formyl group, a carboxy group, an ester group, a carbonyl group, or a group represented by the following formula (2): |
| US09657310B2 |
Expression vector
Disclosed are a novel expression vector for efficient expression of recombinant proteins in mammalian cells, a mammalian cell transformed with the vector, and a method for production of the mammalian cell. The expression vector is an expression vector for expression of a mammalian protein and includes a gene expression regulatory site, and a gene encoding the protein downstream thereof, and an internal ribosome entry site further downstream thereof, and a gene encoding a glutamine synthetase further downstream thereof, and a dihydrofolate reductase gene downstream of either the same gene expression regulatory site or another gene expression regulatory site in addition to the former. |
| US09657302B2 |
Expression of human interferon in transgenic chloroplasts
A plastid transformation vector for a stably transforming a plastid genome is provided. The vector includes, as operably-linked components, a first flanking sequence, a DNA sequence coding for a therapeutic human IFN, which is capable of expression in the plastid and a second flanking sequence. The invention also provides isolated and purified IFN, wherein the IFN is configured in a monomeric or multimeric form and is a structural equivalent to orally administered human IFN. Also provided are methods for variable-expressing biopharmaceutical proteins in plants suitable for mammal consumption. The method includes integrating a plastid transformation vector into a plastid genome of a plant cell; growing the plant cell to express a biopharmaceutical protein, such as therapeutic human interferon IFN. Also disclosed are plants transformed with the aforementioned vectors, and the progeny thereof. Also, disclosed is the IFN, which is IFNα2b. |
| US09657301B2 |
Filamentous fungal mutants with improved homologous recombination efficiency
The present invention relates to a method for increasing the efficiency of targeted integration of a polynucleotide to a pre-determined site into the genome of a filamentous fungal cell with a preference for NHR, wherein said polynucleotide has a region of homology with said pre-determined site, comprising steering an integration pathway towards HR. The present invention also relates to a mutant filamentous fungus originating from a parent cell, said mutant having an HR pathway with elevated efficiency and/or an NHR pathway with a lowered efficiency and/or a NHR/HR ratio with decreased efficiency as compared to said HR and/or NHR efficiency and/or NHR/HR ratio of said parent cell under the same conditions. |
| US09657296B2 |
Modified oligonucleotides for telomerase inhibition
Compounds comprising an oligonucleotide moiety covalently linked to a lipid moiety are disclosed. The oligonucleotide moiety comprises a sequence that is complementary to the RNA component of human telomerase. The compounds inhibit telomerase activity in cells with a high potency and have superior cellular uptake characteristics. |
| US09657290B2 |
Scalable bio-element analysis
A method is provided for detecting one or more analytes in a sample. The method relies, in part, on the ability of functionalized particles added to the sample to partially or completely inhibit the transmission of electromagnetic radiation into and out of the sample through a detection surface in a reaction vessel containing the sample. In a microarray format, the invention can be used to screen millions, billions or more biological elements, such as an organism, cell, protein, nucleic acid, lipid, saccharide, metabolite, or small molecules. Methods, apparatuses and kits are described. |
| US09657286B2 |
Pre-processing/electrophoresis integrated cartridge, pre-processing integrated capillary electrophoresis device, and pre-processing integrated capillary electrophoresis method
To allow fully automated implementation of all steps of from pre-processing up to electrophoresis. Provided is a pre-processing/electrophoresis integrated cartridge including one or more block structures corresponding to the individual steps of pre-processing. Each block structure includes (1) a first block having a reaction tank, a reagent tank, a plurality of flow channels that connect the tanks, a plurality of control valves arranged in the flow channels, and a flow channel that connects a reaction tank in a block structure located at a preceding stage and a reaction tank in a block structure located at a next stage, and (2) a second block having a phoretic solution tank, a cathode buffer solution tank, a wash solution tank, a flow channel that connects a carrier tank in the block structure located at the preceding stage and the phoretic solution tank, and a control valve for the flow channel. |
| US09657277B2 |
Bacteriophage and antibacterial composition comprising the same
Provided is a novel bacteriophage ΦCJ19 (KCCM11361P). In addition, the present invention relates to an antibacterial composition including the bacteriophage ΦCJ19 (KCCM11361P) as an active ingredient. Further, the present invention is a method of preventing and/or treating infectious diseases by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in animals except for humans using the bacteriophage ΦCJ19 (KCCM11361P) or the antibacterial composition containing the bacteriophage ΦCJ19 (KCCM11361P) as an active ingredient. |
| US09657276B2 |
Neurovirulent strain of the West Nile virus and uses thereof
Neuroinvasive and neurovirulent strain of the West Nile virus, named IS-98-ST1, nucleic acid molecules derived from its genome, proteins and peptides encoded by said nucleic acid molecules, and uses thereof. |
| US09657271B2 |
Method of isolating cells from a tissue in a mammal
Solutions and suspensions comprising polymerized hemoglobin derived from human blood are disclosed. The solutions and suspensions may comprise cell culture medium, an enzyme (such as a protease), and/or a buffer. Processes of preparing the solutions and suspensions are also disclosed. The solutions and suspensions may be employed in methods of isolating mammalian cells, such as pancreatic islets, methods of preserving mammalian tissue and organs, methods of aiding the recovery of mammalian cells following their isolation, methods of maintaining mammalian cells, methods of propagating mammalian cells, and methods of treating a mammal with diabetes. |
| US09657270B2 |
Human disc tissue
This invention provides disc stem cells, processes for obtaining and culturing disc stem cells, and methods for repairing damaged or diseased disc tissue comprising the use of the disc stem cells of the invention. |
| US09657269B2 |
Regulatory B cells (tBREGS) and their use
Regulatory B cells (tBreg) are disclosed herein. These regulatory B cells express CD25 (CD25+) a pan B cell marker such as B220 (B220+), and also express CD19 (CD19+). These regulatory B cells suppress resting and activated T cells in cell contact-dependent manner. Methods for generating these regulatory B cells are also disclosed herein, as are methods for using these regulatory B cells to produce regulatory T cells (Treg). In some embodiments, methods for treating an immune-mediated disorder, such as an autoimmune disease, transplant rejection, graft-versus-host disease or inflammation, are disclosed. These methods include increasing regulatory B cell number or activity and/or by administering autologous regulatory B cells. Methods for treating cancer are also disclosed herein. These methods include decreasing regulatory B cell activity and/or number. |
| US09657267B2 |
Ex host maturation of germline stem cells
Methods are provided for the ex host maturation of immature germline cells into haploid gametes for restoration of fertility in patients in need thereof. |
| US09657266B2 |
Methods and systems for harvesting cells
Methods for using vibration to harvest cells grown in 3D culture are provided. The methods entail the application of force to cells attached to a 3D matrix of sufficient amplitude, frequency, and duration to detach cells from the matrix and to flush the detached cells out of the matrix material. An apparatus for performing the methods of the invention as provided. |
| US09657265B2 |
Tubular tissue-engineered constructs
The present invention provides constructs including a tubular biodegradable polyglycolic acid scaffold, wherein the scaffold may be coated with extracellular matrix proteins and substantially acellular. The constructs can be utilized as an arteriovenous graft, a coronary graft, a peripheral artery bypass conduit, or a urinary conduit. The present invention also provides methods of producing such constructs. |
| US09657264B2 |
Microorganisms for producing putrescine and process for producing putrescine using them
The present invention relates to a recombinant microorganism capable of producing putrescine at high yield due to inactivated activity of a protein having an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2 in the microorganism, and a method of producing putrescine using the microorganism. |
| US09657259B2 |
Cell culture flask and the cell culture device having it
The present invention relates to a cell culture flask for culturing a cell using a culture solution, particularly to a cell culture flask for culturing a cell without any contamination, to automatically introduce and discharge the culture solution or gases and to be stacked in turn, and a cell culture device having the same. The present invention provides a cell culture flask comprising a culture space; one or more culture solution inlet ports; one or more culture solution outlet ports; and one or more gas inlet ports, wherein the cell culture flask is made airtight and formed of a transparent material so that a user can see an internal portion of the cell culture flask, and a cell culture device having the same. |
| US09657258B2 |
Method of cleaning residual pesticide from an agricultural vessel
The present invention generally relates to methods of cleaning residual pesticide from an agricultural vessel, and to kits and compositions useful for the practice of such methods. |
| US09657256B2 |
Environmentally safe porcelain cleaning formulation, method and kit
A cleaning composition for porcelain comprises abrasive material and a carrier, wherein the carrier is water-based. The abrasive material comprises pumice with a particle size distribution such that at least 35 percent of the particles fall are 250 to 750 microns and wherein the carrier comprises a biodegradable gum in an amount sufficient to act as a thickener and suspending agent for the pumice. The cleaning composition further comprises glycerin and further comprises between 30% and 60% by weight pumice. The cleaning composition further comprises between 0.8% and 2.5% biodegradable gum and a thickener selected from one or more members of the group consisting of guar gum, locust bean gum, tara gum, xanthan, carrageenan, gellan gum and vegetable gum. |
| US09657254B1 |
Paint, ink and resin remover composition
A composition for removing paint, ink or resin from an article comprising a first alkyl glycoside surfactant, a second alkyl glycoside surfactant, sodium hydroxide, and citric acid. Optionally, the sodium hydroxide and citric acid may be replaced by sodium citrate. Alternatively, the composition comprises an alkyl glycoside surfactant, an alkyl polyethylene glycol ether surfactant and a sodium citrate. The composition rapidly and efficiently removes paint, ink and resin from brushes, rollers, tools and equipment by dispersing the paint, ink and resin and has very limited environmental impact. The removed paint, ink or resin sediments and collects on the bottom of the container. The sedimentation can be sped up with the addition of a flocculent. The top layer of the solution may be removed and reused, while the bottom paint, ink or resin layer can be dried and disposed of as solid waste. |
| US09657234B1 |
Mobile transport fuel refinery system and method, fuel refinery and dispensing system and method, and fuel composition
A mobile diesel fuel refinery system comprise a particulate filter adapted to remove particulates from diesel fuel flowing through the diesel fuel conduction system, a water filter adapted to remove water from diesel fuel flowing through the diesel fuel conduction system following its passage through the particulate filter, a magnetic field of sufficient strength to further refine the diesel fuel flowing through the diesel fuel conduction system following its passage through the water filter, a catalyst injector configured to inject the catalyst from a catalyst tank into the diesel fuel flowing through the diesel fuel conduction system following its passage through the magnetic field, a dispensing conduit configured to conduct the diesel fuel from the diesel fuel refinement apparatus following injection of the catalyst. |
| US09657233B2 |
Catalytic cracking process for the treatment of a fraction having a low conradson carbon residue
Process for the fluidized-bed catalytic cracking of a weakly coking feedstock having a Conradson carbon residue equal to or less than 0.1% by weight and a hydrogen content equal to or greater than 12.7% by weight, comprising at least a step of cracking the feedstock, a step of separating/stripping the effluents from the coked catalyst particles and a step of regenerating said particles, the process being characterized in that at least one coking, carbonaceous and/or hydrocarbonaceous effluent having a content of aromatic compounds of greater than 50% by weight, comprising more than 20% by weight of polyaromatic compounds, is recycled to homogeneously distributed and weakly coked catalyst, before regeneration, in order to adjust the delta coke of the process. |
| US09657232B2 |
Process for producing hydrocarbons
A process for converting biomass to products is described. Biomass is contacted with hydrogen in the presence of a fluidized bed of hydropyrolysis catalyst in a reactor vessel under hydropyrolysis conditions; and products and char are removed from the reactor vessel. The products leave the fluidized bed at an exit bed velocity, the char has a settling velocity that is less than the exit bed velocity and hydropyrolysis catalyst has a settling velocity that is greater than the exit bed velocity. |
| US09657230B2 |
Alkenyl dioxane compound, liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
A problem is to provide a liquid crystal compound satisfying at least one physical property such as high stability to heat and light, high clearing point, low minimum temperature of liquid crystal phase, small viscosity, suitable optical anisotropy, large dielectric anisotropy, suitable elastic constant and excellent compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds, a liquid crystal composition containing the compound, and a liquid crystal display device including the composition.The compound is represented by formula (1). In formula (1), for example, R1 is alkenyl; ring A1 and ring A2 are 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; Z1, Z2, Z3 are a single bond or —COO—; X1 is hydrogen or fluorine; L1, L2, L3 and L4 are hydrogen or fluorine; and a and b are each independently 0 or 1, a sum of a and b is 1, and when a is 1, at least one of ring A1 and ring A2 is 1,4-cyclohexylene. |
| US09657227B2 |
Preservation of cell-free RNA in blood samples
A method for preserving and processing cell-free nucleic acids located within a blood sample is disclosed, wherein a blood sample containing cell-free nucleic acids is treated to reduce both blood cell lysis and nuclease activity within the blood sample. The treatment of the sample aids in increasing the amount of cell-free nucleic acids that can be identified and tested while maintaining the structure and integrity of the nucleic acids. |
| US09657226B2 |
Composition for etching treatment of resin material
The present invention provides a composition for etching treatment of a resin material, the composition comprising an aqueous solution having a permanganate ion concentration of 0.2 mmol/L or more and a total acid concentration of 10 mol/L or more, and the aqueous solution satisfying at least one of the following conditions (1) to (3): (1) containing an organic sulfonic acid in an amount of 1.5 mol/L or more, (2) setting the divalent manganese ion molar concentration to 15 or more times higher than the permanganate ion molar concentration, and (3) setting the addition amount of an anhydrous magnesium salt to 0.1 to 1 mol/L. The composition for etching treatment of the present invention is a composition containing no hexavalent chromium and having excellent etching performance and good bath stability. |
| US09657219B2 |
Proppant and proppant delivery system
A method of increasing hydrocarbon production, the method including fracturing downhole formation and disposing an expandable proppant into the downhole formation. The method further includes expanding the expandable proppant into contact with the downhole formation and holding open the downhole formation with the expandable proppant. A proppant having an expandable outer shell layer, wherein the expandable outer shell layer is configured to expand outwardly to a size at least 10 percent greater in an open position than in a closed position. A proppant delivery system having a tool body, an expandable injector disposed on the side of the tool body, and an expandable proppant disposed within the tool body. |
| US09657214B2 |
Zero-invasion acidic drilling fluid
A drilling fluid system using retarded acid systems such as gelled acid (VES or polymer) and/or emulsified acid to drill carbonate formations (calcite and dolomite). Foamed acid may be used in low abnormal pressure carbonate reservoirs. The drilling fluid system permits drilling a target hydrocarbon-producing formation with zero-invasion of the drilling fluid system. A method for using the drilling fluid system for fluid loss control during drilling operations. |
| US09657209B2 |
Self-dispersing nanoparticles
The invention relates to a process for manufacturing nanoparticles that are self-dispersing in water. It also relates to the self-dispersing nanoparticles obtained by the process of the invention and also a process for manufacturing a heat-transfer fluid containing the nanoparticles according to the invention or obtained by the process of the invention. The process of the invention comprises the following steps: a) optionally, manufacture of an aqueous dispersion of nanoparticles chosen from the nanoparticles of alumina (Al2O3), of zinc oxide (ZnO), of titanium oxide (TiO2), of silica (SiO2) and of beryllium oxide (BeO), b) addition to an aqueous dispersion of nanoparticles chosen from nanoparticles of alumina (Al2O3), of zinc oxide (ZnO), of titanium oxide (TiO2), of silica (SiO2) and of beryllium oxide (BeO), of a water-soluble polymer chosen from polyvinyl alcohols, polyethylene glycols, polyvinylpyrrolidones, polyoxazolines, starches, and mixtures of two or more thereof, and c) thermal quenching of the dispersion obtained in step b), and d) lyophilization of the quenched dispersion obtained in step c). The invention finds an application in the field of coolants in particular. |
| US09657208B2 |
Azeotrope-like compositions of tetrafluoropropene and hydrofluorocarbons
Provided are azeotrope-like compositions comprising tetrafluoropropene and hydrofluorocarbons and uses thereof, including use in refrigerant compositions, refrigeration systems, blowing agent compositions, and aerosol propellants. |
| US09657207B2 |
Laser method for making shaped ceramic abrasive particles, shaped ceramic abrasive particles, and abrasive articles
A method of making shaped ceramic abrasive particles includes cutting a layer of ceramic precursor material using a laser beam and forming shaped ceramic precursor particles. Further thermal processing provides shaped ceramic abrasive particles. Shaped ceramic abrasive particles producible by the methods and abrasive articles containing them are also disclosed. |
| US09657201B2 |
Adhesive composition and image display device using same
The present invention provides an adhesive composition which has a cured product exhibiting high transparency and a high refractive index, and which has high adhesive strength and experiences little reduction in the adhesive strength, even when exposed to high temperatures. In order to achieve the above the adhesive composition includes: (1) a hydrocarbon polymer having a total light transmittance of visible light, as measured according to JIS K7361-1, of at least 80%; (2) at least one kind of (meth)acrylic monomer selected from a mono(meth)acrylic monomer having one (meth)acrylic group in a molecule and a di(meth)acrylic monomer having two (meth)acrylic groups in a molecule; and (3) a photoinitiator; wherein 30-190 parts by weight of component (2) are included relative to 100 parts by weight of component (1). |
| US09657200B2 |
Waterborne adhesives for reduced basis weight multilayer substrates and use thereof
The adhesive composition comprising emulsion polymers and microspheres and articles made therefrom are provided. The adhesive is particularly suitable for packages for consumer products that provide sufficient strength and thermal insulation while reducing the overall basis weight of the substrates. |
| US09657199B2 |
Anti-foaming agents for hot-melt adhesives
A polyamide hot melt adhesive composition is described comprising the polyamide condensation product of substantially equimolar quantities of: (a) an acid component consisting essentially of one or more polymeric fatty acids and one or more dicarboxylic acids, and (b) an amine component consisting essentially of one or more cyclic aliphatic diamines, one or more non-cyclic aliphatic diamines in which the amine groups are bonded to odd-numbered carbon atoms on the aliphatic chain, and one or more alkylene diamines, and (c) an anti-foaming or defoaming agent comprised of a water based silicone compound comprising 5% solids in water wherein the defoaming agent reduces or eliminates foaming occurring during the condensation reaction providing the condensation product and (d) an acid based catalyst. |
| US09657195B2 |
Aqueous coating agent and gas barrier film
An aqueous coating composition includes an aqueous polyurethane resin including a polyurethane resin having an acid group and a polyamine compound, a water-soluble polymer, and an inorganic layered mineral. The aqueous polyurethane resin is included at a solid content of 50-80 mass %, the water-soluble polymer is included at a solid content of 5-20 mass %, and the inorganic layered mineral is included at a solid content of 10-30 mass %, relative to a total solid content of the aqueous coating composition. The aqueous coating composition has a total solid concentration of not less than 5 mass % and a viscosity of not larger than 50 mPa-second at 23° C. |
| US09657187B2 |
Ink composition and recording method
An ink composition includes a pigment; polymer particles; and a polar solvent with a boiling point of 150° C. or higher, in which the polymer particles include a core polymer and a shell polymer that covers at least a portion of the core polymer, a glass transition point of the polymer that configures the core polymer is more than 30° C. lower than the glass transition point of the polymer that configures the shell polymer, the polymer that configures the shell polymer includes a polymer having a (meth)acrylate monomer unit and a carboxylic acid monomer unit, the content (solid content conversion) of the polymer particles is 1.0 mass % to 10 mass % with respect to the total amount of the ink composition, and the content of the polar solvent is 10 mass % to 40 mass % of the total amount of the ink composition. |
| US09657177B1 |
UVC reflective coating
The present disclosure provides an ultraviolet light-C (UVC) reflective coating composition. The UVC reflective coating includes a polymer binder of a first volume having a first refractive index and an inorganic material of a second volume having a second refractive index at least 0.2 greater than the first refractive index, the second volume in ratio to the first volume such that the reflective coating is at or below critical pigment volume concentration (CVPC) (CPVC), wherein the reflective coating is configured to diffusely reflect at least 10% UVC. |
| US09657176B2 |
C.I. pigment yellow 74 (insoluble AZO pigment), and coloring composition using same
A C.I. Pigment Yellow 74 as an insoluble azo pigment is provided. This C.I. Pigment Yellow 74 is crystalline particles. The ratio (26.6°/11.7°) of a diffraction intensity of a peak at 26.6° to a diffraction intensity of a peak at 11.7° in terms of Bragg angle (2θ±0.2°) as measured by powder X-ray diffraction using CuK α-radiation is 0.85 to 1.12, and the average primary particle size is 20 to 130 nm. The use of this C.I. Pigment Yellow 74 as a colorant in a coloring composition enables to provide the coloring composition with excellent dispersibility and good particle size stability and storage stability compared with conventional pigments. The use of this coloring composition enables the formation (recording) of images having excellent clarity and transparency of such high levels that have not been achievable by conventional technologies. |
| US09657166B2 |
Polymeric compositions and processes for molding articles
The present invention is directed to a polymeric article comprising a blend of (a) a first polymeric component; (b) a second polymeric component the second polymeric component including an α-olefin multilock interpolymer present in the amount of about 20 percent or less by weight of the second polymeric component; and (c) at least one reinforcement material; wherein the concentration of the second polymeric component is greater than about 20 wt. % based on the total concentration of the first polymeric component and the second polymeric component. The polymeric articles desirably have one or more of the following characteristics: a soft touch feel, a low gloss appearance, or a high surface durability. |
| US09657163B2 |
Shape retaining material and method for producing the same
The present invention provides a single-layer shape retaining material which is a fibrous, band-like, or sheet-like stretched formed material comprising 100 parts by weight of a high-density polyethylene resin having a weight-average molecular weight of 100,000 to 500,000 and a density of 0.945 to 0.960 g/cm3 and 3 to 50 parts by weight of an ethylene-α-olefin copolymer obtained by copolymerizing ethylene with an α-olefin having 4 to 10 carbon atoms, the copolymer having a density of 0.935 to 0.960 g/cm3, the difference in density between the copolymer and the high-density polyethylene resin being ±0.020 g/cm3 or less and a method for producing same. |
| US09657162B2 |
Bio resin compositions, bio molded article and method of manufacturing the same
Disclosed is a bio resin composition, a bio molded article, and a method of manufacturing the same. The bio resin composition is environmentally friendly and provides at least a predetermined level of physical properties, such as hardness, strength, and the like, by including a bio polyethylene resin, a thermoplastic olefin resin, a polypropylene resin, and an inorganic filter and by further including a thermoplastic rubber. The present composition reduces the generation of volatile organic compounds, and may increase the diversity of its use through injection molding. |
| US09657155B2 |
Containers and materials with improved punctureability
The present description includes containers having an improved puncture design that can be punctured without substantial deformation of the container. Such containers are particularly suitable for use in preparing beverages using automatic machines, particularly those used for preparation of single serve beverages. Also provided are thermoplastic materials having improved punctureability for use in containers, containers for preparation of a beverage, and methods for preparing a beverage using such containers. |
| US09657150B2 |
Reactive superhydrophobic surfaces, patterned superhydrophobic surfaces, methods for producing the same and use of the patterned superhydrophobic surfaces
The present invention generally relates to methods for modifying and/or producing superhydrophobic surfaces. In particular, the present invention relates to reactive superhydrophobic surfaces which can be modified so as to produce superhydrophobic surfaces having patterns of different chemical functionalities or physical properties such as superhydrophilic-superhydrophobic micropatterns, and uses of these patterned superhydrophobic surfaces as self-cleaning coatings, anti-fouling coatings, or slippery coatings, or for chemical, biological and diagnostic applications, as well as methods for producing the same. |
| US09657149B2 |
Polyvinyl acetal films containing cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic acid esters as a plasticizer
A plasticizer-containing film of polyvinyl acetal having a softening temperature Tg of less than 74° C. contains at least one cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid ester as a plasticizer. The plasticizer-containing films have a low tendency for sweating of the plasticizer, and are useful in producing laminate safety glasses and photovoltaic modules. |
| US09657144B2 |
Polysiloxane polyether copolymers having (polyether)moieties comprising carbonate groups and their use as stabilizers for the production of polyurethane foams
The present invention relates to polysiloxane polyether copolymers which comprise at least one (polyether) moiety which comprises at least one unit —O—C(O)—O—, to a process for the production of the polysiloxane polyether copolymers, and also to the use of the polysiloxane polyether copolymers as stabilizers in the production of polyurethane foams, and also to polyurethane foams and items therefrom which are obtainable through the process. |
| US09657139B2 |
Liquid resol-type phenolic resin
A liquid resol-type phenolic resin obtained by reacting a phenol (A), and a secondary and/or tertiary alkylamine compound (B) in the presence of a basic catalyst. The nitrogen content relative to the total weight of the liquid resol-type phenolic resin is preferably from 3 to 30% by weight. Further, the secondary and/or tertiary alkylamine compound (B) is preferably hexamethylenetetramine. Moreover, the molar ratio between the phenol (A) and the secondary and/or tertiary alkylamine compound (B) preferably satisfies (B)/(A)=0.13 to 0.35. |
| US09657137B2 |
Process for preparing a macromonomer
The present invention relates to a process for preparing hydrophobically associating macromonomers M and to the novel macromonomers prepared by means of the process according to the invention. The macromonomers M comprise a copolymerizable, ethylenically unsaturated group and a polyether structure in block form, the latter consisting of a polyethyleneoxy block and a hydrophobic polyalkyleneoxy block consisting of alkyleneoxy units having at least 4 carbon atoms. Optionally, the macromonomers M may have a terminal polyethyleneoxy block. The macromonomers prepared by the process according to the invention are suitable for reaction with further monomers, especially with acrylamide, to give a water-soluble, hydrophobically associating copolymer. |
| US09657136B2 |
Production method for polyacetal copolymer
A production method for a polyacetal copolymer that makes deactivation of a catalyst simple and efficient and that achieves a high polymerization yield and high quality using equipment that does not require a cleaning step and a process that involves a simple operation technique. The production method for a polyacetal copolymer uses trioxane as a main monomer and a cyclic ether and/or a cyclic formal having at least one carbon-carbon bond as a comonomer. In the production method, a predetermined heteropoly acid is used as a polymerization catalyst to perform copolymerization, a predetermined salt is added to the reaction product, melt kneading processing is performed, and the polymerization catalyst is deactivated. |
| US09657134B2 |
Polyurethanes, articles and coatings prepared therefrom and methods of making the same
The present invention provides polyurethanes including a reaction product of components including: (a) about 1 equivalent of at least one polyisocyanate; (b) about 0.05 to about 1 equivalents of at least one branched polyol having 4 to 18 carbon atoms and at least 3 hydroxyl groups; (c) about 0.01 to about 0.3 equivalents of at least one polycarbonate diol; and (d) about 0.1 to about 0.9 equivalents of at least one polyol different from the branched polyol and having 2 to 18 carbon atoms, wherein the reaction product components are essentially free of polyether polyol and the reaction components are maintained at a temperature of at least about 100° C. for at least about 10 minutes; compositions, coatings and articles made therefrom and methods of making the same. |
| US09657133B2 |
Rigid polyurethane foams
The invention relates to rigid polyurethane foams which can be produced by reacting a) polyisocyanates with b) compounds having at least two hydrogen atoms which are reacted toward isocyanate groups in the presence of c) blowing agents, wherein the polyisocyanate a) used is a mixture of diphenylmethane diisocyanate and polyphenylenepolymethylene polyisocyanates comprising a1) 30-35% by weight of diphenylmethane diisocyanate, a2) 21-28% by weight of polyphenylenepolymethylene polyisocyanate having three aromatic rings, a3) 8-13% by weight of polyphenylenepolymethylene polyisocyanate having four aromatic rings, a4) 24-41% by weight of polyphenylenepolymethylene polyisocyanate having five or more aromatic rings, where the percentages by weight of the components a1) to a4) are based on the total weight of the components a1) to a4) and add up to 100% by weight. |
| US09657130B1 |
Polyurethane materials formed from unsaturated plant oils via an alkyne zipper reaction
A process of forming a polyurethane material includes forming an unsaturated alcohol from an unsaturated plant oil via a reduction reaction. The process includes forming an alkyne-terminated alcohol from the unsaturated alcohol and forming a polyol having two primary hydroxyl groups from the alkyne-terminated alcohol. The process further includes polymerizing a mixture that includes the polyol having the two primary hydroxyl groups to form a polyurethane material. |
| US09657128B2 |
Thermosetting resin composition containing polymer having specific terminal structure
Novel thermosetting resin composition is provided. A thermosetting resin composition containing a polymer having a repeating structural unit of the following Formula (1-a): (wherein each of R1 and R2 is independently a hydrogen atom, a C1-4 alkyl group, phenyl group, or a C3-6 cyclic alkyl group, X is a single bond or a divalent organic group, and Y is a divalent organic group), and a terminal structure of the following Formula (1-b): (wherein Q is a C1-5 alkylene group, phenylene group in which at least one hydrogen atom may be substituted by a halogen atom, or a 5- or 6-membered divalent saturated heterocyclic group containing at least one nitrogen atom, and R3 is a hydrogen atom or methyl group). |
| US09657120B1 |
Cyanoacrylate compositions
This invention relates to cyanoacrylate-containing compositions, which when cured provide improved heat resistance. |
| US09657118B2 |
Toughening agent for epoxy thermoset
An epoxy thermoset that includes a reaction product of a toughening agent prepared from a reaction of a first epoxy resin and a polyether polyamine, a second epoxy resin and a liquid amine hardener for the toughening agent and the second epoxy resin. The toughening agent is an adduct of the second epoxy resin and the polyether polyamine. The polyether polyamine phase of the toughening agent separates to form particles in the epoxy thermoset, where the particles have a volume average diameter in a range from 20 nanometers to 200 nanometers. |
| US09657115B2 |
Polymer compound for a conductive polymer and method for manufacturing same
A polymer compound for a conductive polymer including one or more repeating units represented by general formula (1), which has been synthesized by ion-exchange of a lithium salt, sodium salt, potassium salt, or nitrogen compound salt of a sulfonic acid residue, and has a weight average molecular weight in the range of 1,000 to 500,000, wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or methyl group, R2 represents a single bond, an ester group, or a linear, branched, or cyclic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms which may have either or both of an ether group and an ester group, and Z represents a phenylene group, naphthylene group, or ester group. There can be provided a polymer compound for a conductive polymer having a specific super strongly acidic sulfo group, which is soluble in an organic solvent, and suitably used for a fuel cell or dopant for a conductive material. |
| US09657114B2 |
Electrically chargeable encapsulated particles
Methods of encapsulating particles (260) in polymer (280, 382, 384) and compositions of matter using such encapsulated particles (260). Methods include mixing particles (260) of one or more materials with one or more initial radical polymerizable monomers (265) and one or more initial charge-generating components (270) to form a first suspension of monomer-wetted particles (260/265/270), mixing the first suspension with an aqueous dispersant medium (275) to form a second suspension, adding one or more initial reaction initiators to at least one of the first suspension and the second suspension, subjecting the second suspension to homogenization sufficient to form a stable submicron emulsion having an aqueous continuous phase (275), and reacting available radical polymerizable monomers (265) of the emulsion to encapsulate the particles (260) in one or more layers of polymer (280, 382, 384) and to incorporate ionic species from available charge-generating components (270). |
| US09657105B2 |
CD123-specific chimeric antigen receptor redirected T cells and methods of their use
A family of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) containing a CD123 specific scFv was developed to target different epitopes on CD123. In some embodiments, such a CD123 chimeric antigen receptor (CD123CAR) gene includes an anti-CD123 scFv region fused in frame to a modified IgG4 hinge region comprising an S228P substitution, an L235E substitution, and optionally an N297Q substitution; a costimulatory signaling domain; and a T cell receptor (TCR) zeta chain signaling domain. When expressed in healthy donor T cells (CD4/CD8), the CD123CARs redirect T cell specificity and mediated potent effector activity against CD123+ cell lines as well as primary AML patient samples. Further, T cells obtained from patients with active AML can be modified to express CD123CAR genes and are able to lyse autologous AML blasts in vitro. Finally, a single dose of 5.0×106 CAR123 T cells results in significantly delayed leukemic progression in mice. These results suggest that CD123CAR-transduced T cells may be used as an immunotherapy for the treatment of high risk AML. |
| US09657100B2 |
Folate receptor 1 antibodies and immunoconjugates and uses thereof
Novel anti-cancer agents, including, but not limited to, antibodies and immunoconjugates, that bind to human folate receptor 1 are provided. Methods of using the agents, antibodies, or immunoconjugates, such as methods of inhibiting tumor growth are further provided. |
| US09657098B2 |
Anti-hepcidin antibodies and uses thereof
The present application relates to antibodies that specifically bind to hepcidin and methods of using the antibodies. Another aspect relates to antibodies which bind hepcidin and regulate iron homeostasis. Another aspect relates to the use of humanized antibodies which bind hepcidin for the treatment of a disease or condition associated with hepcidin. |
| US09657092B2 |
S100A4 antibodies and therapeutic uses thereof
The invention relates to antibodies against S100A4, methods for the preparation of these antibodies, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these antibodies, and therapeutic and diagnostic uses thereof. |
| US09657090B2 |
Method of treating alveolar bone loss through the use of anti-sclerostin antibodies
The invention provides a method of treating alveolar bone loss involving administration of a sclerostin inhibitor to a subject in need thereof. |
| US09657085B1 |
Protease inhibitor: protease sensitive expression system and method improving the therapeutic activity and specificity of proteins and phage and phagemids delivered by bacteria
A genetically engineered live bacterium which is adapted to selectively replicate in and colonize a selected tissue type within the mammal, and concurrently produce within the selected tissue type at least one protease-sensitive cytotoxic molecule which is degradable by proteases within the selected tissue type, and at least one protease inhibitor peptide to inhibit the proteases within the selected tissue type from proteolytically degrading the protease sensitive cytotoxic molecule. The combination results in higher concentrations of the cytotoxic molecule local to the colonization, while permitting protease degradation of the cytotoxic molecule further away from the colonization. |
| US09657079B2 |
Truncated GLP-1 derivatives and their therapeutical use
The invention relates to truncated GLP-1 analogs, in particular a GLP-1 analog which is a modified GLP-1(7-35) (SEQ ID No 1) having: i) a total of 2, 3, 4, 5 6, 7, 8, or 9 amino acid substitutions as compared to GLP-1(7-35), including a) a Glu residue at a position equivalent to position 22 of GLP-1(7-35), and b) an Arg residue at a position equivalent to position 26 of GLP-1(7-35); as well as derivatives thereof, and therapeutic uses and compositions. These analogs and derivatives are highly potent, have a good binding affinity to the GLP-1 receptor, also to the extracellular domain of the GLP-1 receptor, which is of potential relevance achieving long-acting, stable GLP-1 compounds with a potential for once weekly administration. |
| US09657078B2 |
Composition for long-acting peptide analogs
The invention describes compositions of peptide analogs that are active in blood or cleavable in blood to release an active peptide. The peptide analogs have a general formula: A-(Cm)x-Peptide (SEQ ID NO: 76), wherein A is hydrophobic moiety or a metal binding moiety, e.g., a chemical group or moiety containing 1) an alkyl group having 6 to 36 carbon units, 2) a nitrilotriacetic acid group, 3) an imidiodacetic acid group, or 4) a moiety of formula (ZyHisw)p (SEQ ID NO: 50), wherein Z is any amino acid residue other than histidine, His is histidine, y is an integer from 0-6; w is an integer from 1-6; and p is an integer from 1-6; wherein if A has alkyl group with 6 to 36 carbon units x is greater than 0; and Cm is a cleavable moiety consisting of glycine or alanine or lysine or arginine or N-Arginine or N-lysine, wherein x is an integer between 0-6 and N may be any amino acid or none. The peptide analogs are complexed with polymeric carrier to provide enhanced half-life. |
| US09657077B2 |
Carcinoma homing peptide (CHP), its analogs, and methods of using
A mini-peptide and its analogs have been found to target gene products to tumors. The peptide, named Carcinoma Homing Peptide (CHP), increased the tumor accumulation of the reporter gene products in five independent tumor models, including one human xenogeneic model. A CHP-IL-12 fusion gene was also developed using CHP and the p40 subunit of IL-12. The product from CHP-IL-12 fusion gene therapy increased accumulation of IL-12 in the tumor environment. In three tumor models, CHP-IL-12 gene therapy inhibited distal tumor growth. In a spontaneous lung metastasis model, inhibition of metastatic tumor growth was improved compared to wild-type IL-12 gene therapy, and in a squamous cell carcinoma model, toxic liver lesions were reduced. The receptor for CHP was identified as vimentin. CHP can be used to improve the efficacy and safety of targeted cancer treatments. |
| US09657076B2 |
GM-CSF and IL-4 conjugates, compositions, and methods related thereto
In certain embodiments, this disclosure relates to conjugates comprising GM-CSF and IL-4 and uses related thereto, e.g., enhancing the immune system. Typically the GM-CSF and IL-4 are connected by a linker. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to isolated nucleic acids encoding these polypeptide conjugates, vectors comprising nucleic acid encoding polypeptide conjugates, and protein expression systems comprising these vectors such as infectious viral particles and host cells comprising such a nucleic acids. |
| US09657071B2 |
IgE peptide vaccine
It is intended to provide an IgE peptide vaccine that can be used in the prevention or treatment of allergic diseases in animals other than mice, such as humans or dogs. The present invention provides a peptide consisting of (i) the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 28, or (ii) an amino acid sequence consisting of at least 10 consecutive amino acids in the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 28, wherein the peptide, when administered to an animal, is capable of specifically binding to a CH3 region in an IgE antibody of the animal and thereby blocking the binding of the IgE antibody to an IgE receptor. |
| US09657069B2 |
Anti-cancer compositions containing WNT decoy receptor
The present invention relates to a composition for preventing or treating cancer comprising Wnt decoy receptor. The composition of the present invention or the expression product thereof inhibits cancer generation, growth, proliferation and metastasis, and induces apoptosis of cancer cells, by binding to Wnt ligand and blocking ligand-receptor interactions, therefore may be effectively used as an anti-cancer agent. |
| US09657068B2 |
Telomerase polypeptide vaccine for treating cancer
A polypeptide comprising the sequence of SEQ. ID NO. 2, 3, 4, 7 or 8. The polypeptide may have the sequence of an immunogenic fragment thereof comprising at least eight amino acids, wherein the immunogenic fragment is not one of SEQ. ID NOS. 6 or 11 to 16. The polypeptide may have a sequence having at least 80% sequence identity to the aforementioned polypeptide or immunogenic fragment. The polypeptide is less than 100 amino acids in length and does not comprise the sequence of any of SEQ. ID NOS. 10, 46, 56, 57 or 59 to 62 and does not consist of the sequence of SEQ ID NO. 58. The polypeptide is useful in the treatment or prophylaxis of cancer. |
| US09657066B2 |
Pseudomonas exotoxin A with less immunogenic B cell epitopes
The invention provides a Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE) comprising an amino acid sequence having a substitution of one or more of amino acid residues E420, D463, Y481, L516, R563, D581, D589, and K606, wherein the amino acid residues are defined by reference to SEQ ID NO: 1. The invention further provides related chimeric molecules, as well as related nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, populations of cells, and pharmaceutical compositions. Methods of treating or preventing cancer in a mammal, methods of inhibiting the growth of a target cell, methods of producing the PE, and methods of producing the chimeric molecule are further provided by the invention. |
| US09657065B2 |
Scalable process for protein purification
The invention provides a process for the purification recombinantly expressed, self-assembled VLP from the homogenate of a bacterial host, wherein the process can be scaled up to a commercial production scale in a cost effective manner. The process comprises a first chromatography using an anion exchange matrix, a second chromatography using hydroxyapatite and, optionally, a size exclusion chromatography. VLP preparations obtained by the process of the invention are essentially free of endotoxin contaminations. |
| US09657062B2 |
Ghrelin analogues
The present invention relates, inter alia, to ghrelin analogs and their medical use, for example in the treatment of cachexia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., gastroparesis and/or inflammatory disorders such as colitis, gut barrier dysfunction, and ischemia reperfusion injury), loss of body weight, and decreased appetite. |
| US09657054B2 |
Immunoglobulin aggregate removal
For the removal of high molecular weight compounds from recombinantly produced polypeptides generally chromatographic methods are employed. It has been found that underivatized controlled pore glass (uCPG) selectively binds high molecular weight compounds present in a solution. The purified polypeptide can be recovered e.g. from the flow through of a chromatography column containing uCPG as chromatography material. It has been found that this effect is pronounced at a pH value of about 4 to 6 in buffered solutions. With approximately 100 m2 to 150 m2 uCPG surface per g of polypeptide almost 80% to 95% of the high molecular weight compounds are removed with a yield of 80% to 90% of polypeptide. |
| US09657053B2 |
Modulators of retinoid-related orphan receptor gamma
Methods for modulating (inhibiting or stimulating) retinoid-related orphan receptor γ (RORγ) activity. This modulation has numerous effects, including inhibition of TH-17 cell function and/or TH-17 cell activity, and inhibition of re-stimulation of TH-17 cells, which are beneficial to treatment of inflammation and autoimmune disorders. Stimulation of RORγ results in stimulation of TH-17 cell function and/or activity which is beneficial for immune-enhancing compositions (e.g., vaccines). |
| US09657052B2 |
Compounds and methods of making sterols using diols
Compounds and methods of synthesizing oxysterols are provided. The compounds and methods provided allow the oxysterol to be safely produced at a high yield. The compounds and methods provided can produce the oxysterol in a stereoselective manner. |
| US09657051B2 |
3-(4′-substituted)-benzyl-ether derivatives of pregnenolone
The invention relates to a compound of Formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: wherein R1 is C1-8 alkyl, C1-8 alkoxy, CN, NO2, amino, COOH, COOCH3, OH, N3, or halogen and R2 is H, OH, C1-8 alkyl, C1-8 alkoxy, C2-C6 alkenyl, halogen, Bn-O—, Bn- optionally substituted, or Ph- optionally substituted. |
| US09657047B2 |
Crystallization of epirubicin hydrochloride
A crystalline epirubicin hydrochloride and a method for its production are provided. The method for producing the crystalline epirubicin hydrochloride includes the steps: (a) providing epirubicin hydrochloride, (b) producing a mixture containing the provided epirubicin hydrochloride and at least one alcohol selected from the group 1-butanol, 2-butanol, and 1-pentanol, and (c) crystallizing epirubicin hydrochloride from this mixture. |
| US09657044B2 |
Method for antagonizing STAT3 dimerization and compounds for use therein
A compound of the formula: Also, a method for antagonizing STAT3 dimerization in a patient in need thereof which by administering to such patient a therapeutically acceptable dose of the compound of Formula I. Further, a method for treating a cancer patient in need thereof by administering a therapeutically effective dose of the compound of Formula I. |
| US09657041B2 |
Chiral aryl or aryl-alkyl phosphoramidate dexamphetamine precursors having a regioisomeric purity >99%
The invention includes processes for the synthesis of amphetamine, dexamphetamine, methamphetamine, derivatives of these, including their salts, and novel precursors and intermediates obtained thereby, by synthesizing aziridine phosphoramidate compounds in specified solvents at specified temperatures, and then converting to a novel aryl or aryl-alkyl phosphoramidate precursors using an organometallic compound such as a copper salt, where the novel aryl or aryl-alkyl phosphoramidate precursor is then easily converted to the target compounds using known reactions. |
| US09657039B2 |
Production method for alkoxysilanes
Provided is a method for efficiently producing alkoxysilanes that are useful as various functional chemicals. In order to produce alkoxysilanes efficiently, an ethoxy- or methoxysilane and an alcohol are caused to react using, as a catalyst, for instance an inorganic solid acid having a regular-pore and/or layered structure. Zeolites, montmorillonites or the like can be used as the inorganic solid acid. When a zeolite is used as the catalyst, the silica/alumina ratio of the zeolite ranges preferably from 5 to 1000. The reaction can be promoted through irradiation of microwaves. |
| US09657038B2 |
Guanidine-functionalized particles and methods of making and using
Guanidine-functionalized particles and methods of making and using such particles. |
| US09657037B2 |
Pyrrole compounds with silicon incorporation
The present invention discloses novel Silicon incorporated pyrrole compounds of Formula I having potential anti-bacterial properties. The invention further discloses a process for synthesis of pyrrole compounds with silicon incorporation of Formula I and to the pharmaceutical composition thereof. |
| US09657035B1 |
Method of treating cancer and gold(III) complexes as anti-cancer agents
A method for treating cancer and gold(III) complexes with diaminocyclohexane ligand as anticancer agents. Also described are a pharmaceutical composition incorporating the gold(III) complexes and a method of synthesizing the gold(III) complexes. |
| US09657034B2 |
Substituted furo[3,2-c]pyridines, thieno[3,2-c]pyridines, thieno[2,3-d]pyridazines and pyrido[3,4-d]pyridazines as phosphodiesterase type 10A inhibitors
The present invention relates to novel compounds of the formula I which are inhibitors of phosphodiesterase type 10A and to their use for the manufacture of a medicament and which thus are suitable for treating or controlling of medical disorders selected from neurological disorders and psychiatric disorders, for ameliorating the symptoms associated with such disorders and for reducing the risk of such disorders. wherein Q is O or S, X1 is N or CH, X2 is N or C—R7; X3 is O, S—X4═C(R8)—, where C(R8) is bound to the carbon atom which carries R2, or —X5═C(R9)—, where X5 is bound to the carbon atom which carries R2; X4 is N or C—R9; X5 is N; Het is selected from optionally substituted phenyl, monocyclic hetaryl and fused bicyclic hetaryl; R1 is selected inter alia from hydrogen, halogen, OH, C1-C4-alkyl, trimethylsilyl, C1-C4-alkylsulfanyl, C1-C4-alkoxy-C1-C4-alkyl, C1-C4-alkoxy, C1-C4-alkoxy-C1-C4-alkoxy, the moiety Y1-Cyc1; R2 is selected inter alia from hydrogen, halogen, OH, C1-C4-alkyl, trimethylsilyl, C1-C4-alkoxy-C1-C4-alkyl, C1-C4-alkoxy, C1-C4-alkoxy-C1-C4-alkoxy, C2-C4-alkenyloxy, etc; A represents one of the following groups A1, A2, A3, A4 or A5: where * indicates the points of attachment to Het and to the nitrogen atom, respectively; and where R3 to R9, R3e, R3f, A′, Y1 and Cyc1 are defined in the claims. |
| US09657033B2 |
Tetrahydronaphthyridine and related bicyclic compounds for inhibition of RORγ activity and the treatment of disease
The invention provides tetrahydronaphthyridine and related compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, methods of inhibiting RORγ activity, reducing the amount of IL-17 in a subject, and treating immune disorders and inflammatory disorders using such tetrahydronaphthyridine and related compounds. |
| US09657031B2 |
Ant-ligands molecules and biological applications
ANT-ligands having a substituted nitrogeneous heterocycle A wherein A is a substituted pyrimidinone of formula I wherein R1 is —(CH2)n-CO—OH; —(CH2)n-CO—OR; —(CH2)n-CO—NHR; —(CH2)n-CO—N(R, R′); —(CH2)n-OH; —(CH2)n-OR; —(CH2)n-OAr; —(CH2)n-C(R,R′)—(CH2)n-OH, R and R′, in the above radicals, being identical or different and representing H or a C1-C12 alkyl or cycloalkyl radical; and Ar is a phenyl or Het., Het. representing an heterocyclic radical with one or several hetero atoms selected between N, S and O, said phenyl or heterocycle being optionally substituted by one or several atoms, groups or radicals selected from halogen atoms such as Cl, Br, I, or halogenated groups such as —CCl3 or —CF3; one or several —OH, —OR, —COOH or —COOR groups; a phenyl; a linear or branched C1-C12 alkyl radical; —NH—COR; or —CN; said groups occupying the same or different positions on the phenyl or heterocyclic radical; a linear or branched C1-C12 alkyl radical; a linear or branched C2-C12 alkylene radical; —(CH2)n-C3-C6 cycloalkyl radical; —(CH2)n Ar or —(CH2)n-Het.; —(CH2)n-NH—CO—R; —(CH2)n-NH2; —(CH2)n-N(R,R′); —(CH2)n-NH—CO—OH; —(CH2)n-NH—CO—OR; —NH—(CH2)n-CO—OH; —NH—(CH2)n-CO—OR; R2 is —(CH2)n-Ar, Ar being such as above defined and being optionally substituted such as above defined; a linear or branched C1-C12 alkyl or C2-C12 alkenyl radical, —(CH2)n-OH; —(CH2)n-OR; —(CH2)n-CO-Het; —(CH2)n-NH—CO—R; —(CH2)n-NH2; —(CH2)n-N(R,R′); —(CH2)n-CO—OH; —(CH2)n-CO—OR; a linear or branched C1-C12 alkyl radical; —(CH2)n-C(R)═CH—C(R)═CH2; R3 forms a phenyl or an heterocyclic condensed group with the two adjacent carbons of the pyrazinone residue, said condensed group being optionally substituted such as above defined for Ar and Het.; and/or condensed to a cyclohexyl or oxanyl group, in turn optionally substituted such as above defined for Ar; n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 5; or A is a substituted pyrimidine of formula II wherein R4 is a —CO—NH—Ar radical, optionally substituted such as above defined; R5 forms a phenyl or heterocyclic group condensed to the two adjacent carbon groups of the pyrazine residue, said phenyl or heterocyclic group being optionally substituted such as above defined, and Ar being such as above defined with respect to formula I or A is a substituted pyridine group of formula III wherein, Ar and R2 are as above defined with respect to formula I. |
| US09657022B2 |
7-OXO-1,6-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]octane derivatives and their use as antibacterial agents
Compounds of Formula (I), their preparation, and use in preventing or treating a bacterial infection are disclosed. |
| US09657020B2 |
Ergoline compounds and uses thereof
Provided herein are ergoline compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. In some embodiments, provided herein are methods of treatment, prevention, or amelioration of a variety of medical disorders such as, for example, migraine using the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein. In still other embodiments, provided herein are methods of agonizing receptors such as, for example, the 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors without agonizing the 5-HT2B receptor using the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein. In still other embodiments, provided herein are methods of antagonizing the 5-HT2B adrenergic alpha2A and/or the alpha2B receptors using the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein. In still other embodiments, provided herein are methods of antagonizing the D2 and D3 receptor using the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein. |
| US09657017B2 |
Crystal form of (R)-praziquantel and preparation method and application thereof
The present invention relates to a crystal form of (R)-praziquantel and a preparation method and uses thereof. The X-ray diffraction pattern (CuKα radiation) of the crystal form of (R)-praziquantel at 25° C. shows the following diffraction peaks: 2-Theta =6.9±0.2°, 8.3±0.2°, 15.1±0.2°, 17.4±0.2°, 19.8±0.2°, 21.9±0.2°, 24.3 ±0.2° or d=12.74±0.20 Å, 10.61±0.20 Å, 5.87±0.20 Å, 5.09±0.20 Å, 4.48±0.20 Å, 4.06±0.20 Å, 3.66±0.20 Å. Compared to the existing crystal form of praziquantel, the crystal form of the present invention has better solubility, better drug efficacy and better pharmacokinetic characteristics. The preparation method of the present invention has the following advantages: good reproducibility, environmentally friendly, low cost, and able to operate at a normal pressure and temperature, and suitable for large-scale production. |
| US09657014B2 |
Substituted 1,6-naphthyridines
The present invention relates to the use of compounds of general formula I wherein R′, R1, R2 and R3 are as defined herein, or to a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt, to a racemic mixture or to its corresponding enantiomer and/or optical isomers thereof, and for methods to treat a variety of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. |
| US09657009B2 |
Heteroaryl substituted pyridyl compounds useful as kinase modulators
Compounds having the following formula (I) or a stereoisomer or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, wherein R2 is a monocyclic heteroaryl group, and R1, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are as defined herein, are useful as kinase modulators, including IRAK-4 inhibition. |
| US09657008B2 |
Chemical compounds
The invention concerns compounds of Formula (I) or pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1 and R2 have any of the meanings defined hereinbefore in the description; processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of cell proliferative disorders. |
| US09657004B2 |
Pyruvate kinase M2 modulators, therapeutic compositions and related methods of use
Compositions comprising compounds that modulate pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) are described herein. Also described herein are methods of using the compounds that modulate PKM2 in the treatment of cancer. |
| US09656998B2 |
Intermediates for preparing triazole agonists of the APJ receptor
Compounds of Formula V, salts thereof, tautomers thereof, and salts of the tautomers are useful intermediates in the synthesis of agonists of the APJ Receptor. Compounds of Formula V have the following structure: where the definitions of the variables are provided herein. |
| US09656993B2 |
Crystalline forms of a biphenyl compound
The invention provides crystalline forms of biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(2-{[4-(4-carbamoylpiperidin-1-ylmethyl)benzoyl]methylamino}ethyl)piperidin-4-yl ester, and pharmaceutically acceptable solvates thereof. The crystalline form can be a freebase, or a salt such as a diphosphate, monosulfate or dioxalate salt. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising these crystalline compounds or prepared using these compounds; processes and intermediates for preparing the crystalline compounds; and methods of using these compounds to treat a pulmonary disorder. |
| US09656992B2 |
Pyrimidine compounds for the treatment of hepatitis C
The disclosure provides compounds of formula I, including pharmaceutically acceptable salts, as well as compositions and methods of using the compounds. The compounds have activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and may be useful in treating those infected with HCV. |
| US09656987B2 |
Process for preparing 3-[(S)-7-bromo-2-((2-oxopropyl)amino)-5-pyridin-2-yl-3H-1,4-benzodiazepin-3-yl]Propionic acid methyl ester
A process for preparing 3-[(S)-7-bromo-2-(2-oxo-propylamino)-5-pyridin-2-yl-3H-1,4,-benzodiazepin-3-yl]propionic acid methyl ester at a high conversion rate with good reproducibility by oxidizing 3-[(S)-7-bromo-2-(2-hydroxy-propylamino)-5-pyridin-2-yl-3H-benzo[e][1,4]diazepin-3-yl]propionic acid methyl ester in the presence of an oxidation catalyst is provided by defining the ammonium ion content of 3-[(S)-7-bromo-2-(2-hydroxy-propylamino)-5-pyridin-2-yl-3H-benzo[e][1,4]diazepin-3-yl]propionic acid methyl ester. |
| US09656984B2 |
PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors and pharmaceutical uses thereof
The invention relates to new PI3K/AKT/m TOR inhibitors and their use for the prevention and/or the treatment of a disease selected from the group consisting of: inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, transplant rejection, diseases characterized by a premature aging and tuberous sclerosis. |
| US09656980B2 |
Catalyst for tetrahydrofuran synthesis
Provided are catalysts suitable for the production of tetrahydrofuran from 1,4-butanediol. Also provided are methods of use of these catalyst, as well as catalyst systems. The catalysts described herein contain only Lewis acidity, but not Broønsted acidity, which results in decreased production of ether byproducts. |
| US09656977B2 |
Polyamide hardeners for epdxy resins
A polyamide composition comprising a reaction product of: a) an excess of a polyfunctional amine; b) a dimer fatty acid; and c) a monomer fatty acid is disclosed. The polyamide composition can be used as a hardener in epoxy resin formulations. |
| US09656971B2 |
COMT inhibitors
The present invention relates to compounds of formula wherein the substituents are described in claim 1 and to the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds inhibit the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). The compounds may be used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, depression, cognitive impairment and motor symptoms, resistant depression, cognitive impairment, mood and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. |
| US09656970B2 |
5-(trifluoromethyl)pyrimidine derivatives and method for producing same
Provided are 5-(trifluoromethyl)pyrimidine derivatives useful as intermediates for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals and as intermediates for electronic materials and methods for producing the same. 2,4-dichloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyrimidine is reacted with 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, benzyl alcohol, or benzenethiol to obtain the intended 2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-4-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyrimidine, 2-benzyloxy-4-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyrimidine, 2,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyrimidine, or 2-chloro-4-phenylthio-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyrimidine. |
| US09656963B2 |
Dihydropyrazole GPR40 modulators
The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I): or a stereoisomer, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein all of the variables are as defined herein. These compounds are GPR40 G protein-coupled receptor modulators which may be used as medicaments. |
| US09656961B2 |
Methods for treating depressive symptoms
The present application relates methods for treating a depressive symptom comprising administering an effective amount of a μ opioid receptor agonist or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to a subject in need thereof. Non-limiting examples of such agonist include the compounds of Formulas I, II, III, and IV, as well as the compounds of Table A. |
| US09656957B2 |
Hydrazone modulators of cannabinoid receptors
Hydrazone compounds which modulate cannabinoid receptors are presented. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, methods of using these compounds as modulators of cannabinoid receptors and processes for synthesizing these compounds are also described herein. |
| US09656950B2 |
Method for producing oxime
Provided is a method for efficiently producing an oxime, which is a method for producing an oxime by oxidizing, an amine, the method comprising a first contact step and a second contact step, wherein the second contact step is performed by bringing an additional amine into contact with oxygen in the presence of at least a part of an oxidation product obtained in the first contact step. |
| US09656949B2 |
Substituted carboxylic acid derivatives as aggrecanase inhibitors for the treatment of osteoarthritis
The present invention relates to compounds of the formula I and in particular medicaments comprising at least one compound of the formula I for use in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of physiological and/or pathophysiological states in the triggering of which ADAMTS5 is involved, in particular for use in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of osteoarthritis, hepatocirrhosis, traumatic cartilage injuries, pain, allodynia or hyperalgesia. |
| US09656948B2 |
Compound, optical resolution method, and derivative of an optical isomer of an amino acid
Disclosed is a compound represented by chemical formula (1): or chemical formula (2): |
| US09656945B2 |
3-acyl-ingenols II
The invention relates to compounds of general formula I, (I), wherein R is wherein R is aryl substituted by R3; or R is (C3-Ci3)-cycloalkyl, (C3-Ci3)-cycloalkenyl or (C7-Ci3)-cycloalkynyl optionally substituted by R4; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, or solvates thereof, for use—alone or in combination with one or more other pharmaceutically active compounds—in therapy, for preventing, treating or ameliorating diseases or conditions responsive to stimulation of neutrophil oxidative burst, responsive to stimulation of keratinocyte IL-8 release or responsive to induction of necrosis. |
| US09656944B2 |
Fatty acid ester compositions for use as emollients
A novel fatty acid ester having the general formula R1—COOR2 wherein R1 and R2 are hydrocarbon groups derived from a branched fatty acid and an alcohol, respectively. R1 is derived from a branched fatty acid which has been refined from a commercially available acid to give a product with a high concentration of monobranched fatty acids and a low concentration of polybranched fatty acids. The use of the ester derived from the refined fatty acid is found to be particularly useful in personal care compositions, for example as an emollient. |
| US09656940B2 |
Process for the recovery of acetic acid
The present invention relates to a process for the recovery of acetic acid. The invention more particularly relates to a process comprising a stage of liquid/liquid extraction of an aqueous solution comprising acetic acid and to a stage of distillation of the extract obtained. |
| US09656938B2 |
Organic compounds
An aryl-substituted alkanal compound having a molecular weight of less than 300 g/mol and which bears a substituent on the aryl ring ortho to a substituent bearing the aldehyde functionality. Said compounds are useful as perfume ingredients in personal care and household care products. |
| US09656937B2 |
Processes for converting biomass-derived feedstocks to chemicals and liquid fuels
The present invention provides processes, methods, and systems for converting biomass-derived feedstocks to liquid fuels and chemicals. The method generally includes the reaction of a hydrolysate from a biomass deconstruction process with hydrogen and a catalyst to produce a reaction product comprising one of more oxygenated compounds. The process also includes reacting the reaction product with a condensation catalyst to produce C4+ compounds useful as fuels and chemicals. |
| US09656936B1 |
Preparation and use of cyclododecatriene trialdehyde and related compounds
Disclosed herein are compositions and methods related to the hydroformylation of cyclododecatriene to form cyclododecatriene trialdehyde, and the conversion of the trialdehyde to the polyphenols of Formula 1: where R, m p and Q are as defined herein. Curable compositions comprising compounds of Formula 1, including powder coating compositions, and methods of curing the compositions are also disclosed. |
| US09656929B2 |
Co-extraction systems for separation and purification of butadiene and isoprene
Co-extraction techniques for separating and purifying butadiene and isoprene from a C4 hydrocarbon mixture including butadiene and a C5 hydrocarbon mixture including isoprene are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a system includes a dimerization heat exchanger, a C5 purification column; an extraction zone including a mainwasher column, a rectifier column and an afterwasher column; a distillation zone; a degassing zone; and an isoprene finishing column. The system can further include a C5 washer column, an absorption column, and a distillation column. |
| US09656918B2 |
Hydraulic binder based on ground granulated blast furnace slag having improved setting improved curing
Disclosed are a hydraulic binder composition containing at least 50% by weight of ground granulated blast furnace slag and a system for activating the slag, the system containing at least calcium sulphate, at least one product chosen from a source of Portland clinker and lime, at least one aluminum derivative and at least one alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt; containing a ready-to-mix building material composition comprising such a hydraulic binder and aggregates of inert material capable of being agglomerated in the presence of an aqueous phase; and a process for employing the ready-to-mix composition containing a stage of mixing the said composition with water for the purpose of the preparation of a building material, such as a concrete or mortar, and in particular an adhesive mortar, pointing mortar or levelling mortar or coating. |
| US09656917B2 |
White or colored cementitious mixture for manufacture of concrete, mortar and pastes with thermochromatic properties
The present invention relates to a white or colored cementitious mixture for the manufacture of micro-concrete or normal concrete, mortar or pastes with thermochromatic properties, i.e., changing its color depending on the temperature at which the material is exposed. This color change is reversible after some time of exposure to another level of temperature. This cementitious mixture comprises the following components, in percentage in weight of the components relative to the total weight of the composition: a) 35-80% of white or gray Portland cement; b) 0.1-30% of finely ground limestone filler; c) 0.01-3% of powdered super-plasticizer; d) 0.01-3% of modified polyvinyl resins; e) 0.01-5% of dispersant of vinyl acetate and ethylene copolymers; f) 0.3-15% of encapsulated photochromic copolymers; and also one or more components selected from: g) 1-10% of binding regulator; h) 0.1-4% of zinc stearate; i) 1-20% of metakaolins; j) 5-60% of artificial pozzolans; k) 0.1-15% of inorganic pigments. |
| US09656916B2 |
Dimensionally stable geopolymer composition and method
A method for making geopolymer cementitious binder compositions for cementitious products such as concrete, precast construction elements and panels, mortar, patching materials for road repairs and other repair materials, and the like is disclosed. The geopolymer cementitious compositions of some embodiments are made by mixing a synergistic mixture of thermally activated aluminosilicate mineral, calcium sulfoaluminate cement, a calcium sulfate and a chemical activator with water. |
| US09656909B2 |
Methods for forming vias in glass substrates
Methods for forming vias in glass substrates by laser drilling and acid etching are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method forming a via in a glass substrate includes laser drilling the via through at least a portion of a thickness of the glass substrate from an incident surface of the glass substrate. The method further includes etching the glass substrate for an etching duration to increase a diameter of an incident opening of the via and applying ultrasonic energy to the glass substrate during at least a portion of the etching duration. The applied ultrasonic energy has a frequency between 40 kHz and 192 kHz. |
| US09656900B2 |
Methods to fabricate nano-macro porous glass using a water soluble pore former
Provided herein are methods for preparing nano-macroporous glass articles, such as bioscaffolds, from starting materials such as phosphosilicate glasses made by melt-quench methods, mixed with a soluble pore former such as a sugar, followed by steps of dissolving, heating, and leaching to yield a glass composition having a highly interconnected system of both macropores and large scale nanoporosity. |
| US09656898B2 |
Automatic substitution of blank molds in the manufacture of hollow glass products
A process for manufacturing a hollow glass product using an I.S. machine and a robot that can move alongside blank molds of the I.S. machine, wherein the robot is capable of replacing one or more blank molds, section after section. The I.S. machine for manufacturing hollow glass products includes a robot that can move alongside the blank molds, and the robot is capable of carrying plural tools having different functions, simultaneously and/or alternately, chosen from an electromagnet, and/or a spray tube for greasing by spraying, and/or an optical pyrometer, an infrared or equivalent viewing port, and/or a rotary abrasive tool, and/or a camera or equivalent. |
| US09656892B2 |
Leach field form and method of use
A leach field form comprising: a container with an open bottom and an open top, and four exterior walls of a first height, and at least one interior wall; at least one geonet volume with an open bottom and an open top located in the container; at least one granular volume with an open bottom and an open top located in the container; and where any of the at least one geonet volumes is separated from any adjacent granular volume by an interior wall. A method of making a leach field using a leach field form comprising: digging a trench; placing a leach field form in the trench; backfilling the trench, allowing backfill to fill any granular volumes in the form; inserting geonet into geonet volume located in the form; and removing the form from the trench. |
| US09656886B2 |
Electrical purification apparatus and methods of manufacturing same
An electrical purification apparatus and methods of making same are disclosed. The electrical purification apparatus may provide for increases in operation efficiencies, for example, with respect to decreased residence times and higher purity water. |
| US09656883B2 |
Forward osmosis system comprising solvent separation by means of membrane distillation
The invention relates to a system for separating a product contained as solvent in a solution to be processed, comprising at least one forward osmosis device (816) through which the solution to be processed and a draw solution flow, and a device connected downstream thereof for obtaining the product (56, 62) from the diluted draw solution exiting the forward osmosis device, wherein the forward osmosis device comprises at least one flow channel conducting the solution to be processed and at least one flow channel conducting the draw solution, the inner space of a respective flow channel conducting the solution to be processed is delimited at least partially by a semi-permeable membrane wall that is permeable to the solvent of the solution to be processed but not to the substance dissolved therein, and at least one flow channel conducting the draw solution is delimited on opposite sides by membrane walls that are associated with two adjoining flow channels conducting the solution to be processed, such that solvent from the solution to be processed passes through the membrane walls into the adjoining flow channels conducting the draw solution. |
| US09656876B1 |
Method for reducing elemental sulfur in gypsum products
Disclosed are various methods for reducing levels of elemental sulfur within gypsum products such as wall board. Gypsum sometimes includes increased levels of elemental sulfur. Such sulfur can be corrosive and otherwise harmful at elevated levels. The disclosure contemplates reacting the elemental sulfur with copper to copper sulfide. This reaction has the benefit of reducing the levels of elemental sulfur present within the final gypsum product. The copper can be added at any of a variety of locations in the manufacturing process. This is a very efficient method for reducing elemental sulfur in the production of gypsum products. |
| US09656874B2 |
Method for producing metal oxide-containing particles, and method for producing aggregates of metal oxide colloidal particles
A method for producing particles containing a metal oxide is provided, and the method includes: feeding a metal oxide sol having a pH of 7 or higher and containing metal oxide colloidal particles as dispersoids and water as a dispersion medium, into a liquid containing a solvent having a solubility in 20° C. water of 0.05 g/100 ml or more and having a relative permittivity of 30 or lower (protic solvent) or of 40 or lower (aprotic solvent) at 20° C., and thereby forming aggregates of the metal oxide colloidal particles in the liquid; and subjecting the aggregates to a treatment such as drying and heating, and thereby converting the aggregates into particles that are insoluble in water. By appropriately selecting the solvent, particles can be obtained in the form of flakes, fibers, spheres, and the like. |
| US09656873B2 |
Purification of tungsten carbide compositions
In one aspect, methods of purifying WC compositions are described herein. A method of purifying a WC composition comprises contacting the WC composition with an electrolyte solution comprising a cationic metal oxidant and oxidizing one or more metal impurities of the WC composition with the cationic metal oxidant to solubilize the one or more metal impurities in the electrolyte solution. |
| US09656869B2 |
Process for the preparation of trisilylamine from monochlorosilane and ammonia
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 in which such a process can be carried out with advantage. |
| US09656864B2 |
Method for producing hydrogen fluoride
The present invention provides a novel method for producing hydrogen fluoride, which is capable of using various calcium fluoride sources and preventing a second pasty state from occurring, effectively.In a method for producing hydrogen fluoride by reacting calcium fluoride with sulfuric acid, following steps are conducted: (a) a step for mixing and reacting calcium fluoride particles having an average particle diameter of 1-40 μm with sulfuric acid at a sulfuric acid/calcium fluoride molar ratio of 0.9-1.1 under a temperature of 0-70° C. to obtain a solid-state reaction mixture; and (b) a step for heating the solid-state reaction mixture to a temperature of 100-200° C. to react with itself, and thereby producing hydrogen fluoride in a gas phase. |
| US09656863B2 |
Method and apparatus for feeding municipal solid waste to a plasma gasifier reactor
A method and apparatus are described for supplying municipal solid waste (MSW), and/or other types of solid waste comprising both organic waste material and inorganic waste material, into a plasma gasifier reactor (PGR) in which the solid waste is to be processed. |
| US09656861B2 |
Solar power harvesting system with metamaterial enhanced solar thermophotovoltaic converter (MESTC)
A solar power system includes a sunlight concentrating system (e.g., a heliostat), a thermophotovoltaic (TPV) converter and a thermal power system. The TPV converter includes a metamaterial emitter formed on a box-like enclosure, and an associated photovoltaic (PV) cell. The sunlight concentrating system directs the concentrated sunlight through an inlet opening of the box-like enclosure to heat the metamaterial emitter above 1000° K. Bull's eye structures formed on outward-facing surfaces of the box-like enclosure utilize concentric circular ridges spaced at a fixed grating period that, when heated, generate a radiant energy beam having a peak emission wavelength roughly equal to the grating period. The PV cell converts the radiant energy to produce primary electrical energy. Unconverted solar “waste” heat energy exits the box-like enclosure and is converted by the thermal power system (e.g., using a steam generator) to produce secondary electrical energy. |
| US09656860B2 |
Use of metal native oxide to control stress gradient and bending moment of a released MEMS structure
In described examples, a MEMS device is formed by forming a sacrificial layer over a substrate and forming a first metal layer over the sacrificial layer. Subsequently, the first metal layer is exposed to an oxidizing ambient which oxidizes a surface layer of the first metal layer where exposed to the oxidizing ambient, to form a native oxide layer of the first metal layer. A second metal layer is subsequently formed over the native oxide layer of the first metal layer. The sacrificial layer is subsequently removed, forming a released metal structure. |
| US09656857B2 |
Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices at different pressures
Some embodiments relate to multiple MEMS devices that are integrated together on a single substrate. A device substrate comprising first and second micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) devices is bonded to a capping structure. The capping structure comprises a first cavity arranged over the first MEMS device and a second cavity arranged over the second MEMS device. The first cavity is filled with a first gas at a first gas pressure. The second cavity is filled with a second gas at a second gas pressure, which is different from the first gas pressure. A recess is arranged within a lower surface of the capping structure. The recess abuts the second cavity. A vent is arranged within the capping structure. The vent extends from a top of the recess to the upper surface of the capping structure. A lid is arranged within the vent and configured to seal the second cavity. |
| US09656851B1 |
Method and apparatus for reducing residual fuel in a dispensing nozzle
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the dispensing of liquids (e.g., fuel) where the apparatus and method include an improved nozzle that reduces residual liquid retained in the nozzle when dispensing is stopped. |
| US09656846B2 |
Paint can tool
Disclosed is a device and method for a unitary paint can hand tool with a combination of a pry tab for lifting a paint can lid, a piercing tip to pierce the paint can gutter, a depth stop to stop the piercing tip from going too far into the gutter and a hammer on the proximal end for pounding the lid back onto the paint can. It creates an all in one tool that is perfect for a painter to use, without the need to carry around three separate tools. My unitary tool replaces the old way of doing things with a screwdriver for prying, an awl and a hammer for punching the gutter, and a soft hammer to reseal the lid back on the paint can. |
| US09656839B2 |
Jack and support device
A jacking device for lifting and supporting earthmoving equipment or vehicles, the jacking device including: a base; a jacking leg mounted to the base, the jacking leg for lifting a load to an elevated position; a top plate mounted to the jacking leg, the top plate for engaging the load; and, a support member mounted directly or indirectly to the base, wherein the support member is positionable to engage the top plate and thereby provide additional support to the load in the elevated position. |
| US09656838B2 |
Method for influencing a cable winch force acting on a cable drive and device for carrying out a method of this type
A method for influencing a cable winch force acting on a cable drive, comprises the method steps providing a cable drive with a drivable winch and with a cable that can be wound on the winch, providing a device for producing a traction sheave cable force on the cable, determining an outer cable force, predetermining a cable drive operating state, providing a control-regulating unit to influence the traction sheave cable force, producing a control-regulating variable by means of the control-regulating unit depending on the outer cable force and the predetermined cable drive operating state, producing the traction sheave cable force by means of the device and influencing the traction sheave cable force by means of the control-regulating unit in such a way that the cable winch force acting on the cable drive can be controlled depending on the respective cable drive operating state and the outer cable force, wherein the device is a traction sheave drive, wherein a four-quadrant operation of the traction sheave drive is reproduced by means of the control-regulating unit, and wherein the four traction sheave drive operating states are no-load lifting, no-load lowering, load lifting and load lowering. |
| US09656837B2 |
Motorcycle engine hoist
An engine hoisting assembly for supporting an engine comprises a ground supporting frame, a substantially upright member having a longitudinal axis, a boom operably connected to the upright member, lifting means to selectively move the boom up or down along upright member's longitudinal axis and engine connecting means to operably connect the boom to the engine. The boom is maintained at a substantial horizontal orientation when lifting means selectively moves boom up or down. |
| US09656836B2 |
Safety device comprising two straps with different fracture strengths
A safety device comprising two straps, the first strap being of a shorter length and a smaller fracture strength, and the second strap being of a longer length and a larger fracture strength, with one end of the first strap and one end of the second strap being adapted to be attached together to a hoisting rope, and the other end of the first strap and the other end of the second strap being adapted to be attached together to a tie back attachment point. |
| US09656830B2 |
Yarn recovery device and yarn feed system comprising said device
A yarn recovery device includes a support structure that can be associated upstream or downstream with a yarn feed device, a yarn entry eye and exit eye rigidly connected to the support structure; a drum rotatably associated with the support structure having a seat to accommodate the yarn operationally located between the entry eye and the exit eye; the drum being switchable between a deactivated configuration, in which the seat is substantially aligned with the entry eye and the exit eye and the path of the yarn is not diverted by the drum, and an activated configuration, in which the seat is misaligned in relation to the entry eye and the exit eye and the path of the yarn is diverted by the drum that winds the yarn round itself. |
| US09656829B2 |
Methods for laminating composites
Composite tape is laminated onto a substrate using a gantry to move a tape laminating head along the length of the substrate. The laminating head is mounted for movement along a beam on the gantry that extends across the width of the substrate. The direction of lamination may be altered by changing the angular orientation of the beam. |
| US09656828B2 |
Tape dispenser
A tape dispenser that includes a seat and a cover. The seat includes a acting portion for installing and cutting a tape, and a support portion connecting to the acting portion and supporting the acting portion to be placed on a surface. The support portion includes a first pivotal portion and a first adhesion portion for adhering to the surface. The cover is pivotally connected to the support portion, and includes a second pivotal portion pivotally engaged with the first pivotal portion, and a covering portion connected to the second pivotal portion and formed at an area larger than that of the first adhesion portion. The covering portion comprises a first position at which the covering portion covers the first adhesion portion, and a second position at which the covering portion is disengaged from the first adhesion portion to make the first adhesion portion adhere to the surface. |
| US09656824B2 |
Reel handling system for a winder, and method in this regard
The invention relates to a reel handling system for a winder (50), in which bobbins (1) with a material web (2) can be applied, with the result that a plurality of reels (3) which are wound on the bobbins (1) with a material web (2) are produced, having a feed unit (10), in order to transfer a plurality of bobbins (1) to a receiving unit (20), wherein the receiving unit (20) is arranged movably between the feed unit (10) and a transfer station (60), by way of which receiving unit (20) bobbins (1) can be transferred to the winder (50) and reels (3) can be transferred from the winder (50) to the transfer station (60), wherein a positioning device (80) is provided between the transfer station (60) and the feed unit (10), which positioning device (80) brings about positioning of the bobbins (1) during the movement of the receiving unit (20) in the direction of the transfer station (60). |
| US09656818B2 |
Paper feeding device and image forming device including paper feeding device
A paper feeding device of an image forming device includes a flotation air blowing unit and a separation air blowing unit. The flotation air blowing unit floats stacked uppermost paper through air blowing. The separation air blowing unit blows an end of other paper floated together with the floated uppermost paper to separate the other paper from the uppermost paper, the end being on the downstream side in the paper feeding direction. The flotation air blowing unit floats an end of the stacked uppermost paper, the end being on the downstream side in the paper feeding direction. The paper feeding device includes a resistance force applying mechanism which applies resistance force that gives a load against movement along the paper feeding direction to an end of stacked upper paper, the end being on the upstream side in the paper feeding direction. |
| US09656816B2 |
Systems and methods for converter bed unloading and loading
A system and method for loading material from a converter bed, such as that in a converter of an acid plant, is provided. The system, may include a vacuum source; a dust collector connected to the vacuum source by a first vacuum hose; a cyclone operatively connected to the vacuum source through the dust collector, wherein the cyclone may be connected to the dust collector by a second vacuum hose; a drop-out hopper operatively attached to the cyclone by a valve, such as an air actuated valve, wherein the drop-out hopper includes a first feed hose; and one or more material storage containers operatively associated with the cyclone via a second feed hose. The method of loading material into a converter bed may include providing a system for loading the material in the converter bed; setting up the system; and loading the material into the converter bed. |
| US09656815B2 |
Control of pneumatic carrier system based on carrier or payload identification
A system and method provides for controlling a pneumatic carrier system based on identification information read from a carrier or a payload of the carrier. Each carrier or payload which is to be employed within the system includes an identification device such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip which has stored thereon information for the carrier or payload. Positioned throughout the system are communications devices such as antennas and readers which are employed to read and/or write identification information on the identification device. Based on reading the identification device at locations within the system, the operation of the system is altered. |
| US09656812B2 |
Device for sterilizing plastic parisons
The invention relates to a device (100) for sterilizing plastic parisons (1), with a sterilization chamber (3) and a transport device (2) disposed at least partially inside the sterilization chamber (3) for moving the plastic parisons (1) within the sterilization chamber (3), wherein the transport device (2) has at least one gripping system (4) for engaging round and supporting the plastic parisons (1) by means of a gripping clamp (41), wherein the gripping system (4) has a displacement means (5) for displacement during sterilization within the sterilization chamber of contact surfaces (1A) of the plastic parisons (1) which are shielded by the gripping system (4) from a sterilizing medium and/or sterilizing radiation. |
| US09656796B1 |
Pill dispensing bottle system
A container has a bottom, a top, a lower section, an upper section, and a central axis. The upper section has a configuration with an interior surface and an exterior surface and with a central axis. A divider plate has a periphery in a configuration with a cutout. The periphery of the divider plate is coupled to the upper section. |
| US09656792B2 |
Produce display pad
A monolithic display device for the point-of-sale display of produce manufactured out of a closed cell foam material and of solid construction, with a plurality of pockets formed into the top surface of the device and arranged in horizontal rows separated by upwardly extending horizontal dividing members, with upwardly extending intermediate dividing members separating adjacent pockets within each row. The display device is used in a retail setting by first being placed onto a table or other means of support, and then having produce placed onto the top surface within the pockets. The horizontal dividing members and the intermediate dividing members hold the produce in place on the device, while the foam construction of the device protects the produce from damage. In some embodiments different sized pockets are formed into the lower surface of the device so that the device can be used with different sized produce. |
| US09656788B2 |
Packaging assembly for a replacement mower blade
A package assembly for packaging a replacement mower blade is provided. The package assembly includes a blade hang tab removably attached to an end of a mower blade. A shrink film tube is positioned about the mower blade and blade hang tab, wherein the shrink film is heated to shrink the shrink film and secure the blade hang tab to the mower blade. In another embodiment, the package assembly includes multiple blades encased within shrink film with a blade hang tab attached to one of the blades within the shrink film. |
| US09656787B2 |
Packaging article
The invention relates to a packaging article for use in form-fill-seal, flow wrap and lidding. In particular, the invention concerns such an article sealed with a biodegradable film having a peel sealable coating thereon, and coated filmic lids for sealing polylactic acid (PLA) trays and specifically PLA trays used for packaging. |
| US09656784B2 |
Easy open and reclosable package with discrete laminate, with die-cut, anchored to second side panel
An easy-open and reclosable package includes a pouch including a discrete laminate including a tape including a base strip coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive, and a panel section having a die cut defining a die cut segment, the panel section adhered by the PSA to the base strip; the panel section anchored to a first side panel; the second surface of the base strip anchored to the inner surface of a second side panel; and a product in the pouch. The die cut segment is so arranged with respect to the pressure sensitive adhesive that when the package is opened, the package can be reclosed by adhering the pressure sensitive adhesive to the first side panel. |
| US09656783B2 |
Reclosable flexible packaging and methods for manufacturing same
Flexible film packages having a partial, initial seal against ambient atmosphere and are easily openable and reclosable. The flexible film packages are generally resealable to extend the shelf-life or freshness of products contained therein once the package is initially opened. By one approach, the flexible film has two opposing edge portions that meet to form a longitudinal seal extending from a first end seal to a second end seal. The flexible film may have a score that defines a package opening. An elongated closure layer may extend over the score and may extend from a first end seal to a second end seal and within the opposing edge portions that form the longitudinal seal. The elongated closure layer may have a tack-free gripping portion used to release at least a portion of the elongated closure from the flexible film to form the package opening. |
| US09656774B2 |
Suspension for a sealing jaw and method for calibrating sealing jaws
A sealing jaw assembly for a sealing unit, and in particular an arrangement for suspending a sealing jaw in a socket is disclosed. The arrangement is based on a first and a second spring arrangement wherein the action of the first spring arrangement onto the sealing jaw may be activated and deactivated. |
| US09656771B2 |
Packaging loader assembly
A packaging loader for loading products into packaging has a conveyor, a collator, and a nesting assembly. The conveyor conveys products to the collator, where the products are collected and, subsequently, transferred to the nesting assembly. The nesting assembly rearranges at least some of the products for placement into the packaging. Once the products have been properly arranged by the nesting assembly, they are placed within the packaging. The process repeats, as desired, to arrange one or more layers of products within the packaging. |
| US09656770B2 |
Method of filling a container with animal litter
A filling method for filling a container with animal litter, whereby large-sized granules and small-sized granules can be easily filled into containers in a predetermined blending ratio, and essentially the same blending ratio can be maintained for different containers. In a supply step in which the animal litter is supplied to a hopper, the animal litter is allowed to freely drop from above the storage space of the hopper, and in the storage space there are formed a first region in which the blending ratio of the small-sized granules with respect to the large-sized granules in a unit mass of the animal litter is equal to or less than the predetermined blending ratio and a second region in which the ratio is greater than the predetermined blending ratio, in an arrangement along the lengthwise direction of the storage space. Also, in a filling step in which the animal litter is filled into containers, delivery holes capable of delivering the animal litter of the first region and delivery holes capable of delivering the animal litter of the second region are selected, and the animal litter is delivered in the predetermined amount at least once each from each of the selected delivery holes, filling the containers so that the large-sized granules and small-sized granules in the unit amount are in the predetermined target blending ratio. |
| US09656767B2 |
Automatic bag drop method and system
A system is provided for the automatic drop-off of at least one object on a conveyor belt for the purpose of the transport of the at least one object. The system includes: at least one apparatus for delimiting an area, called a drop-off area, allowing access to the conveyor belt and including at least one point of entry into the drop-off area and at least one point of exit from the drop-off area; at each point of entry into the drop-off area, at least one first reader, for reading an item of authorization data; in the drop-off area: at least one second reader, for reading an item of authorization data; at least one delivery apparatus for delivering a tag, of identification to be affixed to the object to be dropped; and at least one database which can be accessed by the readers. |
| US09656766B2 |
Track transport system for loading and unloading an airplane galley
A rail transport system comprising at least two runners having a shaped profile, a transport rail, and a transport carriage, the runners with a shaped profile being extended over a staircase or over a flat section and the transport carriage being moved along the transport rail. The transport carriage is provided with at least one electric motor. The runners having a shaped profile and the transport rail are stored in the transport carriage. A method for constructing a rail transport system and for transporting at least one container for loading or unloading the galley of an airplane, and a system for simultaneously loading and/or unloading the galley of an airplane. |
| US09656764B2 |
Skew sensing arrangement
A skew detection system for a high lift system for an aircraft, wherein pairs of sensors 4a, 4b with onboard data processing capabilities provide an onboard determination of relative skew between the sensors of each pair as an indication of skew of a flap of the high lift system. |
| US09656762B2 |
System for temperature and actuation control and method of controlling fluid temperatures in an aircraft
A system for fluid temperature control and actuation control for an aircraft engine fueled by dual fuels. The system includes a first fuel system having a first fuel tank fluidly coupled to the engine, a second fuel system having a second fuel tank fluidly coupled to the engine, with the second fuel being different from the first fuel and having a different temperature than the first fuel, a fuel distribution unit (FDU) fluidly coupled to the first fuel tank of the first fuel system, and a fuel-to-fuel cooler (FFC) configured to transfer heat between the first fuel in the first fuel system and the second fuel in the second fuel system. |
| US09656759B2 |
Collapsible securing system for securing medical oxygen cylinders for aircraft passenger seats
A collapsible securing system for securing medical oxygen cylinders for passenger seats including: (i) a base configured such as to be positioned on the passenger seat; (ii) an intermediate securing structure for oxygen cylinders connected to the base by three legs; (iii) a gripping structure, connected to the intermediate securing structure by at least one pivot in common with the intermediate securing structure, and (iv) a fitting system comprising the seatbelt and two straps secured from one end the gripping structure and from the other end thereof to the fitting of the seatbelt to the passenger seat. |
| US09656758B2 |
Emergency parachute
An emergency parachute is a device for allowing the user to eject from a perilous high-altitude structure and float to safety once clear of the structure. The emergency parachute features a vest that may be donned by the user. The user is required to face toward the structure that he or she is escaping. In order to activate the canopy of the emergency parachute, the user is required to engage a first activation handle and a second activation handle of a simultaneous activation dual switch. The simultaneous activation dual switch ensures that the canopy is not accidentally deployed. A chute-inflation gas generator inflates the canopy and simultaneously ejects the user backward. The ejection serves the twofold purpose of ensuring that the user is able to clear the structure that he or she is escaping as well as aiding the user in overcoming any fears of jumping from a high altitude. |
| US09656755B2 |
Air cycle machine pack system and method for improving low inlet pressure cooling performance
An air cycle machine (ACM) pack system for an aircraft with an improved low inlet pressure cooling performance is provided. The ACM pack system has an air cycle machine (ACM) with at least one compressor mechanically coupled to at least one turbine in series on an ACM shaft. The ACM pack system further has a pack heat exchanger coupled to and in fluid communication with the at least one compressor of the ACM. The ACM system further has a bypass air flow assembly coupled in a parallel operation path to the ACM and has a bypass air flow regulating element. The bypass air flow assembly transfers energy extracted by the bypass air flow assembly to the ACM to aid the ACM pack system in cooling performance at a low inlet pressure, resulting in an improved low inlet pressure cooling performance of the ACM pack system. |
| US09656747B2 |
Soft in-plane and stiff out-of-plane rotor system
A rotor assembly includes a yoke operably associated with a rotor blade. The yoke includes a first device and a second device that attach the rotor blade to the yoke. The first device is configured to allow transverse movement of the rotor blade about a chord axis and rotational movement about a pitch-change axis. The second device is configured to allow rotational movement of the rotor blade solely about the pitch-change axis. The method includes rotating rotor assembly about a first plane of rotation, while retaining a relatively stiff out-of-plane rotation and a relatively soft in-plane rotation during flight. |
| US09656745B2 |
Magnetorheological actuator with torsional spring
According to one embodiment, a trim actuator for a pilot input device includes a driven member and a driving member configured to receive mechanical energy from a power source. A magnetorheological (MR) fluid is disposed between the driving member and the driven member and configured to transmit a variable amount of mechanical energy from the driving member to the driven member such that the driven member moves in a first direction. An output member configured to be coupled between the driven member and the pilot input device. A spring is in mechanical communication with the output member and configured to apply a force in a second direction opposite of the first direction. A magnetic circuit is configured to control movement of the pilot input device by varying the strength of a magnetic field delivered towards the first MR fluid. |
| US09656742B2 |
Air ejection device comprising an aerodynamic profile provided with a slot obturating flexible tongue
An air ejection device comprises an aerodynamic profile provided with a slot and an ejection nozzle. The device comprises a flexible tongue fixed flush with the aerodynamic profile in such a way as to obstruct the slot, the tongue being able to lift under the effect of a pressure differential between the air situated in the ejection nozzle and the outside air. The tongue makes it possible for the slot made in the profile to be obstructed during phases of flight during which the ejection of the air is unnecessary, and prevents external air from entering the slot. The flow of air over the aerodynamic profile is unaffected, and there is no increase in drag. Because the tongue lifts as a result of a pressure differential, it does not require any control mechanism to lift it. |
| US09656740B2 |
Aircraft with wings and a system for minimizing the influence of unsteady flow states
An aircraft and system for minimizing the influence of unsteady flow states, wherein the wing has a respective main wing and at least one control flap adjustably arranged relative thereto, an adjusting drive for activating the at least one control flap, and a sensor arrangement for acquiring the setting position of the control flap. The system exhibits at least one arrangement of flow-influencing devices for influencing the fluid flow over the surface segment, a detection device for detecting unsteady flow states acting on the aircraft, and an actuating function connected with the flow-influencing devices to influence the flow in the different segments of a wing, designed so that the latter, based on the unsteady flow states detected by the detection device and setting position of the control flap acquired by the sensor arrangement, actuates the flow-influencing devices so as to minimize the influence of unsteady flow states on the aircraft. |
| US09656737B2 |
Aircraft fuselage
An aircraft fuselage includes an exterior skin; at least one window frame; at least one window package disposed in a breakout of the exterior skin and attached to the at least one window frame; and a plurality of stiffening elements configured to stiffen the exterior skin, wherein at least one of the stiffening elements crosses the at least one window package. |
| US09656717B2 |
Bicycle operating device
A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, an operating member, and a movable member. The movable member is configured to move an operation cable in a pulling direction to operate a bicycle component in response to a first movement of the operating member. The movable member is configured such that the operation cable is movable in a releasing direction in response to a release of the operating member from a first operated position. The movable member is configured to move the operation cable in the pulling direction to operate the bicycle component in response to a second movement of the operating member. The movable member is configured such that the operation cable is movable in the releasing direction in response to a release of the operating member from a second operated position. |
| US09656716B2 |
Integrated cycling tool
The systems and methods described herein relate to cycling. More specifically, the systems and methods described herein relate to an integrated cycling tool. The cycling tool may be integrated into the bicycle components to reduce the external modifications to a bicycle. This may enable a cyclist to carry a tool with them without the worry of carrying the tool, or the tool falling off the bicycle. The cycling tool may comprise multiple components and may be used to fix various parts of a bicycle. The cycling tool may fit within the confines of the bicycle and provide minimal to no impact to the rider or the functionality and performance of the bicycle. |
| US09656712B2 |
Removable storage compartment system for bicycles
A removable storage compartment system for bicycles is provided. The removable storage compartment system has a plurality of generally cylindrical containers wherein each of the individual containers is secured to another container or to the frame of the bicycle. The generally cylindrical individual containers may be insulated so as to allow a user to transport warm or cool items. Each of the plurality of individual storage compartments may be of different sizes so as to allow a user to best select the total desired storage area for the bicycle and to allow a user to store the individual storage compartments inside one another. |
| US09656710B2 |
Rearview mirror with concealed and light-transmittable turn signal light
Provided is a rearview mirror with concealed and light-transmittable turn signal light, which is applicable to a vehicle to provide a function of a rearview with light reflection achieved with a reflector, and in addition, an outer cover of the rearview mirror is structured to allow for emission of light of turn signal therethrough so as to also provide a function of alarming for driving safety. The outer cover is made of a light-transmitting material and the outer cover has a surface that is subjected to sputtering to form a sputtering-coated film thereon. The outer cover receives therein a light casing, which is fixed to a minor base of the review mirror by fasteners. Electrical wires extend along a rearview mirror bracket to connect to the light base. The mirror base and the light casing are coupled to each other. |
| US09656704B2 |
Robotic vehicle
A robotic vehicle (10,100,150A,150B150C,160,1000,1000A,1000B,1000C) includes a chassis (20,106,152,162) having front and rear ends (20A,152A,20B,152B) and supported on right and left driven tracks (34,44,108,165). Right and left elongated flippers (50,60,102,154,164) are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage (70,156,166) connects a payload deck assembly (D1,D2,D3,80,158,168,806), configured to support a removable functional payload, to the chassis. The linkage has a first end (70A) rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot (71), and a second end (70B) rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot (73). Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers (72,74) operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots (71,73) to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck (D1,D2,D3,80,158,168,806) with respect to the chassis (20,106,152,162). |
| US09656697B2 |
Tailgate latching architecture for cost and performance
A vehicle includes a cargo box having an opening and opposed apertures on opposite sides of the opening. The vehicle further includes a tailgate having locks retaining a pair of outwardly-biased pins in retracted positions when the tailgate is open. The locks engage the cargo box and release the pins when the tailgate is closed whereby the pins shift outwardly into the apertures when the tailgate is closed. A release lever selectively retracts the pins to permit the tailgate to be opened. |
| US09656695B2 |
Vehicle rear portion structure
A vehicle rear portion structure includes: a rear side member front-rear direction; a shock absorbing member that is placed at the rear side of the rear side member; and a lower bracket that has a reinforcement portion that is joined to a rear end portion of the rear side member, a load receiving portion that extends downward from a rear end portion of the reinforcement portion and to which the shock absorbing member is joined, and a load transmitting bead portion that is disposed spanning the distance between the load receiving portion and a lower wall portion of the reinforcement portion, with a length L to which the load transmitting bead portion projects in the vehicle front-rear direction becoming longer heading from the load receiving portion to the reinforcement portion. |
| US09656694B2 |
Impact energy absorbing vehicle charging port support arrangement
A vehicle charging port arrangement is provided with a vehicle body, a charging port support member and an electric charging port. The vehicle body includes a vehicle front end portion. The charging port support member is supported on the vehicle front end portion. The charging port support member includes an energy absorbing structure that is configured and arranged to deform towards a support structure of the vehicle front end portion and into an energy absorbing area that is disposed forward of the support structure of the vehicle front end portion during a frontal impact. The electric charging port is attached to the charging port support member, with the electric charging port being configured to receive an electric charging connector. |
| US09656691B2 |
Method for performing an at least semi-autonomous parking process of a motor vehicle in a garage, parking assistance system and motor vehicle
The invention relates to a method for performing an at least semi-autonomous parking process of a motor vehicle (1) in a garage (16), wherein the garage (16) is detected and a current position of the motor vehicle (1) relative to the garage (16) is determined by means of a parking assistance system (2) of the motor vehicle (1), and wherein following detection of the garage (16) the at least semi-autonomous parking process is carried out depending on the current position of the motor vehicle (1) relative to the garage (16), wherein an image of the garage (16) is recorded by means of a camera (8, 10, 11, 12) of the parking assistance system (2) and the detection of the garage (16) comprises subjecting the image to pattern recognition regarding the garage entrance (17) by means of an image processor (6) of the parking assistance system (2) and identifying the garage (16) by means of the pattern recognition. |
| US09656690B2 |
System and method for using gestures in autonomous parking
A method of providing parking assistance in a vehicle includes identifying with a controller in a vehicle a plurality of available parking spaces for the vehicle, generating with a video output device operatively connected to the controller an interface with a graphical depiction of the vehicle and the plurality of available parking spaces, receiving a first input gesture with a gesture input device to select one parking space from the plurality of available parking spaces, and operating the vehicle to park the vehicle in the one parking space using the controller configured with a parking assistance service in the vehicle. |
| US09656686B2 |
Drive supporting device, operation detecting device, and controller
A drive supporting device includes a supporting device mounted on a vehicle and capable of executing driving support in the vehicle; a steering angle detecting device configured to detect a steering angle of a steering member of the vehicle; a torque detecting device configured to detect a torque acting on a steering shaft portion that rotates with the steering member; and a controller configured to control the supporting device, wherein the controller changes content of the driving support by the supporting device between a case in which a steering power corresponding to a product of a parameter associated with the steering angle detected by the steering angle detecting device and a parameter associated with the torque detected by the torque detecting device is greater than or equal to a reference value set in advance, and a case in which the steering power is smaller than the reference value. |
| US09656684B2 |
Steering device
Elongated holes are formed in a first plate of a fixed bracket so as to extend parallel to a column moving direction. An elongated hole inserted portion of a suspending bolt of a suspending mechanism is disposed in an initial assembling position in one of the elongated holes. An inner circumference of the elongated hole includes a pair of flat surface portions which are parallel to the column moving direction, an arc-shaped surface portion and tapered surface portions which connect a pair of end portions of the arc-shaped surface portion to the corresponding flat surface portion. Tapered angles which the tapered surfaces form relative to the column moving direction are equal to or greater than a friction angle. |
| US09656681B2 |
Circuit arrangement for revealing light signal errors
A circuit arrangement for revealing light signal errors, in particular for railway safety systems, includes an electronic signal generator, which can be disconnected in a reversible manner in the event of an error, and a control part, configured for incandescent lamps, for controlling and monitoring the signal generator. The device for revealing errors includes an error differentiator between the line-related interference voltage and error of the signal generator. The reliability of the error differentiation is improved and rendered independent of capacitive intermediate energy storage devices, in that the signal generator is connected to a resistance arrangement such that the signal generator voltage is greater, in high-resistance signal generators, than an interference voltage. |
| US09656673B2 |
Systems and methods for navigating a vehicle to a default lane
Systems and methods use cameras to provide autonomous navigation features. In one implementation, a driver assist navigation system is provided for a vehicle. The system may include at least one image capture device configured to acquire a plurality of images of an area in a vicinity of the vehicle; a data interface; and at least one processing device. The at least one processing device may be configured to: receive the plurality of images via the data interface; determine from the plurality of images a current lane of travel from among a plurality of available travel lanes; and cause the vehicle to change lanes if the current lane of travel is not the same as a predetermined default travel lane. |
| US09656671B2 |
Coast switch for an electrified vehicle
An example method of controlling an electrified vehicle includes activating a coast switch to a place an electrified vehicle in a coast mode. |
| US09656669B2 |
Control apparatus for a vehicle provided with a continuously variable transmission
A control apparatus for a vehicle with a continuously variable transmission, having an acceleration requirement determining portion determining operator required acceleration, a first restricted accelerator operation amount setting portion setting an accelerating member restricted operation amount that increases with a running speed increase, when the determining portion has determined required vehicle acceleration, and a shift control portion controlling the transmission speed ratio on the restricted amount basis, the control apparatus having: a second restricted accelerator operation amount setting portion decreasing the restricted amount from a value immediately prior to an accelerating member rapid releasing action determination moment, at a rate lower than an accelerating member operation actual amount decrease rate after the rapid releasing action determination moment, and an upper limit stop processing portion to limit the restricted amount after a determination moment that the operator requires vehicle acceleration, the restricted amount is not larger than the actual operation amount. |
| US09656665B2 |
Methods and systems for a driveline dual mass flywheel
Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, compensation is provided for a dual mass flywheel positioned in a vehicle driveline. The approaches may reduce driveline torque disturbances. |
| US09656664B2 |
Hybrid vehicle control device
A hybrid vehicle control device for a drive system is provided with an engine, a motor and an automatic transmission. The hybrid vehicle control device is configured such that when there is a mode switch request during an EV mode where only the motor is used as a drive source, a shift is made to an HEV mode where the engine and the motor are used as drive sources. The hybrid vehicle control device is further configured such that if a mode switch request and a downshift request for the automatic transmission (are generated, mode switch control is immediately started first. The configuration is also such that downshift control is started once the rotational speed of the engine has reached a combustion possible rotational speed, and the transmission speed at this time is made to be faster than an ordinary transmission speed. |
| US09656661B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling torque reduction of hybrid electric vehicle
A method for controlling torque reduction of a hybrid electric vehicle including a motor and an engine as a power source includes: calculating a total request amount of torque reduction when a torque reduction is requested; calculating a driving torque contribution of the engine and a driving torque contribution of the motor when the engine is turned on; dividing the total request amount of torque reduction into an amount of engine torque reduction and an amount of motor torque reduction based on the driving torque contribution of the engine and the driving torque contribution of the motor; determining an engine torque command and a motor torque command according to the amount of engine torque reduction and the amount of motor torque reduction; and performing torque reduction according to the engine torque command and the motor torque command. |
| US09656660B2 |
Control system for vehicle drive system having supercharger and accessories
A drive system includes a drive belt, an engine, a motor, and a supercharger for delivering compressed air to an intake of the engine, and a controller for setting the operational mode of the drive system. The engine and motor are selectively engageable with the drive belt, and the supercharger is selectively engageable with the motor. A method of controlling an operational mode of such a drive system includes detecting a throttle position. Thereafter, the method includes selectively engaging the engine with the drive belt or the drive belt with the motor or the motor with the supercharger, based at least in part on the throttle position. |
| US09656657B2 |
Controlling a clutch between an engine and an electric machine in a hybrid vehicle
A parallel hybrid vehicle includes an engine and a motor separated along a driveshaft by a clutch. The motor can operate (either alone or in combination with the engine) to provide positive drive torque to the wheels. The motor can also act as a generator and provide negative torque when converting mechanical energy from the driveshaft into mechanical energy to be stored in a battery. The clutch selectively couples the motor to the engine. Torque and its effects on the clutch can vary dramatically when the motor changes from providing positive and negative torque, and vice versa, while the engine is running. At least one controller in the vehicle is programmed to, while the engine is running, initiate an increase in pressure at the clutch in response to an anticipated change in torque provided by the motor from positive to negative or from negative to positive. |
| US09656651B2 |
Electronic brake system
An electronic brake system may be capable of providing a required hydraulic pressure continuously and constantly as well as a precise pressure control through a gear pump provided in a hydraulic pressure supply device. Also, the electronic brake system may be capable of minimizing a number of valves controlling hydraulic pressure flows to implement a simplified configuration and providing the braking by a pedal effort of a driver even when the brake system is abnormally operated. |
| US09656648B2 |
Disk brake system
The invention relates to a disk brake system for hoisting machines and winches, equipped with at least two brake circuits, wherein to each brake circuit at least one brake caliper with associated brake pads is allocated, and wherein two redundant, active control circuits (10, 12, 14, 16) are provided per brake circuit. |
| US09656644B2 |
Braking control device
The braking control device for controlling a master cylinder device includes a housing, an output piston, an input piston, a separation chamber opening and closing portion, and a driving hydraulic pressure generating portion, and is provided with an operation control for controlling the master cylinder device in an operation force operating state (regulator mode) in which the output piston is driven by operation force on a brake operation member and in a driving hydraulic pressure operating state (linear mode) in which the output piston is driven by driving hydraulic pressure from the driving hydraulic pressure generating portion; a brake operation judgment portion for judging the presence or absence of a brake operation and the probability thereof and a state transition limiter for limiting at least one of state transitions between the operating states when the presence of the brake operation and possibility thereof is determined. |
| US09656642B2 |
Electric braking system and method relying on voltage hysteresis for applied brake power control
A method of operating electric brakes for a vehicle including monitoring at least a voltage in a power system of the vehicle, and adjusting a power provided to the electric brakes based on at least the monitored voltage to control a current according to a predetermined behavior. |
| US09656640B1 |
Military vehicle
A vehicle includes a passenger capsule, a front module, an engine coupled to the front module, a rear module, a transaxle, and a plurality of interfaces. The passenger capsule includes a structural shell having a first end and a second end, and the front module is coupled to the first end of the passenger capsule and has a first longitudinal frame member, a second longitudinal frame member, and a front axle assembly. The rear module is coupled to the second end of the passenger capsule and includes a rear axle assembly. The transaxle is coupled to the rear module and the engine, and the transaxle includes a housing that defines a structural component of the rear module. |
| US09656638B2 |
Vehicle low pressure brake arrangement
A vehicle braking arrangement includes a braking plate connected to a vehicle by a link arrangement. The braking plate is movable from a rest position to a braking position where contact is made with the ground, and includes a sealing rim arranged to at least partially contact the ground such that an at least partly enclosed volume is formed. The vehicle braking arrangement includes a low pressure container connected to the volume via a valve assembly. Air pressure in the low pressure container is below the air pressure of ambient air in the rest position of the braking plate. The valve assembly is arranged to be opened when the braking plate is in the braking position such that the pressure is lowered in the volume and the braking plate is pressed against the ground by a conferred pressure difference between air outside the volume and air in the volume. |
| US09656637B2 |
Trailer stabilization and restraint
A parked freight trailer stabilizer and restraint comprising: (a) a kingpin receiver configured to lock onto a kingpin of a parked freight trailer; (b) a jack operatively coupled to the kingpin receiver, the jack repositionable between a retracted position and an extended position; (c) a tail hold operatively coupled to the kingpin receiver, the tail hold repositionable between a stowed position and a restraining position, the tail hold configured to engage a ground mount; and, (d) a transport receiver configured to engage a transport vehicle. |
| US09656636B2 |
Drive
A drive with a motor and devices for coupling the motor to a driving object. The coupling devices include a centrifugal mass which is movable by the motor, and an impact stop, which is connected to the driving object, for the centrifugal mass. |
| US09656633B2 |
Methods and systems for a vehicle computing system to communicate with a device
A smartwatch having at least one controller in communication with an user interface and a transceiver. The transceiver configured to communicate with a nomadic device. The at least one controller configured to, in response to a wireless signal having a unique user identifier received at the nomadic device, receive a control function from an application corresponding to the unique user identifier. The at least one controller may be further configured to configure the user interface based on the control function. |
| US09656629B2 |
Timed independent vehicle secure compartment access
An access system for a vehicle may include a controller. The controller may be configured to respond to receiving an unlock signal indicative of an unlock request by causing a compartment closure to unlock for a predetermined time. Or the controller may be configured to respond to receiving an unlock signal indicative of an unlock request and a vehicle operation signal indicative of a vehicle secure state by causing a compartment closure to unlock for a predetermined time. Upon expiration of the predetermined time, the controller may cause the compartment closure to lock. The controller may be configured to respond to receiving an unlatch signal indicative of an unlatch request during the predetermined time by causing the compartment closure to unlatch. |
| US09656627B2 |
Hood bumpers to absorb loading
A hood bumper for a vehicle includes a foundation, a pair of legs extending from the foundation in a first direction, a support extending from the foundation in a second direction, and a head adhered to the support. At least a portion of the support is a first material and the head is a second material such that the first material is harder than the second material. The support includes first and second portions extending between the foundation and the head which are mirror images. The head is designed to deform and the support is designed to collapse under force. In alternate embodiments, the foundation and/or support are designed to fracture under force. The hood bumper is coextruded so the base and head have fixed heights and cross sections. |
| US09656626B2 |
Gas generator
A gas generator includes a lower shell as a housing, an igniter including a squib cup and a plug, and a fixing portion formed from a resin molding for fixing the igniter to the lower shell. The squib cup includes a contact portion in contact with the plug and a non-contact portion not in contact with the plug. The fixing portion includes a cover portion secured to an outer circumferential surface of the squib cup, and the cover portion has a lower-side annular cover portion covering a part of the contact portion and an upper-side annular cover portion covering a part of the non-contact portion. A thickness t2 of the upper-side annular cover portion is smaller than a thickness t1 of the lower-side annular cover portion, and the cover portion is formed in a stepped shape having a substantially two-dimensionally annular step-formed surface orthogonal to an axial direction of the squib cup. |
| US09656624B2 |
Airbag and a preparation method thereof
The present invention relates to an airbag including an inflating part having gas inflatability, a non-inflating part supporting the inflating part, a combined part constituting a boundary between the inflating part and the non-inflating part, and an ultrasonic fusion bonded part located between the combined part and the end part of an inflator from which a gas at a high pressure spurts when a car crashes, and a preparation method thereof. |
| US09656616B2 |
Sheet for forming radiant heat shielding corrugated tube, and wire harness
A sheet for forming a radiant heat shielding corrugated tube as well as a wire harness that provide protection from a metal edge and radiant heat shielding. A sheet for forming a radiant heat shielding corrugated tube includes a corrugated tube-forming sheet base material formed of a synthetic resin sheet that can be bent into a cylindrical shape through which an electric wire group passes with a gap left around the electric wire group, the sheet base material having groove portions on an outer surface side when bent into the cylindrical shape, the groove portions extending in a circumferential direction and being arranged at required intervals in an axial direction, a metal thin film formed on an outer surface of the sheet base material, and a urethane foam agent layer formed on an inner surface of the sheet base material. |
| US09656615B2 |
Push-up ledge for trim panel
A trim panel assembly for a vehicle is provided having a pillar and a trim panel adapted to attach to at least a portion of the pillar. The trim panel having an upper edge and a lower edge. At least one ledge extending generally orthogonally away from the lower edge of the trim panel. The assembly further includes a headliner, the upper edge of the trim panel abutting the headliner to compress the headliner when the trim panel is in an installed position. The trim panel is adapted to closely abut a headliner wherein the ledge provides the installer to apply a greater force to the trim panel during installation to provide for a greater headliner crush. In order to finish installing the trim panel, the installer must push upwards on the ledges thereby creating greater interference with the headliner to properly secure the trim panel. |
| US09656609B2 |
Vehicle step apparatus and motor assembly thereof
A vehicle step apparatus including an extending and retracting device having a mounting bracket, a step bracket, and an arm assembly. A gear box has a cavity into which at least a portion of a motor shaft of a motor is inserted. A worm wheel is rotatably disposed in the cavity and has a worm wheel body meshing with the motor shaft. An output shaft is mounted to the worm wheel body. A sun gear is fitted over the output shaft. A planet carrier is rotatably disposed in the cavity and connected with the arm assembly. A planet gear is rotatably mounted to the planet carrier and meshes with the sun gear. An adjusting member is mounted in the gear box, and is movable in an axial direction of the motor shaft and abuts against a free end of the motor shaft. |
| US09656608B2 |
Driver assist system for vehicle
A vehicular driver assist system suitable for use in a vehicle includes a video processor module receiving and processing image data provided by a plurality of video sensors and sensor data provided by a plurality of non-video sensors. The video processor module communicates with other vehicle systems via a vehicle bus. The received image data may be processed at the video processor module to generate a synthesized image, which may be output from the video processor module for display by a single display screen of a display device that is viewable by a driver of the vehicle. An object external to the vehicle may be detected, at least in part, via processing of image data at the video processor module. Responsive at least in part to processing of image data and sensor data at the video processor module, a driver assistance system of the vehicle is controlled. |
| US09656604B2 |
Audio signal for a synthetic noise of a motor vehicle as well as method for generating said audio signal
A method for generating an audio signal for a synthetic noise of a motor vehicle is provided. An audio signal for the synthetic noise of a motor vehicle is also provided. In one step of the method, a signal is provided that represents a noise. Moreover, a fundamental frequency is specified that represents an operating rotational speed of the motor of the vehicle. In another step of the method, several filters are applied to the noise signal. These filters each have a mid-frequency linked to the specified fundamental frequency via an order factor. At least several of the order factors are whole numbers, so that these filters filter the harmonic components of the fundamental frequency. The order factors and the amplitude curves of the filters are selected according to the sound characteristic of the motor vehicle noise that is to be synthesized. The noise signal weighted by the filters constitutes the audio signal for the synthetic noise of the motor vehicle as a function of the operating rotational speed of the motor of the vehicle. |
| US09656600B2 |
Vehicular side view mirror including an illuminating device
A vehicular side view minor includes a minor seat having an engagement portion. A light-impermeable first annular wall protrudes rearwards from an inner periphery of a through-hole in the engagement portion. A minor is mounted in front of the minor seat and includes a reflective layer. A light-permeable housing is mounted to the engagement portion and has a second annular wall extending through the first annular wall. A front wall of the second annular wall includes an optical lens portion. A circuit board is received in the housing and has a lighting element. The circuit board includes a periphery abutting an abutment portion of the second annular wall. A gluing material is filled in a gluing space behind the circuit board and sealingly covers a rear surface of the circuit board, front sections of two wires, and a portion of the second annular wall to form a sealing portion. |
| US09656595B2 |
System, device and method for controlling vehicle light
A light control system is provided. In the system, an processor sets a maximum light quantity of a lighting device according to the curvature radius of the road the own vehicle travels. The processor then controls the light quantity of the lighting device so as to be equal to or less than the maximum light quantity. According to the system, a maximum light quantity of the lighting device is set according to a curvature radius. Accordingly, a light quantity is appropriately set so as not to dazzle the driver of another vehicle. |
| US09656588B2 |
Trailer apparatuses having traverse hydraulic tail
A tail trailer includes a main deck mounted on a main frame, a main tail pivotally connected to a rearward end of the main deck and a flip tail pivotally secured to a rearward end of the main tail. The flip tail is movable between a folded position beneath the main tail and an unfolded position extending outwardly from the rearward end of the main tail. A lifting and holding assembly is provided between the main frame and the main tail for pivotally moving and maintaining a desired position of the main tail and the flip tail relative to the main deck. A combined locking and supporting arrangement beneath the main tail provides ground engaging support for the main tail, and also provides locking engagement for holding the flip tail in the folded position. |
| US09656585B2 |
Tether with J-shaped hook
A trim cap with a tether. The trim cap includes a cap with a tether. The tether has a distal end with a living hinge and a J-shaped hook extending from the living hinge. An assist grip with an attachment section having a tether aperture is also included. The J-shaped hook and the living hinge allow for the J-shaped hook to lay directly against the tether in an install position such that the distal end and J-shaped hook can pass through the tether aperture of the attachment section. The J-shaped hook and the living hinge spring into a release position after the J-shaped hook has passed through the tether aperture. Also, the J-shaped hook is spaced apart from the tether and cannot pass back through the tether aperture. In this manner the trim cap is tethered to the level one part during installation of the component. |
| US09656584B2 |
Assist handle for vehicle
An assist handle apparatus for a vehicle having a mounting plate positioned at a handgrip may include a damping mechanism having a hinge pin connected to the handgrip; hinge ends positioned at first and second sides of the mounting plate, wherein a damper seat is formed in a space defined between the hinge ends; a damper that is inserted in the damper seat with the hinge pin passing through the damper and the hinge ends, the damper having first and second damping ends protruding at a first side and a second side of an outer circumference of the damper respectively; and a stopper that is formed on an inner side of a hinge portion of the handgrip, wherein the stopper damps rotation shock in both rotation directions of the handgrip when the stopper selectively contacts with the first damping end or the second damping end according to rotation of the handgrip. |
| US09656582B2 |
Headrest for vehicle seats and method of manufacturing headrest
A headrest that facilitates the assembly of a structural member for absorbing impact, and a method for producing the same. The method for manufacturing the headrest having surface material, headrest stay, seal sealing an opening at the bottom of headrest, plate-like impact-absorbing member, one end of which is connected to seal, and foamed body in headrest includes a step of inserting headrest stay in insertion holes and of seal and assembling it, a step of inserting headrest stay and impact-absorbing member through the opening, a step of inserting a circumferential portion of the opening of surface material into seal, a step of injecting a foaming material through injection hole of seal and foaming it, and a step of forming a foamed body by curing the injected foaming material. The opening is sealed when the foaming material impregnates and cures at the circumferential portion of the opening. |
| US09656574B2 |
Electric vehicle moving direction detection
A method and system is provided for determining a direction of movement of an electric vehicle. The method and system includes determining the direction of rotation and the direction of torque of a motor shaft, determining an operating gear of the vehicle, and determining a previous direction of movement of the vehicle. The method and system then determines if the vehicle is moving forward or backwards. The method and system also determines whether the vehicle is motoring (i.e., converting electric power to mechanical power) or generating (i.e., converting mechanical power into electric power). |
| US09656573B2 |
Method and device for sensory control of hybrid operation machine
A hybrid operation machine of which an electric motor is driven by at least one among a power generator driven by an engine and an energy storage system for storing regenerative energy, and comprising: a motor drive for driving the electric motor; an acceleration sensor for sensing an accelerator pedal command; and a control unit for mapping the accelerator pedal command to a speed command during a low speed traveling operation and controlling a traveling unit through the motor drive, wherein the control unit controls the acceleration and deceleration of the electric motor according to the mapped speed command and generates regenerative energy according to the deceleration of the electric motor. |
| US09656571B2 |
Battery enclosure having T-shaped guides on the outer surface for stiffeners and impact absorbing elements
A battery housing for a traction motor battery of a vehicle is disclosed that includes attachments retained by parallel T-shaped guides on the outer surface of the walls of the enclosure. The attachments are oriented to extend either in a horizontal orientation or vertical orientation. The depth of the attachments and shape of the attachments may be selected to meet impact force requirements and packaging space limitations imposed by the structure of the vehicle. |
| US09656570B2 |
Current sensor for a vehicle
A vehicle includes a battery configured to operate at a current, during a drive cycle, in a nominal current range for a time greater than in a maximum current range. A controller is programmed to output a voltage based on the current according to a gain calibrated to be greater in the nominal current range than in the maximum current range to increase resolution in the nominal current range. The gain may be based on an exponential function or piecewise linear function of the current. The gain may increase as a magnitude of the current increases. A second controller receives the voltage and derives a battery current according to an inverse of the gain. |
| US09656568B2 |
Method and arrangement for error detection during charging of an energy storage system
A method for error detection during charging of an energy storage system in a vehicle is provided, the vehicle including an electric machine which is arranged for propulsion of the vehicle. The method includes requesting a charging pattern from an external power supply, by a vehicle control unit, upon connection of the energy storage system to the external power supply; and supplying the charging pattern to the energy storage system by an external charging control unit forming part of the external power supply. The method furthermore includes providing a predetermined modulation of the requested charging pattern; evaluating whether the charging pattern supplied to the energy storage system includes the predetermined modulation; and, if this is not the case, indicating that the charging of the energy storage system is erroneous. An arrangement for error detection during charging of an energy storage system, and a vehicle including an electric machine and having such an arrangement are also provided. |
| US09656566B2 |
Charge management apparatus
According to one embodiment, a charge management apparatus includes an input unit, a first estimation unit, a determination unit, a generation unit, and an output unit. The input unit accepts an input of traffic demand data indicative of a number of vehicles. The first estimation unit estimates charge wait times at plural charge stations based on the traffic demand data. The determination unit compares the estimated charge wait times at the respective charge stations, and determines whether a desired condition is satisfied. The generation unit generates charge recommendation information indicative of a charge station according to a determination result. The output unit outputs the charge recommendation information to an external terminal. |
| US09656564B2 |
Adaptive wireless energy transfer system
Exemplary embodiments are directed to wireless power transfer using magnetic resonance in a coupling mode region between a charging base (CB) and a remote system such as a battery electric vehicle (BEV). The wireless power transfer can occur from the CB to the remote system and from the remote system to the CB. Load adaptation and power control methods can be employed to adjust the amount of power transferred over the wireless power link, while maintaining transfer efficiency. |
| US09656563B2 |
Modular wireless electrical system
A wireless modular power transfer system includes electric power modules and RF converter circuitry within the electric power modules that meets voltage and power characteristics of the electric power modules. Sensor data is processed to determine a wireless power transfer path. An electric power module is established as a power source by aligning RF converter circuitry as a transmitter, and an electromagnetic field is established as a wireless power transfer area. An electric power module is established as an electric load by aligning RF converter circuitry as a receiver. Power transfer between the electric power modules is controlled through the wireless power transfer area. |
| US09656561B2 |
Door assembly for charging port of electric vehicle
A door assembly for a charging port of an electric vehicle includes a housing accommodating the charging port and a door connected to one side of the housing. A link bracket is mounted inside the door, and a link portion connects the housing with the link bracket. A crushing portion removes foreign materials being introduced in a slot formed at the link bracket. |
| US09656557B2 |
Battery charging apparatus and method of electric vehicle
A battery charging apparatus and method of an electric vehicle are provided. The battery charging apparatus includes a temperature sensor that is configured to sense a temperature of a battery. In addition, a controller is configured to discharge the battery and then charge the battery using any one of a low voltage converter and a motor based on the temperature. |
| US09656553B2 |
Switching device for an electrically driven vehicle, and electric vehicle
A switching device for an electrically driven vehicle, in particular a track vehicle, has a switch unit that is provided for respectively connecting and disconnecting a vehicle drive unit to and from an electrical supply line carrying high voltage and has at least two switch contacts. A drive unit is provided for driving a relative movement of the switch contacts with respect to one another. A housing unit receives the switch unit and the drive unit. The housing unit contains a support for supporting at least the switch unit. In order to provide a generic switch device for which a compact construction can be achieved, the switch unit is arranged in a lying position relative to the support. |
| US09656551B2 |
Straddle electric vehicle
A straddle electric vehicle comprises an electric motor which is a driving power source for activating the vehicle; a high-voltage battery for storing electric power supplied to the electric motor; a low-voltage battery for storing the electric power supplied to an auxiliary machine mounted in the vehicle; a converter for converting a voltage of the electric power supplied from the high-voltage battery to the low-voltage battery into a voltage to be charged into the low-voltage battery; and a case having an insulativity, for storing the high-voltage battery; wherein the low-voltage battery is placed outside the case, and the converter is stored in the case. |
| US09656548B2 |
Motorized disconnect system and operation methods
Methods and systems are provided for a motorized disconnect operable to selectively engage and disengage two rotating components of a vehicle drivetrain. As one example, a motorized disconnect system is provided that operates via an electric motor and includes a shifter assembly with an oscillating gear track and cam profile for rotating the shifter assembly while moving it in an axial direction to selectively couple two rotating components. |
| US09656546B2 |
Vehicle shifter fluid diverter system
The present disclosure relates to a vehicle shifter assembly having a retainer ring between a housing and an instrument panel or console. The retainer ring includes a fluid diverter system configured to guide fluid away from predetermined shifter assembly component(s). |
| US09656545B2 |
Tandem axle disconnect with synchronized overdrive
A torque transfer assembly for a tandem axle drive train, having a first synchronizer assembly including a first portion arranged to non-rotatably connect to a power input shaft arranged to receive torque from an engine, a second synchronizer assembly, an overdrive gear assembly engageable with the first synchronizer assembly, and an inter-axle differential gear (IAD) arranged to engage first and second power shafts, and engaged with the second synchronizer assembly. In a differential mode, a first torque path is formed from the power input shaft to a first axle through the first synchronizer, the power shafts, the IAD and second synchronizer, and a second torque path is formed from the power input shaft to a second axle through the first synchronizer, the power shafts, and the IAD, and, in overdrive mode, a third torque path is formed from the power input shaft to the first axle through the first synchronizer. |
| US09656543B2 |
Fuel gas tank manufacturing method
A tank for safely storing a fuel in a high-pressure gaseous state, and a method for manufacturing the tank are provided. The fuel gas storage tank includes a composite material that forms a tank shell and a liner disposed under the composite material. In addition, the liner has a structure in which a metal coil is integrally formed within the liner. |
| US09656537B2 |
Bent windowpane
A vehicle glazing is described. The vehicle glazing has at least one windowpane having a height from 900 mm to 1650 mm, a top upper edge, a side edge of a pillar, a body edge, and two rectangular surfaces A and B. The surface A has an extent of 800 mm*800 mm and the surface B has an extent of 1000 mm*700 mm. Surface A and surface B are centrally bounded by the lowest contact point of the at least one windowpane with the body edge horizontally with respect to the ground, and the lowest contact point and the point of the top upper edge at the shortest distance from the contact point form a Y0 axis and the points at the furthest distance with respect to the width of the windowpane form a Z0 axis. |
| US09656535B2 |
Method for operating an air conditioner for a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a method for operating an air conditioner (1) for treating the air of a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The air conditioner (1) exhibits a refrigerant circuit (2) configured for a combined cooling unit and heat-pump mode and for a post-heating mode. In the heat-pump mode with a first and a second heat source, two heat sources differing from each other can be used. A temperature of the first heat source, a temperature of the second heat source, and a regulation characteristic number and a maximum pressure are taken into account in the refrigerant circuit (2) for operating the air conditioner (1) in a heat-pump mode. The invention additionally relates to a method for switching between the two heat-pump modes. |
| US09656534B2 |
Vehicle door closure cabin pressure relief system
An active pressure relief system for a vehicle cabin in response to a cabin-door closure. An air-extractor may be configured to open when a cabin-door is opened, and remain open until the last of a number of cabin-doors are closed. The air-extractor allows for the increased pressure resulting from the cabin-door closure to be equalized with the external environment through the air-extractor. After the last of a number of cabin-doors are closed, the air-extractor closes to inhibit noise and external elements from entering the cabin through the air-extractor. |
| US09656533B2 |
Stacked plate heat exchanger for an LPG-fueled vehicle
A heat exchanger apparatus for a vehicle includes a heat exchanging unit including one or more plate units in which two or more plates are stacked to form different connection channels and exchanging heat with each other while different operating fluids pass through the respective connection channels in the heat exchanging unit, an upper cover mounted on one side of the heat exchanging unit, and including a plurality of inlets that introduce each operating fluid into the heat exchanging unit and are interconnected with the respective connection channels, and a lower cover mounted on the other side of the heat exchanging unit, and including a plurality of outlets that are interconnected with the respective connection channels so as to discharge the each operating fluid passing through the heat exchanging unit. |
| US09656529B2 |
Suspension group in particular for motorized vehicles
Suspension group for motorized vehicles comprising a main spring which extends between a first and a second end of the group, a main damper connected in parallel to said main spring said main spring being pre-loaded by pre-loading means which together press the spring in compression and impose a rest length thereon, namely the length assumed by the spring when there are no further external loads on the first and/or on the second end of the group except for the pre-load caused by the pre-loading means, wherein the first and second end are connected kinematically to a first and a second mass of the motor vehicle respectively, the first mass being a mass suspended by the suspension group and the second mass being a non-suspended mass. |
| US09656528B2 |
Motor-vehicle suspension system of the MacPherson type, including a transverse leaf spring
A vehicle suspension system of the MacPherson type includes a pair of wheel supports, and two shock absorbers each having a body bolted to a corresponding wheel support with a top end connected to structure of the vehicle. A leaf spring is set transverse to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and has a central portion connected to the vehicle structure, and two ends connected to the respective wheel supports. The leaf spring is made of a single piece having opposite ends each having a forked shape, with two prongs made of a single piece with the leaf spring, wherein each prong is connected separately to the corresponding wheel support. The suspension system does not include other connection elements between each wheel support and the vehicle structure so that suspension components can be assembled on the leaf spring prior to installation on the vehicle structure. |
| US09656524B2 |
Tire lever
A unitary structure tire lever has an opening for the user to insert fingers and grab the lever when installing and removing a tire from a rim. The lever has a curved smooth installation hook at one end with a ridge to engage a lip of a tire rim during tire installation. The lever also has a curved smooth removal hook at the other end with a notch that enables the lever to pivot about the lip of the tire rim during tire removal. The removal hook also has a curved seat portion that engages with a bead of the tire during tire removal. |
| US09656523B2 |
Tire pressure control system for a vehicle
A tire pressure control system for a vehicle for determining tire-specific parameters, includes a valve body with a mounting portion, at least one mounting element and a tire pressure sensor with a housing, which has a mounting area. The mounting portion is detachably engaged via a mounting element with the mounting area of the housing. The tire pressure control system can be mounted in an easy, compact, cost-effective and simple way in that the mounting element is integrally formed with the housing of the tire pressure sensor. |
| US09656520B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire includes a tread having a pattern formed thereon, in which the tread includes at least two main grooves extending in the tire circumferential direction; a plurality of lateral slits that are each a groove extending in a direction intersecting the tire circumferential direction formed, in at least one of ribs excluding the shoulder ribs formed in the at least two main grooves, so as to be aligned in the tire circumferential direction; and a slit bottom lateral sipe formed at the bottom of every two in the tire circumferential direction of the plurality of lateral slits aligned in the tire circumferential direction. |
| US09656519B2 |
Pneumatic tire and method of designing tread pattern thereof
A pneumatic tire reduces the columnar resonance noise of the tire while controlling the lowering of wet performances, wherein four circumferential grooves continuously extending in the circumferential direction of the tire are disposed in a treading face and a plurality of lateral grooves each having one end opened to the circumferential groove and terminated in a land portion are formed with respect to two circumferential grooves among the four circumferential grooves, and these lateral grooves and the respective circumferential grooves have such a groove width that both groove walls of the groove do not contact with each other in a ground contact face and one or more lateral groove are always completely included in the ground contact face, and an extending length of a portion of each lateral groove in the ground contact face having a groove width of the lateral groove corresponding to not less than 30% of a groove width of the circumferential groove is made not less than 40% of an extending length of the circumferential groove in the ground contact face. |
| US09656518B2 |
Optimised tire
Tire having a load index LI, as defined in the ETRTO Standards Manual 2010, lying in the range between 65 and 105. The tire comprises a tread and an under layer (48) extending over the whole width of the tread and having an average radial height greater than 20% of the average radial height of the tread and a maximum value of tan δ at 23° C. and 10 Hz less than the corresponding value of the tread. Radial carcass reinforcement (60) extends from the beads across the sidewalls as far as the crown. The tire has an outside diameter OD and a nominal section width SW, as defined in the ETRTO Standards Manual 2010, that satisfy the following inequality: OD/SW>−0.00082641 LI2+0.11266 LI−0.185. |
| US09656517B2 |
Wheel bearing and bearing device
A wheel bearing includes a constant velocity universal joint and a wheel bearing. The wheel bearing is separably coupled to the constant velocity universal joint with a screw fastening structure, in which a stem section of an outer joint member of the constant velocity universal joint is fitted to an inner diameter portion of the hub wheel. Projecting portions extending in an axial direction are formed on the stem section of the outer joint member, and depressed portions having an interference with respect to the projecting portions are formed on the hub wheel. The stem section of the outer joint member is press-fitted to the hub wheel, and a shape of the projecting portions is transferred to the other, to thereby provide a projection and depression fitting structure in which the projecting portions and the depressed portions are in close contact at an entire fitting contact portion therebetween. |
| US09656516B2 |
Bicycle rim
A rim for a bicycle wheel that includes a tire, hub and spokes. The bicycle rim generally includes a radially outer tire-engaging portion, a radially inner spoke-engaging portion, a first sidewall and a second sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall. The first and second sidewalls extend between the tire engaging and spoke-engaging portions. The tire-engaging and spoke-engaging portions and first and second sidewalls form a toroid. A maximum width of the rim is disposed closer to the spoke-engaging portion than the tire-engaging portion. |
| US09656515B2 |
Deformable wheel assembly
A locomotion assembly is provided, suitable to be used in a vehicle. The locomotion assembly comprises a frustum-conical structure comprising at least one flexible member having a frustum-conical surface extending between its relatively narrow and wide ends along a frustum-conical axis, the frustum-conical member being reversibly deformable from its biased rounded shape corresponding to a frustum-conical shape in which its side elevation is circular into a deformed frustum-conical shape in which its side elevation is non-circular. The frustum-conical structure may serve for supporting at least one surface-engaging member convertible between a round wheel-like configuration, in which its side elevation is substantially circular, and a deformed configuration, in which its side elevation is non-circular and in which a larger portion of the surface-engaging member is in contact with a movement surface. |
| US09656511B2 |
Filling station and method of filling an envelope
A filling station for filling an envelope is configured to receive a filling material and an envelope. The filling station includes a filling area including at least one filling aid, an envelope feeder configured to receive an envelope and to hold the envelope at least partly at a position outside the filling area, and a transport device configured to move an envelope, which is arranged in the envelope feeder, to the filling aid. The envelope feeder is configured to receive a further envelope during a movement of the preceding envelope from the envelope feeder to the filling aid and/or during filling of the preceding envelope. The transport device is configured to move the further envelope from the envelope feeder to the filling aid once filling of the preceding envelope has been completed and before transporting of the filled envelope out of the filling station has been completed. |
| US09656506B1 |
Precious metal composite useful as a medium of exchange
A medium of exchange that is not separated from the backing item of value, has variable value and authentication protections sufficient to retain the trust of consumers is formed as a laminate having a backing layer and a precious metal foil layer. The precious metal foil layer has a predetermined weight and the laminate is dividable into multiple portions each one of which is a determinable fraction of the predetermined weight. An authentication seal is formed in an obverse side of the instrument and each one of the multiple portions contains indicia on a rear side thereof identifying the determinable fraction. |
| US09656503B2 |
Printable sticker form with a manual adhesive transfer/placement system
Forms that can be used to make stickers easily on demand, wherein the stickers are of the type in which a face of the sticker that bears printed information (graphic, textual, bar code, security, and/or other) also bears an adhesive that is used to affix the sticker to a desired substrate. A carrier sheet supports a sticker body and an adhesive source. The sticker body and the adhesive are initially separated on the form. The sticker face and the adhesive are registrably positioned with respect to a fold line. This allows the adhesive to be transferred to the sticker face on demand by an easy, desirably manual process that involves folding the form along the fold line. When the form is unfolded, the sticker can be removed and applied to the desired substrate. |
| US09656500B1 |
Image recording medium and method for preparing image recording medium
An image recording medium includes an image supporting member that has a ruggedness on a surface and has a surface roughness Rz of 3 μm or more, an image receiving layer that includes a first thermoplastic resin having a glass transition temperature of 60° C. or more and a second thermoplastic resin having a glass transition temperature of 15° C. or less, and a transparent supporting member, in this order, wherein an image formed of an image forming material is provided between the image supporting member and the image receiving layer and a ruggedness corresponding to the ruggedness of the image supporting member is formed on an outermost surface of the image recording medium on a side of the transparent supporting member. |
| US09656496B2 |
Tape cassette
A tape cassette that includes a housing having a top surface, a bottom surface, a tape feed path, a front wall, and a tape feed exit adjacent to the front wall. The tape cassette also includes a tape configured to be fed along the tape feed path to the tape feed exit, an ink ribbon, and a take-up spool configured to take-up the ink ribbon and having an axis of rotation. A first aperture is formed on a bottom edge of the front wall, wherein a portion of the first aperture is downstream of a location at which a virtual line orthogonal to the front wall and passing through the axis of rotation of the take-up spool passes through the front wall and upstream of a virtual centerline that is orthogonal to the bottom surface and divides the front wall into left and right portions. |
| US09656495B2 |
Tape cassette
A tape cassette is provided with a cassette case, a tape, a tape discharge portion, a first indicator portion, a first indicator member and a first attachment portion. The cassette case includes a bottom case and a top case. The tape is a print medium. The tape discharge portion discharges the tape from the cassette case. The first indicator portion includes at least one indicator hole and indicates a type of the tape. The first indicator member is provided with the first indicator portion. The first attachment portion is provided on an upstream side of the tape discharge portion and to which the first indicator member is attached. |
| US09656493B2 |
Fire control and containment in production printing systems with radiant dryers
Fire control and containment for a production printing system that includes a dryer unit, an air intake fan, and an exhaust fan. A fire control and containment system includes an enclosure surrounding the dryer unit. The enclosure includes controllable doors, a temperature sensor, and an air pressure sensor in the enclosure. The fire containment and control system also includes a controller operable to detect a fire event based on changes in air pressure and air temperature in the enclosure detected by the air pressure and air temperature sensors. In response to detecting the fire event, the controller closes the doors of the enclosure to prevent the print medium from entering, controls the air intake fan and the exhaust fan to reduce the air pressure in the enclosure, and controls the dryer unit to reduce temperature in the enclosure to suppress fire. |
| US09656485B2 |
Conveyor line system and conveying container
A conveyor line system, including: an image processing device configured to irradiate a recording part with laser light to record or erase, or record and erase an image, wherein the conveyor line system is configured to manage a conveying container containing the recording part, and wherein the following formula is satisfied at a wavelength of the laser light emitted from the image processing device when recording the image: A+50>B where A is an absorbance of the recording part, and B is an absorbance of the conveying container. |
| US09656482B2 |
Surface modifier for polyimide resin and surface-modifying method for polyimide resin
The present invention relates to a polyimide resin surface modifier which modifies the surface of a polyimide resin to permit easy absorption of metal ions, and a surface-modifying method for polyimide resins using the same. The surface modifier contains an alkali component, an organic solvent having hydroxy groups and a boiling point of 120° C. or higher, and a water content of 0-10% by weight. The surface-modifying method includes a printing process wherein a predetermined pattern is printed on the surface of a polyimide resin substrate using the polyimide resin surface modifier, an organic solvent-removing process wherein an organic solvent in the polyimide resin surface modifier pattern-printed on the surface of said polyimide resin substrate is removed and a water-treatment process wherein said polyimide resin surface modifier after removing the organic solvent is brought into contact with water. |
| US09656480B2 |
Printing system for printing on a plurality of print media stored in a print media catalog
A printing system includes a storage unit, a print unit and a control unit. The storage unit includes a print media catalog including a list of print media, each print medium in the list having a plurality of media attribute values characterizing the print medium, and each print medium categorized in at least one group based on at least one media attribute value. The print unit includes a print head for ejecting marking material on a print medium of the list. The control unit is configured to control the printing on a print medium of the list according to a plurality of optimization parameters, an optimization parameter being related to the at least one media attribute value used for categorization in a group of the at least one group. Upon receipt of a value of a particular optimization parameter for a print medium categorized in a particular group of the at least one group, the received value is automatically propagated to other print media categorized in the same particular group. A method is suitable for application in the printing system. |
| US09656474B2 |
Liquid ejection head and apparatus and method for printing
Gas is blown at a predetermined speed from a predetermined area on an orifice substrate with reference to the position of an ejection port array. |
| US09656473B2 |
Inkjet ink degassing method, inkjet recording method, and recording apparatus
The purpose of the present invention is to provide an inkjet ink degassing method that can sufficiently remove bubbles contained in active ray curable inkjet ink and improve dispensing stability and curability. The inkjet ink degassing method according to the present invention comprises a step of using hollow fibers to degas active ray curable inkjet ink that has been heated to between 60° C. and 120° C. and contains a colorant, a photopolymerizable compound, and a photoinitiator. |
| US09656470B2 |
Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting head includes a driving element for ejecting a liquid from a nozzle; a wiring electrically connected to the driving element; an accommodation space that accommodates at least a portion of the wiring; and dummy wirings which are arranged in the accommodation space and adsorb sulfur. |
| US09656467B2 |
Piezoelectric actuator, liquid discharging apparatus and method for producing piezoelectric actuator
There is provided a piezoelectric actuator including: a plurality of piezoelectric elements forming first and second piezoelectric element rows, and including first, second electrodes and piezoelectric portion; an electrode conductive portion; a contact section; a plurality of drive wires; and conductive wires. A part of the drive wires corresponding to the piezoelectric elements of the second piezoelectric element row are extended toward the contact section while passing between two adjacent piezoelectric elements of the first piezoelectric element row which are adjacent in the first direction. The conductive wires are arranged between two adjacent piezoelectric elements of the second piezoelectric element row, each of the conductive wires is conducted, at two locations thereof apart in the second direction, with the electrode conductive portion. |
| US09656465B2 |
Ink jet printing apparatus and ink jet printing method
A recording apparatus is capable of executing multiple types of different temperature control. A recording head of the recording apparatus has multiple temperature sensors disposed at different positions from each other in the recording head. Each of the multiple types of different temperature control is performed based on representative temperatures acquired using different combinations of the temperature sensors. |
| US09656462B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus which includes a modulation circuit which generates a modulated signal; a transistor which generates an amplified-modulated signal; a low pass filter which generates a driving signal; a thermistor; a control section which controls printing; and a multilayered circuit board on which the modulation circuit, the transistor, and the low pass filter are mounted, in which the modulation circuit generates the modulated signal by feeding back a signal based on any one of the modulated signal, the amplified-modulated signal, and the driving signal, the multilayered circuit board has a multilayer structure of three layers or more, a feedback wiring pattern which feeds back any one of the modulated signal, the amplified-modulated signal, and the driving signal to the modulation circuit, and a temperature wiring pattern which electrically connects the thermistor and the control section does not intersect the feedback wiring pattern when viewed planarly. |
| US09656461B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus, head unit, and method of controlling liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a modulation circuit that generates a modulated signal obtained by performing pulse modulation on a source signal; a transistor that amplifies the modulated signal to generate an amplified modulated signal; a lowpass filer that smoothes the amplified modulated signal to generate a driving signal; a piezoelectric element that is displaced when the driving signal is applied; and a circuit substrate on which the modulation circuit, the transistor, and the lowpass filter are mounted. The transistor includes a die, a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, a conductive die pad, a first lead which is electrically connected to the second electrode by a bonding wire, and a second lead which is electrically connected to the third electrode by a bonding wire. The die pad, the first lead, and the second lead are electrically connected to different wiring patterns of the circuit substrate. |
| US09656460B2 |
Ink jet printing apparatus, display substrate manufactured by ink jet printing apparatus, and ink jet printing method
The disclosure provides an ink jet printing apparatus. The ink jet printing apparatus includes a support base configured to support the to-be-processed substrate; and a solvent adjusting mechanism, configured to supply a dummy region of the to-be-processed substrate on the support base with a first solvent that is same as a solvent in an ink and adjust a solvent atmosphere of the dummy region of the to-be-processed substrate on the support base, to make the solvent atmosphere of the dummy region of the to-be-processed substrate and that of a center region of the to-be-processed substrate reach a predetermined condition. The solvent adjusting mechanism is arranged on the support base. |
| US09656459B2 |
Ink jet recording method
An ink jet recording method of transferring onto a recording medium an intermediate image formed on an intermediate transfer member by an ink jet technique to record an image on the recording medium, the method including a pretreatment agent applying step of applying a pretreatment agent onto an intermediate transfer member; an ink applying step of applying an ink by an ink jet technique onto a region of the intermediate transfer member onto which the pretreatment agent is applied, thereby forming an intermediate image; a transfer step of transferring the intermediate image formed on the intermediate transfer member onto a recording medium; and a selection controlling step of controlling selection of execution or non-execution of at least one of the pretreatment agent applying step and the transfer step, based on an amount of the ink applied onto the intermediate transfer member. |
| US09656450B2 |
Apparatus for laminating substrates
An apparatus for laminating substrates includes a laminating fixture having an open-topped recessed space formed by a pair of corresponding sidewalls for holding a target substrate therein. The recessed space is communicable with an air evacuation passage. A supporting structure is formed in the recessed space for supporting two opposite ends of a flexible substrate thereon, such that a bottom of the flexible substrate is spaced from a laminating surface of the target substrate by a predetermined distance. A soft plate is disposed over the open-topped laminating fixture to form an airtight chamber in the laminating fixture. When the airtight chamber is vacuumed using a vacuum pump via the evacuation passage, the soft plate is subjected to a suction pressure and downward deformed to press the flexible substrate downward, causing the flexible substrate to deflect to attach its bottom on the laminating surface of the target substrate. |
| US09656449B2 |
Consolidation device and method of using the same
A consolidation device has a dispensing assembly configured to dispense a composite precursor material onto a surface of a mould, and a first nozzle assembly configured to direct a fluid stream onto the free surface of the dispensed composite precursor material. The use of a fluid flow to consolidate the dispensed composite precursor material onto the surface of the mould makes the device simpler, more cost effective and causes less damage to the surface of the composite article. |
| US09656448B2 |
Display apparatus and hot stamping system for the same
Disclosed are a display apparatus including a display panel on which an image is displayed, a cover including a side portion configured to cover upper and lower side surfaces and left and right side surfaces of the display panel and a rear portion configured to cover an outer peripheral region of a rear surface of the display panel, and a rear cover coupled to the middle cover and configured to cover the rear surface of the display panel, and a hot stamping system for the same. A thin film having a particular color is attached to the side portion via the hot stamping system, which enables easy manufacture of the display apparatus having various colors of covers. |
| US09656444B2 |
In-mould labelling
There is disclosed a method of manufacturing an in-mold labelled article, the method comprising the steps of: placing a label comprising a film having a core comprising polypropylene/polyethylene random copolymer as its principal polymeric constituent into a mold for injection molding, thermoforming, or blow molding; holding the label in position; injecting a polymeric melt into, or thermoforming or blowing a polymeric preform in said mold so as to bind with the label; and removing the article from the mold. A process of in-mold labelling using such a label is also disclosed. |
| US09656442B2 |
Paint film composites and methods of making and using the same
Paint film composites comprise sheet metal, a color layer, and an optional transparent protective layer. Methods of making and using the paint film composites, and shaped articles made thereby, are also disclosed. |
| US09656437B2 |
Extrudable oriented polymer composites
A novel tubular or profile shapes of co-extruded multilayer polymers. These materials contain tens to thousands of layers of milli-, micro- to nano- polymer layers. These new shapes contain contiguous layers of milli- to nano- polymer layers in three dimensions and these contiguous layers may be twisted or turned to further expand the potential microlayer geometries. |
| US09656435B2 |
Tire vulcanizer system and assembly method therefor
A tire vulcanizer system in which multiple tire vulcanizers, provided with a frame and a vulcanizing mechanism that is supported by the frame and is for vulcanizing green tires, are connected, wherein the tire vulcanizers are provided with respective alignment sections, which are provided on the respective frames and are for aligning the level positions of adjacent frames relative to each other. |
| US09656434B2 |
Measuring tire pressure in a tire mold
Pressure sensors may be used to directly measure the pressure between a green tire and a curing apparatus during shaping and/or during curing. |
| US09656428B2 |
Three dimensional (3D) printed objects with embedded identification (ID) elements
A method for operating a three dimensional (3D) printer to limit unauthorized copying and provide authentication of 3D objects printed from authorized models fabricated on 3D printers. The method includes providing a digital file defining a 3D model of an object to the 3D printer. The 3D model includes a model of an identification (ID) element. The method includes processing the digital file to define print layers of the 3D model, and a number of the print layers include layers of the model of the ID element. The method involves operating the 3D printer to print the layers to form a 3D object with an integrally formed ID element. The ID element is embedded within object elements of the 3D object. The integrally formed ID element may be a radio frequency ID (RFID) tag providing identification data when read by an RFID reader scanning the 3D object. |
| US09656427B2 |
Controlling build chamber temperature
A build chamber of a three-dimensional printer uses directed heat to preheat a region within the chamber where a build will be initiated, and then uses circulating, heated air to maintain a target temperature for the entire build volume after the build is initiated. A fixed heating element and blower may advantageously be used for both heating steps, and preheating may be accomplished more quickly by initially directing heat at the locus of build initiation rather than diffusing heat throughout an entire build volume. |
| US09656423B2 |
Device and method for producing three-dimensional models
The present invention relates to a device for manufacturing three-dimensional models by means of a 3D printing process, whereby a build platform for application of build material is provided and a support frame is arranged around the build platform, to which said support frame at least one device for dosing the particulate material and one device for bonding the particulate material is attached via the guiding elements and the support frame is moveable in a Z direction, which essentially means perpendicular to the base surface of the build platform. In so doing, the device provides a material feeding device having a particle material container to supply particulate material in batches from the storage area to the dosing apparatus and to do so with the least possible amount of shearing forces and without significant interaction with the atmosphere. |
| US09656421B2 |
Process for preparing a spherical material with a hierarchical porosity comprising metallic particles trapped in a mesostructured matrix
A process is described for the preparation of an inorganic material with a hierarchical porosity in the micropore and mesopore domains. The material has at least two elementary spherical particles having a maximum diameter of 200 microns. The process comprises: a) preparing a solution containing zeolitic nanocrystals with a maximum nanometric dimension equal to 60 nm based on silicon and/or precursor elements of proto-zeolitic entities based on silicon; b) mixing, in solution, metallic particles or at least one metallic precursor of metallic particles, a surfactant and the solution obtained in accordance with a) such that the ratio of the volumes of inorganic and organic materials, Vinorganic/Vorganic, is 0.29 to 0.50; c) aerosol atomization of the solution obtained in b) resulting in formation of spherical particles; d) drying the particles; g) eliminating any remaining precursor elements of proto-zeolitic entities based on silicon and the surfactant. |
| US09656420B2 |
Bondline control fixture and method of affixing first and second components
A bondline control fixture and an active bondline control fixture are provided for affixing first and second components. The bondline control fixture includes a base fixable relative to a first component maneuvering device and comprising a first body defining an aperture and a first chamber and a second body disposable within the first chamber and defining a second chamber, a flexible membrane disposable to seal the second chamber, a mobile plate to which the second component is removably attachable, the mobile plate being disposable in contact with the flexible membrane and a pressure regulating system coupled to the second body and configured to regulate a pressure within the second chamber to deform the flexible membrane. |
| US09656414B2 |
Microfluidic devices and methods of fabrication
The present invention relates to microfluidic devices that comprise a 3-D microfluidic network of microchannels of arbitrary complexity and to a method for fabricating such devices. In particular, the invention relates to a method of forming microfluidic devices having 3-D microfluidic networks that contain open or closed loop microchannels using a single-step molding process without the need for layer-by-layer fabrication, and to the resultant microfluidic devices. The networks of such microfluidic devices may comprise one or more microchannel circuits which may be discrete or interconnected. |
| US09656412B2 |
Method and device for producing a fibre composite component
The present invention provides a method for producing a fiber composite component, the method comprising arranging a first and a second mold in relation to one another in such a way that these together form a first cavity; laying a fiber material on the first and/or second mold; filling the first cavity with a casting material and solidifying the casting material in order to seal the first and second molds to one another and/or to interconnect them; and infiltrating the fiber material with a matrix and curing the matrix to form the fiber composite component. |
| US09656411B2 |
Separating device of material of absorbent article
A separating device separates liquid absorbent fibers from a material including the liquid absorbent fibers of an absorbent article and impurities. The separating device includes: a case; an insertion port for inserting the material into the case on an airflow; a rotation member in the case for agitating and opening the material; and a discharge port for discharging the liquid absorbent fibers from inside the case on an airflow. The rotation member rotates around a center axis from the insertion port to the discharge port, and the rotation member has protruding sections protruding outward in a direction that intersects with the center axis in a plurality of positions in the axial direction. A regulating member is provided in a predetermined position between the insertion port and the discharge port in the case, and the regulating member regulates movement of the material from the insertion port to the discharge port. |
| US09656409B2 |
Method for preparing polyamide granules
The present invention relates to a method for preparing polyamide granules. This method comprises, in particular, steps of extruding the polymer, cooling and cutting the extruded material, and a step of cooling the granules. The method of the invention is simple and quick to implement. |
| US09656408B2 |
Method for producing thermoplastic molding compounds, and thermoplastic molding compounds produced according thereto
A method for extruding thermoplastic molding compounds, the production of thermoplastic molding compounds taking place in a screw machine with mechanical dewatering, and impact-modified molding compounds or polymer blends which contain impact-modified thermoplastic materials that were produced by means of the method according to the invention. |
| US09656406B2 |
Arrangement for the passive capture of a broken saw chain
An arrangement to capture passively a broken saw chain of a chain saw with a guide bar that is arranged such that it can pivot, including a stationary screen that forms part of a sawing box and that covers a rear part of the saw. In order to achieve an inexpensive and efficient protection there is arranged between an end surface of the screen and the guide bar an energy-absorbing brake member that is sufficiently elastic or flexible to receive the kinetic energy from a broken saw chain, to direct kinetic energy away from the chain and to regain its normal form after it has suffered an impact from and been deformed by the chain. |
| US09656402B2 |
Grip-type cutter knife
A cutter knife body having a grip portion, the grip portion including a trigger lever, a cutting blade provided on an end of the cutter knife body, a pin rotatably supporting the cutting blade in the cutter knife body, a locking member placed in an opening formed in the cutter knife body, and a pair of cutting blade protector flanges, each protector flange being disposed on a side of the cutting blade, each cutting blade protector flanges having an outward protrusion from a surface of the flange, the grip type cutter knife including a pair of springs located between the pin and each of the outward protrusion from the flange surface, the pair of flanges being slidably supported in the cutter knife body by the pin and the pair of springs. |
| US09656400B2 |
Hair cutting techniques for automated hair cutting system
Various aspects of automated grooming systems and cutting devices are disclosed. One embodiment of an automated grooming system comprises a computing device; a cutting device comprising a handle having a proximal and distal end and a cutting head positioned near the distal end of the handle; and a plurality of positioning sensors configured to send signals to the computing device relaying the position of the cutting head relative to a surface having hair extending therefrom. The computing device may be configured to receive the signals from the positioning device and prepare instructions for actuation of the cutting device. In some embodiments, the cutting device comprises a processor configured to receive the prepared instructions from the computing device and actuate the cutting device according to the prepared instructions. |
| US09656394B2 |
Robotic system with reconfigurable end-effector assembly
A robotic system includes a robotic arm and an end-effector assembly movably coupled to the robotic arm. The end-effector assembly includes a main boom, a frame rail coupled to the main boom, and a plurality of tool branches movably coupled to the frame rail. Each tool branch includes a branch rail movably coupled to the frame rail, a lock coupling the branch rail to the frame rail, and a protrusion coupled to the first lock. The robotic system also includes a configuration tool movably coupled to the robotic arm. The configuration tool includes including a tool body, a gripper coupled to the tool body, and a driver bit extending from the tool body. |
| US09656391B2 |
Robotic end effector for plug installation
A robot tool is provided for the placing of closing plugs in openings in a vehicle body component. The robot tool includes a placing device in which a plug magazine with a plurality of plugs is accommodated, which plugs can be placed by way of the placing device without reloading directly behind one another in the respective openings. A method is provided for the secure placing of the plugs. |
| US09656382B1 |
Tool fixture for electrically-powered hand tools
A tool fixture can include a plate, a first bolt, a first aperture, and a pin actuator assembly. The first bolt can extend away from a top surface of the plate and have threads of a first thread configuration. The first aperture can be disposed on an opposite side of the plate relative to the first bolt and can extend through the plate and be at least partially threaded with threads of the first thread configuration. The pin actuator assembly can include a base and a pin. The base can extend away from the top surface and can be engaged with the plate for rotation. The pin can be mounted in the base for movement between a retracted position and an extended position. The base can be disposed on an opposite side of the plate relative to the first aperture. |
| US09656376B2 |
Staples feeder assembly with concealed slider for pneumatic fastener magazine
The present invention consists of the complete integration of a self arming controlled action pneumatic fastener magazine slider (pusher and feeder) within the two legs of a stack of U-shape staples on a magazine support rail, thanks to the interplay of two pairs of releasably interlocking sensor and keys fastener pusher elements. In one embodiment of the invention, the slider system is self-arming and fits within an elbowed magazine for receiving fasteners, but works along the straight portion of the magazine. This slider system will accommodate elongated magazine holding a larger number of fasteners. The slider system will decrease the time required for fastener reloading by simplifying operations and enabling a greater flexibility for the operator. A fastener retention device may be provide to the fastener pusher, defining an operative mode active with a large storage load of fasteners into the magazine, and a inoperative mode triggered when the load of magazine feeders decreases below a threshold value. |
| US09656375B2 |
Linear guide rail inlay installation tool
A simplified installation tool for installing a cover strip in a linear guide rail assembly is provided. The installation tool includes a body having a channel that extends across a bottom surface of the body that is adapted to receive a guide rail. The channel is defined by an upper surface with a lead-in angled projection and sides defined by two L-shaped guide portions that extend from the upper surface and that face each other. Two undercut areas of the channel are located between the L-shaped guide portions and the upper surface of the channel. Retention tabs of the installation tool can attach to the carriage of the linear guide rail assembly. The lead-in angled projection provides a downward force on the cover strip as the carriage travels along the guide rail to press the cover strip into a flattened state within a slot of the guide rail. |
| US09656373B2 |
Hand tool
A hand tool is provided that is configured to provide ready access to individual tool members. In this regard, the hand tool may provide improved features for facilitating storage and operation of the tool members. One example hand tool includes first and second jaws capable of translating between an extended position and a retracted position. |
| US09656372B2 |
Sharpener for thick knives
A knife sharpener includes guide structure for accommodating thick blades of a knife. The guide structure includes a fixed guide surface having a convex portion to match a concave shape of the blade and a spring guide surface preferably has a convex portion to press against a hollow ground portion of the blade. |
| US09656369B2 |
Brush-type deburring machine for multiple cutting with individual deburring
The invention relates to a deburring machine for ends of sections (3, 51) of an elongate profile which are cut to length, with a receiving means (4) for a stack (2) or a bundle (50) of sections (3, 51) and a separating device for the sections (3, 51) of the stack (2) or the bundle (50), with a conveying device for the separated sections (3, 51) and at least one brush (40) which is arranged along the conveying device and which is in contact with the ends of the separated sections (3, 51) during the conveying thereof and which deburrs the ends. |
| US09656366B2 |
Abrasive article having a non-uniform distribution of openings
An abrasive article having a plurality of apertures arranged in a non-uniform distribution pattern, wherein the pattern is spiral or phyllotactic, and in particular those patterns described by the Vogel equation. Also, provided is a back-up pad having a spiral or phyllotactic patterns of air flow paths, such as in the form of open channels. The back-up pad can be specifically adapted to correspond with an abrasive article having a non-uniform distribution pattern. Alternatively, the back-up pad can be used in conjunction with conventional perforated coated abrasives. The abrasive articles having a non-uniform distribution pattern of apertures and the back-up pads can be used together as an abrasive system. |
| US09656365B1 |
Honing tool and method
The axial rotation of a honing tool head and the radial advance of the co-rotating honing stones are accomplished simultaneously by a magnetic coupling. The magnetic coupling connects an inner and drive axle that are driven independently. When the inner axial is driven at a differential speed than the drive axle, a connected pinion gear mechanism is engaged to transfer torque and radially displace the honing stones in response to the speed difference. |
| US09656363B2 |
Vertical machining center
A vertical machining center includes a base; a tilting rotary table, a tool spindle, a tilting shaft, a recessed area, a slide door, and an inner cover. The tilting rotary table is disposed on the base and configured to turn and tilt a table face of a rotary table. The tool spindle is rotatable about a vertical axis line and movable in an X axis direction, a Y axis direction, and a Z axis direction. The tilting shaft is disposed in the tilting rotary table and oriented in the Y axis direction. The recessed area is disposed on a front surface of the vertical machining center. The recessed area is adjacent to a support supporting the tilting shaft. The slide door is configured to cover the front surface. The inner cover is integral with the slide door. The inner cover is configured to cover the recessed area. |
| US09656362B2 |
Tool changer equipped with covers
A tool changer is equipped with a turret having plural grips for use to grip tools as well as with a front cover and rear cover adapted to cover a front face and rear face of the turret. Furthermore, a protrusion is installed on the rear cover in a neighborhood of a gap between the front cover and the rear cover, being configured to block intrusion of chips or cutting fluid into the gap between the front cover and the rear cover from a top face of the rear cover. |
| US09656359B1 |
Devices and systems for lens support
An apparatus may include a mounting structure configured to removably mount a concave surface of a device. The mounting structure may have a convex mounting surface that corresponds to the concave surface of the device. The device may have a convex surface opposite the concave surface. The apparatus may also include a base structure that has a flat surface. The apparatus may also include a support structure coupled to the base structure and the mounting structure. The support structure may be configured to align the mounting structure at a given angle such that a target area on the convex surface of the device is substantially parallel to the flat surface of the base structure when the device is mounted on the mounting structure. |
| US09656355B2 |
Manufacturing method for grip member for insertion tube in heat exchanger, manufacturing method for heat exchanger using said grip member, and air conditioner and/or outdoor unit having said heat exchanger
The invention provides a tube-grasping body for grasping an insert tube in a heat exchanger, and heat exchanger production methods and apparatuses utilizing the tube-grasping body, wherein the tube-grasping body enables enlarging and connecting an insert tube to a heat radiating fin for producing a heat exchanger, while still keeping the total length of insert tubes at an almost same level even after the enlargement; and the tube-grasping body is connected at its exterior to a guide-pipe. |
| US09656353B2 |
Reflow film, solder bump formation method, solder joint formation method, and semiconductor device
The present invention relates to a reflow film containing a thermoplastic resin which is dissolvable in a solvent, and solder particles, wherein the solder particles are dispersed in the film, and also relates to a solder bump formation method which comprises: (A) a step of mounting the reflow film on the electrode surface side of a substrate, (B) a step of mounting and fixing a flat plate, (C) a step of heating, and (D) a step of dissolving and removing the reflow film, and herewith, a reflow film is provided which, by causing localization of the solder component on the electrodes of the substrate by self-assembly, exhibits excellent storage properties, transportability and handling properties during use, and can form solder bumps or solder joints selectively on only the electrodes. |
| US09656350B2 |
Removal of selected portions of protective coatings from substrates
A method for selectively removing portions of a protective coating from a substrate, such as an electronic device, includes removing portions of the protective coating from the substrate. The removal process may include cutting the protective coating at specific locations, then removing desired portions of the protective coating from the substrate, or it may include ablating the portions of the protective coating that are to be removed. Coating and removal systems are also disclosed. |
| US09656345B2 |
Friction stir welding tool made of cemented tungsten carbide with nickel and with a AL2O3 surface coating
A friction stir welding tool for welding of metallic plates and especially steel plates. The friction stir welding tool is made of cemented carbide comprising WC grains in a binder phase and wherein the welding tool is at least partly coated with a surface coating comprising Al2O3. |
| US09656342B2 |
Apparatus for replacing welding tip for spot welding
Disclosed is an apparatus for replacing a welding tip for spot welding. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus for replacing a welding tip for spot welding includes a post installed in a workplace having a spot welding machine with upper, and lower welding guns provided thereto, a base plate mounted on a top of the post, a welding tip removing unit mounted on one side of an upper side of the base plate for clamping and removing a spent welding tip mounted to the upper welding gun or the lower welding gun by operation of a cylinder, a holder unit mounted on the upper side of the base plate spaced from the welding tip removing unit, and a welding tip cassette mounted to the holder unit in a state new welding tips to be mounted to the upper, and lower welding guns are set in an upper side and a lower side thereof. |
| US09656339B2 |
Wire electric discharge machine and machining pass generating apparatus for wire electric discharge machine
A machining pass generating apparatus for a wire electric discharge machine, which is configured to generate a machining pass for machining a key groove on a side surface of a round hole, includes a processor. The processor is configured to define a shape of the key groove to be machined, designate a diameter of the round hole, designate a position of the round hole, and generate a machining pass, the pass suppresses an opening of the key groove from being narrowed. |
| US09656334B2 |
Cutting-edge replaceable cutting tool
Provided is a cutting-edge replaceable cutting tool having a configuration capable of stably supporting a rotational moment acting on a cutting insert clamped on an insert mounting face of a body. It includes a cutting insert, a body including an insert mounting portion for removably mounting the cutting insert and a reception mechanism to receive the rotational moment acting on the cutting insert so as to rotate the cutting insert mounted on the insert mounting portion on a base surface, the mechanism including a first engagement portion formed on a lower surface of the cutting insert and a second engagement portion formed on the base surface of the insert mounting portion which is formed to engage with a specific portion of a surface defining the first engagement portion to receive the rotational moment. |
| US09656332B2 |
Key duplication machine
Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with a key duplication machine are described. In one embodiment, an assembly for duplicating a master key includes an optical imaging device, a logic, a clamping assembly, and a cutting member. The optical imaging device is capable of capturing an optical image of at least a portion of the master key. The logic is capable of determining a key pattern of the master key from the optical image of the master key. The clamping assembly is capable of clamping a key blank and the cutting member is capable of cutting a key pattern into said key blank. |
| US09656331B2 |
System and method for simultaneously forming flutes in solid carbide tools
A system for simultaneously forming multiple flutes in a carbide rotary cutting tool includes a chuck adapted to grasp a green rod member and selectively rotate the green rod member about, and translate the green rod member along, a first axis. The system further includes a mechanism adapted to simultaneously machine multiple flutes in the green rod member as the green rod member is rotated about, and translated along, the first axis. |
| US09656325B2 |
Indexable cutting insert and cutting tool therefor
A cutting tool assembly includes a cutting tool and an indexable cutting insert having an insert index axis. The cutting insert includes parallel insert first and second sides connected by an insert peripheral surface that extends peripherally around the cutting insert. At least one clamping hole opens out to one or both of the insert first and second sides, and at least a portion of the clamping hole is in a clamping region of the cutting insert. The insert peripheral surface includes cutting edges that are spaced-apart and extend from the insert first side to the insert second side. Along a width direction, which is perpendicular to the insert first and second sides, each of the cutting edges is wider than the cutting insert, at least at the cutting region of the cutting insert. |
| US09656324B2 |
Cartridge for a grooving tool holder, corresponding grooving tool holder, kit and assembly thereof
A cartridge for a grooving tool holder extends along a mid-thickness plane by being bordered in the mid-thickness plane by peripheral surfaces of the cartridge. The peripheral surfaces of the cartridge include a clamping surface, a back surface for the fixation to the grooving tool holder along a screwing direction, and a front surface. The cartridge has a coolant channel extending along a direction from the back surface to the front surface. The screwing direction and the direction of extension of the coolant channel are both included in the mid-thickness plane of the cartridge. A grooving tool holder includes an upper front surface for fixation by screwing to the back surface of the cartridge. |
| US09656323B2 |
Cutting tool with cooling mechanism and a cutting insert and tool holder therefor
A cutting element includes a cutting portion and a cooling portion. The cutting portion has a rake surface, a relief surface and a cutting edge defined at the intersection between the rake surface and the relief surface. The cooling portion has an operative surface and a cooling nozzle integrally formed therewith. The nozzle is spaced from the cutting edge and having a cooling aperture directed at the cutting edge at an acute angle with respect to the rake surface. The operative surface is one of the rake surface and a surface of the cutting element other than the rake surface, disposed at a location more remote from the cutting edge than the rake surface, so that the rake surface is disposed between the cutting edge and the cooling aperture. |
| US09656321B2 |
Casting method, cast article and casting system
A casting method, cast article and casting system are disclosed. The casting method includes providing a base material in a mold, directing a fluid material into the mold, and solidifying the base material and the fluid material to form a cast article. The base material has a first density and first composition. The fluid material has a second density and a second composition. The first density differs from the second density, the first composition differs from the second composition, or the first density differs from the second density and the first composition differs from the second composition. The cast article includes a first material solidification from the base material, and a second material solidification from the fluid material. The casting system includes a mold for containing a base material and an input configuration, with flow control feature, for directing a fluid material into the mold containing the base material. |
| US09656314B2 |
Press die
A press die includes block rows arranged in parallel in a frame. Each block row is formed by die blocks. The block rows include a first block row and a second block row that are adjacent to each other. A joint portion between adjacent two blocks belonging to the first block row faces a side surface of a die block belonging to the second block row. |
| US09656312B2 |
4-roll, 6-roll, 18-HS-roll stand having a cassette-type design
The invention concerns a 4-high/6-high/18 HS cassette-type roll stand in which bending force is transmitted to bending journals (6) of roll inserts (7) by piston-cylinder units that are connected with Mae West blocks (3).Here, the piston at the piston rod (1) is fixedly connected with the Mae West block (3) and the cylinders (4) fit around the bending journals (6) at the inserts (7) of the rolls, so that thereby bending force can be transmitted directly to the bending journals (6) of the roll inserts (7). |
| US09656311B2 |
Dithiocarbamate functionalized dendrimer with alkylenediamine core as soil heavy metal immobilization amendment and preparation method thereof
A dithiocarbamate functionalized dendrimer with an alkylenediamine core, a dithiocarbamate pendant functional group and a dithiocarbamate end functional group, as a soil heavy metal immobilization amendment, and a preparation method thereof are provided. The dithiocarbamate functionalized dendrimer has a chemical formula of (CH2)a{N[CH2CH2COOCH2C(C2H5)(CH2OCOCH2CH2N(CSSM)CH2(CH2)bCH2N(CSS M)2)2]2}2, wherein a is a positive integer larger than 2; b is a positive integer at a range of 0-4; and M is Na+, NH4+ or K+. The dithiocarbamate functionalized dendrimer with the alkylenediamine core is used for an in-suit immobilization remediation for soil contaminated by heavy metals, and has advantages of a small dosage, high efficiency, safety and rapidness. The dendrimer is able to effectively immobilize exchangeable and carbonated bound forms of the heavy metals, in such a manner that the immobilized heavy metals are able to resist an influence from natural environment for a long term, such as an acid rain. |
| US09656307B1 |
Powered hose puller
A powered, portable device for pulling a hose such as a sewer hose into an access hole such as a sewer manhole. The device is sufficiently long to extend over the access hole and has a lateral support structure extending from the bottom of the device into the access hole to engage a side surface of the access hole to prevent the device from being pulled across the ground during operation. Upper and lower frame portions are connected by a hinge at one end of the device to allow the device to be opened up to install the hose into the device. With the hose installed the upper frame can be clamped down to the lower frame to engage the hose. The upper and lower frames have gripping elements, at least one of which is powered by a motor to rotate and pull the hose into the access hole. |
| US09656303B2 |
Device and method for cleaning conveying surface
Labor saving and automatization of cleaning work of a conveyance face for articles or materials are intended to reliably and quickly execute the cleaning work. A cleaning apparatus has a cleaning implement (10) located on the upper side of a conveyance element (R). The cleaning implement includes a cleaning face (11) to be in contact with a conveyance face (S). The cleaning apparatus also has a traction device (6,7) which applies a tractive force (T) to the cleaning implement, in a direction (E) opposite to a conveyance direction (D) of a conveyance passage. The cleaning implement has a weight (P) for keeping the cleaning face in contact with the conveyance element in operation of the conveyor device, and cleans the conveyance face by means of contact and separation of the cleaning face and the conveyance face, and relative displacement therebetween (V1, V2, V3). |
| US09656302B2 |
Device and method for transporting and examining fast-moving objects to be treated
A method and a device for transporting and examining fast-moving objects to be treated, the objects comprising an outer surface and a top surface, (e.g. preforms, bottles, containers, lids, closures). The device comprises an examining unit with an inspection camera and a rejection unit, the bodies being rejected by expulsion using a contactless exertion of force. |
| US09656300B2 |
Unimorph-type ultrasound probe
A unimorph-type ultrasound probe has a plurality of piezoelectric element regions which extend in a minor axis direction and are arranged at a predetermined arrangement pitch in a major axis direction, a plurality of minute piezoelectric element portions are formed so as to be arranged in each piezoelectric element region, the size of the plurality of minute piezoelectric element portions is changed in the minor axis direction, the plurality of minute piezoelectric element portions are arranged such that the size of the piezoelectric element portions in both end portions in the minor axis direction becomes smaller than the size of the piezoelectric element portions in a central portion in the minor axis direction, and ultrasonic waves having different frequencies are radiated from the piezoelectric element portions having different sizes. |
| US09656299B2 |
Method and circuit arrangement for determining a working range of an ultrasonic vibrating unit
Provided is a method for determining an operating range of an ultrasonic vibrating unit (7), which ultrasonic vibrating unit (7) is supplied with electrical power by a generator (2) via an output (2a) and is excited to vibrate ultrasonically, wherein at least constituent parts of the ultrasonic vibrating unit (7), preferably an ultrasonic transducer (8) contained therein, and constituent parts of the generator (2), preferably a matching network (2b) on the output side, form a tuned circuit (2c, 2d). The method is characterized in that a measuring circuit (3) is connected upstream of the output (2a) of the generator (2), via the measuring circuit (3), a voltage (U) is applied to the tuned circuit, and by the measuring circuit (3), at least the phase, preferably magnitude and phase, of an impedance of the tuned circuit are measured, and at least the phase, preferably the phase and magnitude, of the impedance are evaluated in order to determine the working range. The invention further relates to a circuit arrangement for carrying out the aforementioned method. |
| US09656286B2 |
Fluid dispenser and method for simultaneously dispensing fluids from multiple cartridges
A fluid dispenser and method for simultaneously dispensing fluids from first and second cartridges. The fluid dispenser includes a base structure and a cartridge holding assembly mounted to the base structure. The cartridge holding assembly includes first and second cartridge holders. A linear drive mechanism is mounted to the base structure and coupled with first and second drive pistons force fluids through fluid passages. A dispensing portion is provided in first and second sections for easy cleaning. |
| US09656282B2 |
Fluid flow nozzle
A fluid flow nozzle is provided that comprises an elongated body having an inlet end and an outlet end, and defining a channel extending therethrough in which the channel includes an inlet channel and an outlet channel having an outlet diameter that is less than the inlet diameter. The channel further defining a tapered channel extending from the inlet channel to the outlet channel with a plurality of vanes or grooves circumferentially spaced around the tapered channel to increase flow velocity while reducing turbulence and divergence of the discharge stream. |
| US09656281B2 |
Shower head with rotatable control disk
A shower head jet disk (4) has inlet and outlet openings (8, 9) on opposite sides, with a passage duct (10a, 10b) fluidically connecting each outlet to at least one inlet. An upstream control disk (2) is rotatable relative to the jet disk and has a control slot pattern (131, 134) opening the inlets depending on the rotational position of the control disk. The control slot pattern and the inlets are coordinated such that two adjacent inlet openings (8a, 8b) that correspond with a common outlet opening (9) via two passage ducts (10a, 10b) with non-parallel side walls (12a, 12b) provide different jet outlet directions (Sa, Sb), or two regions of an inlet opening that corresponds with an outlet opening via a passage duct with non-parallel side wall regions provide different jet directions, or two adjacent inlet openings that correspond with two adjacent outlet openings are opened, in alternating fashion. |
| US09656280B2 |
Multifunction faucet spray head
The disclosure includes a faucet assembly with a unique multifunction spray head. The spray head is capable of at least four spray functions, and has an outer shell; a flow body extending within the shell, a first end extending out of the shell for attachment to a faucet and a second end in fluid communication with a spray selector assembly The flow body defines a flow path from the first end of the flow body to a flow selector assembly. The spray head includes a flow selector assembly comprising: a selector valve housing body having at least four valve recesses therein; at least four flow selector valves seated within the recesses in the selector valve housing body; and a rotating selector valve ring. A sprayer seat has a faceplate thereon and a flow diversion conduit corresponding to each selector valve to provide flow paths from a selector valve to a sprayer outlet or an aerator outlet. An outer selector ring having a selector assembly seat is included for seating the flow selector assembly and engaging the rotating selector valve ring. The spray head provides aerated spray, and at least a shower spray, a jet sprayer and a misting sprayer each of which is selected by turning the outer selector ring and/or using an optional toggle selection valve for direct aerated spray if desired. |
| US09656279B2 |
Top spraying shower head with reset function
A top spraying shower head with reset function comprises a shower head main body having: a waterway switch valve, an inlet passage, a first outlet hole, and a second outlet hole concentrically arranged in the direction of the inlet passage. The inlet passage with the first outlet hole or the second outlet hole form a first outlet passage and a second outlet passage respectively. The waterway switch valve comprises: a valve body having a slidable valve body that moves between a first position and a second position to close the first outlet passage or the second outlet passage; a sealing element which can open the first and second outlet passage; an elastic element abutting between one end of the valve spindle and the inner wall of the valve body; and a W-shaped camshaft rotatably assembled in the valve body. |
| US09656278B2 |
Jet spray nozzle and method for cleaning photo masks and semiconductor wafers
A jet spray nozzle for cleaning a photolithographic mask or semiconductor wafer and method for cleaning the same. The jet spray nozzle in one embodiment includes a water supply inlet, a gas supply inlet, a first row of gas injection nozzles communicating with the gas supply inlet, a mixing cavity defining a jet spray nozzle outlet, and a flow mixing baffle disposed in the cavity. The mixing baffle preferably is configured and arranged to combine gas and water in the jet spray nozzle for delivering a concentrated stream of gas with a cluster of micro water droplets entrained in the gas for removing contaminant particles from the mask. The jet spray nozzle is capable of cleaning photo masks or wafers without the use of chemicals. In one embodiment, the water may be deionized water and the gas may be nitrogen. In another embodiment, the jet spray nozzle further includes a second row of gas injection nozzles spaced above or below the first row of gas injection nozzles that communicate with the gas supply inlet. |
| US09656277B2 |
Swimming pool water filtration device
The invention relates to a device comprising at least three hydrocyclones and a pump. The pump comprises a centrifugal turbine, an electric motor capable of driving the turbine in rotation, a distributor capable of collecting the water recirculated by the turbine and introducing the water into the hydrocyclones. The distributor comprises at least one distribution channel for each hydrocyclone, each channel extending from an inlet orifice formed in a central circular housing to an outlet orifice formed in a wall of a hydrocyclone, and discharging into the hydrocyclone tangentially to the wall of this hydrocyclone. The centrifugal turbine is housed inside the central housing of the distributor, opposite the inlet orifices of the channels. |
| US09656276B1 |
De-sanding tank with conical bottom
A de-sanding tank with a vertical exterior wall and an interior conical bottom with a solids outlet located at a lower tip of the conical bottom. Downwardly and tangentially oriented water jet nozzles within the tank cause a swirling action to remove solids. An enclosing space located between the vertical wall and the conical bottom has a honey-combed structure of closed pore foam as reinforcement for the conical bottom. Compartments within the honey-combed structure fill with water as the vessel is placed in service to add support for the conical bottom. Water enters the compartments via downwardly facing bottom openings that fill a common void located at the bottom of the enclosing space and then into the compartments. Weep holes provided between the top of each compartment and the interior of the tank allow the air from the compartments to enter the tank as the compartments fill. |
| US09656273B2 |
Method and apparatus for contacting bubbles and particles in a flotation separation system
A flotation separation apparatus for separating particles in suspensions, feeds slurry containing the particles through an inlet into a contactor where gas is fed through an inlet to mix with the slurry, for example in a downwardly plunging jet, to form a gas-liquid bubbly two-phase mixture under pressure from an outlet restriction in a throttling duct. The mixture is passed through a flow manipulator configured to induce a high energy dissipation rate, for example by way of a Shockwave formed in a diverging section of the throttling duct reducing the size of the bubbles and brining those bubbles into intimate contact with particles in the mixture which is released into a separation cell where a flow manipulating draft tube is provided to reduce turbulence in the mixture. Alternative apparatus and methods for inducing the high energy dissipation rate and for reducing turbulence in the mixture are also described and claimed. |
| US09656272B1 |
Precious metal separation
A system for precious metal separation includes a feeder that provides a granular mixture to a precious metal separator device. The feeder includes an inlet port, a storage area, and an outlet port. The feeder provides the granular mixture to the precious metal separator device at a rate at which the precious metal separator device processes the granular material. As the feeder provides the granular mixture to the precious metal separator, a remover removes ferromagnetic material from the provided granular mixture before the provided granular mixture reaches the precious metal separator. |
| US09656270B2 |
Apparatus for classifying particulate material
An apparatus for classifying particulate material includes at least one tank for receiving a feed slurry, a device for introducing water into a lower region of the at least one tank whereby water is caused to flow upwardly and through the feed slurry contained therein, whereby hydraulic separation takes place within the at least one tank with particles of lower settling velocity progressing upwardly and into a device for effecting discharge of an overflow fraction from the at least one tank, and particles of greater settling velocity progressing downwardly to a lower region of at least one tank, wherein the feed slurry is introduced into the at least one tank in an upwards direction. |
| US09656268B2 |
System and method for cutting and/or shredding materials
A system for shearing bulk material includes a shearing cartridge with an input port and an output port. A first plurality of rotatable blades are disposed about a first shaft, Each of the first plurality of rotatable blades includes a center aperture such that the first shaft extends through the center apertures of the first plurality of rotatable blades to selectively rotate each of the first plurality of rotatable blades simultaneously. A second plurality of rotatable blades is opposingly offset from the first plurality of rotatable blades. Each of the second plurality of rotatable blades includes a center aperture such that the second shaft extends through the center apertures of the second plurality of rotatable blades to selectively rotate each of the second plurality of rotatable blades in a direction opposite the first plurality of rotatable blades to shear and reduce the bulk material. |
| US09656267B2 |
Magnetic rack
A magnetic rack includes a bottom plate; a top plate mounted onto the bottom plate, the top plate having therein a first plurality of tube holes for retaining one or more tubes, each tube hole having an opening and a supporting wall extending from the opening between the top plate and the bottom plate; and a second plurality of magnetic assemblies distributed between at least a portion of the first plurality of tube holes, each magnetic assembly being configured to produce a magnetic field in one or more tube holes adjacent thereto. |
| US09656261B2 |
DNA analyzer
Aspects of the disclosure provide a microfluidic chip to facilitate DNA analysis. The microfluidic chip includes a first domain configured for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of DNA fragments, a dilution domain coupled to the first domain to dilute a PCR mixture received from the first domain, and a second domain that is coupled to the dilution domain so as to receive the amplified DNA fragments. The second domain includes a separation channel that is configured to perform electrophoretic separation of the amplified DNA fragments. In addition, the disclosure provides a DNA analyzer to act on the microfluidic chip to perform an integrated single chip DNA analysis. |
| US09656254B2 |
Copper CHA zeolite catalysts
Zeolite catalysts and systems and methods for preparing and using zeolite catalysts having the CHA crystal structure are disclosed. The catalysts can be used to remove nitrogen oxides from a gaseous medium across a broad temperature range and exhibit hydrothermal stable at high reaction temperatures. The zeolite catalysts include a zeolite carrier having a silica to alumina ratio from about 15:1 to about 256:1 and a copper to alumina ratio from about 0.25:1 to about 1:1. |
| US09656253B2 |
Zeolite, method for manufacturing zeolite, honeycomb catalyst, and exhaust gas purifying apparatus
A zeolite has a CHA structure, a SiO2/Al2O3 composition ratio less than about 15, and an average particle size from about 0.1 μm to about 0.5 μm. |
| US09656252B2 |
Catalyst composition for producing hydrocarbons and method for producing hydrocarbons
There are provided a catalyst composition for producing hydrocarbons and a method for producing hydrocarbons which exhibit a high CO conversion rate, generates minimal amount of gaseous components, and is also capable of efficiently obtaining, from a syngas, a gasoline fraction which is selective for and rich in the components having a high octane number, such as aromatic, naphthenic, olefinic and branched paraffinic hydrocarbons, by using a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalyst that contains at least one type of metal exhibiting activity in Fischer-Tropsch reaction and manganese carbonate and a zeolite serving as a solid acid. |
| US09656250B2 |
Method for preparing iodine-doped TiO2 nano-catalyst and use thereof in heterogeneously catalyzing configuration transformation of trans-carotenoids
The present invention relates to a method for preparing an iodine-doped TiO2 nano-catalyst and use of the catalyst in heterogeneously catalyzing configuration transformation of trans-carotenoids. The iodine-doped TiO2 nano-catalyst is prepared by a sol-gel process using a titanate ester as a precursor and an iodine-containing compound as a dopant in the presence of a diluent, inhibitor and complexing agent. The catalyst exhibits high activity for isomerization of the trans-carotenoids into their cis-isomers within a short catalytic time. The catalyst can be easily prepared and is highly efficient, economical, recyclable and environmentally friendly. |
| US09656245B2 |
Low thermal expansion aluminum titanate-zirconium tin titanate ceramics
Disclosed herein is a ceramic body comprising at least one phase comprising a pseudobrookite-type crystal structure and at least one phase comprising zirconium tin titanate. Also disclosed are porous ceramic honeycomb structures comprising a ceramic body comprising at least one phase comprising a pseudobrookite-type crystal structure and at least one phase comprising zirconium tin titanate and methods of preparing a ceramic body comprising at least one phase comprising a pseudobrookite-type crystal structure and at least one phase comprising zirconium tin titanate. |
| US09656244B2 |
Process for the production of 1,3-butadiene
The invention relates to the use of a novel silica-supported trimetallic (La/Zr/Zn) catalyst in the production of 1,3-butadiene from ethanol. The presence of lanthanum in the catalyst further comprising zirconium and zinc increases the catalyst's yield and selectivity to 1,3-butadiene. |
| US09656237B2 |
Method of scavenging hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans using well treatment composites
Hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans may be removed from a fluid or gaseous stream by introducing a composite to the fluid or gaseous stream containing a hydrogen sulfide scavenger adsorbed onto a water-insoluble adsorbent. |
| US09656235B2 |
Operation method for multichannel apparatus and multichannel apparatus
A method of operating a microchannel reactor, in which a reaction channel is formed, includes generating a reaction product by causing a chemical reaction in a raw material fluid while causing the same to flow through a reaction channel. If the flow rate of the raw material fluid and/or the reaction product fluid flowing through a reaction channel decreases, a fluid which is inert to the raw material fluid and the reaction product is mixed into the fluid flowing through the reaction channel, in a flow rate corresponding to the decreased flow rate and at a position downstream of the introduction position of the raw material fluid into the reaction channel. |
| US09656233B2 |
Reversible microcapsule filter cake
The invention teaches a method of efficiently dewatering a microcapsule slurry to form a water re-suspendable filter cake of microcapsules. The process comprises providing an aqueous slurry of microcapsules dispersed in an aqueous solution; adding an agglomeration agent and dispersing the agglomeration agent into the aqueous slurry; adjusting the pH to a pH level sufficient to agglomerate the dispersed microcapsules; and filtering the aqueous slurry of microcapsules by gravity, vacuum or pressure filtration to thereby form a filter cake of dewatered microcapsules. The agglomeration agent is sodium polyphosphate, sodium tetrapolyphosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, and/or sodium tripolyphosphate; or with anionic microcapsules or coatings even alkaline earth metal salts such as magnesium chloride, calcium chloride or barium chloride, or even aluminum salt such as aluminum chloride. |
| US09656230B2 |
Process for upgrading heavy and highly waxy crude oil without supply of hydrogen
A continuous process to upgrade heavy crude oil for producing more valuable crude feedstock having high API gravity, low asphaltene content, and high middle distillate yield, low sulfur content, low nitrogen content, and low metal content without external supply of hydrogen and/or catalyst. Heavy crude oil having substantial amount of asphaltene and heavy components is mixed with highly waxy crude oil having large amount of paraffinic components and water to decompose asphaltene compounds and remove sulfur, nitrogen, and metal containing substances under supercritical conditions. Product has higher API gravity, lower asphaltene content, high middle distillate yield, lower sulfur content, lower nitrogen content, and lower metal content to be suitable for conventional petroleum refining process. |
| US09656229B2 |
Methane conversion apparatus and process using a supersonic flow reactor
Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process. |
| US09656228B2 |
Device and method for making solid beads
A method of making solid beads is disclosed, said method comprising: (i) providing a microfluidic device comprising a carrier fluid conduit and a functional fluid conduit which meet at a junction region; (ii) providing a laminar flow of a functional fluid comprising a solvent and a solute along the functional fluid conduit and providing a laminar flow of a carrier fluid along the carrier fluid conduit so as to form droplets of functional fluid in a flow of carrier fluid; (iii) cooling the segments of functional fluid in a conduit of the microfluidic device to form cooled (preferably frozen) droplets; and (iv) providing a liquid into intimate admixture with the cooled droplets so as to cause said solvent to exit said cooled droplets, thus forming solid beads. A microfluidic device for use in such a method is also disclosed. |
| US09656226B2 |
Apparatus for the delivery of fluid products
Apparatus for the delivery of fluid products comprising a base, a base support associated thereof, a plurality of dispensing units to dispense the fluid products contained in containing receptacles. The dispensing units are disposed on a platform rotatable with respect to the base support so as to assume at least a first position in which the fluid products can be delivered from the receptacles toward a container. The apparatus also comprises sliding means which allow the rotation of the platform. Rapid connection means are provided so as to achieve the connection of the base support with the base and/or with the sliding means in order to achieve a selective stable coupling and to prevent a reciprocal vertical movement. |
| US09656220B2 |
Method and apparatus for atomizing a deposition mixture
A method and apparatus for forming an aerosol. An apparatus may comprise an inner chamber, an outer chamber located around the inner chamber, and a wave generating device associated with the outer chamber. The inner chamber may be configured to hold a mixture that is to be converted into an aerosol within the inner chamber. The outer chamber may be configured to hold a fluid. The wave generating device may be configured to generate waves that propagate through the fluid into the mixture to stir the mixture. |
| US09656218B2 |
Gas injection method and apparatus
A method and apparatus for injecting a gas into a liquid in which a rotating helical impeller within a draft tube submerged in the liquid creates a liquid flow within the draft tube. Gas bubbles are injected into the draft tube either above or below or alongside the helical impeller or in all three locations. The liquid is drawn into the draft tube with a superficial velocity greater than a substantially uniform terminal ascent velocity of the gas bubbles to allow entrainment of undissolved gas bubbles in the bulk liquid into the liquid being drawn into the draft tube. The gas bubbles are injected with a uniform diameter of between about 10.0 microns and about 1.0 millimeters. The small bubble size enhances the dissolution of the gas into the liquid and also allow the entrainment of the gas into the liquid being drawn into the draft tube. |
| US09656216B2 |
Scalable parallel mixing system and method
A mixing manifold is provided. The manifold includes: a body; a first converging passageway in the body; a first diverging passageway in the body in-line and in fluid communication with the first converging passageway to form a first venturi; a first obstruction in a throat of the first venturi configured to move between two positions, a blocking position that blocks, at least in part, flow through the first venturi and an open position; a second converging passageway in the body; a second diverging passageway in the body in-line and in fluid communication with the second converging passageway to form a second venturi; and a second obstruction in the second venturi configured to move between two positions, a blocking position that blocks, at least in part, flow through the second venturi and an open position. A method of providing fluid flow through a manifold is also provided. |
| US09656215B2 |
Hydrogen generation assemblies and hydrogen purification devices
Hydrogen generation assemblies, hydrogen purification devices, and their components, and methods of manufacturing those assemblies, devices, and components are disclosed. In some embodiments, the devices may include frames with membrane support structures and/or may include a microscreen structure configured to prevent intermetallic diffusion. |
| US09656214B2 |
Graphene membrane laminated to porous woven or nonwoven support
Technologies are generally described for composite membranes which may include a porous graphene layer in contact with a porous support substrate. In various examples, a surface of the porous support substrate may include at least one of: a thermo-formed polymer characterized by a glass transition temperature, a woven fibrous membrane, and/or a nonwoven fibrous membrane. Examples of the composite membranes permit the use of highly porous woven or nonwoven fibrous support membranes instead of intermediate porous membrane supports. In several examples, the composite membranes may include porous graphene layers directly laminated onto the fibrous membranes via the thermo-formed polymers. The described composite membranes may be useful for separations, for example, of gases, liquids and solutions. |
| US09656207B2 |
Selective catalytic NOx reduction apparatus providing improved gasification of urea
Disclosed is an apparatus for gasifying urea from aqueous solution, comprising: a vertically-oriented gasification chamber. A gas inlet opening permits entry of hot gases from the top and a gas outlet opening for permitting the removal of gases including gasified urea from the bottom. Sidewalls define a gasification chamber communicating with the gas inlet and gas outlet. The sidewalls include, an injector support section having a generally cylindrical side wall, at least one injector for introducing fine droplets of aqueous urea parallel to the central vertical axis, and a gas swirling device including a frame and a plurality of vanes for downwardly spiraling gases passing through it from top to bottom. Also, defined by the sidewalls are a conical midsection is provided with an outwardly expanding diameter from top to bottom, and a conical collection section with inwardly decreasing diameter from top to bottom. The apparatus is arranged such that aqueous urea is introduced into a downwardly spiraling flow of hot gases that prevents droplets from contacting chamber sidewalls until gasification is complete. |
| US09656206B2 |
Combined desulfuration, denitration, and demercuration apparatus and method using semi-dry process in circulating fluidized bed
A combined desulfuration, denitration, and demercuration apparatus and method using a semi-dry process in a circulating fluidized bed. The apparatus comprises a flue (2) and a circulating fluidized bed reaction column (8) connected in sequence, the flue (2) being connected to a bottom inlet of the circulating fluidized bed reaction column (8). The flue (2) is further connected to an ozone generation apparatus (1). The ozone distributor (1) feeds ozone in the flue (2) and sends oxidized flue gas into the circulating fluidized bed reaction column (8), so that the SO2, high-valence NOx, and Hg2+ contained in the flue gas are removed through reactions with a Ca-based absorbent under the effect of atomized water in the reaction column (8). |
| US09656203B2 |
Fluorinated surfactants and stabilization of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) particles in hollow fiber spin solutions
Methods and apparatus relate to recovery of carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen sulfide from a gas mixture. Separating of the carbon dioxide, for example, from the gas mixture utilizes a liquid sorbent for the carbon dioxide. The liquid sorbent contacts the gas mixture for transfer of the carbon dioxide from the gas mixture to the liquid sorbent. Contacting of the sorbent with the gas mixture and/or desorption of the carbon dioxide from the liquid sorbent utilize hollow fiber contactors that have permeable walls and incorporate particles distinct from a remainder of the walls to influence wetting properties of the contactors. Polytetrafluoroethylene particles may be homogenously disposed throughout hollow fiber contactors to influence wetting properties of the contactors. |
| US09656202B2 |
Method and device for separating a gas mixture by means of pressure swing adsorption
Method for separating a gas mixture according to a pressure swing adsorption process (PSA process), and apparatus for performing this method, the apparatus comprising a plurality of vessels, wherein each vessel has at least one inlet and one outlet, an adsorbent mass is provided in each of said vessels for adsorbing at least one gas component, and the inlet of each of said vessels is connected to a storage vessel for an off-gas, and the inlet of each of said vessels and the storage vessel are further connected to an off-gas consuming device. |
| US09656201B2 |
Smart, on-demand controlled release corrosion protection and/or prevention of metals in an enclosure
A smart enclosure protection system for packages containing one or more metals comprises various sensors such as relative humidity, temperature of the metal, temperature within the package, a volatile corrosion inhibitor sensor, as well as a relative humidity sensor. Upon a computer receiving a signal from one or more of the noted sensors that the sensing item is either above or below a predetermined value, it will send a signal to one or more dispensers such as a dehumidifying compound dispenser, a volatile corrosion inhibitor compound dispenser, a soluble corrosion inhibitor compound dispenser, or a chemical fluid absorber or scavenger dispenser to dispense one or more such dispensing compounds that abates or removes an actual or a potential corrosion inhibiting situation. |
| US09656199B2 |
Oil mist filter
An oil mist filter is fixed on an air intake of an oil mist collector and contains: a first cover, a second cover, a first filtering unit, a third cover, and a second filtering unit. The first cover is hollow and includes a first through orifice. The second cover is hollow and includes a second through orifice. The first filtering unit is fixed between the first cover and the second cover and includes a chamber for guiding oily substances from the first through orifice. The third cover is placed in the chamber and includes a collection portion and plural arcuate guiding portions radially extending outward from the collection portion. The second filtering unit is disposed between the second cover and the third cover to filter the oily substances from the chamber, and then the oily substances are guided out of the second through orifice via the plural guiding portions. |
| US09656198B2 |
Oil separator
An oil separator is provided with a housing having an inlet for air, and an expansion chamber located inside the housing. The oil separator introduces air containing oil that has passed through the inlet into the housing, and separates and recovers the oil from the introduced air. The transverse cross-sectional area of the expansion chamber is larger than the opening area of the inlet. The oil separator is further provided with a collected liquid storage portion that is located below the expansion chamber and collects the separated oil, a liquid communication portion having a communication hole that connects the expansion chamber to the collected liquid storage portion, and a mounting and dismounting mechanism for mounting and dismounting the collected liquid storage portion to and from the housing. |
| US09656183B2 |
Printed material with sticker and method for producing same
A printed material with a sticker integrally includes a sticker and a mounting paper to be attached with the removed sticker. The printed material includes a sheet body that is applied with printing of at least the sticker and the mounting paper, a sticker region that is formed by folding at least a part of the sheet body, and a mounting paper region that is formed in a region other than the sticker region. In the printed material, at least one of the sticker formed in the sticker region is a standing sticker including a standing fold that extends in a transverse direction of the sheet body, and an adhesive part and a non-adhesive part that are formed on a back surface of the sticker to face each other across the standing fold. |
| US09656178B2 |
Posted information sharing system, game application executing system, storage medium, and information-processing method
An exemplary posted information sharing system includes: a game processing unit configured to execute a multiplayer game application through a plurality of users each using a terminal; a group formation unit configured to form a playgroup for playing the game application, wherein the game processing unit includes: a group formation request unit configured to output, to the group formation unit, a playgroup formation request that specifies a group, according to input of the terminals, wherein the group formation unit is configured to form the users of terminals that specify the same group into a playgroup, based on the specified group. |
| US09656176B2 |
Metrics-based gaming operations
Methods and systems for metrics-based gaming operations are provided. Information concerning game play for each play may be received and stored. Such information may be used to generate certain metrics. The generated metrics, in turn, may be used to determine how to customize a game operation. Such game operations may include providing training to a player, matching a player up with another player or with a team, adjusting a game event, etc. |
| US09656173B2 |
Computer-readable storage medium, information processing apparatus, information processing system, and information processing method
Example systems and methods involve an information processing apparatus configured to transmit transmission data to one or more of a plurality of other information processing apparatuses, the transmission data including identification information for content data executed by the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus is also configured to receive reception data from one or more of the plurality of other information processing apparatuses, the reception data from each respective other information processing apparatus including identification information for content data executed by the respective other information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus accesses purchase information associated with purchasing content data corresponding to at least one piece of identification information included in the reception data received from the one or more of the plurality of other information processing apparatuses. |
| US09656172B2 |
Unlocking of virtual content through geo-location
This disclosure relates to a system configured to manage virtual content within a virtual space based on information associated with objects. The information associated with the objects may be updated responsive to detecting the objects at various real world physical geographic locations. The system may be configured to enhance a user's gaming experience by enabling location based unlocking of the virtual content in the virtual space. In some implementations, the locations may be locations such as but not limited to locations within theme parks, movie theaters, restaurants, and/or stores, for example. A user may be able to transport objects to one or more geographic locations where object identification devices detect the objects. Virtual content may be unlocked responsive to the detection of objects by the object identification devices. |
| US09656170B2 |
Game apparatus
The present invention provides a game apparatus in which the variation width of a computation result in a battle between a player character and an enemy character is increased, and a difference in result can be brought about even with the same attack by a player's operation, and furthermore, a player can play a game while he/she feels the sense of realism and tension where he/she manipulates the character that is difficult to manipulate as intended. A chain used by a main character to manipulate a dragon is displayed on a display screen. A player manipulates the dragon by loosening or tightening the chain by performing an operation on a touch panel. The control level of the dragon is represented by an uncontrollability parameter. A status such as the offensive power of the dragon changes according to the uncontrollability parameter. |
| US09656169B2 |
Characterization of player type by visual attributes
Systems and methods for generating and displaying a graphical representation of a player type profile. A respective player type profile may be generated for each of a plurality of users of a virtual environment that characterizes each user by a predominant player type. Player types may be defined by the designers of the virtual environment. The player type profile may be generated by logging the actions performed by the user when connected to the virtual environment and then analyzing the actions to determine the best characterization for the user. |