| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09689459B2 |
Elastomeric force mitigating joint
The technology disclosed provides a joint for connecting carrier units together so as to dissipate and absorb axial forces experienced by the carrier units. The joint may be comprised of a joint housing and an elastomeric insert. The housing may be comprised of a body portion and a head portion and the head portion may include an annular flange in which the elastomeric insert is configured to be secured. The elastomeric joint is capable of absorbing and dissipating horizontal, rotational, and vertical forces experienced by the carrier units in non-linear travel along a track. |
| US09689457B2 |
Torque rod and engine mounting system for using same
A torque rod (1) has two elastic bushes (2, 3) to be mounted respectively to a vibration-generating side and a vibration-receiving side, and a connecting rod (4) connecting the two elastic bushes (2, 3). The actively controlled vibration cancellation means (5) is an actuator including: the shaft (5a) having two opposite ends mounted to the connecting rod (4) and extending in an axial direction of the connecting rod (4), the mass member (5b) shaped in a tube to surround the shaft (5a); a coil (5e) and a winding core (5f) fixed to the shaft (5a) in the tube-shaped mass member (5b); a permanent magnet (5d) mounted to an inner peripheral surface of the tube-shaped mass member (5b) or the shaft (5a), and a connecting member (5c) for connecting at least one end of the tube-shaped mass members (5b) to the shaft (5a). |
| US09689454B2 |
Frequency tuned damper
The present disclosure relates to a frequency tuned damper with an elastic element (7) adapted to connect a vibration body (5) to a surface (3). The elastic element has a wide portion (17) and a narrow portion (19) disposed at different locations along a longitudinal axis (23) which is substantially parallel with the normal of the surface when the damper is mounted, and has a first circumferential mounting groove (11) in the wide portion (17), for attaching the wide portion to the surface, and a second circumferential mounting groove (15) in the narrow portion (19), for attaching the narrow portion to the vibration body. The first circumferential mounting groove extends along an elongated path. This provides a damper that is capable of providing two different resonance frequencies in two perpendicular directions in the plane of the surface, and can easily be aligned in a desired direction. |
| US09689450B2 |
Composite disc brake backing plate
A brake backing plate includes first and second sheet metal stampings. Each sheet metal stamping has a respective textured face with a plurality of integrally formed piercing members. A solid non-porous metal core is sandwiched between the first sheet metal stamping and the second sheet metal stamping. The piercing members of the first sheet metal stamping penetrate into the metal core, and the piercing members of the second sheet metal stamping penetrate into the metal core, to secure the first sheet metal stamping, the second sheet metal stamping, and the metal core together. |
| US09689449B2 |
Friction material
To provide a low-cost friction material which is able to secure the required braking performance, the fading resistance, the wear resistance, and the adhesive strength between the friction material and the back plate while satisfying laws and regulations relating to the required amount of the content of the copper component contained therein. The friction material for the disc brake pad which is manufactured by forming a non-asbestos-organic (NAO) friction material composition that includes no copper component, in which the friction material composition includes no titanate but includes (a) 8-15 volume % of an inorganic friction modifier having the average particle diameter of 0.5-20 μm and the Mohs hardness of 5-8 relative to a total amount of the friction material composition, (b) 1-3 volume % of a porous inorganic friction modifier having a micro porous structure relative to the total amount of the friction material composition, and (c) 5-10 volume % of a carbonaceous lubricant, where the carbonaceous lubricant includes 2-4 volume % of coke relative to the total amount of the friction material composition, the average particle diameter of the coke is 300-800 μm while the content of the inorganic friction modifier (a), (b), and the carbonaceous lubricant (c) satisfies the following formula: 1.0≦((a)+(b))/(c)≦2.5. |
| US09689448B2 |
Brake pad and method of forming such
A brake pad for a brake system, the brake pad comprising: a first brake pad surface having a coefficient of friction, the brake pad being for contact, in use, with a first radial portion of a component having a rotation axis, wherein: at a first point on the first brake pad surface the coefficient of friction has a first value; at a second point on the first brake pad surface the coefficient of friction has a second value greater than the first value; and at a third point on the first brake pad surface the coefficient of friction has a third value greater than the second value, wherein, in use, the first, second and third points are configured to be contactable with corresponding points on the first radial portion of the component at locations of increasing radial distance from the rotation axis so that the second point is further from the rotation axis than the first point, and the third point is further from the rotation axis than the second point. |
| US09689446B2 |
Method for making three dimension preform having high heat conductivity and method for making aircraft brake disc having the three dimension preform
A method of manufacturing a three dimension preform having high thermal conductivity includes: a first step of manufacturing a unidirectional carbon fabric from a heat resistant fiber; a second step of putting the unidirectional carbon fabric into an aqueous solution with carbon nanomaterials contained in a vessel; a third step of taking the unidirectional carbon fabric out of the vessel and then drying the unidirectional carbon fabric; a fourth step of repeating the second step and the third step; a fifth step of stacking the unidirectional carbon fabrics with web carbon fabrics, which are made of a heat resistant fiber, inserted between the unidirectional carbon fabrics; and a sixth step of punching the stacked unidirectional carbon fabrics and the web carbon fabrics with a needle. |
| US09689445B2 |
Fixed caliper disk brake having stabilized brake pads, and related assembly and pad replacement methods
A fixed caliper brake includes a caliper housing that includes two opposing blocks. Each of the opposing blocks includes an axial recess, an axial surface for supporting a brake pad, and elements for mounting and axially and slidably guiding the brake pad. The elements include a pad spring that is attached to each related lug of the brake pad, and a steel lamellar element having a spring and being received in the related recess. |
| US09689441B2 |
Horizontal cam stop
A cam stop conducts rotation from a driving part, such as a tire ring, to a driven part, such as a rotary dryer or kiln. The cam stop includes a pair of support blocks securable to the driven part, and a cam rod rotatably coupled with the support blocks and extending between the support blocks. The cam rod includes a logarithmic spiral cam profile, and the cam rod is displaceable in a radial direction into engagement with the driving part by rotation according to the logarithmic spiral cam profile. Rotation of the tire ring may be conducted to the rotary drum by frictional engagement between the cam rod and the driving part. |
| US09689440B2 |
Power transfer device
A power transfer device includes a hydraulic clutch capable of coupling and decoupling a secondary shaft of a CVT and axles to and from each other. A secondary pulley of the CVT includes a movable sheave movably supported by the secondary shaft, and a secondary piston that rotates together with the secondary shaft and that constitutes a second hydraulic actuator together with the movable sheave. The secondary piston of the second hydraulic actuator is used to define an engagement oil chamber of the hydraulic clutch. |
| US09689433B2 |
Geared motor series
A geared motor series includes several motors with different dimensions, which respectively have a motor shaft with a receiving bore on the free end thereof. The nominal outer diameters of the motor shafts of the individual motor dimensions are different from each other. At least one plug-in pinion having a pinion journal is provided with a nominal outer diameter corresponding to the nominal diameter of one of the receiving bores, such that the push-in pinion is fixable to the corresponding motor shaft using a press assembly. The nominal diameter of a receiving bore of a motor shaft of a motor of a first motor dimension corresponds to the nominal diameter of a receiving bore of a motor shaft of a motor of at least one other motor dimension, such that the at least one push-in pinion is fixable to motor shafts of motors having different dimensions using a press assembly. |
| US09689431B2 |
Seal arrangement having a thrower ring for an anti-friction bearing
A seal arrangement (1) of an anti-friction bearing, which seal arrangement (1) is inserted between a first bearing part (2) and a second bearing part (4). The seal arrangement includes a seal (6) which is positioned on the rotationally fixed first bearing part by a support element (15) which is enclosed at least on one side by an elastic seal material (16), and which seal (6) includes at least one sealing lip (25, 26). A thrower ring (7), forming a collection chamber (13), of the seal arrangement is assigned to the second rotatable bearing part. To this end, a cylindrical portion (9) of the thrower ring is snapped in an end-side circumferential groove (11) by a flange (5) of the second rotatable bearing part. A radial leg (12) of the thrower ring extends such that it maintains a sealing gap (14) to the seat. Moreover, the seal of the seal arrangement includes elastic sealing lips which are supported on the second bearing part such that they are offset with respect to the thrower ring. |
| US09689430B2 |
Gear transmission
A carrier is supported by a case via a bearing. The bearing comprises an inner race, an outer race, rollers, and a retainer. The inner race has a tapered outer peripheral surface, and is fixed to a carrier. The outer race has a tapered inner peripheral surface facing the outer peripheral surface of the inner race, and is fixed to the case. The rollers is disposed between the inner race and the outer race. An end part of the retainer having a larger diameter makes contact with the case via a first member. The larger diameter end part of the retainer makes contact with the case via a second member. By the retainer making contact with the case and the carrier via the first member and the second member, the retainer can reduce friction compared to when making direct contact with the case and the carrier. |
| US09689425B2 |
Exhaust gas turbocharger with vibration-insulating mounting of a rotor
An exhaust gas turbocharger may include a rotor mounted in a bearing housing via a rolling bearing. The rolling bearing may include an outer shell, an inner shell and rolling bodies running therebetween. At least one annular and vibrational noise absorbing diaphragm spring element may be arranged between the outer shell of the rolling bearing and the bearing housing. The diaphragm spring element may mount the rotor in radial direction and axial direction in a vibration-insulating manner with respect to the bearing housing. |
| US09689419B2 |
Temporary attachment and a holder for a member to be held
A threaded portion with thread groove formed and non-threaded portion without the thread groove are prepared on rod-like portion of stud, and non-threaded diameter-increasing portion whose outer diameter is increasing toward thread ridge of screw portion with thread groove formed and non-threaded small diameter portion connecting to small diameter region of non-threaded diameter-increasing portion and having same diameter as that of small diameter region are prepared at threaded portion side edge of non-threaded portion. A holder is provided with stud-receiving hole which receives the rod-like portion, a first locking portion and a second locking portion. The second locking portion is engaged with the non-threaded small diameter portion in a fixedly holding status, and the second locking portion is engaged with the non-threaded diameter-increasing portion in a status that the holder is moved for a predetermined amount in a direction away from the fixedly holding status. |
| US09689418B2 |
Reduced-corrosion fastened assembly
A reduced-corrosion assembly includes a first and a second component joined by a fastener having a head and a body. A coating covers a section of the body. The assembly also includes a washer, a compression limiter, and a nut arranged on the first component and adapted to engage the fastener body to thereby tighten the assembly. When the assembly is tightened, the compression limiter is arranged on the fastener body between the first and second components, while the second component is arranged on the fastener body between the compression limiter and the washer. Furthermore, the washer is arranged on the fastener body between the fastener head and the second component, while the coating covers the body substantially up to where the nut engages the body such that corrosion of the assembly is limited or reduced. A vehicle employing the reduced-corrosion fastening system is also provided. |
| US09689416B2 |
Torque limiting set screw
A torque limiting fastener comprising a body. The body includes a threadform, an inner bore and a controlled break region. The body defines an elongated body extending from a first end to a second end, and the body includes an outer surface. The threadform extends at least partially between the first end and the second end along the outer surface. The inner bore extends from the second end at least partially toward the first end of the body. The controlled break region is positioned between the inner bore and the outer surface. The controlled break region includes an outer surface break point formed into the outer surface and an inner surface break point formed into the inner bore. The outer surface break point and the inner surface break point defining a shear plane therebetween. |
| US09689409B2 |
Passive piston hydraulic device with partition
A hydraulic device having: a housing; a bore of the housing having a first piston positioned therein for a first reciprocal motion within the bore along a bore axis; a mechanical element coupled to the first piston for either driving the first reciprocal motion or being driven by the first reciprocal motion; a second piston positioned in the bore for a second reciprocal motion within the bore along the bore axis; a hydraulic fluid chamber of the bore positioned between the first piston and the second piston, the hydraulic fluid chamber having a hydraulic fluid inlet and a hydraulic fluid outlet; a chamber of the bore positioned between the second piston and a wall of the housing, the chamber for having a resilient element therein; a separator partition dividing the hydraulic fluid chamber into a first hydraulic fluid chamber and a second hydraulic fluid chamber, the separator partition positioned in the bore between the hydraulic fluid inlet and the second piston, the separator partition having a first fluid passageway for fluidly coupling the first hydraulic fluid chamber with the second hydraulic fluid chamber; and a valve for controlling flow in the first fluid passageway of hydraulic fluid between the first hydraulic fluid chamber and the second hydraulic fluid chamber. |
| US09689405B1 |
Hydraulic accumulator
A hydraulic accumulator includes a shell, a bellows, and a self-seal stay disposed at a hydraulic-fluid inlet and including a cylindrical body portion open to a hydraulic chamber and a lid-shaped head portion defining a through hole. The self-seal stay includes a first weakened portion for deforming the body portion when a pressure of the gas chamber is more than a given threshold. The first weakened portion includes a first recessed portion formed in a circumferential direction of the body portion. The first recessed portion includes a bottom surface of a plane surface or a circular arc shaped curved surface which is convex toward outside of the body portion from inside thereof. At least one of both end portions of the bottom surface in the circumferential direction is joined with an outer circumferential surface of the body portion. |
| US09689400B2 |
Fluidic actuator
A fluidic actuator comprising: a fluid nozzle for delivering fluid and a tube having an open end and a closed end, the open end spaced from the fluid nozzle. Also a pair of electrodes mounted in the tube and spaced apart to create a spark gap therebetween. A voltage source is arranged to supply a voltage across the pair of electrodes wherein the voltage causes plasma formation in the spark gap thereby shortening the effective length of the tube. |
| US09689398B2 |
Magnetic bearing device and compressor
A magnetic bearing body supports a rotating shaft using a combined electromagnetic force of a pair of control electromagnets without contact. A controller detects a control index value based on a first coil current passed through a coil of a first control electromagnet of the pair of control electromagnets which generates an electromagnetic force in the same direction as that of a load exerted on the rotating shaft, the control index value being an index of the degree of margin for error in control depending on a value of the first coil current. And the controller controls a middle value of a pair of coil currents passed through the respective corresponding coils of the pair of control electromagnets so that the control index value approaches a predetermined target index value. |
| US09689396B2 |
Entrapment detection for variable speed pump system using load coefficient
Methods and systems for monitoring a variable-speed pump system to detect a blockage condition. A value indicative of pump performance is sensed and a pump load coefficient is calculated. The value of the pump load coefficient does not change substantially due to changes in pump speed and is indicative of a blockage of a drain in a liquid holding tank. A blockage of the drain is detected based at least in part on the calculated pump load coefficient and the operation of the pump is adjusted based on the detected blockage. |
| US09689395B2 |
Wakeboat with dynamic wave control
Wakeboat ballast pump systems and methods are provided to monitor the operational condition and parameters of wakeboat ballast components. Systems and methods for sensing and measurement are provided to detect parameters associated with wakeboat ballast pumps and compartments, including systems and methods that can economically retrofit into existing wakeboat ballast systems. Systems and methods are also provided to enable automated action based on various operational conditions and parameters to improve the safety, automation, performance, convenience, and marketing advantage of wakeboat ballast pumps. |
| US09689394B2 |
Switchable mechanical coolant pump
A coolant pump includes a rotatable rotor shaft, a pulley wheel which co-rotates with and is supported by the rotor shaft, a pump wheel rotatably supported at the rotor shaft, and an electrically switched wedge-coupled wet friction clutch. The wedge-coupled wet friction clutch comprises a clutch support fixed to the rotor shaft, a clutch ring arranged at a proximal side of the pump wheel, a clutch disk comprising a ferromagnetic element, a static electromagnet which axially pulls the clutch disk to the clutch support into a disengaged position when the static electromagnet is energized, and a wedge coupling mechanism. The wedge coupling mechanism comprises a wedge element and a counter-wedge element which are configured to generate an axial wedge force which axially pushes the clutch disk into an engaged position against the clutch ring when the static electromagnet is not energized and the rotor shaft rotates. |
| US09689386B2 |
Method of active oil management for multiple scroll compressors
A method of operating a refrigeration system uses a plurality of compressors in connected parallel. The method includes returning refrigerant and oil to the compressors, the refrigerant also having oil entrained therein, separating the oil entrained in the refrigerant, and returning more of the oil entrained in the refrigerant to a lead compressor of the plurality of compressors regardless of whether the lead compressor is operating. The method also includes connecting the oil sumps of all of the plurality of compressors such that oil is supplied from the lead compressor to at least one non-lead compressor of the plurality of compressors when the at least one non-lead compressor is operating. |
| US09689382B2 |
Integrated energy generating damper
A linear energy harvesting device that includes a housing and a piston that moves at least partially through the housing when it is compressed or extended from a rest position. When the piston moves, hydraulic fluid is pressurized and drives a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor drives an electric generator that produces electricity. Both the motor and generator are central to the device housing. Exemplary configurations are disclosed such as monotube, twin-tube, tri-tube and rotary based designs that each incorporates an integrated energy harvesting apparatus. By varying the electrical characteristics on an internal generator, the kinematic characteristics of the energy harvesting apparatus can be dynamically altered. In another mode, the apparatus can be used as an actuator to create linear movement. Applications include vehicle suspension systems (to act as the primary damper component), railcar bogie dampers, or industrial applications such as machinery dampers and wave energy harvesters, and electro-hydraulic actuators. |
| US09689378B2 |
Device and method for transporting and storing a wind turbine blade
The invention proposes a device (1000) and a method for storing and transporting a wind turbine blade (100). The blade (100) is inserted between an upper structure (220) and a lower structure (240) applying a clamping force on the blade surface. The magnitude of the clamping force can be adjusted by way of a device (400) comprising an elastic member (440) arranged between the upper structure (220) and the lower structure (240) during operation. The magnitude of the elastic force exerted by the elastic element (420) is proportional to the magnitude of the clamping force. Furthermore, the magnitude of the elastic force linearly depends on the amount of compression of the elastic element (440) with respect to a characteristic rest length. |
| US09689376B2 |
Sealing arrangement for a wind turbine
A sealing arrangement includes an interface seal part arranged between a stationary element of a wind turbine and a rotary element of the wind turbine. The interface seal part is arranged to establish a seal between an interior of the stationary element and an exterior environment. Also a brake disc is realized to accommodate at least a portion of an interface seal part of such a sealing arrangement. Also described is a wind turbine which includes the sealing arrangement and the brake disc. |
| US09689375B2 |
Wind turbine inertia control system
Inertia control system for a wind turbine comprising a rotor (5), generator (12) driven by the rotor (5) that interacts with a power converter (13) to generate electricity, a wind turbine controller (15) that comprises a blade pitch controller (19) and a generated power controller (18), a controller for the power converter (14) that interacts with the wind turbine controller (15), characterized because it comprises an inertia emulation block (17) that generates an extra power signal (32) negatively proportional to the frequency change rate (23) that is added to the power reference of the wind turbine generated power controller (15) and adapts the rotational speed reference of the wind turbine controller (15) according to the grid frequency (21) to prevent distortion in the active power output after adding or subtracting power in proportion to the frequency change rate (23). |
| US09689372B2 |
Vertical-axis wind turbine with protective screen
A vertical-axis wind turbine apparatus is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides a substantially vertically-oriented main shaft. A blade assembly is coaxially aligned with and rotatably engaged about the main shaft. The blade assembly provides an at least one blade radially projecting therefrom. A housing is rotatably engaged with the main shaft and configured for selectively encompassing the blade assembly. A first screen is integral with the housing and configured for shielding a return portion of the blade assembly. A second screen is rotatably engaged with the housing and configured for selectively moving between a retracted position, wherein the second screen is positioned substantially adjacent to the first screen such that a catch portion of the blade assembly is exposed, and a deployed position, wherein the second screen is rotated away from the first screen for at least partially shielding the catch portion from the wind. |
| US09689365B2 |
Internal combustion engine with starting air system
An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder for combusting a mixture of fuel and air therein, and a starting air system configured to provide pressurized starting air to the cylinder and to monitor operability of the starting air system. The starting air system may include a pressurized starting air source, a starting air manifold, a starting air venting valve, and a sensing device. The pressurized starting air source is configured to store pressurized starting air. The starting air manifold is fluidly connected to the pressurized starting air source. The starting air venting valve is fluidly connected to the starting air manifold and configured to vent the starting air system. The sensing device is configured to detect a parameter that measures a condition within the starting air system. |
| US09689361B2 |
Method of operating a fuel injector, a control unit that performs the method, and a system that includes the control unit
A solenoid actuator is described. The solenoid actuator comprises an armature, pole piece(s), electromagnet coil(s) arranged, in response to energization, to cause travel of the armature between first and second positions along a direction of travel, permanent magnet(s) positioned and orientated for latching the armature in at least the first position when the armature is in the first position and spring(s) arranged to bias the armature. The solenoid actuator can be operated to provide partial lift. |
| US09689360B2 |
Actuator
The invention relates to an actuator (1) comprising a housing (8), a coil (29) and an armature (2) which interacts with a tappet (30) and a spring, the armature plate (3) thereof being arranged to lie opposite an armature counterpiece (16), and said actuator (1) comprising at least one magnetostrictively-active component. According to the invention, an actuator (1) is provided with which large actuating paths can be travelled at high actuating forces. This is achieved by the actuator (1) additionally being designed to act as a solenoid. |
| US09689356B2 |
Filter device, in particular for gas filtration
A filter device with filter housing and housing cover has a filter element disposed therein. A first holding part on the filter element projects past an outer wall surface of the filter element. A second holding part in the form of a counter holding part on the housing cover interacts with the first holding part. The first and second holding parts engage each other in a mounted state of the filter element. A first form-fit part is arranged on the filter element axially spaced from the first holding part and is associated with a second form-fit part in the form of a counter form-fit part. The first form-fit part and the first holding part, by rotational movement of the filter element about a longitudinal axis of the filter element, are each transferable into a form-fit engaged state with the counter holding part and the counter form-fit part, respectively. |
| US09689355B2 |
Vehicle body frame structure of saddle-ride type vehicle
A vehicle body frame structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle includes: a frame body having at least a part made of fiber reinforced resin and forming at least part of a vehicle body frame supporting a rider seat and a power unit which generates drive force for driving a drive wheel. The structure increases freedom in partially setting thickness of the frame body. The frame body is formed by joining together a press-molded outer body made of fiber reinforced resin and an injection-molded inner body made of resin with the inner body brought into contact with an inner surface of the outer body. |
| US09689354B1 |
Engine exhaust gas recirculation system with at least one exhaust recirculation treatment device
An exhaust gas recirculation system for an engine is provided. The system comprises an exhaust duct configured to receive and exhaust gases from the engine; an exhaust gas recirculation duct configured to recirculate a portion of the exhaust gases within the exhaust duct to the intake of the engine; and at least one recirculation treatment device provided in the exhaust gas recirculation duct, wherein the recirculation treatment device comprises a catalyst configured to encourage removal of contaminants from the recirculated exhaust gases. |
| US09689352B2 |
Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for internal combustion engines
An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for marine internal combustion engines and other variants is provided. An internal combustion engine is coupled to an electric power generator. An exhaust aftertreatment system connected to the engine includes an exhaust gas recirculation system with an exhaust gas recirculation system having one or more cooling features to reduce an external temperature of the EGR system. |
| US09689349B2 |
Fuel evaporative emission control apparatus
A fuel evaporative emission control apparatus executes a first leak presence/absence determination for determining the presence or absence of leaks of fuel evaporative gases based on the detection results of a tank pressure detection portion, with a first opening/closing portion being closed, a second opening/closing portion being opened, and a third opening/closing portion being closed. The fuel evaporative emission control apparatus can determine whether leaks of fuel evaporative gases are present or absent, can pinpoint the location of the leaks, and can detect a sensor abnormality. |
| US09689342B2 |
Methods and systems for adjusting a direct fuel injector
Systems and methods for improving fuel injection of an engine that includes a cylinder receiving fuel from a direct fuel injector are disclosed. In one example, a transfer function or gain of a direct fuel injector is adjusted in response to an exhaust lambda value and a first pulse width of two pulse widths provided to an injector of a cylinder during a cylinder cycle. |
| US09689338B2 |
Air-fuel ratio sensor control device
An air-fuel ratio sensor control device, connected with two-cell type air-fuel ratio sensor having electromotive force and oxygen pump cells with first to third two-cell terminals or a one-cell type air-fuel ratio sensor having a single cell with first and second one-cell terminals, includes: first to third connection terminals for connecting the one-cell or two-cell type air-fuel ratio sensor; a control circuit that is switchable between a two-cell circuit configuration for controlling the two-cell type air-fuel ratio sensor through the first to third connection terminals and a one-cell circuit configuration for controlling the one-cell type air-fuel ratio sensor through the first and second connection terminals; and a control unit that sets a circuit configuration of the control circuit to the one-cell or two-cell circuit configuration. |
| US09689333B2 |
Dual-fuel engine with enhanced cold start capability
A method for operating a dual-fuel engine. Embodiments include receiving sensor input information, including information representative of a temperature of the engine. A first fuel, optionally diesel fuel, and a second fuel that is different than the first fuel, optionally natural gas, are supplied to the engine during a start mode when the engine temperature is below a normal operating temperature range. The first and second fuels can be supplied to the engine during a run mode when the engine temperature is within the normal operating temperature range. |
| US09689332B2 |
Method and device for controlling an internal combustion engine
A method for the rapid restarting of an internal combustion engine that is slowing down at a reduced supplied air volume, in which the supplied air volume is increased again following a detected restart request and an ignitable fuel/air mixture is produced by a fuel injection in an intake cylinder that is in the intake cycle when the supplied air volume is increased, and the mixture is ignited in the intake cylinder to produce a combustion in the power cycle of the intake cylinder. |
| US09689331B1 |
Method and apparatus to control fuel injection in an internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine is coupled to an oxidation catalyst disposed upstream of a second catalytic device. A controller includes an instruction set executable to detect a cold start engine starting event, monitor first and second temperature sensors, control each of the fuel injectors to execute a first set of fuel injection events for each cylinder event in response to an output torque request, and execute a second set of fuel injection events for each cylinder event after cylinder top-dead-center. The second set of fuel injection events includes a final injection event, and a duration of the final injection event is determined based upon the first and second temperatures. |
| US09689329B2 |
Method for failure detection of injectors in an internal combustion engine, control unit and system for carrying out a method
The invention relates to a method for detecting the failure of injectors in an internal combustion engine, comprising the following steps: measuring a crank angle signal; transforming the crank angle signal into the frequency range by means of a discrete Fourier transformation; switching off each injector once and in a sequential manner; detecting and storing an angle of the harmonic of the 0.5th order of the Fourier-transformed crank angle signal for each switched-off injector once and in a sequential manner; continuous detection and storage of an angle and an amount of the harmonic of the 0.5th order of the Fourier-transformed crank angle signal; continuous comparison of the continuously detected amount with a predetermined threshold value, and determining a failure of the injector when the amount exceeds the predetermined threshold value; comparing the continuously detected angle with the angles stored for each switched-off injector when a failure of the injector is detected, and identifying the failed injector with an injector, for which a matching, stored angle is found. |
| US09689328B2 |
Multi-level skip fire
In one aspect, a method for controlling operation of an internal combustion engine is described. The engine is operated in a skip fire manner such that selected skipped working cycles are skipped and selected active working cycles are fired to deliver a desired engine output. A particular level of torque output is selected for each of the fired working chambers. Various methods, arrangements and systems related to the above method are also described. |
| US09689326B2 |
Exhaust gas recirculation system with paired cylinders
The present disclosure provides for a vehicle engine having an EGR system where pairs of cylinders are directly connected to each other. For example, a first and second cylinder may be operably connected by a valve actuator where a high energy, blowdown exhaust gas from the first cylinder may flow through a first flow path directly from the first cylinder to the second cylinder. Likewise, during the firing stroke of the second cylinder, a high-energy, blowdown exhaust gas may flow from the second cylinder through a second flow path directly into the first cylinder. This arrangement may pair cylinders to take advantage of high-energy exhaust gas. |
| US09689322B2 |
System and method for sampling and processing mass air flow sensor data
A vehicle includes an engine having cylinders in fluid communication with an intake air flow, a mass air flow (MAF) sensor positioned with respect to the intake air flow which outputs a pulse train signal describing the frequency of the intake air flow, and a controller. The controller includes a calibrated non-linear conversion curve recorded in memory. The controller executes a method to convert the frequency data into a corresponding mass air flow using the calibrated non-linear conversion curve, determines the instantaneous mass air flow value at each leading or trailing edge of the pulse train signal, and accumulates the instantaneous mass air flow values over a calibrated duration. A time-weighted average of the accumulated mass air flow values is then used to execute a control action. The controller includes a host computer device and memory storing the curve and instructions for executing the method. |
| US09689321B2 |
Engine torque control with combustion phasing
An engine assembly includes an internal combustion engine with an engine block having at least one cylinder and at least one piston moveable within the at least one cylinder. A crankshaft is moveable to define a plurality of crank angles (CA) from a bore axis defined by the cylinder to a crank axis defined by the crankshaft. A controller is operatively connected to the internal combustion engine and configured to receive a torque request (TR). The controller is programmed to determine a desired combustion phasing (CAd) for controlling a torque output of the internal combustion engine. The desired combustion phasing is based at least partially on the torque request (TR) and a pressure-volume (PV) diagram of the at least one cylinder. |
| US09689320B2 |
Fuel supply apparatus and fuel supply method
The temperatures of fuel oils stored in fuel tanks 12a, 12b, 12c are separately detected by temperature sensors 52a, 52b, 52c, respectively. Based on the detection results, a CPU 49 heats a heat resistant fuel oil among the fuel oils using a heat exchanger 54, such that the temperature of an oil mixture generated by mixing the fuel oils satisfies a predetermined temperature condition. After the fuel oils including the heated heat resistant fuel oil are mixed in a blender 13, the CPU 49 detects the viscosity of the generated oil mixture using a viscometer 33. Thereafter, based on the detection result, the CPU 49 controls the mixture ratio or a heating temperature of the heat resistant fuel oil, such that the viscosity of the oil mixture satisfies a predetermined viscosity condition. |
| US09689319B2 |
Power system having efficiency-based speed control
A power system is disclosed as having a power source, a transmission configured to receive a torque output from the power source and to drive a traction device, and an operator input device. The power system may also have a controller configured to reference a signal from the operator input device with a map stored in memory to determine a corresponding speed of the power source, and to determine a margin between an actual and a maximum available torque output of the power source at a current speed. The controller may also be configured to selectively adjust a speed of the power source mapped to the maximum displaced position of the operator input device based on the margin, and to selectively adjust fueling of the power source at a current displacement position of the operator input device and operation of the transmission based on the signal and map. |
| US09689317B2 |
System and method for operating a gas turbine
A system and method for operating a gas turbine include a controller that determines, for at least one combustion instability, a frequency; a quantification of the frequency or a quantification of the frequency through time; and, optionally, a phase and/or an amplitude. The logic also causes the controller to compare the frequency, the quantification of the frequency or the quantification of the frequency through time, the phase, and/or the amplitude of the at least one combustion instability to an associated predetermined limit. When the frequency is actionable relative to its predetermined limit and one of the quantification of the frequency or the quantification of the frequency through time is actionable relative to its respective predetermined limit, at least one parameter of the gas turbine is adjusted. The quantification of the frequency is one of the standard deviation, the coefficient of variation, the index of dispersion, and the variance. |
| US09689315B2 |
Full-area bleed valves
A bleed valve includes inlet and outlet housings, a hollow shaft defining a valve axis, and a full-area piston. The shaft includes a first end mounted to an inner diameter portion of the inlet housing and a second end mounted to an end cap of the outlet housing. The piston is slidably mounted to the shaft. A first chamber is defined between an upstream side of the piston and the inner diameter portion of the inlet housing. A second chamber is defined between a downstream side of the piston and the end cap of the outlet housing. An area of an upstream surface of the piston at an angle with respect to the valve axis is in fluid communication with the first chamber, and is substantially equal to an area of a downstream surface of the piston at an angle with respect to the valve axis and in fluid communication with the second chamber. |
| US09689313B2 |
Dual-circuit modular injection tube
A turbomachine injection manifold assembly including a main circuit for feeding fuel to sets of injectors, and an auxiliary circuit for feeding fuel to a set of injectors. The manifold assembly also includes a double coupling presenting a first endpiece receiving one end of a transfer tube of the main circuit, a second endpiece receiving one end of a transfer tube of the auxiliary circuit, and a mounting surface with a first orifice in fluid flow communication with the first endpiece and a second orifice in fluid flow communication with the second endpiece, the mounting surface of the double coupling being suitable for connecting the double coupling to an injector of said first set of injectors. |
| US09689312B2 |
Gas turbine engine component
The invention concerns a gas turbine engine component (27) comprising an outer ring (21), an inner ring (20), a plurality of circumferentially spaced elements (22) extending between the inner ring (20) and the outer ring (21), wherein an annular load transfer structure (23) extends circumferentially along an inner side of the inner ring (20) and also inwards in a radial direction of the component (27). The first portion (23a), at least along a part of the circumference, is inclined in the radial direction in relation to a second portion (23b), wherein the two inclined portions (23a, 23b) are connected in a connection zone (26) between the inclined portions (23a, 23b), and wherein a radial and/or axial position of the connection zone (26) varies along the circumference such that the radial/axial position of the connection zone in a location that circumferentially corresponds to a first element (22a), i.e. in a first circumferential location (A), is radially and/or axially different from the radial/axial position of the connection zone (26) in-between the first element (22a) and an adjacent second element (22b), i.e. in a second circumferential location (B). |
| US09689310B2 |
Airplane engine bird strike protection guard
An aircraft engine guard, for protecting an aircraft engine against ingestion of large objects, includes a generally cone-shaped body, a base section of the rear end of the guard body and a dome section at the distal forward end of the guard body, at least three, vertical, peripherally extending walls located between the base and the dome section, with successive ones of the peripheral walls having different peripheral dimensions, peripherally cylindrical, with the dimension increasing from the base toward the dome section. A plurality of air intake openings are defined in and between the peripheral walls with at least one dimensional size which is small enough to prevent having birds from being able to pass through the guard into the aircraft engine. |
| US09689307B2 |
Crossover valve in double piston cycle engine
An internal combustion engine, including a combustion chamber with a first aperture; a compression chamber with a second aperture; and a crossover valve comprising an internal chamber, first and second valve seats, a valve head, and first and second valve faces on the valve head, wherein the first aperture allows fluid communication between the combustion chamber and the internal chamber, the second aperture allows fluid communication between the compression chamber and the internal chamber, the first valve face couples to the first valve seat to occlude the first aperture, and the second valve face couples to the second valve seat to occlude the second aperture. |
| US09689304B2 |
Cooling circuit for the thermal regulation of an engine independent from other consumers
A thermal regulation device for a cooling system of an engine that includes a pump positioned upstream from a cooling housing of the engine and at least one consumer requiring permanent cooling. The device includes a main pipe for circulating coolant through the cooling housing and a secondary pipe bypassing the cooling housing. A two-way valve is positioned on the main pipe at the outlet of the cooling housing of the engine, and the secondary pipe includes a tapping on the main pipe downstream from the pump and upstream from a portion of the main pipe used for cooling the engine so that the flow is maintained at a constant and permanent level for ensuring the cooling of the at least one consumer. |
| US09689303B2 |
Cylinder head having EGR gas cooling structure, and method for manufacturing same
It has been difficult to manufacturing a cylinder head having an EGR gas cooling structure which has high cooling performance and can be easily configured. A cylinder head having an EGR gas cooling structure is configured in such a manner that a gas passage which guides to the air intake port side a part of the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust port is disposed within the cylinder head water jacket to cool the exhaust gas flowing through the gas passage. The gas passage comprises a cooling section which makes contact with the coolant within the cylinder head water jacket, and also comprises a hollow pipe which has high-strength sections located at side portions of the cooling section and having higher strength than the cooling section. The high-strength sections of the gas passage are molded within and surrounded by the cylinder head. |
| US09689302B2 |
Exhaust manifold
An exhaust manifold for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine is disclosed having a housing, an inlet flange which can be fixed to the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine and has a plurality of inlet openings, and an exhaust outlet. The housing comprises an inner shell and an outer shell, an insulating material being incorporated between the outer shell and the inner shell. A guide plate is provided on the inlet flange side of the inner shell and the outer shell. The guide plate has inflow openings which correspond with the inlet openings of the inlet flange and is joined to the inlet flange. The outer shell engages with its inlet flange-side edge around the guide plate and is joined to the inlet flange and the guide plate. |
| US09689301B2 |
Tailor to fit muffler
A muffler includes a shell, baffles, and a plurality of pipes. The shell defines first and second end cavities and a central cavity. The end cavities have larger cross-sectional areas that a cross-sectional area of the central cavity. The baffles cooperate to form multiple chambers within the shell. A first inlet directs a first portion of the exhaust into a first chamber. A second inlet directs a second portion of the exhaust into a second chamber. A first pipe extends through first, third and fourth baffles and includes an inlet in the fourth chamber. The first pipe directs exhaust from the fourth chamber to a first outlet at the first end cavity. A second pipe extends through the second, third and fourth baffles and includes an inlet in the third chamber. The second pipe directs exhaust from the third chamber to a second outlet at the second end cavity. |
| US09689298B2 |
Integrated fuel catalyst monitor
A method is provided for monitoring an emission control device coupled to an engine. In one example approach, the method comprises, following a deceleration fuel shut-off (DFSO) duration, indicating degradation of an emission device based on an amount of rich products required to cause a sensor to become richer than a first threshold, the indicating carried out when DFSO duration is greater than a second threshold. The method also comprises an integration which is based on inlet air-fuel ratio, the integration starting only after a pre-catalyst sensor reaches stoichiometry. |
| US09689296B2 |
Exhaust purification device for internal combustion engine
A particulate filter arranged in an engine exhaust passage is provided with alternately arranged exhaust gas inflow and outflow passages and porous partition walls separating these passages from each other. In each partition wall, a coated zone where a coated layer with an average pore size smaller than that of a partition wall substrate is used to cover the substrate surface and a non-coated zone downstream of the coated zone where the substrate surface is not covered by the coated layer are defined, and the ash in the exhaust gas can pass through the partition wall in the non-coated zone. The quantity of particulate matter trapped at the non-coated zones is calculated, and PM removal control for removing particulate matter from the particulate filter is performed when it is judged that the quantity of trapped particulate matter is greater than an allowable upper limit amount. |
| US09689295B1 |
Method and system for exhaust gas heat recovery
Methods and systems are provided for exhaust gas heat recovery at an exhaust gas heat exchanger. Exhaust gas may flow in both directions through an exhaust bypass passage and the heat exchanger coupled to the bypass passage. Hot or cold EGR may be delivered from the exhaust passage to the engine intake manifold and heat from the exhaust gas may be recovered at the heat exchanger. |
| US09689292B2 |
Device and method for controlling urea injection system of diesel engine
Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for controlling a urea injection system of a diesel engine. The apparatus (200) comprises: an operation condition parameter acquiring module (201), a control quantity determining module (202) and a drive signal determining module (203), wherein the operation condition parameter acquiring module (201) is configured to acquire operation condition parameters related to the urea injection system, the control quantity determining module (202) is configured to determine a control quantity for controlling the urea injection system based on the operation condition parameters, a target value of urea pressure in a urea buffer chamber (107) and a control model designed based on a physical model of the urea injection system, and the drive signal determining module (203) is configured to determine a drive signal for a urea pump (103) drive motor (106) according to the determined control quantity. The method for controlling the urea injection system may achieve accurate control of the urea injection pressure, and reduce a deviation between the urea pressure and a target value of the urea pressure. |
| US09689286B2 |
Camshaft phaser with position control valve
A camshaft phaser includes an input member connectable to the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine; an output member connectable to the camshaft of the internal combustion engine and defining an advance chamber and a retard chamber with the input member; a valve spool coaxially disposed within the output member such that the valve spool is rotatable relative to the output member and the input member, the valve spool defining a supply chamber and a vent chamber with the output member; and an actuator which rotates the valve spool in order to change the position of the output member relative to the input member by supplying pressurized oil from the supply chamber to one of the advance chamber and the retard chamber and venting oil to the vent chamber from the other of the supply chamber and the advance chamber. |
| US09689283B2 |
Valve opening/closing timing control device
A valve opening/closing timing control device is configured to be capable of appropriately setting a valve opening/closing timing within a short period of time from start-up of an internal combustion engine. An advancing chamber and a retarding chamber for relative phase control are formed between a driving rotating body that rotates synchronously with a drive shaft of an internal combustion engine and a driven rotating body that rotates integrally with a valve opening/closing camshaft, and a lock mechanism that locks the relative rotation phase at a locked phase is provided. During start-up of the internal combustion engine, a controller starts fluid-filling control for filling the advancing chamber and the retarding chamber with a fluid, and performs unlock control for releasing a locked state of the lock mechanism before filling of the fluid by the fluid-filling control is completed. |
| US09689277B2 |
Gas turbine engine and foil bearing system
A gas turbine engine including a compressor, a turbine and a static structure is disclosed herein. The gas turbine engine further includes a foil bearing system operative to transmit rotor loads from at least one of the compressor and the turbine to the static structure. The foil bearing system includes a foil bearing and a self-aligning foil bearing mount to align the foil bearing with an axis of rotation of the compressor and the turbine. A snubber operative to transmit rotor loads to the static structure in parallel with the foil bearing is also disclosed. |
| US09689276B2 |
Annular ring assembly for shroud cooling
A gas turbine engine includes an annular casing and a plurality of shroud segments forming an annular shroud. The annular shroud forms with the annular casing an annular cavity therebetween. The annular cavity includes an inlet and an outlet. An annular ring assembly is disposed in the annular cavity between the casing and the shroud and cooperating therewith to provide a first annular chamber and a second annular chamber. The annular ring assembly and a first portion of the shroud form the first annular chamber. The annular ring assembly and a second portion of the shroud form the second annular chamber. The annular ring assembly forms an intermediate annular chamber disposed between the first annular chamber and the second annular chamber. A flow path for coolant air is sequentially defined through the inlet, the first annular chamber, the intermediate annular chamber, the second annular chamber and the outlet. |
| US09689275B2 |
Variable geometry turbo system
A variable geometry turbo system that controls a flow of exhaust gas introduced into a turbine of a turbo charger may include a vane base ring in which the turbine may be positioned at a center thereof, a fixed vane which may be fixed onto a first surface of the vane base ring to guide the exhaust gas introduced into the turbine, a variable vane which may be pivotally positioned on the first surface of the vane base ring and adjacent to the fixed vane so as to vary a flow path of the exhaust gas introduced into the turbine, a vane cover ring fixed to the vane base ring with the fixed vane and the variable vane interposed therebetween, and an actuating module coupled to the variable vane and selectively actuating the variable vane. |
| US09689274B2 |
Variable geometry turbine
A variable geometry turbine comprises: a turbine wheel in a housing assembly defining a radial gas flow inlet passage; an annular wall member which is displaceable to control gas flow through the inlet passage; and a linkage mechanism comprising at least one actuating member operably connected to the annular wall member to control displacement of the wall member. The actuating member has a terminal portion defining a radially extending flange and extends in a direction substantially parallel to the turbine axis through an aperture defined by a retaining member to locate the radially extending flange in between said retaining member and annular wall member. The terminal portion is contacted by the retaining member to connect the actuating member to the annular wall member. The aperture defines a clearance to accommodate displacement of the retaining member relative to the actuating member. |
| US09689265B2 |
Thin-walled reinforcement lattice structure for hollow CMC buckets
A hollow ceramic matrix composite (CMC) turbine bucket with an internal reinforcement lattice structure has improved vibration properties and stiffness. The lattice structure is formed of thin-walled plies made of CMC. The wall structures are arranged and located according to high stress areas within the hollow bucket. After the melt infiltration process, the mandrels melt away, leaving the wall structure to become the internal lattice reinforcement structure of the bucket. |
| US09689264B2 |
Centrifugal fan impeller with variable shape fan blades and method of assembly
In one aspect, a flexible fan blade for use in a centrifugal fan impeller having at least one of a rear plate and a front plate with an air inlet is provided. The flexible fan blade comprises a fixed central portion fixedly coupled to at least one of the front plate and the rear plate of the centrifugal fan impeller. The flexible fan blade also includes a trailing edge extending from the fixed central portion and being moveable between a first position and a second position. The trailing edge is fabricated from a compliant material. Furthermore, the trailing edge is flexible in relation to the fixed central portion between a first position and a second position. The flexible fan blade also includes a leading edge extending from the fixed central portion in opposed relation to the trailing edge. |
| US09689262B2 |
Thermographic inspection system for composite wind turbine blade
The present application provides a method of inspecting a bond joint. The method may include the steps of applying an exothermic adhesive to a first shell and/or a second shell, attaching the first shell to the second shell via the exothermic adhesive to create the bond joint, allowing the exothermic adhesive to cure, and imaging the heat released by the exothermic adhesive along the bond joint. The bond joint may be a turbine blade bond joint. |
| US09689261B2 |
Stacked wheel assembly for a rotor of a rotary machine
A stacked wheel assembly for a rotor of a rotary machine includes a plurality of stacked wheels for rotation about a common axis and forming a portion of the rotor. Also included is a tie bolt passing through aligned bolt holes of the plurality of stacked wheels for retaining the plurality of stacked wheels in axially stacked relation, the tie bolt extending out of a forward end of a forward wheel of the plurality of stacked wheels and out of an aft end of an aft wheel of the plurality of stacked wheels. Further included is a rotor component disposed adjacent the aft end of the aft wheel. Yet further included is a nut mounted within a forward face of the rotor component, the nut configured to be in threaded engagement with the tie bolt to exert a clamping force on the plurality of stacked wheels. |
| US09689259B2 |
Engine with compression and momentum stroke
An engine may include a cylinder having a first combustion chamber at one end thereof and a second combustion chamber at an opposing end thereof, first and second cylinder heads at an end of the first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber, respectively, and a double-faced piston slidably mounted within the cylinder. The piston may be configured to move in a first stroke from the first end to the second end of the cylinder. The piston and the cylinder may be configured such that the first stroke includes an expansion stroke portion during which chemical energy from combustion in the first combustion chamber is converted into mechanical power of the piston, and a momentum stroke portion during which the piston continues to move to the second end of the cylinder and gases are exchanged between the first combustion chamber and a location outside the cylinder. |
| US09689255B2 |
Apparatus and methods for orienting, stabilizing, or stably operating a logging tool
A logging tool, toolstring (10), or element (19) comprises a stabilizer including a pair of moveable, rigid, main stabilizer arms (23, 24) that each is pivotably secured adjacent to one another at one end to the logging tool or toolstring. As a result the arms (23, 24) are moveable between a relatively retracted position on the one hand and a relatively advanced position on the other in which the main stabilizer arms diverge from one another and protrude from the logging tool so as to present a pair of main arm free ends (29, 31) that are spaced from an outer surface of the tool and are engageable with a borehole surface. The logging tool (10) or element (19) includes a mechanism for effecting coordinated, powered, linked movement of the main stabilizer arms (23, 24) between the retracted and advanced positions. |
| US09689251B2 |
Subterranean pump with pump cleaning mode
A method to dislodge debris from a pump system in which the pump system includes a down-hole pump coupled by a rod string to an above-ground pump actuator, which is coupled to a controller configured to operate the pump system, and where the actuator has an adjustable stroke length. The method also includes determining that the pump system should begin operating in a pump clean mode, implementing the pump clean mode configured in the controller, and cycling the pump actuator at a preset command speed using a preset starting stroke length, preset acceleration rate and a preset deceleration rate. The method also includes continuing to cycle the pump actuator while incrementally decreasing the stroke length by a preset stroke length increment resulting in increased pump cycling frequencies. Further, the method calls for determining that the pump clean mode is complete, and returning the pump system to a normal operation mode. |
| US09689250B2 |
System and method for mitigating stick-slip
The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for rotating a drill string to mitigate stick-slip oscillations. An embodiment includes a method of rotating a drill string driven by a drive system using a control system. The method includes measuring torque values of the drive system with a torque sensor. The method also includes determining a frequency of stick-slip oscillations at the drive system based on the torque values using the control system. The method also includes determining an estimated instantaneous rotational speed of the drive system with the control system based on at least the frequency of stick-slip oscillations and a characteristic impedance of the drill string. The method also includes adjusting the estimated instantaneous rotational speed based on changes in the torque values to define an adjusted estimated instantaneous rotation speed with the control system. The method also includes providing an output signal representing the adjusted estimated instantaneous rotational speed to the drive system. The method also includes controlling rotation of a quill of the drive system based on the output signal. |
| US09689249B2 |
Automating downhole drilling using wellbore profile energy and shape
Disclosed are systems and method for automating downhole drilling based on the profile and energy of the wellbore being drilled. One method includes advancing a bottom hole assembly (BHA) within a subterranean formation and thereby forming a wellbore along an actual wellbore path, the BHA including a controller module, one or more sensors, and a steering assembly, taking survey measurements with the sensors at two or more survey stations along the actual wellbore path, comparing the survey measurements with data corresponding to a planned wellbore path, determining a return path based on minimum energy of the actual wellbore path when the actual wellbore path has deviated from the planned wellbore path, and conveying a corrective command signal to the steering assembly in order to reorient a trajectory of the actual wellbore path such that it returns to the planned wellbore path. |
| US09689240B2 |
Firing mechanism with time delay and metering system
An apparatus for selectively isolating a firing head associated with a perforating gun may include an igniter coupled to a firing head, a time delay module coupled to the igniter and generating a pressure pulse after being activated by the igniter, a metering module, and a second firing head. The metering module may be coupled to the time delay module and including a housing having a bore and at least one opening exposed to a wellbore annulus. A piston disposed in the housing bore may have at least one passage. The piston is axially displaced from a first position to a second position by the generated pressure pulse. The second firing head is coupled to the metering module and is in fluid communication with the housing bore. The piston blocks fluid communication from the at least one opening of the housing and the second firing head in a first position and allows fluid communication from the at least one opening of the housing to the second firing head in the second position. |
| US09689226B2 |
Method and apparatus for dropping a pump down plug or ball
An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured tool body assembly having valving members (e.g., safety or kelly values) and valving members holding plugs, balls, or darts to be dropped. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members. A transmitter (or transceiver) provides an ability to generate a wireless signal that is received by receivers (or transceivers) on the tool body assembly. Each receiver (or transceiver) controls an electrical actuator that engages a valving member or the indicator. Wireless signals can be used to open or close a valve or to reset a “tripped” indicator. |
| US09689224B2 |
Change-over arrangement for a cable operated jar
A cable-operated jar comprising a releasable coupling is arranged for connection to a piece of downhole equipment, in which a mandrel is connected to a cable comprising a hammer section. The hammer section is arranged to strike, on the release of a mandrel coupling, against a shoulder section in a housing, and the mandrel is pre-tensioned in a releasable position with a spring arrangement. The spring arrangement includes an adjusting mechanism operated by the cable alternately being tensioned and relaxed. |
| US09689217B2 |
Apparatus and method for containing fluid or gas released from a pipe
An apparatus and method is provided for containing fluid or gas that is released when two adjoining sections of pipe are disconnected. The apparatus can comprise two or more arcuate sections hinged together to form a generally cylindrical or tubular containment chute that can be releasably enclosed around a pipe joint. Latching mechanisms can hold the apparatus around the pipe joint. The apparatus can have one or more sealing members at each end of the containment chute that engage the pipe above and below the pipe joint so that the pipe joint is completely enclosed and sealed off. A spout located on the sidewall of the apparatus allows fluid or gas that is released when the pipe joint is broken to flow from the apparatus through the spout into a hose connected to the spout, whereby the hose can divert the fluid or gas to a receptacle or container. |
| US09689202B2 |
Roll control device for a vehicle curtain
A roll control device for a vehicle curtain has a damper, a speed-reduction device, and a unidirectional transmission device. The speed-reduction device is connected to the damper and has a sleeve, a gear mount, and multiple planet gears. The sleeve is hollow and has multiple inner teeth annularly arranged in the sleeve. The gear mount is mounted in and extends out of the sleeve and is connected to the damper. The planet gears are mounted rotatably on the gear mount and engage with the inner teeth in the sleeve. The unidirectional transmission assembly is connected to the speed-reduction device and has a transmission member and a unidirectional transmission device. The transmission member has a gear segment extending into the gear mount and engaging with the planet gears. The unidirectional transmission device is connected to the transmission member to control the transmission member to rotate in unidirectional. |
| US09689201B2 |
Screen system
A screen system for use with a sliding panel of a window or door is used to screen an opening as the sliding panel or door is opened. The screen is attached to the edge of the sliding panel adjacent the opening, and is wound onto a spindle. The spindle is rotatably mounted adjacent the screen opening around which the screen is wound so that the screen can be unwound from or wound onto the spindle. A cord is connected between the sliding panel and the spindle pulley via an idler pulley. In this arrangement the spindle is caused to rotate so as to wind the screen back onto the spindle as the sliding panel is slid towards the closed position. While the screen is wound off the spindle, the cord is wound onto the spindle pulley and vice versa. As the A tension adjustment arrangement can also be provided that is configured to adjust the tension in the cable as the screen is wound and unwound from the spindle due to the change in diameter of the cord around the spindle pulley. |
| US09689200B2 |
Roller blind
A roller blind including a sheet element secured at one end to a roller tube mounted for rotation, and secured at its opposite end to a fixed element located adjacent to the roller tube such that the sheet element defines a return portion located between the two ends; and a roller blind bottom bar located within the return portion, wherein the roller blind bottom bar includes a tubular body and an end cap carried by each end of the tubular body, the end caps including a proximal portion located adjacent to the tubular body, a distal portion spaced from the tubular body, and an outwardly flared portion located between the proximal and distal portions such that the end cap flares outwards from the proximal portion to the distal portion. |
| US09689195B2 |
Vacuum insulating glass unit with viscous edge seal
Vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units and edge seals for VIG units are provided. The VIG units include an edge seal that includes a viscous material, and is configured to allow the glass sheets to move laterally relative to one another when the glass sheets experience differential thermal strain and further configured such that viscous shear occurs within at least a portion of the viscous material when there is relative lateral movement between the glass sheets. The edge seals comprise a cavity that contains at least a portion of the viscous material, wherein at least a portion of a boundary defining the cavity is reversibly expandable and collapsible such that the viscous material and the cavity are configured to maintain volume compatibility when one or both of the viscous material and the cavity undergo a temperature-induced volume change. |
| US09689194B2 |
Process and device for manufacturing a glazing unit comprising a decorative film, and glazing unit comprising a decorative film
The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a glazing unit (1) comprising a glazed element (2) optionally equipped with a portion of a profiled strip (3), said glazing unit (1) having at least one flexible part and/or one hard part, said flexible part belonging to said profiled strip (3) and said hard part belonging to said glazed element (2) or to said profiled strip (3), characterized in that at least one film (4) comprising a substrate (40) having a rear face (41) and a front face (42), on which a decorative coating (45) is positioned, is applied to said glazing unit (1), the film (4) being pressed against the glazing unit by applying at least one punch (54) against the rear face (41) of the substrate (40). |
| US09689193B1 |
Bolted safe modules made from three types of formed edge rails
Modular elements for safe container comprising Type A, Type B, and Type C edge rails that first are formed from two different widths of flat strips and then cut to the size of each panel sides, where Type A and Type B edge rails are used to assembly the container walls, floor, and roof of the safe, and are joined together by embedded high grade carriage bolts to form the safe body, while Type C edge rails are used to assembly the door panel that is joined hingedly with the safe body and have embedded fasteners for attaching door's locking mechanism. |
| US09689192B2 |
Closing system for through openings
The present application refers to a closing system for through openings, comprising a quick opening door provided with a vertically moveable flexible panel, running between a pair of vertical guides and being attached by its upper end to a motor driven drum for its actuation, the system having in combination with the quick opening door a fire door mounted with capacity to move between an opening position and closing position, being the quick opening door and the fire door arranged for its alternate actuation. |
| US09689188B2 |
Spindle drive for an adjustment element of a motor vehicle
A spindle drive for an adjustment element of a motor vehicle is provided. The spindle drive has a drive unit and a spindle-spindle nut transmission arranged downstream of the drive unit in terms of drive for generating linear drive movements. The drive unit has a tubular drive unit housing and therein a drive motor. In some cases an intermediate transmission is arranged downstream of the drive motor in terms of drive. The drive unit and the spindle-spindle nut transmission are arranged one behind the other on the geometrical spindle axis, and a spindle drive housing is provided with a tubular inner housing and a tubular outer housing. The inner housing runs in a telescope-like manner in the outer housing. In some cases the outer housing of the spindle drive housing accommodates the drive unit with the drive unit housing and is connected to the drive unit. |
| US09689185B2 |
Adjustable hinge for vertically hanging panel
A hinge assembly is disclosed that may include one or more leaves that can be connected to a panel. The hinge assembly may further include a barrel having a passage through which a pivot pin passes. A spacer is positioned in an opening between a first barrel section and a second barrel section. Bushings are disposed within the first and second barrel sections. |
| US09689184B2 |
Door outside handle for vehicle
A door outside handle for a vehicle may include a handle lever configured to be mounted on a grip handle, a rotating lever configured to be rotatably connected with the handle lever via a lever shaft, and a rotating lever restriction part configured to be included in the handle lever and the rotating lever and release a restriction of the rotating lever to rotate the rotating lever when side crash accidents occur and restrict the rotation of the rotating lever when the side crash accidents do not occur. |
| US09689183B2 |
Lid lock device
A lid lock device includes: a housing fixed to a vehicle; a lock member assembled to the housing and movable between a lock position and a lock releasing position; a motor assembled to the housing and driving the lock member; a worm gear and a worm wheel assembled to the housing and engaged with each other to transmit power of the motor to the lock member; a wheel sidewall provided in the worm wheel, formed by bending a band plate in an arc or circular shape, having a gear portion engaged with the worm gear on the wheel sidewall, and having a gear rear side surface facing a center side of the worm wheel on the wheel sidewall; and a deformation restriction protrusion provided in the housing, the deformation restriction protrusion restricting movement toward the inside of the wheel sidewall. |
| US09689181B2 |
Bonnet latch bracket arrangement
A bonnet latch bracket arrangement that is adaptable to different vehicle models comprises a bonnet latch, a bracket member and a vehicle body member. The bonnet latch is attachable to the vehicle body member by means of the bracket member, and the bracket member is adapted to take up dimensional differences between the bonnet latch and the vehicle body member in a longitudinal direction, lateral direction and/or height direction of a vehicle. Furthermore, the adaptability to different vehicle models is achievable by varying the geometry of the bracket member according to the dimensions of the vehicle model. A modular system for configuration of a bonnet latch bracket arrangement to different vehicle models and a method for adapting a bonnet latch bracket arrangement to fit in different vehicle models are also provided. |
| US09689180B2 |
Locking system for car wheel
A locking device for car wheels is disclosed to prevent unauthorized removal of the wheels. The device includes a locking unit that allows covering of special bolt heads by covering wings. The locking module can be further covered with a covering plate. The system provides multiple layers of protection to the wheels and considerably lengthens the time required to remove the wheel without proper keys. |
| US09689176B1 |
Anchoring device
An anchoring device. The anchoring device provides a clip assembly having a top member and a clip member, wherein the top member and the clip member are removably attachable to one another to form a clasp therebetween. The clip member includes a latch and a pair of protruding members sized to removably engage corresponding apertures disposed on the top member. The latch is pressure sensitive and enables removal of the clip member from the top member when secured thereto. The clip member includes a stake receiving portion having a receptacle and an opening sized to slidably receive a stake therein. The top member includes a ribbed area for receiving a corresponding ribbed member pivotally attached to the clip member, wherein the ribbed area and ribbed member form the clasp. The ribbed member includes a tab for vertically flexing the ribbed member to clasp the clip assembly onto an object. |
| US09689174B2 |
Wind turbine with yaw bearing lifting device
A wind turbine with a tower, a nacelle and a yaw bearing, wherein the yaw bearing is arranged and prepared for rotating the nacelle relative to the tower around a yaw axis is provided. The yaw bearing has a first yaw bearing component which is fixed to the tower, a second yaw bearing component which is fixed to the nacelle, and at least one sliding component which is located between the first yaw bearing component and the second yaw bearing component. The wind turbine is prepared and arranged for housing at least one lifting device for lifting the nacelle relative to the tower such that the sliding component can be removed. Furthermore, a method of lifting the nacelle relative to the tower is provided. Thus, the sliding component may be removed and the removed sliding component may be replaced by a re-placement sliding component. |
| US09689172B1 |
Movement assistance device for a spa cover
A movement assistance device for a spa cover is described and which includes a moveable spa cover portion, and a pair of pneumatic cylinders which cooperate with a housing mounted on one of the spa cover portions, and which further assists in the movement of one of the spa cover portions relative to the other spa cover portion, and a third pneumatic cylinder is provided and which allows movement of each of the respective spa cover portions to a non-occluding position relative to the spa so as to allow use of the spa. |
| US09689170B1 |
Method for cleaning surfaces
A cleaning apparatus and method for cleaning generally upright surfaces, walls and windows of a building has a frame rotatably supporting one or more brushes adapted to engage the upright surface of a building. A davit supported on top of the building is connected to a cable pendently supporting the frame and brushes. A winch driven with a motor mounted on the frame operably connected to the cable operates to move the frame and brushes relative to the upright surface. A counterforce generator mounted on the frame establishes a force on the frame and brushes that maintains the brushes in effective continuous engagement with the upright surface during cleaning thereof. |
| US09689161B2 |
Flexible furniture system
A freestanding extensible wall for partitioning an area of a room, said wall having a base, a top, oppositely directed surfaces extending between said base and said top, said base, top and surfaces defining a core, said core comprising a cellular structure having multiple voids extending from said base to said top upon movement of said oppositely directed surfaces away from each other, said base having a width of at least 10 centimeters and placed on a floor, and said core having a height of at least 1 meter, whereby opposite ends of said core may be moved apart to expand said cellular structure and extend the length of said core and to form at least a substantially straight freestanding wall configuration, while maintaining its vertical extent. |
| US09689160B2 |
Reusable module for manufacturing at least one portion of a repeatedly dismountable wall of a construction
A dismountable module for manufacturing at least one portion of a repeatably dismountable wall of a construction is described, the module comprising: a first body adapted to define an outer surface of said wall, at least one structural member adapted to withstand the loads generated by the wall; the structural member comprises a main body elongated along a first axis, arranged vertically in use, and a thickening protruding from said main body transversally to said first axis; the thickening defines a first face and a second face opposite to the first face and adapted to cooperate, either directly or indirectly, with a further module, superimposable on said module according to said first axis, so as to transfer a load from the further module to said structural member. |
| US09689158B1 |
Fire and water resistant expansion and seismic joint system
A fire and water resistant expansion and seismic joint system has a cover plate; a spline attached to the cover plate along a first edge of the spline; and a core comprising a first core portion and a second core portion, each portion being located on an opposing face of the spline. The first core portion and the second core portion have a fire-retardant material infused therein. The spline depends from the cover plate in a one piece construction and extends into the core to a depth within the core, and is positioned in a gap between substantially coplanar substrates such that the cover plate overlies the gap. Each portion of the core is compressed between a respective face of the spline and a face of one of the coplanar substrates. |
| US09689157B1 |
Fire and water resistant expansion and seismic joint system
A fire and water resistant expansion joint system has a cover plate; a spline attached to the cover plate along a first edge of the spline; and two portions of foam, each portion being located on an opposing face of the spline. The foam has a fire-retardant material infused therein. The spline depends from the cover plate and is positioned in a gap between substantially coplanar substrates such that the cover plate overlies the gap. Each portion of the foam is compressed between a respective face of the spline and a face of one of the coplanar substrates. |
| US09689154B2 |
Two-level water flushing device for toilets
The invention relates to a two-level water flushing device for toilets (10), which allows the user to easily select between either a partial flush for liquid waste or a full flush for solid waste. The device (10) can be easily installed without requiring the toilet cistern (11) to be modified in any way. The device consists of five main parts: a modified overflow pipe (15), a full flush valve (30) mounted on the water flow casing (15B) of the modified overflow pipe (15), an adjustable height pipe nipple (45), a partial flush valve (55), and a pair of flush handles (65 and 70). In order to perform a partial flush, the partial flush handle (70) is pressed and, in order to perform a full flush, the full flush handle (65) is pressed. |
| US09689153B2 |
Seamless undermount stainless steel sink system
A seamless undermount stainless steel sink system includes a solid countertop constructed of granite, marble, quartz stone, quartzite, porcelain, glass, engineered stone, multi-layered and/or composite materials, and having a sink mounting aperture defining an inner periphery disposed therethrough. The system also includes a stainless steel sink having a sidewall with a rimless upper edge defining an outer periphery therearound. A mounting assembly is attached to a portion of the stainless steel sink at a predetermined mounting depth below the rimless upper edge, and an interface is formed between the stainless steel sink and the solid countertop. A sealing assembly is disposed in the interface between the rimless upper edge of the stainless steel sink and the solid countertop to prevent water, food, or other debris from getting in between the stainless steel sink and the solid countertop. |
| US09689152B2 |
Seamless undermount stainless steel sink system
A seamless undermount stainless steel sink system includes a solid countertop constructed of granite, marble, quartz stone, quartzite, porcelain, glass, engineered stone, multi-layered and/or composite materials, and having a sink mounting aperture defining an inner periphery disposed therethrough. The system also includes a stainless steel sink having a sidewall with a rimless upper edge defining an outer periphery therearound. A mounting assembly is attached to a portion of the stainless steel sink at a predetermined mounting depth below the rimless upper edge, and an interface is formed between the stainless steel sink and the solid countertop. A sealing assembly is disposed in the interface between the rimless upper edge of the stainless steel sink and the solid countertop to prevent water, food, or other debris from getting in between the stainless steel sink and the solid countertop. |
| US09689151B2 |
Drawn sink having low-profile rim
A sink comprising a basin, a rim extending outwardly from the basin, a support member in the form of a channel coupled to an underside of a portion of the rim to increase the rigidity of the rim, and a mounting element operatively coupled to the channel and configured to secure the rim to a fixture. |
| US09689150B2 |
Portable washing station
The portable washing station has a mounting plate having rigid upper and lower sections joined by fabric so that it can be folded up for storage and transport. The washing station has a detachable sink basin attached to the lower section, made of flexible and lightweight, waterproof material. The washing station has straps that serve a dual purpose. While in use, the straps allow the washing station to be mounted to a support structure, such as a tree, utility pole, sailboat mast, fence post or any other structure of sufficient height. The straps also keep the portable washing station securely in the stored configuration, when folded up. This portable washing station is perfect for families while camping, the military while cleaning weapons in the field, first responders during natural disasters and any other users in which the convenience of providing and maintaining good hygiene are necessary. |
| US09689149B2 |
Flow control valve
A flow control valve includes a valve inlet configured to receive a fluid, a valve outlet configured to output the fluid, and a valve member assembly for controlling the fluid flow through the flow control valve. The valve member assembly and the valve inlet are configured such that, when in use, fluid flowing through the flow control valve exerts substantially no net force on the valve member assembly. |
| US09689147B2 |
Snap in mounting shank for a faucet
A faucet mounting system includes an upper fixture including an outer wall defining a chamber, and at least one groove formed within an inner surface of the outer wall. A lower mounting shank extends below the upper fixture and includes a skirt, a post extending downwardly from the skirt, and at least one spring clip. The at least one spring clip is recessed within an outer surface of the skirt in a compressed position, and extending outside of the outer surface of the skirt in an extended position. |
| US09689143B1 |
Poly pipe unrolling and placement device
A poly pipe installation device constructed from a frame supporting a trenching tool for making a trench with side berms, a pipe roll supporting axles for a poly pipe roll so that the roll can be unwound to place the poly pipe into the trench. The poly pipe roll unrolls the pipe past a guide and under a wheel to position the pipe in the trench where it then partially buried with dirt drug off of the berms with angled drag chains. The poly pipe roll being unrolled is one of up to four rolls that are supported off of a horizontal turntable rotates each roll into the unrolling position and that also supports and stores multiple pipe rolls so that long runs of pipe can be laid quickly. |
| US09689140B2 |
Construction machine control system, construction machine, and construction machine control method
A construction machine control system for a construction machine that includes a work machine including a boom, an arm, and a bucket includes: an adjusting device having a movable spool and being capable of adjusting an amount of operating oil supplied to a hydraulic cylinder that drives the work machine with movement of the spool; an operation command unit adjusting the spool; a storage unit storing a plurality of pieces of correlation data indicating a relation between a cylinder speed of the hydraulic cylinder and an operation command value of operating the hydraulic cylinder according to a type of the bucket; an acquiring unit acquiring type data indicating the type of the bucket; and a control unit selecting one piece of correlation data from the plurality of pieces of correlation data based on the type data and controlling the operation command value based on the selected correlation data. |
| US09689139B2 |
Quick coupler
A quick coupler for coupling a tool like for example a scoop, shell grab or demolition tongs to a tool guide such as an excavator arm or the like, including a coupling receptacle for receiving a first locking part and a locking receptacle for receiving a second locking part, wherein to the coupling receptacle a securing element is associated for catching and/or securing the first locking part in the coupling receptacle, and to the locking receptacle a locking element is associated for locking the second locking part in the locking receptacle, wherein the locking element and the securing element are actuable via a common pressure circuit having an unlocking pressure port and a locking pressure port selectively connectable with a pressure source or a return line via a valve. The securing element is actuable by a double-acting, reversible actuator and is movable both into an opening and a closing position. |
| US09689134B1 |
Helical pile coupler, assembly, and method
A helical pile coupler, assembly, and method of assembly. The assembly comprises a first pile segment having first end with a coupler attached thereto. The coupler has two or more coupler aperture pairs and the alignment of at least one of the coupler aperture pairs is radially offset from the alignment of at least one other coupler aperture pair. A second pile segment is receivable in the coupler and the second pile segment has two or more pile aperture pairs that can be aligned with at least two of the two or more coupler aperture pairs, including the at least one radially offset coupler aperture pair. Fasteners are extended through the aligned aperture pairs to secure the second pile segment to the coupler. The fasteners are configured to protrude minimally from the outer surface of the coupler. |
| US09689133B2 |
Access support for offshore installations
A support structure (10) suitable for use as a support structure to an offshore platform (12), the support structure (10) comprising a main support strut (30) having a lower end and anchorable, in use, to the seabed (16) and an upper portion arranged, in use, to extend above sea level to a height substantially equal to, or greater than, that of the platform (12), the support strut (30) comprising a guide rail (62) extending upwardly from a level above the sea level (18) to the top of the support strut (30) for cooperating with a raising framework (90) slideably mountable to the guide rail (62), and further comprising drive means (98) cooperating between the raising framework (90) and the guide rail (62) for elevating the raising framework (90) relative to the support rail (62), the support structure (10) being characterized by: the support strut (30) and raising framework (90) each comprising tracks (70, 100) arranged to substantially align end-to-end when the raising framework (90) is elevated to the top of the support strut (30), the tracks (70, 100), when so aligned, forming a substantially continuous track for laterally transferring a payload (42) from the raising framework (90) to the top of the strut (30). |
| US09689132B2 |
Permanent drainage ditch adapted to improve yield from farmland
A drainage ditch, including: a ditch body. The ditch body includes, from the top down: a separate layer, a first filter layer, a second filter layer, and a third filter layer. The separate layer is straw or stover; the first filter layer is crush stones having particle sizes of between 5 and 15 mm; the second filter layer is crush stones having particle sizes of between 20 mm and 40 mm; the third filter layer is stones having particle sizes of between 30 mm and 70 mm. The separate layer is covered by a plough layer. |
| US09689128B2 |
Artificial dam of distributed coal mine underground reservoir and its constructing method
The present disclosure provides an artificial dam of a distributed coal mine underground reservoir and its constructing method. The artificial dam comprises a support layer (10), an anti-seepage layer (20), and a concrete structure layer (30) that are successively formed in an auxiliary roadway (1) from inside to outside, the concrete structure layer (30) being embedded into a security coal pillar (2) and/or surrounding rock (3) around the auxiliary roadway (1). Because the concrete structure layer (30) is embedded into the security coal pillar (2) and/or the surrounding rock (3) around the auxiliary roadway (1), the artificial dam is combined to the security coal pillar (2) to together form a dam for an underground reservoir. Due to multi-layer design, anti-seepage performance and structural strength of the dam can meet the water storage requirements of the underground reservoir. |
| US09689124B2 |
Reinforced guardrail extruder head
A guardrail extruder head includes: top and bottom feeder channels; an impact plate; a top plate connecting the impact plate to the top feeder channel; a bottom plate connecting the impact plate to the bottom feeder channel; a front extruder plate coupled between the top and bottom plates; a curved deflector plate attached to the front extruder plate and coupled between the top and bottom plates; a front brace on the front extruder plate near the curved deflector plate and coupled between the top and bottom plates; a back extruder plate opposite to the front extruder plate and coupled between the top and bottom plates; a front side plate and a back side plate positioned between the top and bottom feeder channels; a back brace on the back extruder plate near the feeder channels and coupled between the top and bottom plates; and an impact force transfer brace coupled to the front brace and the impact plate. |
| US09689123B2 |
Safety warning device
A safety warning device includes an integrally formed telescopic warning body which is a flexible bellows-shaped tube having a bottom end, a top end, and a bellows section connecting the top end and the bottom end. As a result, the telescopic warning body can be compressed and elongated by an external force, thereby minimizing the volume and facilitating the moving of the safety warning device, as well as achieving the goal of extending the usage life and having better safety. |
| US09689120B2 |
Method for optimizing a cutting process in road milling machines, as well as milling machine for machining road coverings
In a method for optimizing a cutting process in milling machines which are used to machine road coverings, which comprise a milling device fitted with milling tools which is sprayed with liquid in order to cool the milling tools, in addition to a drive motor, the following steps are provided: detection of the at least one parameter which is representative of the instantaneous power output of the milling device and controlling the amount of cooling liquid supplied according to the at least one parameter which is representative of the instantaneous power output of the milling device. |
| US09689114B2 |
Strengthening resins for paper products
Resin compositions, products made therewith, and methods for making such resin compositions and products. The resin composition can include a polyamide-epihalohydrin resin, a cationic styrene maleimide resin, and a urea-formaldehyde resin. The polyamide-epihalohydrin resin can include a reaction product of a polyamidoamine and an epihalohydrin. The cationic styrene maleimide resin can include a reaction product of a styrene maleic anhydride copolymer and an amine compound. The product can include a fiber web and an at least partially cured resin composition. The resin composition, prior to curing, can include a polyamide-epihalohydrin resin, a cationic styrene maleimide resin, and a urea-formaldehyde resin. The polyamide-epihalohydrin resin can include a reaction product of a polyamidoamine and an epihalohydrin. The cationic styrene maleimide resin can include a reaction product of a styrene maleic anhydride copolymer and an amine compound. |
| US09689113B2 |
Transfer film, method for producing transfer film, and transfer method
An object is to obtain a pattern-transferred product excellent in fastness to washing. To achieve the object, the invention provides: a transfer film (10) including a transfer sheet (11) and a solvent UV ink layer (2) formed on the transfer sheet (11); and a transfer method including a hot-pressing step of sticking the transfer film (10) to the print object (20) and then hot-pressing the transfer film (10). |
| US09689111B2 |
Microwave initiation for deposition of porous organosilicate materials on fabrics
Described herein are modification of fabrics using a microwave initiation technique to produce a porous coating on the fibers providing adsorbent properties as well as the potential for further modification. In embodiments, the fabric incorporates a periodic mesoporous organosilica compound (PMO) optionally bound to a porphyrin or other functional group, and/or a catalyst or optical indicator. |
| US09689110B2 |
Collapsible multi-purpose structure
A collapsible structure that includes an openable end panel, three foldable side panels, an openable side panel, a partial side panel, and a removable end panel. At least a portion of the foldable side panels, openable side panel, and partial side panel may be connected by seams which may permit the panels to fold into a hamper state, an ironing board state, a laundry bin, state, and collapsible state. The collapsible state permits the user to efficiently store the collapsible structure when not in use. |
| US09689102B2 |
Washing machine for sensing tilt or vibration to the casing
A washing machine is disclosed. The washing machine includes a casing, and a state sensing unit for sensing tilt of a predetermined angle or more of the casing or vibration of a predetermined magnitude or more applied to the casing. The state sensing unit includes a switching conductive element configured to move according to the tilt or the vibration, a contact electrode, and a guide electrode configured to guide movement of the switching conductive element and to be electrically connected to the contact electrode through the switching conductive element when the switching conductive element contacts the contact electrode. |
| US09689100B2 |
Controlled moisture removal in a laundry treating appliance
An apparatus and method for reducing humidity both within laundry and within a laundry treating appliance in response to a door being opened or closed are disclosed. |
| US09689099B2 |
Process for producing stretch nonwoven fabric, and stretch nonwoven fabric
The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a process for producing stretch nonwoven fabric having excellent stretchability. This production process has the following configuration. The process for producing stretch nonwoven fabric comprises: a step in which nonwoven fabric to be treated which comprises stretchable fibers and extensible fibers is unevenly stretched, while being conveyed, so that nonwoven fabric having both higher stretched regions and lower stretched regions is formed; and a step in which the nonwoven fabric having both higher stretched regions and lower stretched regions is heated for 0.1-10 seconds at a temperature which is 40° C. or higher but is lower than the melting point of the stretchable fibers. The production process is characterized in that in the nonwoven fabric having both higher stretched regions and lower stretched regions, the higher stretched regions and the lower stretched regions are parallel to the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction and are present alternately in the conveying direction. |
| US09689096B2 |
Composite non-woven fibrous webs having continuous particulate phase and methods of making and using the same
The disclosure relates to composite nonwoven fibrous web including an embedded phase having a population of particulates forming a substantially continuous three-dimensional network, and a matrix phase comprising a population of fibers forming a three-dimensional network around the particulates. The disclosure also relates to methods of making a composite nonwoven fibrous web including forming an embedded phase having a population of particulates in a substantially continuous three-dimensional network, and forming a matrix phase comprising a population of fibers forming a three-dimensional network around the particulates. Articles made from a composite nonwoven fibrous web prepared according to the methods as described above are also disclosed. In exemplary embodiments, the articles may include gas filtration articles, liquid filtration articles, sound absorption articles, surface cleaning articles, cellular growth support articles, drug delivery articles, personal hygiene articles, and wound dressing articles. |
| US09689095B2 |
Mobile cam device for commanding needles of a needle bed of a knitting machine
A mobile cam device (1) for commanding needles of a needle bed of a knitting machine, the device comprising a body (2) of the device provided with at least a first housing seating (4a) having a longitudinal development and configured to movably house at least a first actuator (5a) in the body. The device further comprises at least a first command cam (8a) movably mounted and associated to the body and destined to interact with at least a needle of a needle bed of a knitting machine, and at least a first actuator (5a), movably housed at least partially in the first housing seating (4a) in the body and destined to move in a controlled way the first command cam (8a). The first actuator comprises a first piston (15a) and a second piston (16a) distinct from one another and translatably housed in the first seating, the first and second piston being arranged in series along the longitudinal extension of the first seating and being translatable independently with respect to one another. The body (2) of the device is one and one alone, and is made in a single piece. |
| US09689091B2 |
Stretch circular knit fabrics with multiple elastic yarns
An article comprising a knit fabric having a surface side and a base side, and including a set of ground yarns and a layer of effect yarns, wherein the ground yarns and effect yarns are knit through intermesh points in a predetermined arrangement wherein the effect yarns are alternately arranged with the ground yarns and wherein the ground yarns comprise at least one elastic fiber and optionally at least one hard fiber, and the effect yarns comprise at least one hard fiber and optionally an elastic fiber. |
| US09689089B2 |
Solution-dyed protein fiber and method for producing same
A solution-dyed protein fiber of the present invention includes 0-100 mass % of silk fibroin and 100-0 mass % of a polypeptide derived from spider silk proteins when the protein fiber is assumed to be 100 mass %, wherein the solution-dyed protein fiber contains a solution-dyeing colorant. The fiber is obtained by: dissolving or dispersing a solution-dyeing colorant in a solvent used for a spinning solution or in dimethyl sulfoxide, thereby preparing a coloring liquid; adding a solvent to the coloring liquid in an amount necessary for a spinning solution; adding and dissolving protein powder into the solvent, thereby preparing a spinning solution; and subjecting the spinning solution to wet spinning or dry-wet spinning. Thereby, the present invention provides a low-cost solution-dyed protein fiber in which a solution-dyeing colorant is dispersed uniformly and that can exhibit bright color tone, and a method for producing the same. |
| US09689088B2 |
Woolscouring method and composition
The present invention relates to a method of washing animal fibers comprising contacting the animal fibers with a surfactant composition comprising a mixture of alcohol ethoxylate surfactants and optionally at least one propoxylated surfactant. |
| US09689087B1 |
Method of making photonic crystal
A method of making a photonic crystal includes step 1 providing a seed, followed by etching a surface of the seed to form thereon submicron voids; step 2 providing a graphite disk, followed by coating a side of the graphite disk with a graphite adhesive whereby the void-formed surface of the seed is attached to the graphite disk to form a seed holder; step 3 placing the seed holder above a growth chamber, followed by placing a raw material below the growth chamber; step 4 forming a thermal field in the growth chamber with a heating device to sublime the raw material; and step 5 controlling temperature, thermal field, atmosphere and pressure in the growth chamber to allow the gaseous raw material to be conveyed and deposited on the seed, thereby forming a photonic crystal. |
| US09689084B2 |
Electrodeposition systems and methods that minimize anode and/or plating solution degradation
Disclosed are electrodeposition systems and methods wherein at least three electrodes are placed in a container containing a plating solution. The electrodes are connected to a polarity-switching unit and include a first electrode, a second electrode and a third electrode. The polarity-switching unit establishes a constant polarity state between the first and second electrodes in the solution during an active plating mode, wherein the first electrode has a negative polarity and the second electrode has a positive polarity, thereby allowing a plated layer to form on a workpiece at the first electrode. The polarity-switching unit further establishes an oscillating polarity state between the second and third electrodes during a non-plating mode (i.e., when the first electrode is removed from the plating solution), wherein the second electrode and the third electrode have opposite polarities that switch at regular, relatively fast, intervals, thereby limiting degradation of the second electrode and/or the plating solution. |
| US09689082B2 |
Electroplating wafers having a notch
An electroplating apparatus has a vessel for holding electrolyte. A head has a rotor including a contact ring for holding a wafer having a notch. The contact ring includes a perimeter voltage ring having perimeter contact fingers for contacting the wafer around the perimeter of the wafer, except at the notch. The contact ring also has a notch contact segment having one or more notch contact fingers for contacting the wafer at the notch. The perimeter voltage ring is insulated from the notch contact segment. A negative voltage source is connected to the perimeter voltage ring, and a positive voltage source connected to the notch contact segment. The positive voltage applied at the notch reduces the current crowding effect at the notch. The wafer is plated with a film having more uniform thickness. |
| US09689078B2 |
Production of valuable chemicals by electroreduction of carbon dioxide in a NaSICON cell
A NaSICON cell is used to convert carbon dioxide into a usable, valuable product. In general, this reaction occurs at the cathode where electrons are used to reduce the carbon dioxide, in the presence of water and/or hydrogen gas, to form formate, methane, ethylene, other hydrocarbons and/or other chemicals. The particular chemical that is formed depends upon the reaction conditions, the voltage applied, etc. |
| US09689077B2 |
Activation of cathode
The present invention relates to a process for production of alkali metal chlorate, and to a method of activating a cathode comprising electrolyzing an electrolyte comprising alkali metal chloride in an electrolytic cell in which at least one anode and at least one cathode are arranged wherein a) said electrolyte comprises chromium in any form in an amount ranging from about 0.01-10−6 to about 500-10−6 mol/dm3 b) said electrolyte comprises molybdenum, tungsten, vanadium, manganese and/or mixtures thereof in any form in a total amount ranging from about 0.1-10−6 mol/dm3 to about 0.5-10−3 mol/dm3. |
| US09689074B2 |
Low drag coating containing boron nitride powder
The present invention relates to coatings having improved resistance to corrosion and/or abrasion. In one embodiment, the compositions disclosed herein comprise at least one resin material in combination with at least one type of boron nitride powder. In another embodiment, the compositions disclosed herein comprise at least one resin in combination with at least one type of boron nitride powder, wherein the amount of boron nitride powder in the coating material is in the range of about 1 weight percent to about 25 weight percent. |
| US09689071B2 |
Graphene-coated steel sheet, and method for manufacturing same
A graphene-coated steel sheet and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The graphene-coated steel sheet includes a steel sheet and a graphene layer formed on the steel sheet. Therefore, the graphene-coated steel sheet can be useful in preventing corrosion of iron, such as oxidation of iron, and has remarkably excellent thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity, as well as excellent heat resistance resulting from thermal stability of graphene. Also, the method can be useful in manufacturing a high-quality graphene-coated steel sheet having a monocrystalline form and showing substantially no defects or impurities. |
| US09689066B2 |
Photomask blank manufacturing method, photomask blank, photomask, and pattern transfer method
The method for manufacturing a photomask blank according to the present invention, when manufacturing a photomask blank having at least one functional layer on a transparent substrate, in a step of film-formation of such a functional film where the functional film includes a chromium-containing element and an a metallic element that is capable of bringing a mixture of the metallic element and the chromium into a liquid phase at a temperature of 400° C. or lower, a chromium target (target A) and a target (target B) mainly containing at least one kind of the metallic element are simultaneously sputtered (co-sputtered). The present invention provides a technique for manufacturing a functional film having a small variation in its characteristics such as optical density and a low detect, and showing a high etching rate. |
| US09689064B2 |
Treatment of anodized aluminum components
The present disclosure relates to a method of incorporating lithium into a coating. One may supply a substrate having a coating containing aluminum ions and immersing the substrate including the coating containing aluminum ions in a water-soluble diketone including lithium for exchange where the ketone carbonyls are separated by at least one carbon atom. This may then be followed by exchanging a portion of the aluminum ions with lithium ions from the diketone solution. Such coatings may have improved chemical resistance. |
| US09689063B2 |
Electromagnetic wiping device, plated steel sheet wiping apparatus including same, and method for manufacturing plated steel sheet
There are provided an electromagnetic wiping device, a plated steel sheet wiping apparatus including the electromagnetic wiping device, and a method for manufacturing a plated steel sheet. A portion of a plating layer of a steel sheet having passed through a plating bath is preliminarily removed at least in an edge region of the steel sheet, and a gas wiping operation is performed. Therefore, overplating is prevented at least in the edge region of the steel sheet. In addition, since the load of gas wiping can be reduced while maintaining the line speed of the steel sheet, the quantity of scattered particles and the formation of dross can be reduced for improving the plating quality of the steel sheet and the productivity of a manufacturing process. |
| US09689060B2 |
High-strength hot-rolled steel sheet
This high-strength hot-rolled steel plate contains specific amounts of C, Si, Mn, Al, V and also Ti and/or Nb so as to fulfill C−12(V/51+Ti/48+Nb/93)>0.03, and the rest consists of iron and unavoidable impurities. Ferrite is the main microstructure, the remaining microstructure is one or more selected from the group consisting of bainite, martensite and retained austenite, wherein the average particle diameter of precipitated carbides (the total content of V, Ti and Nb is 0.02% or greater) in the ferrite is less than 6 nm. |
| US09689059B2 |
High strength flake graphite cast iron having excellent workability and preparation method thereof
The present disclosure relates to flake graphite cast iron having high workability and a preparation method thereof, and more particularly, to flake graphite cast iron with a uniform graphite shape, low chill formability, a high strength such as a tensile strength of 350 MPa or more, and excellent workability and fluidity by controlling each of the contents of manganese (Mn) and sulfur (S) and carbon (C) and silicon (Si) included in the cast iron and a carbon equivalent (CE) to predetermined ratios, and a preparation method thereof. |
| US09689057B2 |
Steel sheet coated with aluminum-magnesium
The present invention relates to an aluminum-magnesium coated steel plate using vacuum coating, wherein an aluminum-magnesium coating layer is constituted by 1 to 45 wt % of magnesium, a balance of aluminum, and other inevitable impurities, and an Al3Mg2 alloy phase is formed in the aluminum-magnesium coating layer by performing heat treatment of the steel plate. |
| US09689055B2 |
Complete non-cyanogens wet process for green recycling of waste printed circuit board
The invention related to the recycling field of waste printed circuit boards (WPCB), and especially involved a complete non-cyanogens wet process for green recycling of WPCB, which belonged to the field of recycle economy. In the invention, the process included that WPCB were broken by the jaw crusher, and then mixed copper powders and nonmetallic powders were separated by the method of air classification, the mixed copper powders were smelted and casted to get copper anode plates, the copper was purified by electrolytion, the valuable metals (such as copper, gold, silver, platinum and palladium, lead and tin) were recycled from the copper anode slime, and the waste water was recycled. The recovery ratio of all-metal was above 98%. The purity of the cathode copper was up to 4N level. The ratio of de-coppering was above 96%. The recovery ratio of gold was above 98. |
| US09689054B2 |
Gold recovery
The cost of precious metals, such as gold, makes recovery or recycling of these materials economically viable and desirable. Disclosed herein is a method of recovering gold from waste sources thereof, in particular waste electrical goods. Also disclosed herein is an apparatus for recovering gold from said waste sources. In particular, disclosed herein is a method and apparatus in which gold leaching chlorine gas is generated externally to a reactor vessel and subsequently pumped into the reactor vessel comprising the waste gold materials. |
| US09689050B2 |
Rolled steel that hardens by means of precipitation after hot-forming and/or quenching with a tool having very high strength and ductility, and method for manufacturing same
A rolled steel sheet or blank is provided, the composition of which comprises the elements listed below in percent by weight: C≦0.1%; 0.5%≦Mn≦7%; 0.5%≦Si≦3.5%; 0.5% |
| US09689047B2 |
Methods and compositions for sequence-specific purification and multiplex analysis of nucleic acids
Methods and materials for determining the presence of at least one nucleic acid in a sample are provided, said methods comprising (1) a purification step using sequence specific hybrid capture; (2) an amplification step; and (3) a detection step using two separate sequence-specific polynucleotide probes. Also provided are nucleic acids comprising SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 727 and nucleic acid probes and probe sets comprising the same. |
| US09689044B2 |
Assays and methods to sequence microbes directly from immune complexes
Provided herein are MiIP-Seq assays and methods for detecting and/or identifying an immune-stimulating microbe in a patient sample. Also provided herein are methods for diagnosing an infectious disease or identifying a previously uncharacterized microbe in a patient sample. The methods and assays described herein are advantageous over existing methods in that they (i) do not require a culture step for microbe expansion, (ii) are not specific for a particular microbe and can be used to identify a previously uncharacterized microbe, and (iii) permits rapid processing due to the lack of a microbe culture step. |
| US09689040B2 |
Selective inhibitors of tumor-initiating cells
Described herein are novel malignancy associated gene signature biomarkers, and assays and methods thereof, to classify prognosis or malignant potential of a cancer and identify cancer-initiating cells. The malignancy associated gene signature biomarkers, assays and methods described herein provide, in part, new methodologies to screen for novel drugs for treating cancers and tumors, such as, for example, triple-negative breast tumors. Using the assays and methods described herein proteasome inhibitors, histone deacetylase inhibitors, and glycolysis inhibitors, were identified as being highly effective in altering gene expression signatures specifically in malignant or cancer-initiating cells. |
| US09689036B2 |
miRNA biomarkers for ulcerative colitis
Methods for diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis using miRNA biomarkers for these diseases are provided. Differential expression of the miRNA biomarkers in blood fractions, e.g., platelets, of diseased individuals as compared to expression levels in normal individuals indicates the presence of IBD or ulcerative colitis. Also provided are microarrays for use in the diagnostic methods, wherein the features of the microarray consist essentially of nucleic acid sequences that hybridize to the miRNA biomarkers and normalization controls. |
| US09689027B2 |
High efficiency multiplexed nucleic acid capture in a structured microenvironment
Provided herein is a method for sample analysis. In some embodiments, the method may involve: a) enzymatically attaching a reactive group to nucleic acid molecules in a sample; b) covalently reacting the reactive group with surface exposed reactive sites on a porous support, thereby covalently tethering the nucleic acid molecules to the porous support; c) performing a primer extension reaction using the tethered nucleic acid molecules as a template to produce primer extension products; and d) eluting the primer extension products from the porous support, while leaving the tethered nucleic acid molecules tethered to the porous support. |
| US09689025B2 |
Nucleic acid element for use in analysis, and analytical method, analytical reagent, and analytical instrument using same
The technique by which simple analysis of an intended subject to be analyzed can be carried out is provided. In this technique, a nucleic acid element 16 for use in analysis including: a first nucleic acid part 12; and a second nucleic acid part 13 is used. In the nucleic acid element 16, the first nucleic acid part 12 is a binding part that can bind to a subject 11 to be analyzed, and the second nucleic acid part 13 is a labeling part that can distinguish between binding and non-binding of the first nucleic acid part 12 to the subject 11. It is preferred that the first nucleic acid part 12 is an aptamer against the subject 11. The subject 11 can be analyzed easily by using the nucleic acid element 16, binding the subject 11 to the first nucleic acid part 12, and then analyzing the binding with the second nucleic acid part 13. |
| US09689021B2 |
Method for measuring beta-lactam antibiotics
The present invention relates to methods for determining the concentration of a free beta-lactam antibiotic in a biological sample. In particular, the present invention relates to methods for measuring a free beta-lactam antibiotic in a biological sample, comprising the steps of: (a) providing at least one class C beta-lactamase, a functional fragment or variant thereof; (b) providing at least one biological sample; (c) contacting said at least one class C beta-lactamase with said at least one biological sample; and (d) determining the concentration of said free beta-lactam antibiotic in said at least one biological sample. |
| US09689017B2 |
Method of semi-solid state fermentation for producing surfactin from a mutant strain of Bacillus subtilis subsp
Surfactin is produced from Bacillus subtilis ssp. containing sfp gene (lipopeptide biosurfactants produced by fermentation). Production of surfactin at present is mainly by liquid fermentation, but the production costs are high due to difficulty in purification resulted from addition of the defoaming agent during the production process. Therefore, present invention conducts physical or chemical mutation on Bacillus subtilis subsp. isolated from Thailand seawater shrimp ponds and screens for the mutant strain of Bacillus subtilis subsp. based on sfp gene expression and then produces surfactin from the mutant strain by semi-solid state fermentation. |
| US09689010B2 |
Microbial-derived chondroitin sulfate
Described is chondroitin sulfate obtained from microbial sources, and related compositions and methods. |
| US09689009B2 |
Microorganism producing o-phosphoserine and method of producing L-cysteine or derivatives thereof from O-phosphoserine using the same
The present invention provides methods for the production of cysteine or derivates thereof by culturing a microorganism having reduced activity of endogenous phosphoserine phosphatase and the activity of PhnC, PhnD, and PhnE is reduced, and enhanced activity of phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase and/or phosphoserine aminotransferase. The O-phosphoserine produced by such an organism can then be reacted with a sulfide in the presence of a sulfydrylase or a microorganism expressing a sulfhydrylase to produce cysteine or a derivative thereof. Microorganisms having these reduced and enhanced properties noted above are also provided herein. |
| US09689005B2 |
Succinic acid production in a eukaryotic cell
The present invention relates to a recombinant eukaryotic cell selected from a yeast of a filamentous fungus comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a NAD(H)-dependent fumarate reductase that catalyzes the conversion of fumaric acid to succinic acid. The invention further relates to a process for the production of succinic acid wherein the eukaryotic cell according to the present invention is used. |
| US09689004B2 |
Acetate supplemention of medium for butanologens
The invention relates to the fields of industrial microbiology and alcohol production. More specifically, the invention relates to improved production of butanol isomers by recombinant microorganisms containing an engineered butanol pathway and disrupted activity of the genes in pathways for the production of by-products during the fermentation when the microorganisms are grown in a fermentation medium containing acetate. In embodiments, recombinant microorganisms have an increased growth rate in a fermentation medium containing acetate as a C2 supplement. |
| US09689000B2 |
Gene delivery system having enhanced tumor-specific expression, and recombinant gene expression regulating sequence
The present invention relates to a gene expression regulating sequence consisting of a combination of HRE, E2F and TERT, and to a gene delivery system having significantly improved selective tumor cell cytotoxicity using same, and more particularly, to a recombinant adenovirus. In addition, the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical antitumor composition comprising the recombinant adenovirus. The replication of the recombinant adenovirus of the present invention is tumor-specifically regulated by the novel gene expression regulating sequence of the present invention, thus enabling the recombinant adenovirus of the present invention to exhibit improved selective tumor cell cytotoxicity or apoptotic potential, and exhibit remarkably improved antitumor effects particularly in hypoxic conditions. In addition, the specific expression of the recombinant adenovirus in tumor cells may increase in vivo stability, and thus may induce greatly improved antitumor effects. |
| US09688994B2 |
Methods of introducing nucleic acids into cellular DNA
A method of introducing a nucleic acid sequence into a cell is provided where the cell has impaired or inhibited or disrupted DnaG primase activity or impaired or inhibited or disrupted DnaB helicase activity, or larger or increased gaps or distance between Okazaki fragments or lowered or reduced frequency of Okazaki fragment initiation, or the cell has increased single stranded DNA (ssDNA) on the lagging strand of the replication fork including transforming the cell through recombination with a nucleic acid oligomer. |
| US09688989B2 |
H4 receptor inhibitors for treating tinnitus
The invention relates to Histamine type 4 receptor (H4R) inhibitors for treating tinnitus. |
| US09688985B2 |
MicroRNA compounds and methods for modulating miR-21 activity
Described herein are compositions and methods for the inhibition of miR-21 activity. The compositions have certain nucleoside modification patterns that yield potent inhibitors of miR-21 activity. The compositions may be used to inhibit miR-21, and also to treat diseases associated with abnormal expression of miR-21, such as fibrosis and cancer. |
| US09688982B2 |
Methods and compositions for the treatment of cancer or other diseases
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases. The present invention also relates to methods and compositions for improving immune function. More particularly, the present invention relates to multifunctional molecules that are capable of being delivered to cells of interest for the treatment of diseases and for the improvement in immune function. |
| US09688977B2 |
Engineered phosphoglucose isomerase proteins with a protease cleavage site
Various aspects and embodiments herein relate to recombinant proteins with at least one protease recognition sequence that can be inactivated by a cognate protease and methods of preparing such proteins. In some embodiments, recombinant phosphoglucose isomerase (Pgi) proteins are provided. In other embodiments, recombinant phosphotransacetylase (Pta) proteins are provided. In yet other embodiments, recombinant transketolase A (TktA) proteins are provided. |
| US09688969B2 |
Compositions with polymerase activity
The invention provides novel compositions with polymerase activity and methods of using the compositions. |
| US09688968B2 |
Prebiotic composition or pharmaceutical composition synthesized from catalytic domains producing highly alpha-1,2 branched dextran
The invention relates to an isolated polypeptide with an glycosyl transferase enzymatic activity for producing dextrans with .alpha.(1.fwdarw.2) sidechains, comprising at least one region for bonding to glucan and a catalytically active region situated beyond the region bonding to glucan. The invention further relates to polynucleotides coding for said enzymes and vectors containing the same. |
| US09688967B2 |
Bacteria engineered to treat diseases associated with hyperammonemia
Genetically engineered bacteria, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of modulating and treating disorders associated with hyperammonemia are disclosed. |
| US09688966B2 |
Compositions comprising cellobiose dehydrogenase from Pycnoporus cinnabarinus and their use for the degradation of lignocellulosic biomass
Enzyme compositions including at least a) a cocktail of cellulases from Trichoderma reesei, and b) an enzymatic cocktail from Pycnoporus cinnabarinus including a cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) or c) a recombinant cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) from Pycnoporus cinnabarinus, preferably also including a Family 61 glycoside hydrolase. Also, methods for degrading a lignocellulosic biomass, for producing a fermentation product, for producing gluconic acid, xylonic acid and/or xylobionic acid, for enhancing the production of gluconic acid, xylonic acid and/or xylobionic acid or for increasing the yield of sugars from a lignocellulosic biomass. |
| US09688965B2 |
Recombinant neuraminidase and uses thereof
A recombinant neuraminidase based on amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 1) of wild-type pH1N1-NA (A/Texas/05/2009) influenza virus is provided. The recombinant neuraminidase of the present invention has an ectodomain with an amino acid sequence identical to SEQ ID NO: 1 and replaced at specific positions 149, 344, 365 and 366 residue(s) with corresponding amino acids of other influenza viruses. The recombinant neuraminidase may incur cross-protective immunity and be used as universal influenza vaccine. |
| US09688963B2 |
Cell release method
Adhesive culture cells cultured by using a culture container made of a flexible film can selectively be released from the culture container without causing damage to the cells. A cell release method for releasing, from a culture container, adhesive culture cells cultured adhering to the culture container made of a flexible film includes bringing a surface of the film of the culture container into contact with the adhesive culture cells, applying a pressure to the adhesive culture cells, and releasing the adhesive culture cells from the culture container, wherein the surface of the film faces a surface of the film of the culture container to which the adhesive culture cells adhere. |
| US09688960B2 |
Methods of preserving and protecting pancreatic beta cells and treating or preventing diabetes by inhibiting NOX-1
Methods to preserve and/or protect beta cell function by contacting a population or preparation of pancreatic cells, beta cells and/or islets with an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase-1 (NOX-1). Methods of treating a subject for diabetes by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a NOX-1 inhibitor to the subject. |
| US09688956B2 |
Method for preserving proliferation and differentiation potential of mesenchymal stem cells
A method for preserving proliferation and differentiation potential of undifferentiated cells, has steps of providing a culture carrier having a surface coated with a biological material selected from the group consisting of hyaluronan, chondroitin sulfate, carboxymethyl cellulose, carrageenan, alginate, and chitosan; and inoculating and culturing the undifferentiated cells on the surface in the culture carrier with an appropriate medium, such that the proliferation and differentiation potential of undifferentiated cells are preserved. The method can be used for expanding stem cells in vitro without loss of their replicative ability and differentiation capacity. Therefore, the method according to the present invention is amenable to application in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and therapy using umbilical cord blood and other cell sources such as peripheral blood, stem cells, tissue progenitor cells, and tissue cells. |
| US09688954B2 |
Metabolically engineered microorganisms
The present invention relates to the enzymatic synthesis of oligosaccharides, particularly, sialylated oligosaccharides comprising the carbohydrate moeities of the gangliosides GM3, GD3, and GT3. |
| US09688952B2 |
Micro fluid dosing unit and testing device for biomaterial
A micro fluid dosing unit includes a test container containing biomaterial needing oxygen. The test container has at least one first container which contains water and at least one second container which contains a pharmacological substance, wherein the first and the second containers have a container outlet leading to the test container and are mounted on a common valve carrier plate containing control channels, which includes control channel ports for control valves to be coupled thereto. In the valve carrier plate a separate valve control chamber is formed for each container, which is sealed by a membrane, wherein associated container outlets are opened and closed by the membrane movement. |
| US09688949B2 |
Automated beer brewing system with vessel for brewing and fermenting
A beer making system may use a detachable vessel to contain liquid during the mashing and boiling steps, and may also be used during the fermentation steps of beer making. The beer making system may recirculate liquid through the vessel, then select between several flow paths during the beer making process. A removable reservoir system having a grain reservoir and several hops or adjunct reservoirs may be selected as a flow path, as well as a bypass flow path. A programmable controller may cause liquid to recirculate through a heater and one of the various flow paths, the sequence, timing, and temperature profile of which are defined in a recipe for a particular beer. |
| US09688945B2 |
Compositions to boost fabric softener performance
Method for treating a textile under industrial and institutional fabric care conditions to impart softness within a single wash and/or rinse cycle are disclosed. More particularly, the present invention relates to a combination of a liquid or solid fabric conditioning composition and a softening booster for treating a textile to impart softness within a single wash and/or rinse cycle. Compositions employed therein are further disclosed. |
| US09688944B2 |
Synergistic surfactant blends
Synergistic surfactant blends are disclosed. In one aspect, the blend comprises an anionic surfactant and a metathesis-based cationic surfactant comprising a quaternized derivative. The quaternized derivative is a quaternized fatty amine, quaternized fatty amidoamine, imidazoline quat, or esteramine quat made from a metathesis-derived C10-C17 monounsaturated acid or its ester derivative. Also disclosed are synergistic surfactant blends comprising a cationic surfactant and a metathesisbased anionic surfactant comprising a sulfonated derivative. The sulfonated derivative is a fatty ester sulfonate, fatty acid sulfonate, sulfoestolide, fatty amide sulfonate, sulfonated fatty ester alkoxylate, imidazoline quat sulfonate, sulfonated amidoamine oxide, or sulfonated amidoamine betaine. The synergistic blends have a negative value or a reduced interfacial tension (IFT) when compared with an expected IFT value calculated from the individual surfactant components. Blends of the invention also exhibit surprisingly favorable solubility profiles. |
| US09688942B2 |
Polymer thickened grease composition and method for making the same
A method for preparing a final grease product comprising steps of: (a) mixing a polymeric thickener, which comprises a polymer of propylene, and a lubricating base oil at a temperature above the melting point of the polymeric thickener, wherein the polymeric thickener is present in an amount of 11.5-15.5 wt %, based on the total weight of the mixture so obtained; (b) cooling the mixture as obtained in step (a); (c) subjecting the cooled mixture as obtained in step (b) to a first mechanical treatment, to obtain an intermediate grease; (d) subjecting the intermediate grease as obtained in step (c) to a second mechanical treatment, carried out at a temperature in the range of from 50-90° C., to obtain the final grease product. The method can be applied to manufacturing of a grease. |
| US09688940B2 |
Lubricating thermoplastic resin composition and formed article thereof
[Object] To provide lubricating thermoplastic resin compositions that can give formed articles exhibiting excellent lubricating properties and surface appearance and maintaining the lubricating properties permanently.[Solution] The lubricating thermoplastic resin composition includes an acid-modified copolymer (A) of a monomer mixture including an aromatic vinyl and a vinyl cyanide, the copolymer having a carboxyl group in the molecular chain, and a functionalized lubricant (B) having, in the molecule, a functional group (B1) capable of reacting with the carboxyl group and a lubricating segment (B2) having lubricating properties. The composition may further include a graft copolymer (C) and/or an additional thermoplastic resin (D) other than the acid-modified copolymer (A). |
| US09688938B2 |
Lubrican composition comprising acyclic hindered amines
A lubricant composition including an acyclic amine compound. A method of lubricating a system including a fluoro-polymer seal with the lubricant composition is also provided. An additive concentrate for a lubricant composition is also provided. The acyclic amine compound is useful for adjusting the total base number of a lubricant composition. The lubricant composition is compatible with fluoropolymer seals. |
| US09688929B2 |
Composition for surface voltage reduction in distillate fuel
Additive composition mixtures and methods for synergistically maintaining low surface voltages of distillate fuels that include a synergistic conductivity improver additive composition for a distillate fuel. The additive composition includes: A) a mixture of (i) alkenyl polysulfone polymer, (ii) C16-C24 substituted maleic/polyamine copolymer, (iii) sulfonic acid, and (iv) aromatic solvent; and B) a mixture of (i) alkenyl polysulfone polymer, (v) polymeric reaction product of a C8-C18 aliphatic amine or diamine with epichlorohydrin; (iii) sulfonic acid, (iv) aromatic solvent; and optionally (vi) a quaternary ammonium compound. The additive composition contains from 30 to 60 wt. % component (A) and from 30 to 60 wt. % component (B) based on a total weight of the additive composition. |
| US09688925B2 |
System and methods of trim dewaxing distillate fuels
Systems and methods are provided for dewaxing a distillate fuel oil by subjecting an at least partially hydroprocessed distillate fuel oil to cavitation to reduce the pour point, reduce the cloud point, reduce the cold filter plugging point, or a combination thereof of the distillate fuel oil. |
| US09688921B2 |
Oil quality using a microporous hollow fiber membrane
The present invention includes methods and systems for improving oil quality of a contaminated oil mixture by removing contaminants from a contaminated oil comprising the steps of: pretreating a membrane contactor system having a first and a second surface with an hydrophobic liquid, wherein the hydrophobic liquid is contacted to at least one of the first and second surfaces; obtaining a contaminated oil that comprises oil and lipophobic contaminants; contacting the contaminated oil onto a first surface of one or more membrane contactors to coalesce the oil on the first surface; and collecting the coalesced oil from the contaminated oil on the second surface of the membrane contactor. |
| US09688919B2 |
Process for producing hydrocarbons
The present invention relates to process for producing hydrocarbons, wherein starting material comprising tall oil material and polar co-feed, which polar co-feed comprises fatty acids, is diluted with a non-polar diluent to obtain feedstock, and said feedstock is catalytically hydroprocessed to obtain hydrocarbons, suitable as fuels, fuel blending components and fuel additives. |
| US09688917B2 |
Hydrocarbon-producing apparatus and hydrocarbon-producing method
In the hydrocarbon-producing apparatus, a vapor-liquid separation tank of a second vapor-liquid separation unit is provided with a filling material layer. A vapor-liquid separation tank of the first vapor-liquid separation unit has a first return line. The vapor-liquid separation tank of the second vapor-liquid separation unit has a second return line. A light component of light oil discharged from a bottom of the vapor-liquid separation tank is returned to a portion between a top side above a return-location from the second return line within the vapor-liquid separation tank of the second vapor-liquid separation unit, and a line directly connected with a cooler installed on the first vapor-liquid separation unit through the first return line. A heavy component of light oil discharged from a bottom of the vapor-liquid separation tank of the second vapor-liquid separation unit is returned to the filling material layer through the second return line. |
| US09688914B2 |
Liquid crystal material and liquid crystal display device including the same
Discussed is a liquid crystal material including: a liquid crystal molecule including an alkenyl group; a phenol-based antioxidant; and a light stabilizer for recycling the phenol-based antioxidant. |
| US09688912B2 |
Etching method, and etching liquid to be used therein and method of producing a semiconductor substrate product using the same
A method of etching a semiconductor substrate, having the steps of: providing a semiconductor substrate having a first layer containing Ti and a second layer containing at least one of Cu, SiO, SiN, SiOC and SiON; providing an etching liquid containing, in an aqueous medium, a basic compound composed of an organic amine compound and an oxidizing agent, the etching liquid having a pH from 7 to 14; and applying the etching liquid to the semiconductor substrate to selectively etch the first layer of the semiconductor substrate. |
| US09688905B2 |
Methods for enhancing propped fracture conductivity
Various embodiments disclosed relate to methods of treating a subterranean formations that provide enhanced fracture conductivity over other methods. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation. The method can include obtaining or providing a composition including a tackifier. The composition can have a viscosity less than about 20 cP. The method can include placing the composition in a subterranean formation downhole. The method can also include fracturing the subterranean formation with the composition. |
| US09688904B2 |
Fracturing fluids and methods for treating hydrocarbon-bearing formations
Disclosed herein is a fracturing fluid comprising a carrier fluid; a polymer that is soluble in the carrier fluid; the polymer being a synthetic polymer, wherein the synthetic polymer comprises a labile group that is operative to facilitate decomposition of the synthetic polymer upon activation of the labile group; the synthetic polymer being operative to increase the viscosity of the carrier fluid to about 5 to about 50 centipoise; the fracturing fluid being operative to reduce friction during a downhole fracturing operation and to transport a proppant during the downhole fracturing operation; and an oxidizing agent. A method for treating a hydrocarbon-bearing formation is also disclosed herein. |
| US09688902B2 |
Drilling fluids with high dispersed phase concentration
Increasing the dispersed phase concentration in drilling fluids may decrease sag in the drilling fluids. The dispersed phase of a drilling fluid may be composed of solids (e.g., weighting agents) and emulsion droplets (for emulsified drilling fluids) dispersed in the continuous phase. For example, an exemplary drilling fluid may include a base fluid and a dispersed phase that includes at least one of: extremely low gravity solids, low gravity solids, high gravity solids, or emulsion droplets; wherein the drilling fluid has a density of about 5 pounds per gallon to about 25 pounds per gallon and has a disperse solids volume fraction greater than or equal to 0.35 and/or has a disperse phase volume fraction greater than or equal to 0.5. |
| US09688897B2 |
Carbon nanotube composite material and thermal conductor
A CNT composite material includes a CNT group and carbon fibers dispersed in a matrix, the CNT composite material includes 0.01 wt % or more and 30 wt % or less of CNT aggregate. The CNT group includes a three dimensional network structure with a size of 10 μm or more and has a maximum distribution range of a differential pore volume of 0.01 μm or more and 10 μm or less in a range of 4 nm or more and 1000 μm or less of a pore diameter. The carbon fibers have a maximum distribution range of a differential pore volume of 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less in a range of 4 nm or more and 1000 μm or less of a pore diameter. A total specific surface area of the CNT aggregate and the carbon fibers is 10 m2/g or more and 500 m2/g or less. |
| US09688895B2 |
Methods and materials for hydrocarbon recovery
Crosslinked polyolefins for use in recovering or containing hydrocarbons such as hydrocarbons contained in oil, are disclosed. Advantageously, the crosslinked polyolefins absorb the hydrocarbon to form a gel that can be collected and processed by heat to release the collected hydrocarbons. |
| US09688893B2 |
Shaped abrasive particles and methods of forming same
A method of forming a shaped abrasive particle includes applying a mixture into a shaping assembly within an application zone and directing an ejection material at the mixture in the shaping assembly under a predetermined force, removing the mixture from the shaping assembly and forming a precursor shaped abrasive particle. |
| US09688890B2 |
Water-based adhesive fixing composition having improved creep properties
The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one aqueous dispersion of a copolymer of the styrene-(meth)acrylic/(meth)acrylate type, at least one filler, and a particular thickening system, as well as the use of such a composition as a fixing glue. |
| US09688889B2 |
Sealant composition for nonaqueous electrolyte cell
[Problem] An object of the present invention is to provide a sealant composition for a nonaqueous electrolyte cell in which the application position and uniformity of applied film thickness of the sealant can be visually confirmed even when being applied as a thin film, and having excellent durability in relation to various electrolytic solutions used in the cell.[Solution] A sealant composition for a nonaqueous electrolyte cell, containing (A) an elastomer and (B) a cobalt blue colorant, in which the component (B) has a content of 0.1-20 mass parts with respect to 100 mass parts of the component (A). |
| US09688888B2 |
Intrusion resistant glass laminates
Composite laminate interlayers for adhering a glass laminate comprising a sheet of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) between layers of plasticized polyvinyl butyral (PVB) adhesive layers, wherein at least one of the PVB adhesive layers is stiffened, e.g. by reduction in the amount of plasticizer, and has a glass transition temperature greater than 35° C. The PET is preferably 0.075 to 0.25 mm (3-10 mils) thick and can have a functional coating for reducing radiation, e.g. UV or IR or visible light, transmission through the glass laminate. The laminate can also comprise at least one elastomeric layer adapted to reducing sound transmission through the glass laminate. The laminates exhibit enhanced maximum flexural modulus of greater than about 350 Newtons/centimeter. |
| US09688886B2 |
Heat-activable and crosslinkable adhesive tape for bonding electronic components and conductor tracks
Heat-activable adhesive tape for bonding electronic components and conductor tracks, with an adhesive composed at least of: a) an acid-modified or acid-anhydride-modified vinylaromatic block copolymer and b) an epoxidized vinylaromatic block copolymer. |
| US09688884B2 |
Polishing composition
A polishing composition of the present invention is to be used for polishing an object including a portion containing a high-mobility material and a portion containing a silicon material. The polishing composition comprises odd-shaped abrasive grains and an oxidizing agent having a standard electrode of 0.3 V or more, and preferably further contains a salt, such as an ammonium salt. The pH of the polishing composition is 1 or more and 6 or less, or 8 or more and 14 or less. The average degree of association of the abrasive grains, obtained by dividing the value of the average secondary particle diameter of the abrasive grains by the value of the average primary particle diameter of the abrasive grains, is preferably 1.6 or more. |
| US09688883B2 |
Method for making asphalt compositions and substrates coated therewith having improved properties
A method for forming a coating composition for coating a substrate comprising: blending an asphalt material; a polymer that is not a polyol; and a polyol wherein the polyol has a molecular weight of about 1000 to about 5000. Also, included are coated articles that comprise a substrate coated with a layer of the coating composition. |
| US09688882B2 |
Use of an additive and paving grade asphalt in shingle coating asphalt composition manufacture
A shingle coating asphalt composition is provided that is produced from a paving grade asphalt. The shingle coating asphalt composition comprise a paving grade asphalt that has been overblown to achieve a first penetration value that is at or below about 15 dmm and a first softening point that is at least about 210° F. The shingle coating composition may further include an additive that is included in an amount to achieve a second softening point that is less than about 230° F. and a second penetration value that is between about 15 and 20 dmm. The additive may comprise at least one ester. The inventive shingle coating asphalt composition may be thermally stable at processing temperatures of at least 450° F. |
| US09688881B1 |
Low-melt polyamic acid based powder coatings
The present invention is directed to a method for powder coating a metal substrate using a low-melt polyamic acid (PAA) polymer that readily imidizes to polyimides. These low-melt PAAs have been shown to be useful in resins applied as powder coatings to metal surfaces. The resin includes an end-capping material capable of providing crosslinking functionality to at least one end of the low-melt PAA polymer. The end-capping material functions dually as a polymerization chain terminator and crosslinking agent, thus producing resins that have molecular weights low enough to flow well and form good cured films applicable for use in powder coating. |
| US09688878B2 |
Polyester polyol
A coating composition having a solids content of greater than 70% by weight and/or a Volatile Organic Content (VOC) of less than 250 g/l, comprising a novel polyester polyol and a curing agent, wherein the coating composition is capable of curing at ambient temperature, and which provides a coating having excellent durability. |
| US09688873B2 |
Curable film-forming compositions and method of mitigating dirt build-up on a substrate
The present invention is directed to curable film-forming compositions comprising acrylic polymers, and to coated substrates comprising the curable film-forming composition applied to at least one surface of the substrates. The acrylic polymers comprise epoxy functional groups and polydialkylsiloxane functional groups. The present invention is also drawn to methods of mitigating dirt build-up on a substrate, comprising applying to at least a portion of the substrate the curable film-forming composition described above and at least partially curing the curable film-forming composition. |
| US09688872B2 |
Waterborne coating composition useful for promoting adhesion to plastic surfaces
The waterborne coating composition herein is useful for promoting adhesion of paint to a component such as a plastic automobile part or accessory. The waterborne coating composition is particularly useful for promoting adhesion of paint to a thermoplastic polyolefin surface. The waterborne coating composition is prepared from a mixture comprising at least one chlorinated polyolefin resin and at least one urethane acrylic hybrid resin. The waterborne coating composition provides not only good adhesion of a paint to a thermoplastic polyolefin surface, but also provides good appearance. The waterborne coating composition is also compatible with a wide variety of paint systems and can be rapidly dried under ambient conditions. |
| US09688871B2 |
Inkjet recording ink and ink cartridge using the ink, inkjet recording apparatus, inkjet recording method and ink recording matter
An inkjet recording ink, including: water; a water-soluble solvent; a pigment; and a phosphate group-containing copolymer, wherein the phosphate group-containing copolymer includes a structural unit represented by the following general formula (1) and a structural unit represented by the following general formula (2): wherein, in the general formula (1), R1 represents either of a hydrogen atom and a methyl group; and M+ represents any of an alkali metal ion, an organic amine ion and a hydrogen ion, one-half or more of the M+ in the copolymer is an alkali metal ion or an organic amine, and the remainder is a hydrogen ion; wherein, in the general formula (2), R2 represents either of a hydrogen atom and a methyl group. |
| US09688869B2 |
Curable silicone composition, and optical semiconductor device
The present invention provides a curable silicone composition for forming a cured product which inhibits the discoloration of silver electrodes or a silver-plated substrate in an optical semiconductor device due to a sulfur-containing gas, the curable silicone composition comprising: (A) an organopolysiloxane having at least two silicon-bonded alkenyl groups per molecule; (B) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane having at least two silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms per molecule; (C) an organic compound having an organic value of at least 175 in an organic conceptual diagram and having a specific group; and (D) a hydrosilylation reaction catalyst. In addition, the present invention provides an optical semiconductor device in which silver electrodes or a silver-plated substrate of an optical semiconductor device is sealed or covered with a cured product of the composition described above, the optical semiconductor device having excellent reliability after a sulfur resistance test. |
| US09688863B2 |
High gain durable anti-reflective coating
Disclosed herein are polysilsesquioxane-based anti-reflective coating (ARC) compositions, methods of preparation, and methods of deposition on a substrate. In one embodiment, the polysilsesquioxane of this disclosure is prepared in a two-step process of acid catalyzed hydrolysis of organoalkoxysilane followed by addition of tetralkoxysilane that generates silicone polymers with >40 mol % silanol based on Si-NMR. These high silanol siloxane polymers are stable and have a long shelf-life in polar organic solvents at room temperature. Also disclosed are low refractive index ARC made from these compositions with and without additives such as porogens, templates, thermal radical initiator, photo radical initiators, crosslinkers, Si—OH condensation catalyst and nano-fillers. Also disclosed are methods and apparatus for applying coatings to flat substrates including substrate pre-treatment processes, coating processes and coating curing processes including skin-curing using hot-air knives. Also disclosed are coating compositions and formulations for highly tunable, durable, highly abrasion-resistant functionalized anti-reflective coatings. |
| US09688855B2 |
Polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer compositions for mobile phone housing applications
A polycarbonate composition comprises: 30 to 95 wt % of one or more bisphenol A polycarbonate homopolymers; and 5 to 70 wt % of a poly(carbonate-siloxane) copolymer with a siloxane content of 10 wt. % to 25 wt. % based on the total weight of the poly(carbonate-siloxane), in an amount effective to provide a total siloxane content of 0.5 wt. % to 17.5 wt. % based on the total weight of the composition; the poly(carbonate-siloxane) copolymer comprising bisphenol carbonate units and siloxane units of the formulas or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing, wherein E has an average value of 10 to 100, preferably 20 to 60, more preferably 30 to 50; wherein in the poly(carbonate-siloxane) copolymer less than 0.5 mol % of the siloxane units are directly coupled to another siloxane units. |
| US09688854B2 |
Material for molding, shaped product therefrom, and method for manufacturing the shaped product
There is provided a material for molding including: carbon fiber bundles which are easily impregnated including carbon fibers and at least one impregnation aid in an amount of 3 to 15 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the carbon fibers, the at least one impregnation aid satisfying specific requirements; and a polycarbonate is adhered thereto in an amount of 50 to 2000 parts by mass. |
| US09688850B2 |
Information carrying card comprising a cross-linked polymer composition, and method of making the same
The disclosure provides a cross-linkable polymer composition, a core layer for an information carrying card comprising such cross-linked composition, resulting information carrying card, and methods of making the same. A crosslinkable polymer composition comprises a curable base polymer resin in a liquid or paste form, and a particulate thermoplastic filler. The base polymer resin is selected from the group consisting of urethane acrylate, silicone acrylate, epoxy acrylate, urethane, acrylate, silicone and epoxy. The particulate thermoplastic filler may be polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a copolymer of vinyl chloride and at least another monomer, or a polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a compound or blend thereof. |
| US09688848B1 |
Laminar articles with good hydrocarbon barrier
Disclosed is a laminar shaped article comprising a heterogeneous blend of (a) a composition comprising a vinyl halide or vinylidene halide polymer and optionally an ethylene copolymer containing carboxyl and/or carbon monoxide moieties, and (b) a polyolefin functionalized with a comonomer selected from the group consisting of maleic anhydride, maleic acid diesters, maleic acid monoesters, itaconic anhydride, itaconic acid diesters, itaconic acid monoesters, fumaric acid diesters, fumaric acid monoesters, or combinations thereof as a compatibilizer; and (c) a polyamide wherein the polyamide is present in the vinyl halide or vinylidene halide polymer as a multitude of overlapping layers. |
| US09688847B2 |
Polyolefin composition, oriented polyolefin film, and production method for same
Disclosed is a polyolefin composition for stretched film including an olefin-based polymer (A) having a melting endotherm (ΔH-D), as obtained from a melting endothermic curve which is obtained under a measurement condition of holding a sample at −10° C. for 5 minutes in a nitrogen atmosphere and then increasing the temperature at a rate of 10° C./min with a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), of 0 to 80 J/g; and an olefin-based polymer (B) having a melting endotherm (ΔH-D), as observed under the foregoing measurement condition, of more than 80 J/g, wherein a content of the olefin-based polymer (A) is 0.5% by mass or more and less than 17% by mass relative to a total content of the olefin-based polymer (A) and the olefin-based polymer (B), and the polyolefin composition has a melting endotherm (ΔH-D), as observed under the foregoing measurement condition, of 80 to 120 J/g. |
| US09688845B2 |
Method to produce biomass-derived compounds using a co-solvent system containing gamma-valerolactone
A method to produce an aqueous solution of carbohydrates containing C5- and/or C6-sugar-containing oligomers and/or C5- and/or C6-sugar monomers in which biomass or a biomass-derived reactant is reacted with a solvent system having an organic solvent, and organic co-solvent, and water, in the presence of an acid. The method produces the desired product, while a substantial portion of any lignin present in the reactant appears as a precipitate in the product mixture. |
| US09688844B2 |
Polyamide resin-type composite material and method for producing same
A xylylenediamine-based polyamide resin/fiber composite material and molding are provided that do not exhibit a decline in properties under high temperatures and high humidities, and that exhibit a high elastic modulus and present little warping, and exhibit better recycle characteristics, a better moldability, and a better productivity than for thermosetting resins. The polyamide resin-type composite material comprises a fibrous material (B) impregnated with a polyamide resin (A) wherein at least 50 mole % of diamine structural units derived from xylylenediamine, and having a number-average molecular weight (Mn) of 6,000 to 30,000, and containing a component of a molecular weight of not more than 1,000 at 0.5 to 5 mass %. |
| US09688841B2 |
Flame-retardant thermoplastic polyurethane comprising coated metal hydroxides, phosphorus-containing flame retardants and/or hydrotalcite or phyllosilicate
The invention relates to a flame-retardant thermoplastic polyurethane based on at least one diisocyanate and on at least one substance reactive toward isocyanate, and preferably on at least one chain extender, and also optionally on at least one catalyst, and comprising at least one flame retardant, and also optionally additives and/or auxiliaries, where one flame retardant is a metal hydroxide at least to some extent surrounded by a coating, the material comprises, as further flame retardant, at least one phosphorus-containing flame retardant which is a derivative of phosphoric acid, phosphonic acid, and/or phosphinic acid and the material further comprises hydrotalcite and/or phyllosilicate, and also to an associated production process and the use. |
| US09688839B2 |
Anti-static agent for ABS resin composition, and ABS resin composition
An antistatic agent for an ABS resin includes an ionically bonded salt where R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted straight, branched or cyclic C1 to C30 alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C6 to C30 aryl group+ or a substituted or unsubstituted C7 to C30 arylalkyl group, A is a straight or branched C2 to C4 alkylene group, n is an integer from 0 to 50, and Q1 is a secondary or tertiary ammonium ion, or where R2 is a substituted or unsubstituted straight, branched or cyclic C1 to C30 alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C6 to C30 aryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted C7 to C31 arylalkyl group, A is a straight or branched C2 to C4 alkylene group, and Q2 is a secondary or tertiary ammonium ion. |
| US09688837B2 |
Functionalized polymer, rubber composition and pneumatic tire
The present invention is directed to a functionalized elastomer comprising the reaction product of a living anionic elastomeric polymer and a polymerization terminator of formula I wherein R1 is C1 to C4 linear alkyl, or C1 to C4 branched alkanediyl; X1, X2, X3 are independently O, S, or a group of formula (II) or (III) where R2 is C1 to C18 linear or branched alkyl; Z is R3, —OR4, or —R5—X4; R3, R4 are independently C1 to C18 linear or branched alkyl; R5 is C1 to C18 alkanediyl or dialkyl ether diyl; X4 is halogen or a group of structure IV, V, VI, VII or VIII wherein R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10 are independently H or C1 to C8 alkyl; R11 is C2 to C8 alkanediyl; R12 and R13 are independently H, aryl or C1 to C8 alkyl; Q is N or a group of structure IX wherein R14 is C1 to C8 alkyl. |
| US09688830B2 |
PUR foam with enlarged cell structure
Described are (a) a process for production of polyurethane foam by reacting one or more polyol components with one or more isocyanate components, wherein wax having a congealing point in the range from 40° C. to 90° C. is employed as an additive, (b) a polyurethane foam obtainable by said process, (c) the use of waxes having a congealing point in the range from 40° C. to 90° C. as an additive in the manufacture of polyurethane foams to coarsen the foam structure, and also (d) a polyurethane foam production composition containing a wax having a congealing point in the range from 40° C. to 90° C. |
| US09688828B2 |
Antistatic non-crosslinked foamed polyethylene resin particles and molded non-crosslinked foamed polyethylene resin body
Provided are non-crosslinked foamed polyethylene resin particles that have a bulk density BD of 10 g/L or more and 100 g/L or less and are obtained by foaming polyethylene resin particles containing an antistatic agent in an amount of 0.1 part by weight or more and 3 parts by weight or less with respect to 100 parts by weight of a polyethylene resin and having a density of 0.920 g/cm3 or more and less than 0.940 g/cm3, and the non-crosslinked foamed polyethylene resin particles have a shrinkage ratio of 3% or more and 30% or less determined in accordance with Formula (1). The non-crosslinked foamed polyethylene resin particles can simply afford an antistatic molded non-crosslinked foamed polyethylene resin body that has a small shrinkage ratio with respect to mold dimension, is deformed in a small degree, and has good surface stretch. |
| US09688822B2 |
Organopolysiloxane, curable silicone composition, cured product thereof, and optical semiconductor
The present invention relates to a curable silicone composition comprising: (A) an organopolysiloxane represented by a specific average unit formula, (B) an optional straight-chain organopolysiloxane having at least two alkenyl groups and not having any silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in a molecule, (C) an organopolysiloxane having at least two silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in a molecule, and (D) a hydrosilylation reaction catalyst. The curable silicone composition has high reactivity and forms a cured product with low gas permeability. |
| US09688819B2 |
Silicone resin composition for optical semiconductors
Addition-crosslinkable silicone resin compositions containing a branched organopolysiloxane bearing each of Si—H groups, alkenyl groups, and aryl groups, and also containing blocks of linear organopolysiloxane free of Si—H and alkenyl groups with a chain length of at least three siloxy groups, and further bearing at least one aryl group, serve as excellent potting compositions for electronic devices, particularly LEDs, with high refractive index and optical transmittance, and wide processing latitude. |
| US09688818B2 |
Poly(ether sulfone)s and poly(ether amide sulfone)s and methods of their preparation
Poly(ether sulfones) (PES) and poly(ether amide sulfones) (PEAS) were prepared from post-consumer polycarbonates and polyesters, respectively, using a single vessel in batch mode (all reactants present when heating was initiated). The depolymerization of the initial polymer occurs concurrently with step growth polymerization to form a product polymer having a number average molecular weight of at least 5000. |
| US09688816B2 |
Polyetherimide compositions and methods for the manufacture and use thereof
This disclosure relates to polyetherimide compositions whose residual phenolic monomers exhibit little or no estradiol binding activity. Also disclosed are methods for making the disclosed polyetherimides and articles of manufacture comprising the disclosed polyetherimides. |
| US09688812B2 |
Polymers for functional particles
A method includes producing libraries of nanoparticles having highly controlled properties, which can be formed by mixing together two or more macromolecules in different ratios. One or more of the macromolecules may be a polymeric conjugate of a moiety to a biocompatible polymer. The nanoparticle may contain a drug. The moiety may include a polypeptide or a polynucleotide, such as an aptamer. The moiety may be a targeting moiety, an imaging moiety, a chelating moiety, a charged moiety, or a therapeutic moiety. Another aspect is directed to systems and methods of producing such polymeric conjugates. In some embodiments, a solution containing a polymer is contacted with a liquid, such as an immiscible liquid, to form nanoparticles containing the polymeric conjugate. Other methods use such libraries, use or administer such polymeric conjugates, or promote the use of such polymeric conjugates. Kits involving such polymeric conjugates are also described. |
| US09688809B2 |
Method for purifying aliphatic polyester and aliphatic polyester purified with said method
Provided is a method for purifying an aliphatic polyester which reduces coloring of the aliphatic polyester, reduces the amount of residual monomer and residual catalyst, and improves stability and appearance. This method for purifying an aliphatic polyester subjects an aliphatic polyester containing a monomer to heat treatment under dry air containing oxygen at a temperature at or above the melting point of the monomer and at or below the melting point of the aliphatic polyester. |
| US09688800B2 |
Sequentially polymerized hybrid latex
The present invention relates to a hybrid latex composition containing polymer particles that are polymerized in at least two stages including a first phase acrylic core polymer, and a second phase vinyl acrylic shell polymer including a monomer that is crosslinkable under ambient conditions. Paint compositions and architectural coatings containing the latex composition according to the invention are also described herein, as well as methods for making the same. |
| US09688799B2 |
Scavenger injection
Process for the polymerization of olefins in a polymerization reactor system including (i) a gas phase reactor having a gas outlet and one or more withdrawal lines for withdrawal of a polymer-containing stream, (ii) a recycle loop for recycling gas exiting the reactor through the gas outlet back to the reactor, (iii) a polymer separation system for separating reactants from the polymer product in the withdrawn polymer-containing stream, and (iv) a recycle system for recycling reactants removed from the reactor in the withdrawn polymer-containing stream back to the reactor. A scavenger is introduced directly into one or more of the recycle loop, the polymer separation system and the recycle system. |
| US09688798B2 |
Method for manufacturing a hydroxy group terminated olefin or conjugated diene polymer
The method for manufacturing a polymer of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a polymer where a hydroxy group is added to a terminal of either one of a homopolymer of a non-conjugated olefin, a homopolymer of a conjugated diene compound, and a copolymer of a conjugated diene compound and a non-conjugated olefin, the method comprising: a first reaction step of reacting a hydrocarbon containing at least either one of the non-conjugated olefin and the conjugated diene compound with an organic aluminum compound, using a rare earth element compound-containing catalyst; a second reaction step of reacting a first reactant obtained from the first reaction step with oxygen; and a third reaction step of reacting a second reactant obtained from the second reaction step with at least either one of water and alcohol. |
| US09688794B2 |
Tackifier compounds and methods of using the same
The present invention relates to tackifier compounds and methods of using the same. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a tackifier compound including independently substituted or unsubstituted fused rings A and B each independently chosen from (C5-C10)cycloalkyl and (C2-C10)heterocyclyl. Fused ring A is substituted with (R1)1-8 and fused ring B is substituted with —(OC(O)R′C(O)R2)1-8. At each occurrence R′ is independently chosen from (C2-C10)alkanylene, (C2-C10)alkenylene, (C2-C10)alkynylene, C5-C20(arylene), and (C1-C20)heteroarylene, wherein R′ is unsubstituted or substituted. At each occurrence R1 is independently selected from —OH, —OR3, and —OC(O)R′C(O)R2. At each occurrence R2 is independently chosen from —OH, —OR3, —NH2, —NHR3, and —NR32. At each occurrence R3 is independently chosen from (C1-C10)alkanyl, (C2-C10)alkenyl, (C2-C10)alkynyl, C5-C20(aryl), and (C1-C20)heteroaryl, wherein R3 is unsubstituted or substituted. |
| US09688791B2 |
High-reactivity polyisobutylene having a high content of vinylidene double bonds in the side chains
A polyisobutylene having a total content of vinylidene double bonds of more than 50 mol % and a number-average molecular weight of 500 to 10 000 daltons, where at least 10% of all the vinylidene double bonds in the polyisobutylene are part of one or more side chains composed of at least 2 carbon atoms from the main polyisobutylene chain. Such a polyisobutylene is suitable for production of fuel and lubricant additives. |
| US09688790B2 |
Catalyst composition for polymerization of olefins
The present invention relates to a catalyst composition comprising the compound represented by the Fischer projection of formula (I) as an internal electron donor, (I) wherein: R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are the same or different and are independently selected from a group consisting of hydrogen, straight, branched and cyclic alkyl and aromatic substituted and unsubstituted hydrocarbyl having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; R7 is selected from a group consisting of straight, branched and cyclic alkyl and aromatic substituted and unsubstituted hydrocarbyl having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; and R8 is selected from a group consisting of aromatic substituted and unsubstituted hydrocarbyl having 6 to 20 carbon atoms; N is nitrogen atom; O is oxygen atom; and C is carbon atom. The present invention also relates to a process for preparing said polymerization catalyst composition and to a polymerization catalyst system comprising said catalyst composition, a cocatalyst and optionally an external electron donor. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a polyolefin obtainable by the process according to the present invention and to the use of the compound of formula (I) as in internal electron donor in catalysts for polymerization of olefins. |
| US09688788B2 |
Polymer particles
Polymer particle embolics and methods of making same are described. The particle embolics can be used as embolization agents. |
| US09688786B2 |
Hyperbranched fluoroelastomer additive
The invention pertains to a hyperbranched (per)fluoroelastomer [fluoroelastomer (B)] comprising recurring units derived from a bis-olefin [bis-olefin (OF)] having general formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6, equal or different from each other, are H or C1-C5 alkyl; Z is a linear or branched C1-C18 alkylene or cycloalkylene radical, optionally containing oxygen atoms, preferably at least partially fluorinated, or a (per)fluoropolyoxyalkylene radical, said fluoroelastomer (B) having a slope in G′ curve such that the ratio: G′100/G′0.01 is of less than 10, when determined at 260° C. according to ASTM D4440 standard, wherein G′100 is the storage modulus at a shear rate of 100 rad/sec and G′0.01 is the storage modulus at a shear rate of 0.01 rad/sec, to compositions comprising the same, and to a process for their manufacture. |
| US09688785B2 |
Fluorinated compositions and surface treatments made therefrom
A composition comprising at least one first divalent unit represented by formula: and at least one of a second divalent unit comprising a pendant Z group or a monovalent unit comprising a thioether linkage and a terminal Z group, wherein each Z group is independently selected from the group consisting of —P(O)(OY)2 and —O—P(O)(OY)2. R″ and R″′ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Y is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, trialkylsilyl, and a counter cation. Methods of treating a surface using these compositions and articles with a surface in contact with these compositions are provided. Methods of making these compositions are also provided. |
| US09688784B2 |
Treated fillers, compositions containing same, and articles prepared therefrom
The present invention includes a process for producing treated filler that includes (a) treating a slurry that includes untreated filler where the untreated filler has not been previously dried, with a treating composition that includes a treating agent, thereby forming a treated filler slurry, and (b) drying the treated filler slurry to produce treated filler. The treating agent can include a polymer having (i) at least one first group that interacts with the untreated filler and (ii) at least one second group that interacts with a rubber matrix into which the treated filler is incorporated. The present invention also is directed to treated filler prepared by the process, as well as rubber compounding compositions and tires including the treated filler. |
| US09688783B2 |
Process for modifying ethylene-based polymers and copolymers
Process for functionalizing an ethylene-based (co)polymer comprising the step of contacting an ethylene-based (co)polymer at a temperature in the range 100-250° C. with an azide of formula (I) wherein Y is either (Ia) or (Ib) m is 0 or 1, n is 0 or 1, n+m=1 or 2, and X is a linear or branched, aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety with 1-12 carbon atoms, optionally containing heteroatoms. |
| US09688770B2 |
Anti-CD98 antibody processes
A human antibody or a functional fragment thereof having specific binding ability to CD98 which is derived from the cell membrane of cancer cells and is in the form of a complex with a protein having an amino acid transporter activity (for example, LAT1) is disclosed. This antibody binds to CD98 in the form of a dimer with LAT1 on the surface of cancer cells, specifically attacks cancer cells expressing CD98 via the immune system by ADCC or CDC, and further inhibits amino acid uptake of the cancer cells via LAT1, to suppress growth of the cancer cells. Accordingly, a preventive and therapeutic agent for cancer comprising this antibody or a fragment thereof, which acts on various cancers, is specific to cancer, and causes no side effect, is provided. |
| US09688769B2 |
Methods and compositions for diagnosis and treatment of disorders in patients with elevated levels of TLR4 ligands and other biomarkers
This invention relates generally to methods and compositions for diagnosing and treating disorders associated with elevated levels of Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) ligands and other biomarkers. The invention also relates to methods of treating, delaying the progression of, or otherwise ameliorating a symptom of a disorder associated with elevated levels of TLR4 ligands and other biomarkers using agents that interfere with or otherwise antagonize TLR4 signaling, including neutralizing anti-TLR4 antibodies. |
| US09688767B2 |
Method of predicting survival time in myocardial infarction patients by measuring BAFF levels
The present invention relates to a method for predicting the survival time of a patient suffering from myocardial infarction or the recurrence of a myocardial infarction. The method comprises the steps of i) determining the expression level of BAFF in a sample from the patient, ii) comparing the expression level with a predetermined reference value and iii) providing a good prognosis of the survival time or a low risk of the recurrence of a myocardial infarction when the expression level is lower than the predetermined reference value and a poor prognosis of the survival time or a high risk of the recurrence of a myocardial infarction when the expression level is higher than the predetermined reference value. |
| US09688766B2 |
Stabilized human IgG4 antibodies
A highly stable mutant of human IgG4 antibody is provided. Such antibody is an antibody in which the CH3 domain of human IgG4 is substituted with the CH3 domain of human IgG1 and which exhibits inhibited aggregate formation, an antibody in which the CH3 and CH2 domains of human IgG4 are substituted with the CH3 and CH2 domains of human IgG1, respectively, or an antibody in which arginine at position 409 indicated in the EU index proposed by Kabat et al. of human IgG4 is substituted with lysine and which exhibits inhibited aggregate formation. |
| US09688765B2 |
Methods using RANK/RANKL antagonist antibodies for treating pain
Disclosed herein are methods of treating pain using comprising RANK/RANKL antagonists. |
| US09688764B2 |
Methods of treating breast cancer by administering anti-human prolactin receptor (PRLR) antibodies
The present invention provides antibodies that bind to prolactin receptor (PRLR) and methods of using the same. According to certain embodiments, the antibodies of the invention bind human PRLR with high affinity. In certain embodiments, the invention includes antibodies that bind PRLR and block prolactin-mediated cell signaling. In other embodiments, the invention includes antibodies that bind PRLR but do not block prolactin-mediated cell signaling. The antibodies of the invention may be fully human antibodies. The invention includes anti-PRLR antibodies conjugated to a cytotoxic agent, radionuclide, or other moiety detrimental to cell growth or proliferation. The antibodies of the invention are useful for the treatment of various cancers as well as other PRLR-related disorders. The present invention also includes antibody drug conjugates comprising an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds a class I cytokine receptor, wherein the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof is conjugated to a cytotoxic agent. |
| US09688760B2 |
Anti-leukocyte adhesion for the mitigation of potential adverse events caused by CD3-specific binding domains
The present invention relates in essence to use of a compound, which decreases or inhibits the binding of mammalian T-cells to mammalian endothelial cells for use in a method of prophylaxis and/or amelioration and/or treatment of clinical adverse events caused by a therapy which comprises re-directing of T-cells against target cells in a patient. Such a therapy includes, but is not limited to, treatment with an antibody comprising a CD3 binding domain, such as a CD20×CD3 or a CD19×CD3 bispecific single chain antibody, e.g., blinatumomab (MT-103). Methods of treatment of patients having or being at risk of clinical adverse events caused by therapy which comprises re-directing of T-cells against target cells are also contemplated, as are methods of identifying a compound for administration in the methods of prophylaxis, amelioration and/or treatment. Such anti-adhesive type compounds include, but are not limited to, antibodies, like natalizumab, efalizumab, and etrolizumab; minocycline, (acetyl-)salicyclic acid, astilbin, and flavonoids; and thrombin and pentosanpolysulfate (PPS), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. |
| US09688759B2 |
Ferroportin antibodies and methods of use
Compositions for treating disorders of iron homeostasis are provided. More particularly, anti-ferroportin antibodies, compositions containing such antibodies, corresponding nucleic acids, vectors and host cells, and methods of making such antibodies are provided. |
| US09688758B2 |
Single-chain antibodies and other heteromultimers
The invention provides engineered heteromultimeric protein complexes constructed using one, two, or three tethers and methods for making, using, and purifying such complexes, such as antibodies with different binding properties. |
| US09688757B2 |
Bi-specific affinity reagents for cell-lineage-specific TNF-alpha neutralization
The invention relates to isolated bispecific affinity reagents, such as antibodies or antibody fragments that bind TNFα and a marker molecule for macrophages and/or neutrophils. The affinity reagents of the invention enable pathogenic sub-populations of TNFα to be neutralized, while protective sub-populations of TNFα are not affected. |
| US09688752B2 |
Low acidic species compositions and methods for producing and using the same using displacement chromatography
The present invention relates to low acidic species (AR) compositions comprising a protein, e.g., an antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, and methods for producing such low AR compositions using displacement chromatography. Methods for using such compositions to treat a disorder, e.g., a disorder in which TNFα is detrimental, are also provided. |
| US09688749B2 |
Molecules that are able to inhibit the binding between NGF and the TrkA receptor as analgesics with prolonged effect
Use of an anti-NGF antibody capable of inhibiting the binding between NGF and TrkA, capable of blocking the biological activity of TrkA for the preparation of a medicament for treating and/or preventing chronic pain. |
| US09688745B2 |
Gram-positive bacteria specific binding compounds
The present invention provides improved binding compounds capable of specifically binding Gram-positive bacteria. Binding compounds are provided that are fully human, enabling therapeutic applications in human individuals. |
| US09688744B2 |
High affinity human antibodies to human cytomegalovirus (CMV) GB protein
Recombinant monoclonal antibodies to human cytomegalovirus (CMV) gB protein are described. The affinities of these antibodies are higher than the best previously reported antibodies. Since high affinity is critical to prevention of virus transfer across the placenta, the invention antibodies are useful as therapeutic and prophylactic agents to prevent or ameliorate effects on the fetus of CMV infection during pregnancy. |
| US09688743B2 |
Optical biosensors
Provided are biosensors, compositions comprising biosensors, and methods of using biosensors in living cells and organisms. The biosensors are able to be selectively targeted to certain regions or structures within a cell. The biosensors may provide a signal when the biosensor is targeted and/or in response to a property of the cell or organism such as membrane potential, ion concentration or enzyme activity. |
| US09688735B2 |
Designer osteogenic proteins
The invention relates to novel designer osteogenic proteins having altered affinity for a cognate receptor, nucleic acids encoding the same, and methods of use therefor. More preferably, the novel designer osteogenic proteins are designer BMPs and have altered affinity for a cognate BMP receptor. The designer BMPs demonstrate altered biological characteristics and provide potential useful novel therapeutics. |
| US09688732B2 |
Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) peptides and binding antibodies
Isolated peptides from the protein EMMPRIN (CD147/Basigin) and antibodies directed against antigenic determinants within the peptides. Pharmaceutical compositions including the peptides and antibodies and methods of their production and use in vaccination, immunotherapy and diagnosis of proliferative, hyperpermeability, inflammatory, and angiogenesis-related diseases and disorders. |
| US09688729B2 |
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine
The present invention relates to an mRNA sequence, comprising a coding region, encoding at least one antigenic peptide or protein of RSV infections Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or a fragment, variant or derivative thereof. Additionally the present invention relates to a composition comprising a plurality of mRNA sequences comprising a coding region, encoding at least one antigenic peptide or protein of RSV infections Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or a fragment, variant or derivative thereof. Furthermore it also discloses the use of the mRNA sequence or the composition comprising a plurality of mRNA sequences for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition, especially a vaccine, e.g. for use in the prophylaxis or treatment of RSV infections Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections. The present invention further describes a method of treatment or prophylaxis of RSV infections using the mRNA sequence. |
| US09688728B2 |
Bacteriophage gene 3 protein compositions and use as amyloid binding agents
The invention relates to agents and to pharmaceutical compositions for reducing the formation of amyloid and/or for promoting the disaggregation of amyloid proteins. The compositions may also be used to detect amyloid. |
| US09688727B2 |
Desmoglein 2 (DSG2) binding proteins and uses therefor
The present invention provides recombinant adenoviral compositions and methods for their use in treating disorders associated with epithelial tissues. |
| US09688725B2 |
Bacillus sp. biosurfactants, composition including same, method for obtaining same, and use thereof
Biosurfactants produced by a strain of Bacillus sp and to uses thereof. A composition comprising the biosurfactants, and a method for producing the biosurfactants. A method for obtaining a biosurfactant, and a device for implementing the method. The production of biopesticides or biosurfactants for the phytosanitary industry, and in the fields of the food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and oil industries and the environment. |
| US09688722B2 |
Substrates and inhibitors of prolyl oligopeptidase and methods of use
Inhibitors of fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP) and Prolyl Oligopeptidase (POP) are disclosed, along with their use in various therapies related to conditions, diseases, and disorders involving abnormal cell proliferation such as malignancies and angiogenesis, and in neural disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Stalk portions of the inhibitor molecules, and substrates of FAP and POP, are also disclosed and may be used, for example, in screening methods for identifying such inhibitors. |
| US09688720B2 |
IBAT inhibitors for the treatment of liver diseases
The present invention regards specific IBAT inhibitors useful in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of a liver disease. It also relates to compositions comprising these IBAT inhibitors, a method for treatment of the disorders and a kit comprising the substances or the compositions. |
| US09688718B2 |
Nanolipoprotein particles comprising hydrogenases and related products, methods and systems
Provided herein are nanolipoprotein particles that comprise a membrane associated hydrogenase and related assemblies, devices, methods and systems. |
| US09688716B2 |
Crystalline forms of 5α-androstane-3β,5,6β-triol and preparation methods therefor
The present invention relates to four crystalline forms (crystalline forms A, B, C and D) of 5α-androstane-3β,5,6β-triol (YC-6) and preparation methods therefor. The four crystalline forms have significant difference in their lattice parameters, 2θ values and intensity in X-ray power diffraction, and melting points, etc. The study on its polymorphism is very important for further studying its effect, bioavailability and stability. |
| US09688715B2 |
Synthetic pGpG analogs, methods of preparation and methods of use
The present invention relates to compounds according to Formula I: and salts thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and L are as defined herein. Methods for preparing compounds of Formula I are also provided. The present invention further includes methods of treating and preventing bacterial infections, and methods of identifying pGpG-binding domains in bacteria, using the compounds of Formula I. |
| US09688713B2 |
Galactoside inhibitor of galectins
Provided is a compound of the general formula (I): The compound of formula (I) is suitable for treating pulmonary fibrosis, such as Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in a mammal. Also provided is a method for treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, such as Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in a human subject having a galectin-3 level indicative of pulmonary fibrosis or exacerbation of symptoms as well as a method for making said compound. |
| US09688712B2 |
Manufacturing method for polyphenol composition
A method for producing a polyphenol composition including a step of subjecting (A) a hardly water-soluble polyphenol and (B) one or more selected from cathechins, chlorogenic acids and methylated compounds of hardly water-soluble polyphenols to a heat treatment at from 100 to 180° C. in the presence of an aqueous medium. |
| US09688711B2 |
Antibacterial aminoglycoside analogs
Compounds having antibacterial activity are disclosed. The compounds have the following structure (I): including stereoisomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof, wherein Q1, Q2, Q3, R8 and R9 are as defined herein. Methods associated with preparation and use of such compounds, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, are also disclosed. |
| US09688709B2 |
Phosphaplatins and their use for treatment of cancers
Stable monomeric phosphaplatins, namely, (pyrophosphato)platinum(II) or platinum(IV) complexes containing a cis-cyclohexanediamine ligand or enantiomerically enriched or enantiopure trans-cyclohexanediamine ligands, and synthesis of these complexes, are provided. Efficacies and toxicities of the phosphaplatin compounds are determined toward a variety of cancers, including sensitive and resistant ovarian cancers, head and neck, and colon cancers. Compositions comprising the platinum complexes, and methods for treatment of proliferative diseases or disorders by means of the complexes or the compositions comprising them are disclosed. |
| US09688706B2 |
Electrochromic compound, electrochromic composition, display element, and dimming element
An electrochromic compound, represented by the following general formula (I); where X1 to X4 are each a substituent represented by the following general formula (II), an alkyl group that may contain a functional group, an aromatic hydrocarbon group that may contain a functional group, or a hydrogen atom, and at least two selected from X1 to X4 are the substituents represented by the general formula (II); where R1 to R8 are each independently a hydrogen atom, or a monovalent group that may contain a substituent; B is a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent group that may contain a functional group; A−is a monovalent anion; and m is any of 0 to 3, and R1 to R8, B, and m may each independently be different when a plurality of the substituents represented by the general formula (II) are present. |
| US09688699B2 |
3-(pyrimidine-2-yl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines
The present application relates to novel 3-(pyrimidin-2-yl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines, to processes for preparation thereof, to the use thereof, alone or in combinations, for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, and to the use thereof for production of medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, especially for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of cardiovascular disorders. |
| US09688696B2 |
Piperidine/piperazine derivatives
The invention further relates to a DGAT inhibitor of formula including any stereochemically isomeric form thereof, wherein A represents CH or N; the dotted line represents an optional bond in case A represents a carbon atom; X represents —NRx—C(═O)—; —Z—C(═O)—; —Z—NRx—C(═O)—; —S(═O)p-; —C(═S)—; —NRx—C(═S)—; —Z—C(═S)—; —Z—NRx—C(═S)—; —O—C(═O)—; —C(═O)—C(═O)—; R1 represents a 5-membered monocyclic heterocycle containing at least 2 heteroatoms; a 6-membered aromatic monocyclic heterocycle; or a 5-membered heterocycle containing at least 2 heteroatoms fused with phenyl, cyclohexyl or a 5- or 6-membered heterocycle; wherein each of said heterocycles may optionally be substituted; R2 represents R3; R3 represents C3-6cycloalkyl, phenyl, naphtalenyl, 2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxinyl, 1,3-benzodioxolyl, 2,3-dihydrobenzofuranyl or a 6-membered aromatic heterocycle containing 1 or 2 N atoms, wherein said C3-6cycloalkyl, phenyl, naphtalenyl, 2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxinyl, 1,3-benzodioxolyl, 2,3-dihydrobenzofuranyl or 6-membered aromatic heterocycle may optionally be substituted; a N-oxide thereof, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate thereof. The invention further relates to methods for preparing such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds as well as the use as a medicine of said compounds. |
| US09688694B2 |
Macrocyclic benzodiazepine dimers, conjugates thereof, preparation and uses
Macrocyclic benzodiazepine dimers having a structure represented by formula I where A and B are independently according to formulae Ia or Ib and the other variables in formulae I, Ia, and Ib are as defined in the application. Such dimers are useful as anti-cancer agents, especially when used as the drug component in an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). |
| US09688691B2 |
Macrocyclic quinazole derivatives and their use as MTKI
The present invention concerns the compounds of formula the N-oxide forms, the pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts and the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof, wherein Z represents NH; Y represents —C3-9alkyl-, —C1-5alkyl-NR13—C1-5alkyl-, —C1-5alkyl-NR14—CO—C1-5alkyl-, —C1-2alkyl-NR21—H2—CO—NH—C1-3alkyl- or —C1-2alkyl-NR23—CO—CR16R17—NH—; X1 represents O or —O—C1-2alkyl-; X2 represents a direct bond, C1-2alkyl, —CO—C1-2alkyl or NR12—C1-2alkyl; R1 represents hydrogen or halo; R2 represents halo, acetylene or Het1 R3 represents hydrogen or cyano; R4 represents Ar4—C1-4alkyloxy-, C1-4alkyloxy- or C1-4alkyloxy substituted with one or where possible two or more substituents selected from Het2, NR7R8, hydroxy and C1-4alkyloxy—C1-4alkyloxy-; R7 represents hydrogen or C1-4alkyl; R8 represents C1-4alkyl substituted with NR25R26 or C1-4alkylsulfonyl; R12 represents hydrogen or C1-4alkyl-; R13 represents Ar6-sulfonyl or C1-6alkyloxycarbonyl optionally substituted with phenyl; R16 and R17 represents hydrogen, C1-4alkyl or R16 and R17 taken together with the carbon atom to which they are attached from a C3-6cycloalkyl; R23 represents C1-4alkyl and R23 represents hydrogen when R16 and R17 taken together with the carbon atom to which they are attached from a C3-6cycloalkyl; R25, R26, R27 and R28 each independently represent hydrogen or C1-4alkylcarbonyl; Het1 represents 2-bora-1,3-dioxolanyl; Het2 represents piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl or 1,1-dioxothiomorpholinyl wherein said Het2 is optionally substituted with C1-4alkyloxycarbonyl or NR27R28—C1-4alkyl; Ar4 and Ar5 represents phenyl; Ar6 represents phenyl optionally substituted with nitro. |
| US09688690B2 |
Pyrimidine compounds and pyrimido indole compounds and methods of use
The present invention discloses a compound comprising the formula: wherein R is hydrogen or an alkyl group having from one to ten carbon atoms, or a compound of the formula wherein the S is replaced by CH2, and optionally comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, or solvate thereof. A method of treating a patient having cancer or a disease comprising administering to a patient an effective amount of the compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, or solvate thereof. |
| US09688686B2 |
Porphyrin containing covalent organic frameworks and process for the preparation thereof
Disclosed herein is novel highly stable, crystalline porphyrin containing covalent organic frameworks and their synthesis using Schiff base reaction which are hydrophobic in nature having good selectivity towards alcohol uptake at low pressure over water. Particularly, present invention provides novel highly stable, porous covalent organic frameworks (COFs) comprising porphyrin linked hydroxyl aromatic compound by intramolecular O—H—N═C bonding; wherein porphyrin is tetra(p-amino-phenyl)porphyrin (Tph) and hydroxyl aromatic compound is selected from group consisting of Triformylphloroglucinol (Tp), 2, 5-dihydroxyterephthalaldehyde (Da). |
| US09688684B2 |
Substituted tetrazolo[1,5-a]pyrazines as ROR-gamma inhibitors
The present invention relates to tetrahydro-tetrazolo[1,5-a]pyrazine compounds of formula (I), wherein R1 denotes —R3, —CH2—R3 or —CO—R3; R2 denotes Ar2, Hetar2 or C3-7-cycloalkyl; and R3 denotes Ar3, Hetar3 or C3-7-cycloalkyl. These compounds are useful for inhibiting the retinoid-related orphan receptor γ (ROR γ, ROR-gamma) and for the prevention and/or treatment of medical conditions affected by ROR γ activity such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, asthma, autoimmune hepatitis or type 1 and type 2 diabetes. |
| US09688683B2 |
Substituted condensed pyrimidine compounds
Novel substituted condensed pyrimidine compounds of general formula (I) in which the chemical groupings, substituents and indices are as defined in the description, and to their use as medicaments, in particular as medicaments for the treatment of conditions and diseases that can be treated by inhibition of the PDE4 enzyme. |
| US09688682B2 |
Crystalline forms of pemetrexed tromethamine salts
The present invention is directed to novel crystalline forms of pemetrexed tromethamine salts and processes for preparation thereof. |
| US09688680B2 |
Compositions useful for treating disorders related to kit
Compounds and compositions useful for treating disorders related to Kit are described herein. |
| US09688677B1 |
Process for preparation of sodium (2S, 5R)-6-(benzyloxy)-7-oxo-1,6-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2-carboxylate
A process for preparation of a compound of Formula (I) is disclosed. |
| US09688676B2 |
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors
The present disclosure provides compounds that are tyrosine kinase inhibitors, in particular Bruton tyrosine kinase (“BTK”) inhibitors, and are therefore useful for the treatment of diseases treatable by inhibition of BTK such as cancer, autoimmune, inflammatory, and thromboembolic diseases. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and processes for preparing such compounds. |
| US09688674B2 |
Selective EP4 receptor antagonistic substance for treatment of cancer
This invention provides a medicament for the treatment of cancer, which cause a reduction of cancer. This invention relates to use of a compound which has inhibitory activities against prostaglandin E2 receptor (EP4 receptor) and is represented by the following general formula (I), (II), (III), or (IV), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound or the salt for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of cancer. The invention relates to a method for treatment of cancer comprising administering the compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound or the salt to humans or animals. The compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or the pharmaceutical composition may be used in combination with one or more second active agents. |
| US09688672B2 |
3-pyrimidin-4-yl-oxazolidin-2-ones as inhibitors of mutant IDH
The invention is directed to a formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1, R2a, R2b and R3-R7 are herein. The invention is also directed to compositions containing a compound of formula (I) and to the use of such compounds in the inhibition of mutant IDH proteins having a neomorphic activity. The invention is further directed to the use of a compound of formula (I) in the treatment of diseases or disorders associated with such mutant IDH proteins including, but not limited to, cell-proliferation disorders, such as cancer. |
| US09688669B2 |
Oxazolidinones as modulators of mGluR5
The disclosure generally relates to compounds of formula I, including their salts, as well as compositions and methods of using the compounds. The compounds are ligands, agonists and partial agonists for the mGluR5 receptor and may be useful for the treatment of various disorders of the central nervous system. |
| US09688668B2 |
Long chain base sphingosine kinase inhibitors
The invention relates to inhibitors of Sphingosine Kinase enzymatic activity, and methods of treating diseases and disorders by administering inhibitors of Sphingosine Kinase enzymatic activity. |
| US09688663B2 |
Crosslinking reagents, methods, and compositions for studying protein-protein interactions
The invention provides reagents, methods, and compositions for studying protein-protein interactions. The inventive system and methods allow the analysis of protein-protein interactions in vivo and in vitro. Advantages offered by various embodiments of the inventive system and methods compared to existing photocrosslinking approaches include, for example, (i) novel reversible crosslinking reagents that allow easy isolation, purification, and enrichment of the crosslinked products; (ii) trifiuoromethyl phenyldiazirine- or perfluorinaled phenylazide-based photocrosslinking reagents that provide high specific labeling, no side product, and higher photocrosslinking efficiency; (iii) versatile spacer groups that allow systematic contact site mapping; (iv) novel methods for isolating, purifying, and detecting crosslinked products based on the reversible-link chemistry; and (v) the ability to study the interaction sites in vitro, in situ, or in vivo. |
| US09688657B2 |
Synthesis of dabigatran
The present invention relates to a process for preparation of Dabigatran etexilate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The present invention relates to novel compounds, in particular Ethyl-3-{[(2-formyl-1-methyl-1H-benzimidazole-5-yl)carbonyl]-(2-pyridinyl) amino}propanoate and Ethyl-3-{[(2-dichloromethyl-1-methyl-1H-benzimidazole-5-yl)carbonyl]-(2-pyridinyl)amino}propanoate and process for preparation thereof. The present invention further relates to the use of these novel compounds in the preparation of Dabigatran etexilate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. |
| US09688653B2 |
Ethoxyphenyl thienyl compounds and methods for the treatment of bacterial infections
This invention relates generally to the discovery of a method of inhibiting, preventing or treating bacterial infections. The invention also relates to a method of inhibiting bacterial capsule biogenesis. |
| US09688652B2 |
Hydrogenation of catmint oil
Disclosed are methods for treating catmint oil. The process allows the separation of sulfur-containing compounds from the catmint oil. The treated catmint oil can be used for the production of hydrogenated catmint oil, which is enriched in the insect repellent, dihydronepetalactone. |
| US09688648B2 |
Process for the preparation of propylene oxide
A continuous process for the preparation of propylene oxide, comprising (i) providing a liquid feed stream comprising propene, hydrogen peroxide, acetonitrile, water, dissolved potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and optionally propane; (ii) passing the liquid feed stream provided in (i) into an epoxidation reactor comprising a catalyst comprising a titanium zeolite of structure type MWW, and subjecting the liquid feed stream to epoxidation reaction conditions; (iii) removing an effluent stream from the epoxidation reactor; wherein the concentration of the dissolved potassium dihydrogen phosphate in the liquid feed stream is at least 10% of the solubility limit of the potassium dihydrogen phosphate in the liquid feed stream. |
| US09688644B2 |
Synthesis of Tetracyclines and intermediates thereto
The tetracycline class of antibiotics has played a major role in the treatment of infectious diseases for the past 50 years. However, the increased use of the tetracyclines in human and veterinary medicine has led to resistance among many organisms previously susceptible to tetracycline antibiotics. The recent development of a modular synthesis of tetracycline analogs through a chiral enone intermediate has allowed for the efficient synthesis of novel tetracycline analogs never prepared before. The present invention provides more efficient routes for preparing the enone intermediate and allows for substituents at positions 4a, 5, 5a, and 12a of the tetracycline ring system. |
| US09688643B2 |
Triazine derivative and pharmaceutical composition comprising the same
The present invention provides a novel P2X3 and/or P2X2/3 receptor antagonist.A compound represented by the formula (I): wherein Ra, Rb and Rc are, (a) Ra and Rb are taken together ═Z; and Rc is a group represented by R1c; or (b) Rb and Rc are taken together to form a bond; and Ra is a group represented by —Y—R1a; R1a and R1c are each independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, etc.; R2 and R3 are each independently substituted or unsubstituted aryl, etc.; R4a and R4b are each independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, etc.; X is —N(R5)—, etc.; R5 is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted lower alkyl, etc.; —Y— is —O—, etc.; ═Z is ═O, etc.; and n is an integer of 0 to 4. |
| US09688642B2 |
Substituted pyrazines as GPR40 agonists
Disclosed are compounds, compositions and methods for treating of disorders that are affected by the modulation of the GPR40 receptor. Such compounds are represented by Formula (I) as follows: wherein R1, G, and R2 are defined herein. |
| US09688641B2 |
Process for preparing asymmetrical imidazolium salts
The invention relates to a process for preparing an asymmetrical imidazolium salt of formula (1A), in which R1 is an aromatic group, R2 is chosen from a cyclic secondary aliphatic alkyl group and a heteroalkyl group, R3 and R4 are chosen, independently of one another, from the group consisting of hydrogen, a halide and an alkyl group, and A″ is an anion. The process comprises a first substep of forming a reaction mixture by bringing one equivalent of an aniline into contact with one equivalent of a compound bearing an amine group, in the presence of at least four point five equivalents of a Brønsted acid. The process also comprises a second substep of forming a solution comprising one equivalent of a dicarbonyl, one equivalent of formaldehyde, and at least four point five equivalents of the Brønsted acid, and adding thereto the reaction mixture formed in the first substep. The mixture is left to stir for a predetermined time at a predetermined temperature. The intermediate asymmetrical imidazolium salt 1A is then isolated. |
| US09688639B2 |
Solid forms of fungicidal pyrazoles
Disclosed are solid forms of 4-(2-bromo-4-fluorophenyl)-N-(2-chloro-6-fluorophenyl)-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-5-amine (Compound 1). Methods for the preparation of solid forms of Compound 1 and for the conversion of one solid form of Compound 1 into another are disclosed.Disclosed are compositions for protecting a plant or plant seed from diseases caused by fungal pathogens comprising a biologically effective amount of a solid form of Compound 1 and at least one additional component selected from the group consisting of surfactants, solid diluents and liquid carriers. Compositions comprising a mixture of a solid form of Compound 1 and at least one other nematocide, insecticide and/or fungicide are also disclosed.Also disclosed are methods for protecting a plant or plant seed from diseases caused by fungal pathogens comprising applying to a plant or seed, or to the environment of the plant or seed, a biologically effective amount of a solid form of Compound 1. |
| US09688635B2 |
Certain chemical entities, compositions, and methods
Chemical entities that are kinase inhibitors, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment of cancer are described. |
| US09688630B2 |
3,3′-disubstituted indolines as inhibitors of cholesterol ester transfer protein
3,3′-Disubstituted indoline compounds, including pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds, are CETP inhibitors and are useful for raising HDL-cholesterol, reducing LDL-cholesterol, and for treating or preventing atherosclerosis. |
| US09688624B2 |
DP2 antagonist and uses thereof
Described herein is the DP2 antagonist 2-(3-(2-((tert-butylthio)methyl)-4-(2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino)phenoxy)-4-methoxyphenyl)acetic acid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Also described are methods of preparing the DP2 antagonist, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Also described herein are pharmaceutical compositions suitable for administration to a mammal that include the DP2 antagonist, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and methods of using such pharmaceutical compositions for treating respiratory diseases or conditions, allergic diseases or conditions, inflammatory diseases or conditions, as well as other prostaglandin D2-dependent or prostaglandin D2-mediated diseases or conditions. |
| US09688622B1 |
1-(2-acyloxyethyl)cyclopropyl sulfonate compound, 3-halomethyl-3-butenyl carboxylate compound, and method for producing 4-alkyl-3-methylenebutyl carboxylate
Provided is a 1-(2-acyloxyethyl)cyclopropyl sulfonate compound of General Formula (2): wherein R1 is a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing one or more unsaturated bonds and Z is a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing one or more unsaturated bonds. |
| US09688619B2 |
Process for obtaining organic isocyanates from distillation residues from isocyanate preparation
The present invention relates to a process for obtaining organic isocyanate from a phosgenation product comprising the isocyanate, comprising the following steps: a) workup to the phosgenation product, the workup comprising at least one distillation step in which a first portion of the organic isocyanate is removed as distillate and a distillation residue comprising a second portion of the organic isocyanate is obtained, b) workup of the distillation residue obtained in a), the workup comprising at least one distillation step which is conducted at a temperature of up to 110° C. at a pressure of not more than 1 mbar, wherein at least 50% by weight of the second portion of the organic isocyanate is removed from the distillation residue. |
| US09688617B2 |
Photoreactive synthetic regulator of protein function and methods of use thereof
The present disclosure provides a photoreactive synthetic regulator of protein function. The present disclosure further provides a light-regulated polypeptide that includes a subject synthetic regulator. Also provided are cells and membranes comprising a subject light-regulated polypeptide. The present disclosure further provides methods of modulating protein function, involving use of light. |
| US09688612B2 |
Axially chiral N-(2-acylaryl)-2-[5,7-dihydro-6h-dibenzo[c,e]azepin-6-yl] acetamide compound and chirality interconversion method of a-amino acid using the same
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing an optically active amino acid in high yield and in a highly enantioselective manner, which method has fewer restrictions on the material that can be used as the substrate, and to provide, among others, a compound useful as a chiral auxiliary for the method. The present invention provides an N-(2-acylaryl)-2-[5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenzo[c,e]azepin-6-yl]acetamide compound represented by Formula (1): or a salt thereof, or a metal complex represented, by Formula (3): |
| US09688606B2 |
Process for acidic scrubbing of dinitrotoluene in the presence of hydrocyanic acid
Process for scrubbing a crude mixture which is obtained in the nitration of toluene after separating off the nitrating acid and comprises dinitrotoluene, nitric acid, nitrogen oxides and sulfuric acid, which comprises two scrubbing steps (WS-I) and (WS-II), whereini) in a first scrubbing step (WS-I), the crude mixture is extracted with a scrubbing acid I comprising nitric acid, nitrogen oxides and sulfuric acid in a scrub comprising at least one extraction stage, where the scrubbing acid discharged from the first extraction stage (WS-I-1) of the first scrubbing step (WS-I) has a total acid content of from 10 to 40% by weight and a content of from 80 to 350 ppm of hydrocyanic acid, giving a prescrubbed crude mixture,ii) in a second scrubbing step (WS-II), the prescrubbed crude mixture comprising dinitrotoluene is extracted with a scrubbing acid II in a scrub comprising at least one, preferably at least 2, extraction stage(s), where the scrubbing acid discharged from the first extraction stage (WS-II-1) of the second scrubbing step (WS-II) has a pH of less than or equal to 4, giving a dinitrotoluene-comprising mixture which is essentially free of nitric acid, sulfuric acid, nitrogen oxides and hydrocyanic acid and has a content of not more than 300 ppm of nitric acid and nitrogen oxides, not more than 3 ppm of sulfate and not more than 50 ppm of hydrocyanic acid. |
| US09688603B2 |
Polyhydroxyalkanoate derivatives, preparation and uses thereof
Provided herein are methods that utilize polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) as a substrate for further conversion to C4 and C5 compounds. Polyhydroxyalkanoates can undergo esterification to yield alkyl hydroxyalkanoates and alkyl alkenoates, which may serve as useful precursors in the production of alkadienes and alkenedioic acids, including for example butadiene and butenedioic acid. |
| US09688602B2 |
Methyl-substituted biphenyl compounds, their production and their use in the manufacture of plasticizers
In a process for producing a methyl-substituted biphenyl compound, at least one methyl-substituted cyclohexylbenzene compound of the formula: wherein each of m and n is independently an integer from 1 to 3, is contacted with a dehydrogenation catalyst under conditions effective to produce a dehydrogenation reaction product comprising at least one methyl-substituted biphenyl compound. The dehydrogenation catalyst comprises an element or compound thereof from Group 10 of the Periodic Table of Elements deposited on a refractory support, such as alumina. |
| US09688600B2 |
Processes for improving acetic acid yield by removing iron
In a process for improving a carbonylation process, iron is removed to maintain an effective Space Time Yield (STY) of the rhodium catalyst of at least 80% of the maximum STY. The process comprises carbonylating methanol in a reactor in a reaction medium comprising water, a rhodium catalyst, methyl iodide and a halide salt, separating a portion of the reaction medium in a flash vessel to form a less volatile stream and a vapor product stream comprising acetic acid, recycling a liquid stream to the reactor, wherein the liquid stream comprises a portion of the less volatile stream and wherein the liquid stream comprises iron, and removing a portion of the iron from the liquid stream to maintain an effective STY of the rhodium catalyst of at least 80% of the maximum STY. |
| US09688597B2 |
Method for producing aldehyde
Provided is a method for producing aldehydes that brings an excellent alcohol conversion and aldehyde selectivity while suppressing generation of aldol condensates, etc. The method for producing aldehydes includes a step of dehydrogenating primary alcohol in the presence of a catalyst composition. The catalyst composition is a first catalyst composition obtained by adding a potassium salt of a weak acid to a dehydrogenation catalyst containing copper as an active species. |
| US09688596B2 |
Synthesis and biological activity of 2-methylene analogs of calcitriol and related compounds
Disclosed are 2-methylene analogs of vitamin D3 and related compounds, their biological activities, and various pharmaceutical uses for these analogs. Particularly disclosed are 1α-hydroxy-2-methylene-vitamin D3, (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2-methylene-vitamin D3, and (5E)-1α,25-dihydroxy-2-methylene-vitamin D3, their biological activities, and various pharmaceutical uses for these compounds including methods of treating and/or preventing bone diseases and disorders. |
| US09688594B2 |
Method for producing modified-graphene-like carbon material, modified-graphene-like carbon material, and resin composite material containing modified-graphene-like carbon material
Providing a modified-graphene-like carbon material into which hydroxyl groups are introduced. By reacting a graphene-like carbon material with hydrogen peroxide, a hydroxyl group is introduced into the graphene-like carbon material. |
| US09688593B2 |
Method for carbon dioxide hydrogenation of syngas and the integration of the process with syngas conversion processes
Techniques for synthesizing methanol are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the processes include obtaining a syngas mixture from an integrated carbon dioxide hydrogenation process and a methane steam reforming process, and contacting the syngas mixture with a methanol catalyst to obtain a product stream comprising methanol. |
| US09688591B2 |
Ethylene separation process
Ethylene separation processes are described herein. The ethylene separation processes generally include introducing a feed stream including ethylene and butene into a de-ethenizer; and separating the ethylene from the butene via fractional distillation within the de-ethenizer to form an overhead stream including separated ethylene and a bottoms stream including separated butene, wherein the de-ethenizer operates at a pressure of less than 350 psig. |
| US09688590B2 |
Production of jet and other heavy fuels from isobutanol
A process for the production of jet and other heavy fuels, the process including: contacting at least one C3 to C5 isoalkanol with a first catalyst to convert at least a portion of the isoalkanol to isoalkene, isoalkene dimers, and water; contacting at least a portion of the isoalkene dimers with a second catalyst to convert at least a portion of the isoalkene dimers to isoalkene trimers; hydrotreating the isoalkene trimers to form isoalkanes useful as a jet fuel, kerosene, or other heavy fuels. |
| US09688589B2 |
Process for preparation of n-propyl benzene
Disclosed is a process for preparation of n-propyl benzene. The process gives high selectivity and yield of n-propyl benzene by single step catalytic alkylation that involves contacting a mixture of aromatic hydrocarbon having an active hydrogen on a saturated α-carbon, such as toluene, and an alkene, such as ethylene, in presence of a metal catalyst, a solid support, and an initiator. Following the alkylation, aqueous and organic phases are separated from a reaction mixture. The aqueous phase is separated for recovery of the catalyst, the solid support, and un-reacted aromatic hydrocarbon (e.g., toluene); and the organic phase is separated for obtaining n-propyl benzene and byproduct. Thus, the catalyst phase can be recovered and recycled in the next alkylation reaction. Also, the process facilitates recovery and recycling of the byproduct for the better selectivity. |
| US09688585B2 |
Lightweight assemblable appliance and respective method for production of biogas and liquid fertilizer
A system and method of recycling organic waste into biogas, implementing an anaerobic digestion processes, is disclosed. The system includes structural scaffolding and a pliable collapsible anaerobic digester. The aerobic digester includes at least one suspension tab, rendering the anaerobic digester suspendable from the structural scaffolding. A respective kit-of-parts is disclosed for assembling the aforementioned system. |
| US09688584B2 |
Process for manufacturing liquid and solid organic fertilizer from animal waste
Processes for manufacturing organic fertilizer products, such as liquid and solid organic fertilizer, from animal manure are disclosed, together with the fertilizer products produced therefrom. |
| US09688581B2 |
Molten grains of titanium sub-oxides and ceramic products comprising such grains
Molten grains include titanium suboxides of the formulation TinO2n-1, in which the phases are principally Ti5O9 or Ti6O11 or a mixture of these two phases, the phases Ti5O9 and/or Ti6O11 representing, in total, more than 60% of the weight of the grains, the grains further including less than 30% by weight of Ti4O7. |
| US09688574B2 |
Thermoplastic polyurethanes in optical fiber coatings
A process for correcting defects in a primary coating on a glass optical fiber involves providing an optical fiber configured for propagation of an optical signal, coating the optical fiber with a composition comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and at least one acrylate monomer, curing the composition to form a relatively soft primary coating covering an outer surface of the optical fiber, the primary coating being a thermoplastic product of the polyurethane and the at least one acrylate monomer, coating the optical fiber with at least one relatively harder secondary coating layer disposed over the primary coating, heating the coated fiber to a temperature above the melting temperature of the thermoplastic product to cause the primary coating to flow and correct defects, and cooling the coated fiber to a temperature below the melting temperature of the thermoplastic product to provide a substantially defect free primary coating. |
| US09688571B2 |
Method of fabricating light extraction substrate for organic light emitting device
A method of fabricating a light extraction substrate for an organic light-emitting device which can increase the extraction efficiency of light emitted from the organic light-emitting device, thereby improving the overall luminous efficiency of the organic light-emitting device. Water glass is applied on a surface of a glass substrate. The water glass applied on the glass substrate is heat-treated such the surface of the glass substrate is roughened. The heat-treated water glass is removed from the glass substrate. A planarization layer of a glass frit is formed on the glass substrate from which the water glass has been removed. |
| US09688570B2 |
Layered transparent conductive oxide thin films
Transparent conductive oxide thin films having a plurality of layers with voids located at each interface. Smooth TCO surfaces with no post growth processing and a largely tunable haze value. Methods of making include applying multiple layers of a conductive oxide onto a surface of a substrate, and interrupting the application between the multiple layers to form a plurality of voids at the interfaces. |
| US09688566B2 |
Nickel-free and chromium-free forehearth colors for glass tanks
The invention relates to the field of forehearth frits, pearls, and/or concentrates for use in glass compositions. In particular, the present invention provides a system of forehearth frits, pearls, and/or concentrates that is capable of imparting a brown color to a glass composition for forming colored glass in the forehearth of a glass furnace, and a method of using the colored system of forehearth frits, pearls, and/or concentrates. The invention further provides a glass composition for use in forming the color system or for use directly in a forehearth. |
| US09688561B2 |
Process and apparatus for making a mineral melt
The invention relates to a method of making a mineral melt comprising providing a circulating combustion chamber (1) which comprises an upper zone (2), a lower zone (3) and a base zone (4), injecting particulate fuel, particulate mineral material and primary combustion gas which has optionally an oxygen level of at least 25% by volume into the upper zone of the circulating combustion chamber so that the fuel undergoes pyrolysis in the upper zone to produce char, thereby melting the particulate mineral materials to form a mineral melt and generating exhaust gases, injecting secondary combustion gas which has optionally an Oxygen level of at least 25% by volume into the lower zone of the circulating combustion chamber so that the char combusts, thereby completing combustion of the fuel, and separating the mineral melt from the hot exhaust gases so that the hot exhaust gases pass though an outlet in the circulating combustion chamber and the mineral melt collects in the base zone. The melt is optionally fiberized. The invention also relates to apparatus suitable for use in the method. |
| US09688559B1 |
Multistage process for removal of phosphorus, fluoride, and arsenic species from water via complexation and solubility control
The present invention relates in general to a process of removing phosphorus in various forms of suspended solids or dissolved ions, fluoride, and arsenic impurities from water streams in a multi-stage procedure via the use of additives, pH control, and physical separation, resulting in a water stream with <50 ppb phosphorus, <3 ppm fluoride, and <1 ppm arsenic. |
| US09688556B2 |
Method for enhanced aerobic activity and bio-mat control for onsite wastewater disposal systems
The present invention provides an aeration lateral system designated to be site specific for new septic disposal areas or retro fitting to existing septic disposal areas to break up the biological clogging slug mat at the interface of the wastewater and imported sand or native soil fill under or adjacent to disposal areas of a typical septic system. The lateral system provides uniform or other site specific distribution of fluids about the bio-mat of a wastewater disposal area, with lateral spacing and hole spacing varying based on the type of disposal area being utilized. The lateral system can also be utilized to provide continuous low volume air supply system to a wastewater disposal area or peat filter module. The air lateral installation includes methods to minimize airflow disturbance of the soil and methods to prevent air leakage. |
| US09688553B1 |
Ceramic micro-porous water aeration diffuser
A water aeration diffuser has a base with an internal cavity defining an air pocket, and a ceramic plate removably attached to the base. The base is in flow communication with air supply such that air is received in the cavity and then diffused by the ceramic plate to create an aeration column in a body of water. To allow for repair and servicing, the ceramic plate is removably attached to the base by one or more fasteners. The base includes a perimeter lip around its top portion that supports the ceramic plate and maximizes the exposed surface area of the plate. A water and air-tight gasket is provided between the lip and the ceramic plate. An eye-bolt may be provided through the ceramic plate and attached to the base to provide an attachment point for a ballast or other means used to position the diffuser. |
| US09688548B2 |
Apparatus and process for desalination of water
A process for desalinating water is disclosed. The process comprises the steps of passing a feed stream of saline solution 2′ in a first desalination step through a reverse osmosis membrane desalination plant 3′ comprising at least one reverse osmosis desalination unit 4′ to form a first product water stream 5′ having a reduced salt concentration relative to that of the feed stream of saline solution 2′ and a first byproduct stream 6′ having an increased salt concentration relative to that of the feed stream of saline solution 2′ characterized in that the first byproduct stream 6′ is passed in a second desalination step through a suspension crystallization unit 7 to form a second product water stream 8 having a reduced salt concentration relative to that of the first byproduct stream 6′ and a second byproduct stream 9 having an increased salt concentration relative to that of the first byproduct stream 6′. The invention further relates to an apparatus 1 for carrying out said process. The present invention further relates also to the use of the process or apparatus 1 for the reduction of the volume of the first byproduct stream of a reverse osmosis membrane desalination plant 3′, preferably an in-land desalination plant 3′, or in a device or plant or process for producing desalinated water, for salt production, for co-production of power and desalinated water, or for air conditioning. |
| US09688545B2 |
Water filter with filter cartridge block alerting and alerting method
A water filter with alarm function for indicating blockage of a filter cartridge thereof and an alarm method are provided. The filter main body is provided with a filter cartridge and is arranged with a before-filtering water cavity. A filter upper cover covers the top of the filter main body. The before-filtering water cavity is accommodated with a floating-ball-type indicating apparatus, which comprises a floating ball, a connecting rod and a color scale. The connecting rod is mounted rotatably on an inner surface of the filter upper cover with the aid of a hinge support. The floating ball is arranged at the front end of the connecting rod. The color scale is also arranged on the connecting rod. A transparent visual cover that matches with the color scale is arranged on the upper surface of the filter upper cover. |
| US09688543B2 |
Method for making bromides
Bromine containing compounds, such as calcium bromide, sodium bromide and the like, are prepared in high purity and more quickly with less waste by using a process with two bromination stages and often a third step wherein the crude product mixture can be adjusted to meet specific product requirements. In the first bromination stage, the majority, but not all, of a substrate is brominated using a reductive bromination reaction, the remaining unreacted substrate is converted to product in the second stage through another a reductive bromination reaction, although the specific reagents may be different, wherein the addition of bromine and a reducing agent are carefully monitored. |
| US09688540B2 |
Segmented graphene growth on surfaces of a patterned substrate layer and devices thereof
A method of forming a graphite-based structure on a substrate comprises patterning the substrate thereby forming a plurality of elements on the substrate. Each respective element in the plurality of elements is separated from an adjacent element on the substrate by a corresponding trench in a plurality of trenches on the substrate and each respective element in the plurality of elements has a corresponding top surface. The method further comprises segmentedly depositing a graphene initiating layer onto the top surface of each respective element in the plurality of elements; and generating graphene using the graphene initiating layer thereby forming the graphite-based structure. |
| US09688534B1 |
Process for group III-V semiconductor nanostructure synthesis and compositions made using same
Methods for producing nanostructures, particularly Group III-V semiconductor nanostructures, are provided. The methods include use of novel Group III and/or Group V precursors, novel surfactants, oxide acceptors, high temperature, and/or stable co-products. Related compositions are also described. Methods and compositions for producing Group III inorganic compounds that can be used as precursors for nanostructure synthesis are provided. Methods for increasing the yield of nanostructures from a synthesis reaction by removal of a vaporous by-product are also described. |
| US09688533B2 |
Using millisecond pulsed laser welding in MEMS packaging
A new packaging method for a wide range of MEMS for application on both the wafer and device scale. Titanium is used as the packaging material and both silicon and titanium MEMS devices are integrated on to a titanium substrate. A Nd:YAG pulsed laser is used to micro-weld the titanium cap to the substrate. A three-dimensional time dependent model of heat flow during laser beam welding is presented. The heat transfer and parametric design capabilities of COMSOL were employed for this purpose. Model calculations are compared and calibrated with experimental results of pulsed laser welds. The functionality and hermiticity of the proposed packaging was evaluated by packaging a self actuated Veeco Instrument AFM cantilever tip. The experimental measurements show that the resonance frequency and quality factor of the device stay the same before and after packaging and the applied technique has no effect on the device. |
| US09688532B2 |
Method of manufacturing electronic device
A method of manufacturing an electronic device in which a second substrate (functional element) containing silicon and a third substrate (lid body) containing silicon are bonded to a first substrate containing alkali metal ions by anode bonding includes a first process of performing the anode bonding to bond the second substrate to a surface of the first substrate; a second process of removing at least a portion of the surface of the first substrate to which the third substrate is to be bonded by the anode bonding and exposing a bonding surface after the first process; and a third process of performing the anode bonding to bond the third substrate to the bonding surface of the first substrate. |
| US09688530B2 |
Integrated circuit package with sensor and method of making
An integrated circuit (“IC”) package comprising an IC die having a top surface and a bottom surface, an elongate member having opposite first and second end portions and a mid portion. The mid portion is positioned proximate the top surface of the IC die. The IC package also includes an encapsulant block having a top surface, a bottom surface and opposite first and second lateral side surfaces. The encapsulant block encapsulates the IC die and the elongate member. Either or both of the first and second end portions of the elongate member are exposed. |
| US09688526B2 |
Tail set crupper
A tailset crupper for an animal, such as a horse, may be made from a solid casting without lightening features, such as to produce a heavier, less easily dislodged object, such as may have a lower center of gravity, and a center of gravity located closer to the surface of the animal. The trough of the crupper may be predominantly open from below. The distal end of the crupper may have a large curl the bends on a large angle partially back toward the horse. The crupper may be substantially spoonless. That is, the protrusion at the front end of the crupper may be small, and may by shy of the cushioning on either side. |
| US09688522B2 |
Multifuntional electric wine opener
A multifunctional electric wine opener having an opener holder in an upper part of an opener cover, an upper lid of the opener embedded in an opening position of the opener holder, a guide spring and a guide frame assembled in a holder containing cavity, at least two guide paths provided on the guide frame, blade units assembled in the guide paths, a blade holder and an opening blade provided in each blade unit, a horizontal installation unit and a vertical installation unit provided in each blade holder; the opening blade being set in the upper part of the vertical installation unit and the horizontal installation unit being inserted into a corresponding guide path, travel springs assembled in the guide paths, holder guide slopes set on inner surfaces of holder containing cavity. |
| US09688520B1 |
Winch assembly
A winch assembly is disclosed. The winch assembly may have a support with parallel plates spaced apart from each other. The winch assembly may also have a drum with a hollow spool between the parallel plates, and a shaft passing axially through and being connected to the hollow spool. The winch assembly may further have a motor directly connected to an end of the shaft, and a fail-safe-brake directly connected to an end of the shaft. |
| US09688519B2 |
Telescopic boom extension device
A telescopic boom extension device includes a driving mechanism. The driving mechanism that drives B pins and a C pin includes a hydraulic supply part and a drive source generation part. The drive source generation part generates a predetermined hydraulic pressure at the hydraulic supply part based on a pneumatic pressure. The hydraulic supply part has an accumulator and AOHs and supplies a hydraulic pressure to a cylinder-boom coupling mechanism and an inter-boom fixing mechanism. The drive source generation part uses a pneumatic supply part to send compressed air to the hydraulic supply part. |
| US09688508B2 |
Filament winding method and apparatus, and tank
In a filament winding method, while a rotating tank relatively reciprocates in a tank axial direction to a helical winding head, fibers are fed from yarn-feeding sections to the tank. After the tank turns back in the tank axial direction, a large number of fibers are wound around one domed portion and a trunk portion of the tank, and trailing ends of the large number of fibers are located at one end portion of the trunk portion. Then a piece or a small number of fibers are fed from a rotating hoop winding head to the trunk portion, and hoop winding is performed on helical winding layers formed around the trunk portion. Then, at the one end portion of the trunk portion, the large number of fibers pulled from the yarn-feeding sections of the helical winding head are cut off. |
| US09688503B2 |
Sheet processing device, image forming device provided with the same, and folded sheet pressing method
Provided is a sheet processing device capable of preventing a folded sheet bundle from being opened after pressing to improve accumulating property and aligning property of the sheet bundle. A sheet processing device B that presses a folded sheet bundle includes a pair of pressing rollers 70 that press a fold of the folded sheet bundle in a thickness direction of the fold, a pressing roller unit 56 that moves the pressing roller pair 70 along the fold of the folded sheet bundle, and a cam member 80 that regulates an interval between the pressing roller pair 70. When the pressing roller unit 56 is moved along the fold of the folded sheet bundle to press the fold in the fold thickness direction, the cam member 80 reduces stepwise the interval between the pressing roller pair 70 in accordance with a moving direction of the pressing roller unit 56. |
| US09688501B2 |
Apparatus for separating sheet material
A device and a method for separating sheet material is provided. The separation of sheet material is not effected statically, but a suitable pick-up position and/or a suitable pick-up mechanism is selected for each sheet material piece, for example in dependence on the quality of a surface of the sheet material piece to be picked up, in order to pick up the sheet material piece from the sheet material stack and remove it from the same. |
| US09688500B2 |
Compact document bundler
A document bundler for a bill validator includes a document path, a transportation unit, and a clamp mechanism. The transportation unit is adapted to move a plurality of documents in series through the document path. The clamp mechanism includes a pushing member. The clamp mechanism is adapted to clamp a first document of the plurality of documents with the pushing member to inhibit movement of the first document by the transportation unit while a second document of the plurality of documents is transported substantially alongside the first document in the document path. The second document residing substantially alongside the first document forms a document bundle. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described. |
| US09688498B2 |
Sheet tray, conveyance unit and image recording apparatus
There is provided a sheet tray including: first, second and third trays. The second tray moves between a first position and a second position in which an overlapping area is smaller than that obtained in the first position. The third tray includes a third support surface and a fourth support surface. The third support surface includes a protrusion which protrudes upward to be positioned above the first support surface in a state that the third tray is in the first pivoting position. The third tray overlaps with the first support surface in a state that the second tray is in the first position and that at least a part, of the third tray, except for the protrusion is positioned below the first support surface, and the third tray does not overlap with the first support surface in a state that the second tray is in the second position. |
| US09688495B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a conveying guide and a sheet member. The conveying guide is provided in a joining section and guides a sheet to a conveying roller pair along a main conveying path. The sheet member is provided in the joining section and configured to form a lower conveying path with the conveying guide and to guide the sheet from an upper conveying path toward the main conveying path. The conveying guide has a convex guide part and planer guide parts. The convex guide is provided at a center portion and projects toward the sheet member. The planer guide parts are provided on both sides of the convex guide part. A first gap formed between the convex guide part and the sheet member is narrower than a second gap formed between the planer guide part and the sheet member. |
| US09688483B2 |
Installation for transporting containers
An installation for transporting containers having necks, the installation comprising an intermediate rotary platform provided in its periphery with slots each having a jaw mounted in the vicinity thereof in order to pivot between a closed position and an open position. Each jaw is provided with blocking means for blocking it in each of its positions, and includes a first contact surface projecting into the slot when the jaw is in the open position in such a manner that when the neck is inserted into the slot it pushes against the first contact surface and brings the jaw into the closed position, and a second contact surface facing the slot when the jaw is in the closed position in such a manner that when the neck is discharged from the slot it pushes against the second contact surface and brings the jaw into the open position. |
| US09688481B2 |
Device and method of positioning products
A positioning device (1) for positioning products (2) simultaneously with their conveyance one after the other in a plane of conveyance (3) and along a direction of conveyance (4). The device has at least one orientation mechanism (5), itself having at least one pusher (6) movable along an action movement between an inactive position and an active position. The effect of the action movement is to act on a product (2) by pushing it to make it pivot by a predetermined angle around an axis perpendicular to the plane of conveyance (3), the at least one pusher (6) being movable also in the direction of conveyance (4). Also disclosed is a corresponding method. |
| US09688478B2 |
Conveyor unit and conveyor system for conveying vehicle bodies and plant for machining vehicle bodies
A conveyor unit which can be displaced for conveying vehicle bodies and which includes a bogie assembly and a coupling device which is connected to the bogie assembly and which is configured such that it interacts with the base areas of the vehicle body which are upwardly orientated to the roof. Also a conveyor system having at least one conveyor unit of such type and a plant for machining vehicle bodies. Vehicle bodies are conveyed by a conveyor system between and/or in machining stations, said plant also including such a conveyor system. |
| US09688476B1 |
Sod harvester
A sod harvester having a sod hold down with at least one free wheeling elastic belt that maintains a downward pressure on sod slabs carried on a conveyor belt with the free wheeling elastic belt moving in unison with the conveyor belt through frictional engagement between sod slabs on the conveyor belt and the free wheeling belt or between the conveyor belt and idler pulleys, which rotationally support the elastic belt, to enable the hold down to prevent or inhibit slippage of the sod slabs on the conveyor belt during sod slab transfer thereon. |
| US09688474B2 |
Metal belt for laser materials processing
A transporting system, for laser processing a workpiece. The system uses a metal belt, formed of a metal material. The belt is formed into a continuously moving conveyor that has plural holes therein that are between 0.005″ in diameter and 0.025 inches in diameter, and are spaced ≦10 mm but ≧5 mm from one another. The holes are beveled in cross-section at an angle between 40 degrees and 60 degrees to form a smaller hole size at the outer surface and a larger hole size at the inner surface. A vacuum source is connected to apply vacuum to the inner surface of the belt, to each of the larger size sections of the plural holes. A vacuum source is connected to apply vacuum to the inner surface of the belt, to each of the plural holes. A laser system, directs its output beam towards a laser processing area in an area of the belt on the outer surface to process the workpiece. |
| US09688473B2 |
Conveying systems and methods of use
The present invention provides an improved conveyor system that provides for a magnetically driven conveyor system in which a sidewall of the conveyor may have minimal or no perforations therein for connecting rollers or other conveying structures in the conveyor bed to an external driving mechanism. The conveyor system may also provide gapless or nearly gapless roller bed that prevents or reduces the accumulation of debris and contaminants in and between the hardware of the conveyor bed. The system of the present invention may provide a more efficient and sanitary conveyor system for produce washing or other food processing application that requires less maintenance. |
| US09688469B2 |
Modified cargo container for delivery of proppant to a frac site
A cargo container is modified to carry a fracing proppant such as sand from a quarry or source to the frac site. Openings are cut in the top and bottom of a cargo container and hydraulically operated sliding doors are placed there under. A hopper module with the walls being inclined to approximately the angle of repose for the proppant is installed inside the cargo container. The hopper module is sealed inside the cargo container so that a proppant enters through the top opening at the quarry and flows out through the bottom opening at the fracing site. |
| US09688465B2 |
Beverage capsule and process and system for making same
A beverage capsule is provided for use in a beverage preparing machine. A system and process for making the beverage capsule is also provided. The beverage capsule includes a body defining an interior space having an opening. A filter is disposed in the body to define an ingredients chamber and an extraction chamber. The filter has an air flow permeability of at least 400 L/s·m2. Ingredients are disposed in the ingredients chamber and a cover is dispensed over the opening to seal the interior space. The filter includes a vent region between the top surface of the ingredients and the bottom surface of cover for venting gas through said filter between said ingredients chamber and said extraction chamber. An alternate embodiment includes air flow channels defined in a side wall of body. |
| US09688464B2 |
Breathable container for fruits and vegetables
The Breathable Container for fruits and vegetables extends the shelf life of various fresh fruits and vegetables and vase life of fresh cut flowers by changing the atmosphere in which these living products are stored and respires. The Breathable Container does this by utilizing a Gas Permeable Non-Woven Fabric Based Film. The high oxygen and carbon dioxide permeability of the Gas Permeable Non-Woven Fabric Based Film establishes an ideal atmosphere for the perishable items stored within the Breathable Container, and therefore extends their shelf life. The establishment of lower oxygen and carbon dioxide atmospheres within the Breathable Container using the Gas Permeable Film, also leads to a reduction in the respiration rate of the perishable items stored. The reduction in the respiration rate of the perishable items prevents loss of moisture, production of metabolic heat, yellowing, browning, and reduces the production levels of ethylene by the perishable items. |
| US09688463B2 |
Fuel cell package and method of packing and unpacking fuel cell components
A package for transporting fuel cell components is provided. The package includes a carton and one or more boxes configured to be placed in the carton. The package also includes one or more boxes configured to be placed in the carton. The package also includes one or more top inserts configured to be inserted into the boxes, each top insert including a top portion and at least one side portion. The package also includes a plurality of interleaves configured to be placed alternately with the fuel cell components in a stack within each box, wherein each top insert is configured to be inserted into one of the boxes to substantially enclose the stack. The package further includes a plurality of springs, wherein each box includes at least one spring configured to be located at least one of a top end and a bottom end of the stack. |
| US09688462B2 |
Egg stacking device
An egg holder is provided. The egg holder has a top portion including an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface may include a first vertical connector. The egg holder may further include at least one sidewall protruding from the lower surface of the top portion. The sidewall may include a second vertical connector. The second vertical connector may mate and releasably connect with the first vertical connector of a different egg holder. The present invention further includes a cup extending downward and formed to secure an egg within. A plurality of egg holders may be stacked vertically relative to one another using the first and second vertical connectors. |
| US09688461B2 |
Ambient cure pigmented or clear top coat non-isocyanate system
A spray system for formulating an ambient curable clear coat product includes a first container containing a mixture of a polymer with primary hydroxyl functionality and an amino crosslinker with alkoxymethyl functionality and a propellant and a second container containing a catalyst formulated to initiate a polymerization reaction of the polymer and crosslinker when added to the first container. The system also includes a charging device configured to transfer the catalyst from the second container to the first container. |
| US09688451B2 |
Composite closure with seal indicating panel
A composite closure including a panel and an outer portion defining a recess into which the panel is received. The composite closure may be coupled with a container. The panel deflects downward toward the container when the composite closure is sealed with the container and the interior of the container is under vacuum. |
| US09688449B2 |
Gas barrier film
A gas barrier film includes a base film including a plastic material, and one or more gas barrier layers formed on the base film. The gas barrier layer includes an inorganic layered mineral and a resin component interposed between layers of the inorganic layered mineral. The gas barrier film shows an X-ray diffraction spectrum having a first peak top and a second peak top when measured at 25° C. and 65% RH using CuKα rays, the first peak top is derived from a first interlayer distance between adjacent layers of the inorganic layered mineral, the second peak top is derived from a second interlayer distance which is greater than the first interlayer distance by interposition of the resin component between layers of the inorganic layered mineral, and the second peak top is present at a position lower than a position of the first peak top in a 2θ axis. |
| US09688447B2 |
Pouch with child proof fitment
A flexible pouch having a fitment with a neck having a large diameter and child safety cap is provided. The pouch is configured to hold a product not fit for human consumption, such a detergent. The large diameter neck makes the neck difficult to grip by a child so as to make it difficult for a child to manipulate the safety cap. Further, the child safety cap makes accessing the contents difficult for a child. |
| US09688441B2 |
Side-gusset bag and method of making same
A side-gusset bag has front and back face panels each having two longitudinally extending side edges. Two folded side panels are each joined to the face panels at the side edges and each having a center longitudinally extending crease between the respective side edges. A handle assembly consists of a pair of substantially identical handle halves each formed by two longitudinally spaced ends fixed to one of the side folds to a respective side of the crease thereof and a middle section extending between the respective ends and formed unitarily therewith of plastic film. The middle sections are transversely spaced and form an open longitudinally extending gap at least 2 mm wide and aligned with the respective crease. The middle sections extend transversely over less than 80% of a transverse width of the one side fold and have outer edges space at least 5 mm from the respective side edges. |
| US09688436B2 |
Glass roving package
A glass roving package 200 is provided which has a simple configuration which can prevent shifting and collapse of the glass roving package 200 during transportation of the package, and for which it is easier to package glass rovings 100 and unpack, and the cost of the glass roving package 200 can be reduced. The glass roving package 200 includes groups of glass rovings 100 stacked on top of each other on a base board 20, the glass rovings 100 in each group being arranged, and a wrapping material wrapped around an outer circumferential portion of the groups of glass rovings 100. A displacement prevention sheet 10 is interposed between a lower group of glass rovings 100 and an upper group of glass rovings 100 in order to prevent the upper group of glass rovings 100 from being displaced during transportation of the package. |
| US09688432B2 |
Stuffing machine for food products
A stuffing machine for food products, comprising a framework that supports at least one die, provided with a recess designed to receive a product to be stuffed, and pusher means adapted to translate the product to be stuffed, formed in the die, through a stuffing tube; at least one conveyor is also provided which is adapted to move the die along at least one forward path from at least one loading position, in which the die is adapted to receive the product to be stuffed, to a working position, in which the die is substantially at a region of action of the pusher means, and along at least one return path from the working position to the loading position; the conveyor is adapted to keep the die with the concavity of its recess directed upwardly along the forward path and along the return path. |
| US09688430B2 |
Equipment for continuously feeding boxes or containers stacked in a flat tubular configuration to a packaging machine which also operates continuously
Equipment for feeding containers to a packaging machine comprising a magazine containing stacked containers. The equipment comprising a carousel device for collecting and inserting the containers into a conveyor. The magazine is positioned with its lower end slightly above that of the conveyor and suitably upstream thereof, in that a carousel device, rotating about a horizontal axis orthogonal to the direction of continuous advance of the upper run of the conveyor of the packaging machine, is located under the magazine and upstream of the conveyor, in that this carousel device comprises a plurality of suction cup units positioned in a way determined by interaction with cams, and in that the units are designed to grip the container and draw it from the base of the store by gripping the base wall by means of which these units subsequently deposit the container in a dynamic way on to the conveyor. |
| US09688429B2 |
Leaf bag compressing adapter device and method of using
An adapter device for suctioning air out of plastic bags of a type typically used for containing fallen leaves and other yard waste for disposal comprises a screen that surrounds a space that is connectable in fluid flow relation with the suction end of the vacuum hose, a shield positioned around the screen that is capable of preventing a plastic bag from being sucked by vacuum to the screen. The mouth of the shield is sized for blocking leaves or other yard waste matted in the bag from being sucked to the screen while allowing air in the bag to flow to the screen. |
| US09688428B2 |
Stretch wrapping machine structure
A stretch wrapping machine structure contains: a rotary disc including a column on which a guide way is arranged; an abutting plate including a rotating stem and a pushing portion adjacent to the rotating stem; a hot pressing sheet including a cutter seat, a driven bar, and a press segment; a holder including a V-shaped cross section and formed in a plate shape, the holder also including an actuation member, an actuating post, an operating segment, and a third cylinder; a biasing rod including a driving peg and a push segment; a controlling unit secured on a predetermined position of one side of the column; an air blowing unit located at a predetermined position of the holder. Thereby, an object is held on the rotary disc and is packed by a plastic film quickly and easily. |
| US09688427B2 |
Method of hot-filling a plastic container having vertically folding vacuum panels
A semi-rigid collapsible container has a side-wall with an upper portion, a central portion, a lower portion and a base. The central portion includes a vacuum panel portion having a control portion and an initiator portion. The control portion is inclined more steeply in a vertical direction, i.e. has a more acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the container, than the initiator portion. On low vacuum force being present within the container panel following the cooling of a hot liquid in the container the initiator portion will flex inwardly to cause the control portion to invert and flex further inwardly into the container and the central portion to collapse. Raised ribs provide an additional support for the container in its collapsed state. In another embodiment the telescoping of the container back to its original position occurs when the vacuum force is released following removal of the container cap. |
| US09688424B2 |
Filling system for filling in powder and method for filling in powder
A filling system for filling powder into a target container to be sealed has a metering device for metering a partial quantity of the powder to be filled in. A compaction element for the powder is arranged below the metering device. The compaction element can be lowered from above into the target container. The compaction element is a shaking element with a shaking drive. During filling of the target container with the powder, the shaking element at least partially projects from above into the target container. The shaking element has a bottom edge provided with a shaking projection, wherein the shaking projection, beginning at the bottom edge, extends downwardly. During filling of the target container with the powder, only the shaking projection of the shaking element projects from above into the target container and the shaking element as a whole does not contact the target container. |
| US09688423B2 |
System and method for distributing and stacking bags of ice
A system and method according to which ice is automatically disposed in respective bags and the bags of ice are distributed and stacked within a temperature-controlled storage unit, such as an ice merchandiser. |
| US09688418B2 |
Method for determining a state of a component in a high lift system of an aircraft, high lift system of an aircraft, and aircraft having such a high lift system
A method for determining a state of a component in a high lift system of an aircraft is proposed, the high lift system comprising a central power control unit for providing rotational power by means of a transmission shaft; and drive stations coupled with the power control unit and movable high lift surfaces. |
| US09688416B2 |
System and method for isolating attitude failures in aircraft
Systems and methods for isolating attitude failures are provided. In one embodiment, an attitude integrity and display system comprises a display system comprising a primary system displaying a first attitude solution and a standby system displaying a second attitude solution; an attitude integrity system generating an attitude integrity (AI) solution calculated from measurements from an attitude solution data source, the AI solution comprising an aircraft roll and pitch, the data source providing data independent from any data generated by inertial sensor flight instruments and not displayed on either the primary or the standby systems; and an attitude monitor that compares the first solution against the second solution. When the first solution deviates from the second solution by more than a threshold, the monitor identifies on the display system which of either the first or the second solution is failed based on which has a greater deviation from the AI solution. |
| US09688415B2 |
Aircraft hybrid fuel system
An aircraft hybrid fuel system includes a main tank and a set of flexible bladders, the main tank and the set of flexible bladders defining a fuel containment space. The system further includes a set of pathways coupling the set of flexible bladders to the main tank. The set of pathways is constructed and arranged to vent gas out of the set of flexible bladders into the main tank while fuel from a fuel source is provided into the fuel containment space defined by the main tank and the set of flexible bladders. Along these lines, each flexible bladder can be provisioned with a fuel port to provide fuel, and a separate vent port to vent gas to the main tank. |
| US09688408B2 |
Passenger seat for a means of transportation
A passenger seat for a means of transportation is provided, which comprises a seat frame with a top side, which top side is configured for supporting a seat pan with a seat cushion for providing a seating area for a passenger, and a bottom side opposing the top side. The passenger seat further comprises a stowage cavity arranged between the top side and the bottom side of the seat frame. The seat frame further comprises a first beam and a second beam, both beams being arranged parallel to each other and parallel to a transversal axis of the passenger seat. The top side of the seat frame provides an access to the stowage cavity such that a stowage compartment, which is configured to accommodate an item of luggage, is insertable into the stowage cavity through the access. |
| US09688406B2 |
Interior component for a vehicle with a modular passenger service unit
An interior component for an interior room of an aircraft is provided. The interior component includes a body having a first surface and a second surface and a multitude of functional modules which form a passenger service unit. The second surface is arranged opposite to the first surface and comprises a recess. The multitude of functional modules are arranged one after another in the recess in the longitudinal direction of the interior component, such that a first front surface of the functional module arranged frontally in the longitudinal direction closes flush with a first front surface of the body. |
| US09688399B1 |
Remotely operated surveillance vehicle management system and method with a fail-safe function
A system for providing the general public with simplified access to aerial surveillance. The system software initially functions as a viewer, but also provides a path to increase a participant's control. The software architecture is structured to accommodate multiple users simultaneously and minimizes operational down-time by organizing participants into a standby queuing system. The system also provides a step-by-step operator-pilot progression, with built in training and certification modules, to train and qualify a participant for higher levels of control. This progression starts by allowing a participant to remotely track the flight path of a surveillance aircraft, then view its camera feed, operate the camera, and eventually pilot the aircraft. The system in applicable whether the aircraft is manned or unmanned, and incorporates an interrupt mechanism to mitigate undesirable mission parameters. In some configurations, the invention's integral fail-safe mechanism optimizes operational compatibility with restrictive civil airspace providing even broader access. The software supports an organizational structure for promotions, accounting and user-queuing. This structure is driven by financial incentives which leverage social media, banner advertising, and streaming video for live public viewing, while incorporating natural safeguards against misuse. |
| US09688398B2 |
Long endurance vertical takeoff and landing aircraft
An aircraft for use in fixed wing flight mode and rotor flight mode is provided. The aircraft can include a fuselage, wings, and a plurality of engines. The fuselage can comprise a wing attachment region further comprising a rotating support. A rotating section can comprise a rotating support and the wings, with a plurality of engines attached to the rotating section. In a rotor flight mode, the rotating section can rotate around a longitudinal axis of the fuselage providing lift for the aircraft similar to the rotor of a helicopter. In a fixed wing flight mode, the rotating section does not rotate around a longitudinal axis of the fuselage, providing lift for the aircraft similar to a conventional airplane. The same engines that provide torque to power the rotor in rotor flight mode also power the aircraft in fixed wing flight mode. |
| US09688394B2 |
Roller-based drive systems with compliance for accommodating non-conjugate meshing
A gearbox for driving a sprocket includes a gear train and an output shaft assembly positioned between the gear train and a power output end of the gearbox. The output shaft assembly includes, a first shaft segment extending to the power output a second shaft segment coupled to the gear train and a torsion spring interposed between the first shaft segment and the second shaft segment. Upon non-conjugate meshing of the sprocket, the torsion spring expands and contracts so that the angular velocity of the second shaft segment differs from the angular velocity of the first shaft segment. |
| US09688392B2 |
Thrust management and interface for aircraft taxi operations
An aircraft electric taxi drive system may provide electric taxiing of an aircraft by integrating control of an electric drive and an engine during the taxi phase of a flight plan. In some embodiments, the engine may provide supplemental drive to the aircraft's wheels during electric taxiing. The engine may be maintained on while the electric drive provides the main driving force to the wheels. A controller may determine the criteria to operate the engine as the electric drive taxis the aircraft to achieve a target ground speed. In some embodiments, a pilot interface may integrate control of the electric drive and the engine into a single throttle control providing the pilot an intuitive and singular point to throttle the aircraft without having to decide which taxi source is providing the taxi driving force. |
| US09688391B2 |
Axle sleeve
The present disclosure describes an axle sleeve. The axle sleeve may be insertable over a portion of an axle, such as a mid-journal surface between an inner journal and an outer journal of the axle, to protect the mid-journal surface of the axle from damage. The axle sleeve may have a main body with an expansion mechanism, such as an axial cutout arrangement or a helical cutout arrangement. The expansion mechanism may allow the axle sleeve to expand diametrically to pass over a journal and to contract to seat on a mid-journal surface. An axial cutout arrangement may include cutout(s) extending from an end of the axle sleeve parallel to the central axis of the axle sleeve. A helical cutout arrangement may include cutout(s) extending from an end of the axle sleeve along a spiral path. |
| US09688389B2 |
Systems and methods for landing identification
Systems and methods disclosed herein may be useful for use in landing identification. In this regard, a method is provided comprising receiving pulse information over a first time period, wherein the pulse information is indicative of an angular distance traveled by a first wheel, comparing the pulse information to a threshold value, and determining a likelihood of a landing event based upon the comparison. In various embodiments, a system is provided comprising a monstable multivibrator in electrical communication with a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), a resistor-capacitor network in electrical communication with the MOSFET, and a comparator that receives a voltage from the resistor-capacitor network and a reference voltage. |
| US09688386B2 |
High-positioned 2-position variable camber Krueger
A variable camber Krueger flap deployment linkage mechanism is presented. A first linkage assembly couples a flap assembly and an airfoil, and comprising a first drive arm, a first drive link, and a support arm. A second linkage assembly couples the flap assembly and the first drive arm, and comprises a drive transfer arm, a middle connection segment, and a bullnose link. |
| US09688384B1 |
Methods and apparatus to control a gap between movable aircraft wing components
Methods and apparatus to control a gap between movable aircraft wing components are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a body having a trailing edge and a leading edge. The leading edge is to be coupled to an aircraft wing. The trailing edge is to engage a flap of the aircraft wing. The body includes a structure located between the trailing edge and the leading edge. The structure is to engage the flap to maintain a distance between the body and the flap. |
| US09688381B2 |
Subfloor structure with an integral hull for a rotary wing aircraft
The invention relates to a subfloor structure with an integral hull, for a rotary wing aircraft. The subfloor structure comprises an integral subfloor hull that defines in one piece, upward web portions acting as longerons and a bottom central portion offering both load bearing capabilities and aerodynamical loft features. The subfloor structure is useful for rotary wing aircrafts such as helicopters, and is e.g. made of composite and/or light alloy such as aluminum. |
| US09688380B2 |
Window module for an aircraft or spacecraft
The present disclosure pertains to a window module for an aircraft or spacecraft, including a window frame which comprises, at least in portions, a current-generating element for generating an electric current. |
| US09688374B2 |
Boat maneuvering system
A boat maneuvering system includes a power source, a first operating device configured to operate the power source, a first controller configured to control the power source, a second controller configured to accept an operation instruction input from the first operating device and to output a control signal to the first controller, a first electric power line that connects the power source to a battery to convey electric power therebetween, a second electric power line that connects the second controller to the battery to convey electric power therebetween, a communication path that connects the first controller and the second controller to convey a signal therebetween, and a signal conversion portion provided on the communication path to electrically separate the first and second controllers. |
| US09688373B2 |
Watercraft equipped with a wave-powered electricity generating system and a deployable tow buoy
This disclosure provides improved nautical craft that can travel and navigate on their own. A hybrid vessel is described that converts wave motion to locomotive thrust by mechanical means, and also converts wave motion to electrical power for storage in a battery. The electrical power can then be tapped to provide locomotive power during periods where wave motion is inadequate and during deployment. The electrical power can also be tapped to even out the undulating thrust that is created when locomotion of the vessel is powered by wave motion alone. |
| US09688365B2 |
Fin plug for water craft
A fin plug (10) for installation in a water craft, said fin plug (10) including: a first open cavity (20) adapted to receive a base portion (15) of a water craft fin (50); and, a resilient biasing rod (30) and a protruding member (35) cooperating with the biasing rod, said protruding member being adapted to abut the base portion (15) of said fin (50) when received in said first open cavity (20); wherein said biasing rod and protruding member are adapted to apply a force to the base portion of said fin to inhibit removal of said fin from said first open cavity. |
| US09688357B1 |
Foldable boat
A foldable boat includes a boat hull, left and right wing members, two forward buoyant bodies, and two rearward buoyant bodies. When the foldable boat is in a folded position, flat bodies of the left and right wing members are substantially perpendicular to a bottom wall of the boat hull, and the forward and rearward buoyant bodies can be packed in an accommodation space of the boat hull. When the foldable boat is in an unfolded position, the flat bodies are substantially parallel to the bottom wall, and each of the forward buoyant bodies and a corresponding one the rearward buoyant bodies are fastened to a corresponding one of the left and right wing members so as to provide a buoyant force to the boat hull. |
| US09688356B2 |
Three stage watercraft
A three stage watercraft for operation in the water as a traditional boat at low speeds in stage one, for operation on the water's surface at mid-range speeds at stage two, and for traveling in ground effect at higher range speeds is disclosed. The three stage craft includes a hydro-wing 12, either at least a single hydrofoil 13 or gyration rotor 14 to aid with lift from stage one to stage two, and a pair of outboard floats or hydro-floats 16a, 16b supported by the hydro-wing 12, which are also designed to aid with lift from stage one to stage two. |
| US09688355B2 |
Pivotable wheel assembly for snowmobile ski
The present invention provides a retractable wheel system for snowmobile skis. The retractable wheel system of the present invention may be installed on a snowmobile ski without affecting its structural integrity by installing the system on the reinforced portion of the snowmobile ski. When a user circulates in a path with little or no snow, the retractable wheel system is positioned in the extended configuration by the user and the system will automatically return to the retracted configuration when the user returns in a snowy zone. This is realized by using a pre-tensioned spring that will reposition the wheel in the retracted configuration. The spring transmits a rotational movement to the member on which the wheel is fixed. |
| US09688353B2 |
Snowmobile
A snowmobile includes a transmission unit that transmits a driving force generated by an engine to the ground surface, in which ground touching portions of the transmission unit that are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction receive reaction forces mutually different in magnitude from the ground surface; a suspension that supports the transmission unit so as to swing in the up-down direction; and a vehicle body vibration control damper extending between a first portion and a second portion that are spaced apart from each other of the vehicle body frame and a member fixed to the vehicle body frame, the vehicle body vibration control damper generating a damping force against variations that change the distance between the first portion and the second portion. |
| US09688349B2 |
Bicycle transmission
A chainless drive mechanism for a bicycle using pedal arms, one on each side of the bicycle, each pedal arm carrying a pedal engageable with a rider's foot. Each pedal arm is mounted to a crank by a rotating joint and connected to the frame of the bicycle by a link, each link having rotating joints at each end. The cranks are connected by a shaft passing through the hub of to the driven wheel of the bicycle. The cranks may be connected to the driven wheel by a multi ratio free wheeling gear mechanism. |
| US09688348B2 |
Hydraulic hose fitting and hydraulic device
A hydraulic hose fitting is basically provided with a first connection portion and a second connection portion. The first connection portion is configured to be attached a hydraulic device. The first connection portion has a first fluid passageway with a first center longitudinal axis and a fastener structure including one of a fastener receiving hole and an attachment stud that has a second center longitudinal axis that is non-perpendicular and non-coaxial with the first center longitudinal axis. The second connection portion is configured to be attached to a hydraulic hose. The second connection portion has a second fluid passageway fluidly communicating with the first fluid passageway. |
| US09688341B2 |
Cardboard-based unit
The present disclosure provides a cardboard-based unit, structural elements comprising said unit and land-vehicles comprising said units and structural elements. |
| US09688339B2 |
Vehicle provided with leaning-capable vehicle-body frame and two front wheels
A vehicle includes a restrictor that prevents movement of a brake controlling operation transmission member and is provided at an upper portion of at least one of an upper cross portion, a right side portion, and a left side portion. The brake controlling operation transmission member includes a leaning-associated deforming portion that is located between a brake controller and the restrictor to deform in response to the leaning of a body frame and a wheel-turning-associated deforming portion at least a portion of which is located between the leaning-associated deforming portion and a brake device to deform in response to the turning of a right front wheel and a left front wheel. |
| US09688337B2 |
Bike chain cleaning tool
A no hands bike chain cleaning tool to clean the chain of a bicycle that is driven through the cleaning tool in response to a rotation of the bicycle pedals. The cleaning tool has a hook projecting from the rear thereof to engage the drop down arm of the rear derailleur of the bicycle and thereby prevent a displacement of the cleaning tool away from the rear derailleur when the pedals are rotated in a first direction. The rear of the cleaning tool has an inwardly extending depression to receive therewithin an edge of the drop down arm and thereby block the cleaning tool from moving into the rear gear wheel when the pedals are rotated in an opposite direction. The cleaning tool has a top cover and a bottom tray that are detachably connected to one another by the actuation of a push-button so as to surround the bicycle chain to be cleaned. |
| US09688336B2 |
Protective detachable cabin for electric scooter
A cabin specifically designed for people disabled with different dexterities: The cabin has several universal manufacturing systems comprising a chassis consisting of pipes being covered by a system of individual panels of transparent flexible vinyl, the panels being individually attached around the pipes of the frame with different and distinct fastening systems, and the system has two sliding door panels of transparent flexible vinyl comprising a magnet closure system, two different systems of distinct elements of the scooter having welded perforated adapters on top of their elements fixed to the scooter, two different systems of narrow slats installed on scooter floor, two different systems forming the rear lower part of the scooter, and the system of supported pipes of chassis is fixed to the roof system, the removable panels from the supporter pipes of chassis being system for converting cabin roof to canopy. |
| US09688334B2 |
Chain guard system lock nut
The present application describes a chain guard system lock nut comprising an electric motor (7) wherein the sprocket rotates at an angular speed different from the crank speed (2). The present application discloses a bike chain guard system lock nut designed to protect the clothing of the user from fouling or being caught between the chain and the sprocket, thereby avoiding accidents, but also, and by means of the chain guard (4), avoiding the chain from releasing from the sprocket in the bottom bracket (8). This lock nut is assembled together with the sprocket directly on the bottom bracket. |
| US09688333B2 |
Direction indicate lamp for bicycle with multi-function
Provided is a multi-functional turn signal lamp for a bicycle that can be used in a state of being fixed or being detachably attached to an end portion of a handle bar of the bicycle, can perform a turn indicator function, a front lighting function or a brake signaling function via LEDs mounted at the end portion of the handle bar and can enable a user to listen to music via a speaker using the power of a battery upon inserting a portable repository. Also, the present invention can enable a turn indicator lamp composed of an LED part (6) to be operated, or a brake lamp function to be performed by selectively pushing each key of a key part (4) and can enable a module (22) to be separated from a grip part (37), and the grip part (37) to be tightly fixed to the handle bar (50). |
| US09688331B1 |
Bicycle adjustable seat post assembly
A bicycle seat post assembly includes first and second tubes, which are telescopically arranged, a fluid chamber, which includes a compressible fluid to generate a force to expand the first and second tubes relative to each other, and a positioning structure. The positioning structure includes a support member on one of the first tube and the second tube, a positioning member that pivots about an axis between a first position and a second position, a control unit, which is connected to the positioning member to move the positioning member between the first position and the second position, and a position maintaining member, which is provided on the other of the first tube and the second tube. The position maintaining member includes an engaging portion that engages with the positioning member to maintain a positional relationship between the first and second tubes. |
| US09688324B2 |
Drive sprocket for a tracked vehicle
A drive sprocket for driving a track of a tracked vehicle is provided. The drive sprocket includes an interior ring, an exterior ring, and an intermediate ring situated between the interior ring and the exterior ring. The interior ring, exterior ring, and intermediate ring are oriented in a substantially spaced-apart manner, each of the rings have an outer peripheral surface. A plurality of rods is attached to the rings adjacent to the outer peripheral surface thereof. The interior, exterior, and intermediate rings have a substantially “U” or “J” shape. |
| US09688320B2 |
Side skirt system for a trailer
An aerodynamic skirt system for reducing drag on a trailer includes a first side skirt wall and a second side skirt wall each configured to be coupled to one side of the trailer to extend generally below a storage container of the trailer at least partially along a length of the trailer. The first side skirt wall defines a first length and the second side skirt wall defines a second length smaller than the first length. The second side skirt wall is positioned generally rearward of the first side skirt wall and is side skirt wall is angled relative to the side wall of the trailer. |
| US09688318B1 |
Axle suspension mounting system
An auxiliary axle or lift axle is pivotally mounted to the frame of a vehicle for selectively providing additional flotation for the vehicle. A pair of frame brackets are secured to the frame members of the vehicle and have horizontally disposed mounting plates adjacent to the lower ends thereof. A bracket member extends downwardly from one end of the mounting plate and has a pair of spaced-apart slots formed therein. A bracket member also extends downwardly from the other end of the frame bracket and has a pair of spaced-apart first and second slots formed therein. The hanger brackets are adjustably secured to the bracket members to permit the axle assembly to be mounted on frame members having varying distances therebetween and having varying frame thicknesses. The novel method of securing the hanger brackets to the frame brackets is also disclosed. |
| US09688311B2 |
Vehicle body front portion structure
At a vehicle, rockers and torque boxes are connected, from a front side, to first connecting portions of spacers. Joined portions of the rockers and the torque boxes are reinforced, and a front wheel directly hitting the joined portion at a time of a collision is suppressed. Separation of a joined portion of a front pillar and a dash panel, whose origin is separation of the previously-mentioned joined portion, can be suppressed. Front portions of the spacers are disposed further toward a front side than the joined portions of the front pillars and the dash panel. Therefore, the front wheel first hits the spacer, and collision load is transmitted to the rocker and the torque box, and thus, input of an excessive collision load to the dash panel is suppressed. Because the first connecting portions extend in a vehicle transverse direction, the spacers becoming large can be suppressed. |
| US09688310B2 |
Automobile front pillar lower structure
Deformation of a vehicle compartment is suppressed at the time of a small overlap collision.A front pillar lower structure (10) includes a gusset (50) joined to a lower end portion of a pillar reinforcement (41). In the gusset (50), a front wall (50B) and a lower wall (50C) extend from a side wall (50A) located on the outer side in a vehicle width direction of a rocker reinforcement. The front wall (50B) covers the rocker reinforcement (29) from the vehicle front side, while the lower wall (50C) extends toward the vehicle rear side from a lower end of the front wall (50B) and is joined to a lower surface of the rocker reinforcement (29). Since the strength of a joint portion (51) between the pillar reinforcement (41) and the rocker reinforcement (29) can be improved by the gusset (50), it is possible to prevent or suppress breakage of the joint portion (51) at the time of a small overlap collision so that deformation of a vehicle compartment (21) due to such breakage can be suppressed. |
| US09688306B2 |
Electronic path entering for autonomous or semi-autonomous trailer backing
A method of controlling a backing system for a vehicle and trailer assembly comprises initiating a path input mode on an electronic input device associated with an electronic control unit in the vehicle. An intended backing path is input into the electronic control unit by defining the intended backing path with an input control mechanism for the electronic input device. The path input mode on the electronic input device is ended. |
| US09688305B2 |
Tiltable motorcycles with two front steering wheels
Motorcycles are provided which include a frame, two front steering wheels, a steering pipe rotatably connected to the frame and rigidly connected to two supporting assemblies, one for each front steering wheel and a steering group consisting of two pairs of transversal arms—upper front, lower front, upper rear and lower rear—arranged inverted at the opposite sides of a central steering pipe and laterally connected through two lateral posts. On each of the supporting assemblies the fixed portions of two telescopic elements may be constrained. Each pair of telescopic elements may be cantilever-mounted with respect to the steering wheel. |
| US09688302B2 |
In-vehicle electronic control apparatus
There is provided an in-vehicle electronic control apparatus suitable for enhancing a robust characteristic of a failure diagnosis process performed for a functional part having a function relating to a drive-control of an actuator. A functional part (120) relating to the drive-control of an electric motor (12) includes a main functional part (120a) and an alternative functional part (120b) that is an alternative of the main functional part. |
| US09688300B2 |
Method for manufacturing steering device
According to an aspect, a steering device includes: an outer shaft disposed around a center axis and includes an inner space with a spline hole portion; and an inner shaft that includes a spline shaft portion including a surface disposed around the center axis, at least a part of the inner shaft being disposed in the inner space. The spline shaft portion includes a first spline shaft portion including a first surface formed of synthetic resin and includes a second spline shaft portion including a second surface formed of metal. A distance between the center axis and the second surface is smaller than a distance between the center axis and the first surface. The spline hole portion and the first spline shaft portion are spline-fitted to each other, and the outer shaft and the inner shaft are relatively movable in the axial direction. |
| US09688299B2 |
Infant carrier holder
An infant carrier holder has a floor with a ramp and sidewalls and is mounted to a shopping cart. The ramp and sidewalls can contribute to stably supporting an infant carrier. The holder serves as a mechanical interface between an infant carrier, which can be received in the holder, and the shopping cart. The holder can be concavely shaped to assist in shopping cart nesting in addition to supporting a received infant carrier at a desired angle. The holder can be adjustably mounted to a gate or a basket of the shopping cart and may/may not interfere with nesting operations. The holder permits an infant carrier to be supported on a shopping cart without using a significant amount of shopping cart space or interfering with nesting operations. |
| US09688293B2 |
Method and device for steering truck of railway vehicle, and truck
The object is to solve the issue of an over-steered state at an exit straight portion in addition to enhance a curve passage performance than when a steering angle of front and rear axles is set at a radial steering angle. A steering method for a steering device intentionally turns two axles (12a, 12b) of a truck (12) of a railway vehicle relative to a frame of the truck. The two axles are arranged at front and rear of the truck with respect to a direction of running of the railway vehicle. The steering method includes steering the axles such that a steering angle (α1) of the front axle (12a) is larger than a steering angle (α2) of the rear axle (12b). |
| US09688291B1 |
Safety gate for rail car
An expandable safety gate for a vehicle door opening comprising a first substantially rectangular frame and a second substantially rectangular frame slidingly engaged in the first frame such that the two frames are positioned in the same vertical plane, the second frame being extendable from the first frame to fit within the door opening; and locking mechanisms to secure the second frame in its extended position within the vehicle door opening, wherein safety gate is comprised of non-conductive material. |
| US09688285B2 |
Vehicle travel device and vehicle travel control method
A travel control device (1) provided to a vehicle travel device (100) performs correction calculation of the rate of change of a requested acceleration using a relatively small value when the rate of change of the requested acceleration obtained from an angle sensor (2) is small, and performs correction calculation of the rate of change of the requested acceleration using a relatively large value when the rate of change of the requested acceleration obtained from the angle sensor (2) is large. |
| US09688282B2 |
Driver risk assessment system and method employing automated driver log
A Driver Risk Assessment System and Method Employing Automated Driver Log. The system and method provides robust and reliable event scoring and reporting, while also optimizing data transmission bandwidth. The system includes onboard vehicular driving event detectors that record data related to detected driving events, vehicle condition and/or tasking, roadway environmental conditions, selectively store or transfer data related to said detected driving events. If elected, the onboard vehicular system will “score” a detected driving event, compare the local score to historical values previously stored within the onboard system, and upload selective data or data types if the system concludes that a serious driving event has occurred. The system may respond to independent user requests by transferring select data to said user at a variety of locations and formats. Furthermore, by tracking driver identity and other environmental factors, the system may be configured to generate a driver score, a driver log, and a dispatch log. The driver score can be normalized by consideration of environmental factors related to the strenuousness of the driver's driving or the driving challenges experienced by the driver during his or her driving trip. |
| US09688281B2 |
Proactive autocomplete of a user's in-vehicle operations
The disclosure includes a method for autocompleting an in-vehicle operation that includes monitoring sensors for sensor data. The method includes determining an occurrence of an initial vehicle operation performed by a user based on the sensor data. The method includes determining a vehicle task from a digitally stored dataset based on the initial vehicle operation. The method includes determining a next vehicle operation to autocomplete based on the vehicle task. The method includes autocompleting the next vehicle operation. The method includes determining whether the vehicle task is complete. |
| US09688279B2 |
Vehicle traction control method, system, controller and vehicle with such a system
A vehicle control strategy provides for automatically controlled movement from rest with deliberate wheel slip to maximize thrust. Different wheel slip conditions are provided for different terrain types. Wheel slip may be progressively reduced as the vehicle reaches a steady state speed. The strategy may also be implemented to maintain vehicle progress on low friction surfaces. The vehicle driver may be commanded to vary a control input, such as accelerator pedal position. |
| US09688277B2 |
Control system for vehicle
If a predicted compression-time in-cylinder temperature Tp having a positive correlation with the intensity of predicted pre-ignition is equal to or higher than a pre-ignition threshold value Tig when a request for automatic start is made, a forward/reverse switching mechanism is placed in a released state, and an engine is automatically started. If the predicted compression-time in-cylinder temperature Tp is lower than the pre-ignition threshold value Tig, the forward/reverse switching mechanism is placed in an engaged state, and the engine is automatically started. |
| US09688267B2 |
Control device for vehicle driving device
A control device for controlling a vehicle driving device provided with a transmission apparatus including a plurality of engagement devices in a power transmission path between a driving force source and a wheel and selectively forming a plurality of transmission shift stages having different transmission shift ratios depending on engagement states of the plurality of engagement devices. |
| US09688266B2 |
Torque-generating system and method with improved power domain-based control at zero speed
A torque-generating system includes one or more torque-generating devices, a transmission having an output member, and a controller. The controller executes a method to control an operation of the system when the output member is operating at zero output speed. The controller is programmed to determine a torque request level and an actual speed of the output member, and an effective speed of the output member, as a calibrated non-zero value, using the torque request level when the determined actual speed is zero. The controller calculates an effective power of the powertrain using the effective speed and torque request level. A control action is executed with respect to the powertrain using the calculated effective power, including transmitting powertrain control signals to the torque-generating device(s) to select an appropriate powertrain operating mode. |
| US09688264B2 |
Regenerative differential powertrain with vibration absorption and isolation
A vehicular system includes a crankshaft, a drive shaft, a plurality of electromagnetic machines mechanically coupling the crankshaft to the drive shaft, a power controller electrically coupled to the plurality of electromagnetic machines and configured to control current and/or voltage provided to, or received from, each electromagnetic machine of the plurality of electromagnetic machines, a supervisory controller communicatively coupled with the power controller and configured to establish an operational mode for the power controller, and a storage device electrically coupled to the power controller to store energy captured by the power controller. |
| US09688255B2 |
Using an accelerometer to detect tire skid
A technique involves operating a vehicle. The technique includes receiving, by processing circuitry, an accelerometer signal from an accelerometer. The technique further includes processing, by the processing circuitry, the accelerometer signal to determine whether the vehicle is currently experiencing tire skid. The technique further includes controlling, by the processing circuitry, the vehicle based on whether the vehicle is currently experiencing tire skid. |
| US09688253B1 |
Chock deployment apparatus
A chock deployment apparatus includes a chock, a tether reel carried by the chock and a chock tether extendable from the tether reel. In typical application, the chock tether can be attached to the vehicle. The chock can be selectively wedged between a wheel of the vehicle and the surface to prevent the chocked wheel from inadvertently rolling on the surface. Alternatively, the chock can be stowed in a storage configuration when not in use. |
| US09688252B2 |
Battery swapping system and techniques
A method of exchanging an electrical energy storage system (EESS) in an electric vehicle includes: positioning an electric vehicle in x and y directions on an EESS exchange station; after positioning, raising the electric vehicle to a predetermined height using a first lift; after raising the electric vehicle, raising an EESS lift toward the electric vehicle until the EESS lift is correctly positioned relative to a first EESS; after raising the EESS lift, removing fasteners that secure a first EESS to the electric vehicle; placing an EESS conveyor underneath the EESS lift; after placing the EESS conveyor, lowering the first EESS onto the EESS conveyor using the EESS lift; after lowering the first EESS, removing the first EESS and instead placing a second EESS underneath the electric vehicle; after placing the second EESS underneath the electric vehicle, raising the second EESS toward the electric vehicle using the EESS lift until the second EESS is correctly positioned relative to the electric vehicle; after raising the second EESS, fastening the second EESS onto the electric vehicle; and after fastening the second EESS, lowering the electric vehicle using the vehicle lift. |
| US09688249B2 |
Apparatus of detecting position of rotating member and system of operating wiper
An apparatus of detecting a position of a rotating member includes a cam plate connected to the rotating member. The cam plate includes a plurality of segments that are spaced apart from each other. The plurality of segments are disposed in an annular shape. A fixed ring is disposed between the cam plate and the worm wheel. A first contact point is in contact with an interior portion of any one of the segments and maintaining a fixed state. A second contact point is formed at an external circumferential portion of any one of the segments and is in contact with the fixed ring. |
| US09688247B1 |
Method and apparatus for digital temporary vehicle key utilization
A system includes a processor configured to receive vehicle borrower contact information input from a vehicle lender. The processor is also configured to send a digital invitation to use a vehicle using the borrower contact information responsive to the input, and to receive digital confirmation responsive to the electronic invitation. The processor is also configured to establish a digital key responsive to the confirmation and wirelessly send the established digital key to the borrower and the vehicle. |
| US09688244B2 |
Autonomous vehicle theft prevention
A destination request may specify a destination location for an autonomous vehicle identified by a vehicle identifier. The request may be for uniqueness of a timestamp of the destination request. An encrypted payload of the request may be decrypted to identify the destination location using a long key associated with the vehicle identifier and indexed to a key offset determined using the timestamp. A driving command may be sent to the autonomous vehicle specifying the destination location. |
| US09688241B2 |
Pretensioner of seat belt for vehicle
A pretensioner apparatus of a seat belt may include a movement tube, a piston movably disposed inside the movement tube, a gas generator fluid-connected to the movement tube and generating a gas upon crash of the vehicle so as to inject the gas into the movement tube to move the piston in a predetermined direction, a linkage unit, a worm connected to the piston through the linkage unit, and a worm wheel engaged with the worm, wherein the worm rotates according to movement of the piston via the linkage unit when the piston moves in the predetermined direction by the gas generated by the gas generator, and wherein the worm wheel fixed to a spool rotates together with the worm to rotate the spool and a seat belt webbing connected to the spool is wound around the spool while the worm rotates according to the movement of the piston. |
| US09688240B2 |
Seat belt retractor
A seat belt retractor instantly switchable between only winding of a webbing to winding and drawing-out of the webbing. Operation member 61 moves from a non-operation position E1 to an operation position E2, and locking mechanism 9 stops rotation of a winding drum in a drawing-out direction “P”. Movement member 70 moves an arrangement member 62 to a first position F1 or a second position F2, and arrangement member 62 arranges the operation member at the non-operation position E1 or the operation position E2. Urging means 63 urges the arrangement member 62 toward the first position F1. While winding a webbing 2, a second maintaining portion 77 of the movement member 70 maintains the arrangement member 62 at the second position F2. Release portion 78 of member 70 releases the arrangement member 62 toward a first portion 74, where the member 62 is kept at the first position F1. |
| US09688231B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat includes: a seat frame; a seat cover provided with a rupture portion; an airbag disposed in the seat; a pair of webbings provided so as to surround the airbag on a back surface side of the seat cover, one end sides of the webbings being mounted to the rupture portion; and a mounting section mounting the other end sides of the webbings to the seat frame. In a vehicle collision, the airbag is protruded out of the seat by rupturing and opening the rupture portion. The mounting section is provided at a place where a body of the seat frame is disposed. When the airbag is uninflated, the mounting section holds the other ends of the webbings apart from the body of the seat frame, and an inhibition portion in the mounting section inhibits contact between an edge-shaped portion formed in the body and the webbings. |
| US09688225B2 |
Methods and systems for a mobile device to emulate a vehicle human-machine interface
A vehicle infotainment system includes a vehicle processor connected to a transceiver and programmed to transmit human-machine interface (HMI) data to a connected mobile device using websockets via the transceiver. The vehicle processor is further programmed to, in response to the connected mobile device via the transceiver, receive a message requesting HMI data being outputted at a vehicle display. The vehicle processor is further programmed to transmit the HMI data to the mobile device via websockets and receive a parameter adjustment via a remote procedure call for a parameter associated with the HMI data. |
| US09688222B2 |
Steering apparatus
A steering apparatus has a guide member (31) being received in a guide groove (25) and attached to an inner column (11), metal fittings that have conductivity, is in contact with the inner column to attach the guide member to the inner column, and an electricity-carrying plate (40) that is composed of a metal plate material having conductivity, is fixed to the inner column in contact with the metal fittings, and elastically deforms and in contact with an inside of a pair of guide walls at a predetermined contact pressure, so that a new electricity-carrying passage from a steering wheel to a vehicle body is secured. |
| US09688221B2 |
Current loop sensor interface using a terminated symmetrical physical layer
A sensor system or a sensor bus comprises a plurality of sensors coupled together by a bus to a controller for sensing physical parameters and responding to changes of the physical parameters. The bus comprises a two wire bus, with a first wire and a second wire, configured to communicate supply signals to the plurality of sensors and data communication signals generated by current modulate signals from the plurality of sensors or the controller. The plurality of sensors and the controller comprise variable current sources. The variable current sources of the sensors generate data communication signals in a first frequency range, while the variable currents sources of the controller and sensors regulate the supply signals from the bus in a different frequency range. A termination network having termination, dividers at both ends of the bus, match the load impedances and the line impedances of the bus within the first frequency range, which is about five to ten times larger than the second frequency range. |
| US09688220B2 |
Vehicle apparatus control from rear seat
Methods and systems are provided for implementing door engagement detection for a vehicle. A sensor is configured to detect information indicative of a dependent individual occupying a rear seat of the vehicle. The processor is coupled to the sensor, and is configured to prevent control of the apparatus from the rear seat when the information is detected. |
| US09688215B1 |
Iridescent vehicle applique
A vehicle is provided that includes a vehicle surface and a vehicle applique in direct contact with the vehicle surface. The applique includes a polymeric substrate and an over-mold positioned on the substrate. The over-mold comprises a diffraction grating integral with the over-mold, the grating having a thickness from about 250 nm to 1000 nm and a period from 50 nm to 5 microns. |
| US09688212B2 |
Modular trailer-hitch utility system
A reconfigurable utility system that is mountable to a standard trailer hitch. The utility system has small basic units that can be temporarily combined to make members and connections. The connections can be fixed or pivoting. The members can be oriented both parallel and orthogonal (although not necessarily intersecting) to the hitch. The utility system is constructed from durable materials such as steel, aluminum, polycarbonate, polypropylene, or high-density polyethylene (“HDPE”). The utility system components can have a square cross-sectional mating area, so that it is most easily integrated with a standard trailer hitch. |
| US09688210B2 |
Roof box for a vehicle
A roof box for a vehicle, the roof box including a base portion with a load receiving area. The base portion is adapted to be positioned in the proximity of a roof of a vehicle. A closable lid or net is adapted to retain cargo on the load receiving area of the base portion. The base portion of the roof box includes a load stop. The load stop of the base portion effectively prevents, or at least reduces the risk of cargo, such as skis or the like, from penetrating through the roof box in case of a collision or crash. |
| US09688201B2 |
Exterior mirror system for a vehicle
An exterior mirror system for a vehicle includes exterior rearview mirror assemblies mounted at respective sides of the vehicle. The mirror assemblies include a light module and a camera. The cameras are part of a multi-camera vision system that includes a display device that is operable to display images for viewing by the vehicle driver. The indicator of the light module includes a signal light that is configured to provide light that is observable to another driver of another vehicle who is (i) approaching the vehicle from its rear and/or (ii) overtaking the vehicle in the side lane adjacent to the side of the vehicle at which mirror assembly is mounted. Actuation of the signal light provides (i) light forwardly of the vehicle so that drivers of other vehicles approaching the vehicle may observe the actuated signal light and/or (ii) light laterally with respect to the vehicle. |
| US09688199B2 |
Vehicle alert system utilizing communication system
An alert system for a vehicle is provided for alerting an occupant of the vehicle that a pedestrian or bicyclist is approaching the vehicle and may collide with a vehicle door if the door is opened. The alert system includes a mobile communication device carried by a pedestrian or bicyclist and operable to communicate information regarding location and motion of the mobile communication device. A receiver is at the vehicle and receives a communication from the mobile communication device. A processor processes information communicated in the communication. The processor, responsive to processing communicated information, determines whether or not the location and motion of the mobile communication device relative to the vehicle is indicative of a hazardous condition. The alert system, responsive to the processor determining that there is a potential hazardous condition, generates an alert to the occupant of the vehicle. |
| US09688195B1 |
Vehicle occupancy indication safety system
A vehicular safety system includes a vehicle that has a plurality of seat belts, an alarm and an ignition. Each of the seat belts is operationally coupled to the alarm and the ignition. A car seat is provided that has a belt and a clasp. The car seat is removably positioned within the vehicle. A conductor is coupled to the car seat and the conductor is selectively electrically coupled between the clasp and one of the seat belts when the car seat is occupied. Thus, the alarm detects when the conductor is operationally coupled to the buckle. The alarm generates an alarm sequence when the ignition is turned off and the conductor is electrically coupled between the clasp and the buckle. The alarm sequence includes an audible alarm such that the alarm may inhibit an occupant from being inadvertently left in the vehicle. A switch is positioned within the vehicle such that the may be manipulated. The switch is electrically coupled to the alarm and the switch de-actuates the alarm when the switch is manipulated. |
| US09688194B2 |
In-vehicle particulate sensor data analysis
A vehicle may include particulate sensors configured to generate particulate data indicative of size and quantity of ambient particulates. The vehicle may also include a computing device configured to receive the particulate data from the at least one particulate sensor, compare the particulate data to a signature data identifying a particulate condition, and adjust a vehicle setting to address the particulate condition or alert the user of the particulate condition. A server may receive a route request from a vehicle over a communications network, the route request specifying a destination location for a vehicle and an indication of signature data descriptive of particulate to avoid; construct a route avoiding the particulate according to particulate data received from a plurality of vehicles and including location metadata and time metadata; and send the route to the vehicle responsive to the request. |
| US09688191B2 |
Flexible light guide for vehicle display applications
A vehicle display assembly including at least one flexible light guide in a path of illumination to illuminate predetermined different shapes, contours, areas and/or surfaces of the vehicle display assembly. The flexible light guide is silicon or other material suitable to provide flexibility to allow use of the same flexible light guide in different vehicle display assembly shapes and to be a light guide conductor. The flexible light guide is mountable adjacent to at least one light source within the vehicle display assembly to illuminate the predetermined shapes, contours, areas and/or surfaces of the vehicle display assembly visible to vehicle occupants. |
| US09688190B1 |
License plate illumination system
A vehicle is provided that includes a license plate positioned on a rear of the vehicle. The license plate defines a personalized portion and a registration portion. A trim piece is positioned above the license plate and includes an illumination system that includes a waveguide extending the length of the license plate. A light source is optically coupled with the waveguide and configured to emit light into the waveguide. An optical component is configured to be optically coupled with the waveguide. |
| US09688187B1 |
Adjustable vertical attachment between hood and vehicle side
The disclosed technology describes a method and a pole mounting mechanism for marking the sides of a vehicle to serve as a guide for a student driver when maneuvering a vehicle during a driving lesson. The mechanism includes a shoe from which an adjustable pole extends. The disclosed technology also includes the method of attaching a pole mounting mechanism to each side of a vehicle hood adjacent to the fender and adjusting the poles, so they are substantially vertical with the surface on which the vehicle rests. In one embodiment, a tongue is fixedly attached to the one side of the shoe and extends to the opposite end of the shoe forming a gap, wherein the side of a vehicle hood may be inserted to frictionally attach the pole mounting mechanism to the hood. |
| US09688186B2 |
Illuminating decal for a vehicle
A decal for a vehicle is provided herein. The decal includes a plurality of light sources and a photoluminescent structure configured to luminesce in response to excitation by at least a portion of the light sources. A decorative layer has a pattern that is at least partially illuminated by the photoluminescent structure when the photoluminescent structure is in luminescent state is provided. |
| US09688180B2 |
Trailer for a tugger train
A trailer for a tugger train has a frame, which in the tow direction has a drawbar and a coupling, and which transverse to the tow direction has a laterally open receiving space for an inner wagon to be transported. A central web is arranged in the receiving space. The frame has connection means in each case for drawbar and coupling, and the frame has connection means for the central web for the releasable connection of the frame and connection means. |
| US09688176B2 |
Self-loading dolly
A self-loading post caster dolly for lifting and moving heavy objects. A fixed structural frame includes a vertical socket. A horizontal lifting bar includes a vertical post that is moved through the vertical socket then secured to hold the object with the lifting bar at a desired height. |
| US09688175B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat includes: a side frame of a seat cushion; a seat support member on a floor side; and a joining bracket that joins the side frame and the seat support member together. The seat support member has at least an upper surface and side surfaces and has a hat shape in cross section in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the seat support member. The joining bracket has a fastening surface portion that comes in surface contact with the upper surface of the seat support member and is fastened by a single fastening unit to the upper surface of the seat support member at the fastening surface portion. The joining bracket has at least one projecting portion capable of coming in contact with at least one of the side surfaces of the seat support member. |
| US09688173B2 |
Suspension system for vehicles and method for fitting vehicle parts with suspension
Suspension system for vehicle seats, in particular for utility motor vehicle seats, comprising at least a first and a second part, the two parts being mounted oscillatorily movable and spring-loaded with respect to one another, wherein a closed hydropneumatic circuit is provided which comprises at least one control element, connected to at least one of the two parts, and at least one first hydropneumatic spring connected in series therewith, a hydraulic pressure of a hydraulic medium in the circuit being convertible into a force acting between the two parts by means of an action surface arranged in the control element, the pressure being dependent on a gas pressure in a gas volume of the first spring. |
| US09688170B2 |
Seat assembly having a tiltable front cushion module
A vehicle seat assembly having a seat bottom that includes first and second side frame members and a front cushion module. The front cushion module has a support member and a cushion. The support member has first and second ends that are disposed proximate the front end of the first and second side frame members, respectively. The cushion receives and is supported by the support member and has a front end. The vehicle seat assembly may have an actuator cooperable with the support member for tilting the front end of the cushion relative to the frame members. |
| US09688168B2 |
Integrated seat and backrest
An integrated folding seat and movable backrest includes a mounting frame for all of the elements of the assembly. A vertically movable backrest frame is slideably attached to the mounting frame and coupled to a pivot down seat frame by pivot arms. The pivot arms include a curved upper arm extending between the mounting frame and the seat frame, a lower arm extending between the mounting frame and the seat frame, and a lift arm having one end pivotally coupled to the lower arm at a position intermediate the ends of the lower arm, and an opposite end coupled to the backrest frame. |
| US09688166B2 |
Rotatable anchors providing enhanced child restraint system interface accessibility
A system and method for articulating a vehicle child restraint anchor to which a child restraint seat (CRS) is attachable is disclosed, wherein one or more anchors individually or jointly articulate between at least a first and a second position about a pivotal axis, that axis and related hardware generally contained within a vehicle seat assembly or attached to a vehicle floor, package tray or alternative load bearing support structure located behind or above a vehicle seat such as a roof. One or more anchor positions may be fixable. The system may be operated manually or semi-automatically, incorporate springs and interlocks, and may be sensor or motor/solenoid-driven. Articulated anchor positions may include a position of enhanced visibility and accessibility to simplify consumer CRS to child restraint anchor connectivity or disengagement compared to alternative positions of generally limited anchor accessibility, partial or total concealment, stowed, alternative or secondary anchorage use positions. |
| US09688164B2 |
Movable vehicle seat with monopost
A freestanding vehicle seat assembly includes: a seat having a seat portion connected to a back portion; a monopost attached at a bottom of the seat portion such that the seat rests only on the monopost; and a track assembly attached at a bottom of the monopost, the track assembly configured for providing fore and aft movement of the freestanding vehicle seat assembly. The freestanding vehicle seat assembly can have a pitch mechanism on the monopost configured for pitching at least part of the seat forward and rearward. |
| US09688149B2 |
Voltage stabilization apparatus
A voltage stabilization apparatus (1) for a motor vehicle electrical system to stabilize at least one voltage-sensitive consumer (9) is proposed. The voltage stabilization apparatus is distinguished by a DC/DC converter circuit (3), an energy storage device (5) and a changeover switch (7), which are designed and arranged so that the energy storage device (5) is changeable by the DC/DC converter circuit (3) and the changeover switch (7) enables an electrical connection between the voltage-sensitive consumer (9) and the energy storage device (5) in such a way that the energy storage device (5) in case of need supplies a stabilization voltage (USTAB) at the consumer (9). |
| US09688140B2 |
Drive force distribution device for automobile
A drive force distribution device for an automobile is provided in which a hydraulic clutch includes an annular oil groove opposing a clutch piston in an inner wall face of a clutch oil chamber, and a hydraulic oil supply port and a hydraulic oil discharge port communicating with the oil groove. Since when the hydraulic oil supply port of the oil groove is a starting end and the hydraulic oil discharge port of the oil groove is a finishing end, a cross-sectional area of a longer oil groove section of the annular oil groove is set to be larger than a cross-sectional area of a shorter oil groove section, the flow path resistance of the oil groove sect of the respective hydraulic clutches made to be uniform. This enables smooth operation, improvement of the engagement responsiveness and uniformization of the engagement responsiveness of the hydraulic clutches to be achieved. |
| US09688138B2 |
Strap guide and tank mounting fixture
A system for enabling securing devices configured to hold fuels, such as gas cylinders, to frames is provided. The system includes an isolator fastened to the device configured to hold fuel and a strap that is attached to the frame. The isolator includes barriers on either side that prevent longitudinal slipping of the strap and ridges disposed between the barriers, which create cushioning between the strap and the device configured to hold fuel. |
| US09688134B2 |
Exhaust system for an off-road vehicle
A system includes a muffler coupled to a frame of the off-road vehicle and mounted in a substantially horizontal orientation and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) fluidly and mechanically coupled to the muffler. In certain embodiments, the DOC is mounted in a substantially vertical orientation rearward of the muffler relative to a primary direction of travel of the off-road vehicle. |
| US09688130B2 |
Fuel cell vehicle
A fuel cell vehicle capable of preventing illegally access by using a tool to a piping fitting connecting fuel piping and a valve module to each other without increasing the number of components. The fuel cell vehicle includes an electric motor, a fuel cell supported by a frame to supply electric power to the electric motor, a fuel tank supported by the frame to store fuel to be supplied to the fuel cell, a valve module disposed below a cross member and behind the fuel tank, and a piping fitting connecting fuel piping to the valve module. The valve module includes a cut-out stepped portion provided in a side-face side of an upper portion of the valve module. The piping fitting is attached to the cut-out side face, the piping fitting being disposed between the cross member and the cut-out top face in a vehicle vertical direction. |
| US09688129B2 |
Vehicle windshield cover and method therefor
A window shield cover for a vehicle has a cover member shaped to be place on top of and cover an exterior of a windshield of the vehicle. A first attachment strip is removably attached to the cover member. The first attachment strip extends past a first edge and a second edge of the cover member. A second attachment strip is removably attached to the cover member. The second attachment strip extends past the first edge and the second edge of the cover member. An element collector covers a front surface of the cover member. |
| US09688128B2 |
Sealing arrangement for a motor vehicle window pane
A sealing arrangement for a vehicle window is described. The sealing arrangement includes a retaining rail having a latching channel that is formed by a guide rail and a spring leg having a latch hook, the retaining rail being affixed to a window pane. The sealing arrangement further includes a cover having a guide channel that is formed by a positioning stop and by a latching rail having a locking element. The guide rail is arranged in the guide channel and the latching rail is arranged in the latching channel. |
| US09688127B2 |
Vehicle accessory attachment system
A vehicle includes a truck bed side panel, a top cover, a clamp, and a plug. The truck bed side panel has a top defining a stake pocket and an overhang extending from the top. The top cover has an upper surface defining an aperture. The clamp is secured to the top cover and engages the overhang to secure the top cover to the top of the side panel. The plug is disposed within the stake pocket and aperture to prevent slippage of the top cover. |
| US09688120B2 |
Curtain buckle device
A curtain buckle device has a buckle unit and a buckle stick. The buckle unit is mounted on a crank and has a buckle tube portion, a buckle hole formed through the buckle tube portion, multiple slits formed in an end of the buckle tube portion at interval, and a buckle claw formed on an inner surface of the buckle tube portion. The buckle stick is inserted into the buckle tube portion and has a stick body inserted into the buckle hole, a fixing end connected with an end of the stick body and mounted on the base, and a buckle groove annularly formed in an outer surface of the stick body. The buckle groove is engaged with the claw bodies. Therefore, the curtain buckle device is provided for a car curtain to use. |
| US09688118B2 |
Air conditioner for vehicle
An air conditioner for a vehicle includes a casing, a cooling heat exchanger, a cooling temperature adjusting portion, a dew-point detector, a target temperature determining portion, and a cooling temperature control portion. The cooling heat exchanger is arranged in the casing to cool air to be blown into a vehicle compartment. The cooling temperature adjusting portion adjusts a cooling temperature of air cooled at the cooling heat exchanger such that the cooling temperature approaches a target cooling temperature of the cooling heat exchanger. The dew-point detector detects a dew-point temperature of air flowing to the cooling heat exchanger. The target temperature determining portion determines the target cooling temperature to be a first target temperature lower than the dew-point temperature by a standard degree, and temporarily to be a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature. |
| US09688117B2 |
Extendable flex door for evaporator division
An HVAC airflow door assembly including a pivot hub, a main body, and a flexible member. The pivot hub is connectable with a pivot member for pivoting the door assembly. The main body extends from the pivot hub and includes a distal end opposite to and spaced apart from the pivot hub. The flexible member is mounted to, and extends from, the distal end of the main body, and is configured for connection with a guide track. The door assembly is configured for rotation by the pivot member between a first position in which the flexible member is collapsed, and a second position in which the flexible member is extended relative to the first position. |
| US09688116B2 |
Method for operating a vehicle climate control system
A method for controlling an air conditioner compressor of a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes adjusting a displacement command in response to an error between an expected air conditioner evaporator temperature and a measured or inferred air conditioner evaporator temperature, the displacement command is further adjusted via adding a value to the displacement command based on desired air conditioner evaporator temperature, the value determined apart from the error between the expected air conditioner evaporator temperature and the measured or inferred air conditioner evaporator temperature. |
| US09688113B2 |
System for adjusting frame height of an agricultural vehicle
A suspension system includes a strut coupled to an agricultural vehicle suspension system, a frame coupled to the suspension system, and a height adjustment mechanism coupled to the strut. The height adjustment mechanism is configured to transition the strut between a raised position, in which a frame height is at a first position, and a lowered position, in which the frame height is at a second position. The first position is higher than the second position relative to a surface of an agricultural field. |
| US09688106B2 |
Noise-reducing device intended to be inserted into a groove in the tread of a tire and tire comprising a device of this type
Noise-reducing device intended to be added to a groove of the tread of a tire comprising an elastic sole preferably extending in a given longitudinal direction, wherein the said sole on one of its faces comprises one or several flexible walls the planes of which run substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sole. |
| US09688101B2 |
Tire
This tire has a buttress section to which a plurality of depressions (100) have been formed along the tire peripheral direction (DC). The depressions (100) have: a first outer edge (110) that bulges inward in the tread width direction (DT); and a second outer edge (120) that is continuous with the first outer edge (110) and that bulges outward in the tread width direction (DT) with respect to the first outer edge (110). The distance between the deepest section (150) of the depressions (100) and the ground-contact end of the tread varies along the tire peripheral direction (DC). |
| US09688099B2 |
Mounting arrangement for installing auxiliary vehicle wheels
A mounting arrangement for adding an auxiliary wheel spaced from an existing wheel of a motor vehicle including three generally cylindrical spacers connected together abutting end to end, an inner spacer attached to a brake assembly member with a preexisting wheel rim compressed between an inside face of the inner spacer and the brake assembly member, an intermediate spacer attached to an outside end of the inner spacer by bolts passing through axial holes through the intermediate spacer end threaded into holes in the outside end of the inner spacer and an outer spacer connected on its inside end to the outer end of the intermediate spacer by bolts, and holding stud bolts extending out and received through holes in the auxiliary wheel rim, with lug nuts fixing the rim of the auxiliary wheel against the outside end of the outer spacer. |
| US09688096B2 |
Disk wheel
In a disk wheel, a metal insert member is embedded in a resinous bolt-fastening part having a bolt hole. The insert member includes: an opposing surface which is opposed to a resin member of the bolt-fastening part; a bonding area a bonded to the resin member within the opposing surface; and a non-bonding area within the opposing surface. The non-bonding area is not bonded to the resin member, but extends from the bonding area so as to receive a load generated when the resin member deforms. It is thereby possible to provide a technique to effectively suppress the influence of residual stress remained after molding of the resin member of the bolt-fastening part, and to ensure the strength required for the bolt-fastening part. |
| US09688092B2 |
Refill for writing tool and writing tool
A plurality of inlets are defined in a circulation path between an ink reservoir and an ink absorbing member by an inlet forming part formed in the circulation path. |
| US09688091B2 |
Ring binder mechanism
A ring binder has housing including a central portion and lateral sides. Hinge plates are held between the lateral sides of the housing. Each of multiple rings includes at least one ring member mounted for movement with the hinge plates between closed and open positions. An actuator is mounted for pivotal movement relative to the housing and engageable with the hinge plates for opening rings. In one embodiment, the housing defines a stop engaged by the actuator upon arrival of the actuator at a terminal position when the actuator has opened the rings. The engagement between the surface of the actuator and the stop limits pivoting movement of the actuator relative to the housing in the opening direction beyond the terminal position. In another embodiment, the actuator is constructed for quicker response of the binder to movement of the actuator to open the rings. |
| US09688090B2 |
Identification medium
An identification medium can be used in an opening label, clearly show signs of it having been opened, and also have a superior authenticity-confirming function. The identification medium has a structure including, in the following order as seen from the side of observation: an optical function layer that generates a color shift, a separation layer that is partially formed, a printed layer, and an adhesive layer, in which when an adhesive strength between the adhesive layer and an adherend is set to be Xa, an adhesive strength between the adhesive layer and the printed layer is set to be Xb, and an adhesive strength at a portion in which the separation layer is laminated between the optical function layer and the printed layer is set to be Xc, the adhesive strength of each part is set to satisfy Xa>Xb>Xc or Xb>Xa>Xc. |
| US09688089B2 |
Sheet glue binding processing apparatus
In accordance with an embodiment, a sheet glue binding processing apparatus comprises a processing tray, a glue binding section and a sheet detection section. The processing tray is used to stack a sheet in such a manner that the end of the binding margin side of the sheet is fed to a positioning section. The glue binding section is configured at the positioning section side of the processing tray to adhere glue material to the binding margin of the sheet already stacked on the processing tray. The sheet detection section detects whether or not the binding margin of the first sheet to be stacked on the processing tray is located at a specific position of the processing tray. |
| US09688084B2 |
Digital printing apparatus
A digital printing apparatus including a sheet supply device, printing cylinder, inkjet nozzle portion, sheet delivery device, and conveyance devices. The sheet supply device supplies sheets one by one at a predetermined period. The printing cylinder includes at least one gripper device that grips and holds the sheet, and conveys the sheet while one edge of the sheet supplied from the sheet supply device is held by the plurality of gripper devices. The inkjet nozzle portion discharges ink droplets onto the sheet. The conveyance devices include a plurality of gripper devices including one reversing gripper device that grips and holds the other edge of the sheet, and conveys the sheet printed on one surface, which is received from the printing cylinder in a double-sided printing mode. The sheet is turned by reversing the obverse/reverse surface of the sheet by the reversing gripper device in the process of conveyance. |
| US09688079B2 |
System and method for image receiving surface treatment in an indirect inkjet printer
An inkjet printer applies a layer of a hydrophilic composition, which includes a liquid carrier, a humectant with a high boiling point, and an absorption agent, to an image receiving surface of an indirect image receiving member. A dryer in the printer removes a portion of the liquid carrier from the layer of hydrophilic composition to form a dried layer of an absorption agent on the image receiving surface and an aqueous ink image is formed on the dried layer. The aqueous ink image and the dried layer are transferred to a surface of a print medium as the aqueous ink image, the dried layer of the hydrophilic composition with the humectant, and print medium move through a transfix nip formed between the indirect image receiving member and a transfix member. |
| US09688071B2 |
Head array and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A line head array includes an array base, a bendable thin sheet-shaped plate, and a plurality of heads. The array base has a plurality of inclined surfaces. The bendable thin sheet-shaped plate has a bend and is positioned and mounted on the array base in a bent state. The heads are alternately arranged in a staggered manner on and secured to both sides of the bend of the sheet-shaped plate. |
| US09688070B2 |
Channel member for liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting head including the same, and recording device including the same
A channel member 4 for a liquid ejecting head according to the present invention includes plates 4a to 4m that are stacked together. The plates include a first plate 4c including a first hole 7c, a second plate 4d including a second hole 7d, and a third plate 4e including a third hole 7e. In plan view, an opening 7cb at the bottom side of the first hole 7c and an opening 7ea at the top side of the third hole 7e have a region in which the openings 7cb and 7ea overlap and a region in which the openings 7cb and 7ea do not overlap, and the opening at the bottom side of the first hole 7c and the opening 7ea at the top side of the third hole 7e are inside the second hole 7d. |
| US09688068B2 |
Real-time linefeed measurement of inkjet printer
Disclosed is a method of determining line feed error in an image forming apparatus for printing an image, said image forming apparatus comprising a print head having a head sensor configured to sense information from the image printed on a print medium, said method comprising the steps of printing a first swath of the image on the print medium, repositioning the print head relative to the print medium by at least one line feed distance, determining a line feed error based upon information sensed from the printed first swath by the head sensor, and printing, using the determined line feed error, a second swath of the halftone image on the print medium. |
| US09688067B2 |
Element substrate, printhead, and printing apparatus
An element substrate capable of suppressing occurrence of electromagnetic noise upon driving printing elements on an element substrate with long wiring lengths, preventing an operation error, and printing a high-quality image is provided. In the element substrate, plural element substrates each including printing elements are arrayed in an arrayed direction of the printing elements. Each element substrate including a wiring for supplying a driving power to drive the printing elements, and a ground wiring from the printing elements is configured as follows. Each element substrate includes a delay circuit for delaying a heat enable signal to drive the printing elements and supplying it to each printing element, and a switchover circuit for switching over, in accordance with a control signal, a delay sequence when supplying the heat enable signal to each printing element. |
| US09688064B2 |
Screen printing apparatus
A screen printing apparatus comprises print executing parts 20A, 20B, first and second substrate loading parts En1, En2 and a substrate unloading part Ex, and first and second substrate support tables 10A, 10B for supporting a substrate W to enable printing thereon by the print executing parts 20A, 20B. The first substrate support table 10A moves between a first receiving position where the substrate W loaded from the first substrate loading part En1 is received, and a sending position where the substrate W is unloaded from the substrate unloading part Ex. The second substrate support table 10B moves between a second receiving position where the substrate W loaded from the second substrate loading part En2 is received, and the sending position. The print executing parts 20A, 20B are respectively placed at positions on the substrate support tables 10A, 10B where printing on the substrate W is enabled. |
| US09688060B2 |
Method for producing a composite and a power semiconductor module
A composite is produced by providing a first and a second joining partner, a connecting means, a sealing means, a reactor having a pressure chamber, and a heating element. The two joining partners and the connecting means are arranged in the pressure chamber such that the connecting means is situated between the first joining partner and the second joining partner. A gas-tight region is then produced, in which the connecting means is arranged. Afterward, a gas pressure of at least 20 bar is produced in the pressure chamber outside the gas-tight region. The gas pressure acts on the gas-tight region and presses the first joining partner, the second joining partner and the connecting means together. The joining partners and the connecting means are then heated by means of the heating element to a predefined maximum temperature of at least 210° C. and then cooled. |
| US09688052B1 |
Thermal protection supplement for reducing interface thermal mismatch
A thermal protection system that reduces a mismatch of thermal expansion coefficients CTE between a first material layer (CTE1) and a second material layer (CTE2) at a first layer-second layer interface. A portion of aluminum borosilicate (abs) or another suitable additive (add), whose CTE value, CTE(add), satisfies (CTE(add)−CTE1)(CTE(add)−CTE2)<0, is distributed with variable additive density, ρ(z;add), in the first material layer and/or in the second material layer, with ρ(z;add) near the materials interface being relatively high (alternatively, relatively low) and ρ(z;add) in a region spaced apart from the interface being relatively low (alternatively, relatively high). |
| US09688049B2 |
Building element and method
A formed building element or “log” comprising a top filler section and a bottom filler section affixed on opposite sides of a center reinforcement member. The center reinforcement member may be a steel or metal rod or tube. The reinforcement member, which may be of approximately the same length of the filler sections, has one end extending out from the end of the building element. The extended end may have a vertical hole extending from top to bottom, adapted to accept a rod pin, which may or may not be threaded. Matching holes extend from the top to bottom of the filler section at the opposite end of the building element, so adjacent building elements may be attached end-to-end. |
| US09688046B2 |
In-situ foam core structural articles and system for forming
An elongated structural article, having a continuous profile extrusion with spaced apart layers defining a portion of a cavity filed filled with thermoplastic pre-expanded beads expanded with steam in-situ causing the beads to securely bond together and to the profile extrusion. The article is cut to a length forming ends having an exposed foam core. A system for manufacturing the article is also disclosed having a profile extrusion die for forming an axially profile defining a wall surrounding a cavity, a tubular shaping mold located axially downstream of the extrusion die sized to support a length of the profile as it passes there through. A bead dispenser is oriented to introducing pre-expanded beads into the profile cavity while within the shaping fixture and a steam tube is oriented downstream of the introduction of pre-expanded beads. Control valves regulate the flow of pre-expanded beads and steam into the profile cavity. |
| US09688041B2 |
Drive device for a bending press
A drive device for a bending press, in particular a press brake, with a press frame includes a stationary press beam and has a press beam which can be displaced relative to the press beam by a beam adjusting device formed by a closed hydraulic system including a hydraulic pump with a controllable drive motor, at least one control valve and at least one hydraulic linear actuator. The linear actuator includes a first piston arrangement with a first piston dividing a cylinder chamber into a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber and, in another cylinder chamber, a second piston arrangement with another piston and at least one other pressure chamber. The first piston arrangement and the second piston arrangement are coupled with one another. |
| US09688040B2 |
Method of preparing a closure for a product-retaining container
A method of preparing a closure for a product retaining container is disclosed along with the closure that is obtainable by the method. The present disclosure also relates to a use, in the manufacture of a closure, of a knife blade comprising a cutting edge region having a discontinuous cutting edge. |
| US09688038B2 |
Method and apparatus for dual tire buffing and handling
A dual tire buffing apparatus includes a turntable having a first end and an opposite second end. The turntable is rotatable about a central axis between first and second positions. A first expandable hub is rotatably coupled to the turntable proximate the first end. The first expandable hub is configured to receive a first tire casing. A second expandable hub is rotatably coupled to the turntable proximate the second end. The second expandable hub is configured to receive a second tire casing. A rasp head is positioned to operatively engage the first tire casing on the first expandable hub when the turntable is in the first position to perform a buffing operation on the first tire casing, and to operatively engage the second tire casing on the second expandable hub when the turntable is in the second position to perform a buffing operation on the second tire casing. |
| US09688032B2 |
Thermoplastic component repair
Thermoplastic components may experience local damage, including cracks and decohesion of fiber reinforcements, among others. Such thermoplastics may be repaired by heating them to a suitable softening/melting temperature under pressure and maintaining them under pressure and at elevated temperature until the damage is healed. This may be done in-place using custom-fabricated, suitably-shaped die portions maintained under pressure by magnetic attraction. Various heating methods and die portion fabrication methods are described. |
| US09688030B2 |
Method of manufacturing a composite material
A method of manufacturing a structural member includes preheating a plurality of fibers to a first temperature, moving the preheated fibers along an assembly line, applying a binder to at least one of the preheated fibers, providing a die shaped to receive the preheated fibers, wherein the die moves together with the preheated fibers along at least a portion of the assembly line, maintaining a temperature of the plurality of fibers at a temperature substantially similar to the first temperature, and compressing the plurality of fibers within the die while maintaining a temperature. |
| US09688020B2 |
Method and system for reuse of materials in additive manufacturing systems
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system and method for reusing surplus material generated by an Additive Manufacturing system in the process of manufacturing a 3-dimensional (3D) object. Surplus material removed from deposited layers and purged material used for printing head maintenance are transferred to back to the printing system to be deposited within subsequent layers. The reusable material may be deposited within the boundaries of a cross section of the 3-dimensional object to become part of 3D object or outside the boundaries of a cross section of the 3-dimensional object as part of the support construction, which is removed from the finished product. According to embodiments of the invention, a portion of the waste material for disposal may be deposited and cured layer by layer to form a waste block, concurrently with printing the layers of the 3D dimensional object. The fully cured waste block may be then disposed of in a safe manner. |
| US09688017B2 |
Vibration welders with high frequency vibration, position motion control, and delayed weld motion
A vibration welding system and method having an operating vibration frequency of 260 Hz or higher. A pressing action between two workpieces is effected by directly controlling, with a control system and a sensor, the relative positions of the workpieces during some or all of the weld cycle, or by controlling the speed between the workpieces during some phase of the weld cycle and controlling the force between the workpieces during other phases. An external control device can be coupled to a control system, to produce an input signal to adjust the speed of relative motion between the workpieces, the force therebetween, or both speed and force based on the input signal. A positive force can be initially applied between the workpieces, and the weld is started by initiating lateral vibrations while the relative position between the workpieces in the pressing direction is maintained, a control variable is monitored, and the second workpiece is moved relative to the first only after the monitored variable satisfies a condition. |
| US09688016B2 |
Protection module architecture and alignment tool, system, and method for protection module placement
A system, topology, and methods placing a protection module on one or more surfaces of a device, in particular on an electronic device. Architecture including multiple layer protection module and alignment tool. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US09688015B2 |
Deformation-based micro surface texturing system
A compact deformation-based micro-texturing apparatus and method employ flexure bearing houses for rotatably supporting opposite ends of each of a first (e.g. upper) roll and a second (e.g. lower) roll to provide a working roll gap between the rolls, wherein at least one of the rolls has one or more micro surface features to plastically deform a surface of a workpiece deformed by rolling action in the roll gap. An electrical current may be passed through the workpiece to assist micro deformation. A roll gap adjusting device is operably associated with the first and second flexure bearing houses for adjusting the roll gap dimension to the final depth of the micro surface features to be imparted to the surface of the workpiece by the rolling action. A sheet material or antifriction element (e.g. journal bearing or bushing) is produced having at least one surface that includes rolled-in micro surface depressions wherein depressions have a lateral dimension of about 1 μm to about 10 mm and a depth of about 1 μm to about 10 mm, typically a lateral dimension of about 1 μm to about 100 μm and a depth of about 1 μm to about 100 μm. |
| US09688013B2 |
Method for the stretch-blowing of a container, comprising a retraction of the stretch rod during a boxing operation
A method of manufacturing a container from a blank in a stretch blowing assembly equipped with a mold provided with a wall and a mold bottom axially movable between an extended position and a retracted position and a stretch unit having a rod axially movable with respect to the wall and a device for controlling the movement of the rod. The method involves a stretch blowing phase; a boxing phase during which the mold bottom, initially in the extended position, is moved towards its retracted position, the boxing phase having a retraction operation including controlling a movement of the rod in synchronization with the movement of the mold bottom, or releasing the rod to allow the free axial movement thereof. |
| US09688012B2 |
Blow mold assembly
A blow mold assembly comprises removable neck insert mold components for forming features of a container for engaging a removable container closure and manually operable retention devices for releasably retaining the neck insert mold components with mating mold components of the mold assembly. Advantageously, each manually operable retention device comprises a clamp mechanism comprising a lever arm and clamp arm arranged so that the clamp arm is rotated between a release position and a clamp position by manual operation of the lever arm and the clamp mechanism is effective to resist forces acting on the clamp arm to rotate the clamp arm to the release position when the clamp arm is in the clamp position. Each manually operable retention device is retained with an associated mating mold component when a neck insert mold component is removed from or installed to the mold assembly. |
| US09688011B2 |
High pressure gas hose and method of making same
A high pressure gas hose and related methods of transporting high pressure gases in which gas permeability throughout a length of the high pressure gas hose is reduced. The high pressure gas hose can have an outer tube and the inner tube. The outer tube can be formed of a resistant polymer material such as PTFE. The inner tube can include a matrix formed of PTFE and graphene nano-platelets or nano-particles. The graphene nano-platelets define a tortuous path within the matrix such that gas permeability is reduced through an inner tube wall thickness. Gas permeability throughout a length of the high pressure gas hose can be less that about 20 ml/m/hr. The high pressure gas hose can find practical application in natural gas applications, automotive applications, cooling and refrigeration applications and other applications in which it is desired to have low gas permeability in high pressure applications. |
| US09688010B2 |
Apparatus for measuring surface temperature of molded product
Provided is an apparatus for determining whether a molded product is defective by sensing a surface temperature of a mold or the molded product in a contact type or a non-contact type using an infrared ray, without inserting a temperature sensor in the mold. In an injection mold robot transfer apparatus that includes absorption tools for absorbing a mold and transferring a molded product after determining whether the molded product is defective, the apparatus includes a support bar for fixing the absorption tools and including a vertical recess, a crossbar fixed by the vertical recess of the support bar, a forward and backward shaft fixed by the crossbar, a bracket fixed by the forward and backward shaft, and a temperature sensor fixed on the bracket. |
| US09688003B2 |
Screw machine and method as well as processing installation for the processing of bulk material
A processing installation for the processing of bulk material has a vacuum filter insert for degassing of the bulk material. The vacuum filter insert is arranged in a casing of a screw machine downstream of the feed opening thereof and is provided with at least one filter element so that the vacuum filter insert forms a gas-permeable wall portion which defines the at least one casing bore of the screw machine. Seen in a degassing direction, a protective element comprising a plurality of through-openings is arranged upstream of the at least one filter element. The protective element acts as a granule protection for the at least one filter element and prevents granular bulk material from damaging the at least one filter element. As a result, the vacuum filter insert has a longer service life, thus ensuring a long operating time for the processing installation without interruptions. |
| US09688002B2 |
Screw elements with improved dispersing action and low energy input
The present invention relates to new screw elements for multi-screw extruders with pairs of co-rotating and fully wiping screws. |
| US09688000B2 |
Producing method of concrete
The present invention provides a producing method of concrete capable of appropriately controlling setting and hardening, and having excellent flexibility of production and handling of concrete. The producing method of concrete includes a cement paste mixing step and a concrete mixing step. In the cement paste mixing step, cement, mixing water and retarder are mixed together to obtain cement paste. According to this, setting and hardening of the cement paste are suppressed, and it is possible to store the cement paste for predetermined time. In the concrete mixing step, aggregate is input into the cement paste, and they are mixed together to obtain concrete. By the mixing operation, a setting-delaying effect is canceled. |
| US09687997B2 |
Saw tooth for circular saw
A tooth is provided for a circular disc felling saw. The saw tooth may have a generally square pyramidal shape with tips at each of the four corners. Each of the tips has an enlarged tip region where the tip is stepped outward from the adjacent sides. The front face of the tip remains smoothly continuous. The enlarged, or built-out region extends rearwardly a greater distance than the lateral step out distance, and the rearward build-out portion is relieved on planes parallel to the main portions of the planar sides of the pyramid. The tooth may have both leading and trailing cutting tips. Either one or both of the primary and secondary cutting tips may include a wear insert, such as a ceramic wear insert. |
| US09687994B2 |
Punch assemblies and methods for modifying
A retain-and-release member, which is coupled to a punch holder of a punch assembly, engages a punch tip against an end of the holder, such that a working portion of the tip extends from the end. A punch guide sidewall of the assembly includes an aperture aligned with an actuation interface of the retain-and-release member, when the punch holder and the engaged punch tip are slidably engaged within a guide bore formed by the punch guide sidewall. The aperture provides access for applying a force, to the actuation interface, in order to disengage the retain-and-release member from the punch tip, while the punch holder remains within the guide bore of the assembly. Following the removal, the same punch tip, or another, may be inserted into the guide bore and into engagement with the retain-and-release member. |