| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09701382B2 |
Sail assembly using slugs and flakers
A sail assembly using slugs and flakers is presented. The sail slug has a plurality of rollers positioned along an inner edge that are received within a groove of a mast. The outer edge of the sail slug has a swivel platform that attaches to straps positioned on a sail. The flaker has a pair of leaves having a first end, a longitudinal section, and a second end with a bracket. The brackets of the leaves have openings that align to receive a torsion spring and an axle to hingedly connect the pair of leaves. |
| US09701381B2 |
Breakaway skeg for a marine propulsion unit
A breakaway skeg for the lower portion of a marine propulsion unit is disclosed. The skeg is designed such that the attachment features will fail under certain load or impacts, thereby preventing damage to the lower portion of the marine propulsion unit. The breakaway skeg is attached via shear tabs that include a relief that accounts for at least a part of the volume of the base portion of the shear tab. The shear tabs are designed to fail under certain circumstances before other components of the marine propulsion. |
| US09701380B2 |
Driving and controlling method for biomimetic fish and a biomimetic fish
An aquatic toy that is a biomimetic fish with a watertight body portion. The body portion contains a battery electrically connected via a controller to at least one coil. The coil is positioned relative to a magnet and the coil can be caused to oscillate by virtue of a controller defined alternating current passing through the coil. The oscillation of the coil causes movement of a tail fin that is engaged to said watertight body to cause the fish to move forward through a body of water. |
| US09701378B2 |
Autonomous underwater vehicle with external, deployable payload
An AUV is described that includes an external, deployable payload releasably attached to the exterior of the AUV. The release mechanism between the payload and the AUV is relatively simple and low cost. The payload is mounted external to the AUVs hull and does not significantly increase the cost of the AUV to which it is attached. There are no complex release mechanisms or intermediate launch systems attached to the AUV. Therefore, the described AUV can deploy payloads, such as sensors, that would normally be deployed from a manned platform. This can increase the payload capability of a small expendable AUV without increasing volume or cost of the AUV. |
| US09701376B2 |
Marine lifting apparatus
A catamaran lifting apparatus is disclosed for lifting objects in a marine environment. The apparatus includes first and second vessels that are spaced apart during use. A first frame spans between the vessels. A second frame spans between the vessels. The frames are spaced apart and connected to the vessels in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart. The first frame connects to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second vessel with a universal joint and to the first vessel with a hinged or pinned connection. The catamaran hull arrangement provides longitudinal flexibility in a quartering sea state due to the unique universal joint and hinge placement between the frames or trusses and the hulls or barges. Each of the frames extends upwardly in an inverted u-shape, providing a space under the frame and in between the barges that enables a marine vessel to be positioned in between the barges and under the frames. In this fashion, an object that has been salvaged from the seabed can be placed upon the marine vessel that is positioned in between the barges and under the frames. Alternatively, a package that is to be lifted from the deck of a marine vessel, workboat, supply boat or the like can be lifted from the deck of the workboat, vessel, barge, etc. if it is to be then placed in the marine environment such as upon an existing jacket or other under support. |
| US09701375B2 |
System for preventing inundation and ship having the same
An inundation prevention system for ship is provided. The inundation prevention system for ship includes a fire-extinction gas ejection part configured to eject a fire extinction gas to an installation area prepared in a hull, an airbag part of 3D shape disposed in the installation area, and an airbag actuation part configured to supply the fire extinction gas to the airbag part, if inundation occurs in the installation are, and to inflate the airbag in the installation for compulsory buoyancy. |
| US09701368B2 |
Seat and seat back assembly
A seat and seat back assembly includes a seat back moveable between an upright position and a horizontal position. A support panel is connected to the seat back for pivoting movement of the support panel between a first position supporting the seat back upright, and a second position wherein the seat back is moveable into the horizontal position. A biasing mechanism serves to urge the support panel into the first position when the seat back is moved into an upright position. When the support panel is moved into the second position this allows the seat back assembly to move into the horizontal position without dropping unrestricted. |
| US09701367B2 |
Modular watercraft
A watercraft system is provided. The watercraft system includes a hull and a plurality of removable pods. Each pod has a different operational characteristic to alter the configuration of the watercraft depending on which pod is inserted. The hull has a pod opening for receiving a selected one of the removable pods. A method and apparatus for transitioning various ones of the pods between different positions is also provided. |
| US09701366B2 |
Water sports towing vessel and method
Wakeboarding performance is improved using a vessel having an operator station located generally amidships, a vertical support unit fitted across a beam of the vessel near the operator station, and adjustable ballast. An upper portion of the vertical support is at a height substantially above a level of the operator station, and a container is onboard and proximate the starboard and port sides, wherein water from a body of water within which the vessel is operating is directed into the container for weighing down a stern of the vessel to provide the ballast so as to modify a wake created for a wakeboarder or the like being towed by the vessel using a tow rope attached to the upper portion of the vertical support. |
| US09701363B2 |
Sensor assembly and drive unit for bicycle and bicycle
A sensor assembly includes a detected portion that rotates a front wheel, a detector that detects the rotation of the detected portion, and a holder that is fixed to one of a body frame and the front wheel so as not to rotate, wherein the holder supports the detector and the detected portion so as to rotate relative to each other. |
| US09701361B2 |
Bicycle frame rear suspension with flexing frame segment
A bicycle frame includes a substantially rigid front frame portion and a substantially rigid rear frame portion. A link is connected to the rear frame portion by a first pivot and to the front frame portion by a second pivot. A frame segment is rigidly connected at a first end to one of the rear frame portion and the front frame portion and pivotably connected at a second end to other of the rear frame portion or the front frame portion by a third pivot. The frame segment is flexible proximate the second end. |
| US09701359B2 |
Scooter vehicle with integrated pillion transport container
A scooter vehicle with integrated pillion transport container the scooter vehicle including at least two wheels, one driven wheel and one steering wheel, a set of handlebars for steering the steering wheel to direct a scooter vehicle, a seat for a user, a step through frame, a platform for users feet, bodywork panels fitted to the frame and a power plant associated with at least one alternator in order to generate electrical current, and the integrated pillion transport container including a generally U-shaped lower portion to be attached to the scooter frame, the container having an enclosure defined by number of walls and having an interior portion adapted for receiving articles to be transported, at least one of the walls being a forward wall shaped to act as a back support for a user, and an illumination source located in the container for illuminating at least part of at least one external wall of the container, at least some of the walls to allow at least some of the illumination to pass therethrough. |
| US09701357B2 |
Straddle-type vehicle
A straddle-type vehicle comprises a pair of vehicle body frames arranged in a vehicle width direction of a vehicle body and extending in a vehicle length direction of the vehicle body, a fuel tank placed between the pair of vehicle body frames, a tank bracket fastened to an upper surface of the fuel tank, and a support member which couples the tank bracket to at least one of the pair of vehicle body frames. The support member includes a frame coupling section detachably coupled to a mounting section provided on at least one of the pair of vehicle body frames, and a tank coupling section placed inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the frame coupling section and detachably coupled to the tank bracket. |
| US09701355B2 |
Remotely actuated vehicle foot rest
An actuatable foot rest system includes a foot rest member pivotably displaceable between a first position to a second position. The actuatable foot rest system may also include a biasing member that biases the foot rest member about the at least one pivotable connection, at least from the first position to the second position. The actuatable foot rest system may further include a remotely actuated retention mechanism that includes an actuator disposed remote from the foot rest member and which maintains the foot rest member in the first position and, when remotely actuated using the actuator, releases the foot rest member from the first position. |
| US09701354B2 |
Bicycle-mounted holder
A bicycle-mounted holder including a pedestal, a supporting plate, two movable arms and a buckle, where the bottom of the pedestal is equipped with two pins which are parallel to each other; the supporting plate is fixed on the pedestal through a screw and is capable of swinging to different regulating angles as required; the two movable arms are located on the two pins respectively and are capable of rotating around the respective pins; the tail end of each of the two movable arms is provided with an arc surface which is curled outwards; each of the two movable arms is provided with an inward arc surface matching the bottom of the supporting plate and capable of being stretched outwards and contracted for clamping an article; and the buckle is simultaneously buckled on the arc surfaces of the two movable arms. |
| US09701350B2 |
Trailer sidewall construction
A trailer for transporting bulk material has a container mounted on a chassis and wheeled suspension. The container has opposing sidewalls, a floor, a front wall, and a rear opening. The trailer further has an unloading system comprising a plow and a plow motor system. The plow is disposed in the container and shaped and sized to span substantially a transverse cross-section of the container. The plow motor system is operable to move the plow longitudinally in the container to urge or push the bulk material in the container toward and out of the rear opening of the container. At least one of the sidewalls comprises a removable panel installed longitudinally along a bottom of the sidewall, wherein an inward-facing surface of the removable panel and an inward-facing surface of the sidewall are substantially co-planar. |
| US09701349B1 |
Flexible tarpaulin support device
A tarpaulin support device for an open top of a trailer or vehicle. The device has a flexible and resilient tube assembly bowed from a normally straight position under tension to an arched position outwardly from the trailer or vehicle. The tube assembly may be removably mounted to the side walls of the trailer or vehicle via brackets with angled bores therethrough. The tube assembly comprises an outer tube, an inner tube located substantially within an outer tube, a rod located substantially within an outer tube, or a rod located substantially within an inner tube located substantially within an outer tube. |
| US09701346B2 |
Side-by-side vehicle
The present invention relates to all terrain vehicles having at least a pair of laterally spaced apart seating surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to side-by-side all terrain vehicles having plural rows of seats. |
| US09701344B2 |
Frame structure for vehicle
A bead portion is provided at a compression-side wall portion to be recessed toward an inside of a main closed cross section. A first reinforcing member is provided in the closed cross section and joined to a tension-side wall portion so as to form a first sub cross section extending in a longitudinal direction between the tension-side wall portion and the first reinforcing member. A second reinforcing member is provided in the closed cross section and joined to a portion of the compression-side wall portion where the bead portion is provided so as to form a second sub cross section extending vertically between the portion of the compression-side wall portion and the second reinforcing member. The first and second reinforcing members are configured to be spaced apart from each other. |
| US09701343B2 |
Vehicle front structure
A vehicle front structure that is structured with a headlight covered above that can suppress a collision reaction force in the event of a collision body from above the structure is obtained. A headlight is arranged below a front end portion of a hood. A protrusion portion formed on a lower surface side of the front end portion of a hood inner panel of the hood. The protrusion portion protrudes toward an upper surface side of an upper wall portion of lens of the headlight. A fragile portion is formed in the upper wall portion of the lens of the headlight, in a region opposed to the protrusion portion. Besides, the headlight is fixed to a vehicle body in a manner incapable of being displaced in response to load input from the protrusion portion, and is set so as to fracture due to the load input from the protrusion portion. |
| US09701341B2 |
Space frame for a machine
A space frame for a machine is disclosed. The space frame may have a first end configured to be connected to front wheels of the machine. The space frame may also have a second end configured to be connected to rear wheels of the machine. Further, the space frame may have primary structural members arranged substantially lengthwise between the first end and the second end. In addition, the space frame may have secondary structural members connected between the primary structural members to form substantially triangulated structures allowing the space frame to support a payload to empty vehicle weight ratio ranging from about 1.2:1 to 2:1. |
| US09701338B2 |
Electric power steering apparatus
An electric power steering apparatus that suppresses the vibration of the operating member and improves the steering feeling due to the characteristic compensation of the assist map, without a change of a proportional and integral (PI) control gain in the current control section. The electric power steering apparatus includes a first compensating section provided at a front stage of the assist map and a second compensating section provided at a rear stage of the assist map. A current command value is calculated with a characteristic of which sloping increases for an absolute value of the steering torque being input into the first compensating section and being output from the second compensating section. Therefore, vibrations of operating members are suppressed. |
| US09701337B2 |
Steering control apparatus and steering control method
A control computing unit allocates the current axial force and the transverse-G axial force at the predetermined allocation ratio to calculate a feedback axial force which is the steering-rack axial force. Then, the control computing unit drives the reaction force motor on the basis of the calculated feedback axial force. Additionally, the allocation ratio of the transverse-G axial force is set to be greater than the allocation ratio of the current axial force. |
| US09701336B2 |
Electrical power assisted steering system
An electric power assisted steering apparatus comprises an electric motor operatively connected to the steering mechanism; a torque signal generator adapted to produce a torque signal indicative of the torque carried by a portion of the steering mechanism, a column position signal generator for producing a column position signal indicative of the angular position of the steering wheel or steering column and a signal processing unit adapted to receive the signals produced by the sensing means and to produce therefrom a torque demand signal representative of a torque to be applied to the steering mechanism by the motor. The signal processing means includes: a first signal processing circuit which outputs an assistance torque signal, a second signal processing circuit which in use applies an additional offset torque to at least one of the input signal and the output signal of the first processing circuit in the event that the steering wheel of the vehicle is moving back towards a center position following a period of movement of the steering wheel away from the center position, the additional offset torque being reduced or not being applied in the event that the steering wheel moves away from the center position; and torque demand signal generating circuit adapted to produce the torque demand signal from the assistance torque signal. |
| US09701335B2 |
Electronic control device
An electronic control unit includes a casing and a cover which are mutually bonded. A drive circuit board which drives a motor unit is fixed to the cover and, on the other hand, a control circuit board which controls the drive circuit board is fixed to the casing. An electrical connector which supplies an electric power to each board and a motor unit is attached on an opening section of the casing. First power supply terminals of this electrical connector and the motor unit and second power supply terminals of the drive circuit board are directly electrically connected by a bonding of both of casing and the cover. |
| US09701333B2 |
Stroller
A folding stroller having a frame that can be arranged in at least a first configuration and a second configuration, the frame including a handgrip fixedly connected to an upper joint, a lower joint pivotally connected to the upper joint, the lower joint being fixedly connected to a front tube, a rear joint pivotally connected to the lower joint, the rear joint being fixedly connected to a rear tube, and a joint connecting rod connected to the lower joint, the rear joint, and the upper joint, wherein a distance between the upper joint and the rear joint is larger than a predefined threshold while the frame is in the first configuration, while the frame is in the second configuration, and while the frame is transitioning between the first configuration and the second configuration. |
| US09701323B2 |
Railcar coupler
A railcar coupler may include a coupler head comprising a shank and a head portion, the head portion defining a cavity for receiving a knuckle, a thrower, and a lock. The cavity can include a top pulling lug, a bottom pulling lug, and a thrower retaining lug. The top pulling lug can be configured to engage an upper knuckle pulling lug, and the bottom pulling lug being can be configured to engage a lower knuckle pulling lug. During operation of the railcar coupler, the ratio of the stress between the top pulling lug and the bottom pulling lug can be configured to be better balanced to help extend the life of the railcar coupler assembly. |
| US09701322B2 |
Rail vehicle having tilting technology
A rail vehicle having tilting technology includes a car body supported on at least two chassis. At least one of the chassis is connected to the car body by an active tilting technology system and at least one additional chassis is connected to the car body by a passive tilting technology system. The tilt of the car body is applied exclusively by the active tilting technology system. Thus, uncontrolled twisting and loading of the car body is avoided. |
| US09701319B2 |
Transportation systems
A transportation system is disclosed that includes a monorail (or other vehicle) along a column-supported rail and a movable weight system that repositions and/or accelerates a movable weight with respect to the movable weight's rail to counterbalance a moment associated with the weight and/or a centrifugal force of the monorail relative to the column, where some embodiments also mitigate resonance. Also disclosed is a linear induction motor (LIM) system that enables the LIM to tilt and thereby remain close to the rail, which mitigates potential thrust losses and/or air losses. Further disclosed is an air bearing system where the air bearing has a compliance and a resilience that minimizes air loss between the rail and the bearing. Additionally disclosed is a rotatable wedge system that essentially expands and/or contracts automatically to maintain an adjacency between two rail portions, where some embodiments also mitigate resonance. |
| US09701317B2 |
Apparatus for displaying engine RPM
An apparatus for displaying an engine RPM includes an ECU and a TCU configured to output a shift signal and a virtual RPM signal based on a shift state of a transmission. A cluster is configured to output the engine RPM as any one of the virtual RPM signal and a general RPM signal depending on whether the shift signal is input. |
| US09701316B2 |
Driver profiling system and method
A computer-implemented method of profiling a driver comprises: identifying events in data representing motion of a vehicle; for the events, associating an event with a profile index relating at least to a link on which the vehicle was travelling when the respective event occurred; sorting the events into groups, each group corresponding to a different profile index; determining a driver profile from the events; and characterizing the driving behavior of the driver on the basis of the driver profile. |
| US09701315B2 |
Customized in-vehicle display information
A computer-implemented method includes determining, based on first information received from a first mobile device within a vehicle, that the first mobile device is associated with a first person. The method includes determining first in-vehicle display preference information and a first vehicle occupant position of a plurality of vehicle occupant positions for the first person. The method also includes selecting, based on the first vehicle occupant position, a first projector of a plurality of projectors within the vehicle. The method further includes providing data representing display information to the first projector to enable the first projector to project the display information onto a display associated with a first window of the vehicle. The display information is determined based on the first in-vehicle display preference information for the first person. |
| US09701311B2 |
Controller for vehicle
A controller for vehicle, the vehicle including plural engagement elements for performing engagement operation by hydraulic pressure, the plural engagement elements having a common engagement element being an engagement element common to plural transmission gear stages, the common engagement element being an engagement element that is brought into an engaged state for establishing a transmission gear stage immediately before start of economic running and a transmission gear stage immediately after cancellation of the economic running, the controller includes at least one electronic control unit configured to stop an engine in the case where a specified economic running start condition is established and switch the plural engagement elements between the engaged states and disengaged states such that the common engagement element is switched from the engaged state to the disengaged state after another engagement element that is brought into the engaged state together with the common engagement element. |
| US09701310B2 |
Control apparatus for vehicle
A control apparatus for a vehicle includes: an inter-vehicle distance control unit that performs inter-vehicle distance control with respect to a preceding vehicle; a stop-restart unit that stops an engine if the host vehicle is stopped and an engine stop condition is satisfied and that restarts the engine if a restart condition is satisfied; a braking force maintenance unit that maintains a braking force which stops the vehicle in idle state; and a braking force increase unit that increases the braking force maintained by the braking force maintenance unit if the vehicle is stopped by the inter-vehicle distance control unit. |
| US09701309B2 |
Vehicle speed control system
A vehicle speed control system for a vehicle having a plurality of wheels, the vehicle speed control system comprising: means for receiving a user input of a target speed at which the vehicle is intended to travel; and means for commanding application of torque to one or more wheels of the vehicle, wherein the system is configured such that when it is required to accelerate the vehicle to achieve the target speed and the system detects a wheel slip event, the system is operable temporarily to suspend an increase in net torque applied to one or more wheels. |
| US09701308B2 |
Vehicle speed control system
A vehicle speed control system for a vehicle having a plurality of wheels, the vehicle speed control system comprising: means for receiving a user input of a target speed at which the vehicle is intended to travel; and means for commanding application of torque to one or more wheels of the vehicle, wherein the system is configured such that when it is required to accelerate the vehicle to achieve the target speed and the system detects a wheel slip event, the system is operable temporarily to suspend further acceleration of the vehicle. |
| US09701307B1 |
Systems and methods for hazard mitigation
A system and method to avoid collisions on highways, and to minimize the fatalities, injury, and damage when a collision is unavoidable. The system includes sensors to detect other vehicles, and computing environments programmed to evaluate when a collision is imminent and to determine whether the collision is avoidable. If the collision is avoidable by a sequence of controlled accelerations and decelerations and steering, the system implements that sequence of actions automatically. If the collision is unavoidable, a different sequence is implemented to minimize the overall harm of the unavoidable collision. The system further includes indirect mitigation steps such as flashing the brake lights automatically. An optional post-collision strategy is implemented to prevent secondary collisions, particularly if the driver is incapacitated. Adjustment devices are provided to enable the driver to set the type and timing of automatic interventions. |
| US09701305B2 |
Automatic valet parking
A system and method of retrieving a vehicle includes generating a path from a final destination to a starting position, receiving a command to retrieve the vehicle, and autonomously operating the vehicle along the path from the final vehicle destination to the starting vehicle position. |
| US09701304B2 |
Clutch control to enter powersplit hybrid powertrain parallel mode
A selectively actuatable one-way clutch is controlled to brake or release a generator such that a powersplit hybrid powertrain enters or exits a parallel mode of operation. To brake the generator and enter the parallel mode, the clutch is activated while overrunning the generator before the generator is slowed to engage the clutch. To release the generator and exit the parallel mode, the generator is controlled to overrun the clutch before deactivating the clutch and returning the generator to a base speed control. |
| US09701299B2 |
System and method for controlling an engine based on a desired turbine power to account for losses in a torque converter
A system includes a desired turbine power module and an engine actuator module. The desired turbine power module determines a desired amount of power at a turbine of a torque converter based on an accelerator pedal position and a vehicle speed. The torque converter transfers torque from an engine to a driveline and includes an impeller and the turbine. The impeller is connected to a crankshaft of the engine. The turbine is connected to a transmission in the driveline and is at least one of hydraulically coupled and mechanically coupled to the impeller. The engine actuator module controls an actuator of the engine based on the desired turbine power. |
| US09701296B2 |
Power assist device and brake system
A booster includes a valve body and a boosting assembly with a ball screw. The ball screw includes a screw rod, a nut, and a plurality of balls cooperating with and between the screw rod and the nut. The nut is linked with the valve body and moves along a straight line on its cooperated screw rod so as to drive the valve body to move along a straight line. A brake system includes the booster and a hydraulic system that includes a braking main cylinder with a piston. The valve body is connected to the piston. The booster is configured to provide high transmission efficiency. |
| US09701292B2 |
Vehicle speed control system
A speed control system operable to control a motor vehicle to operate in accordance with a set-speed value, the control means being operable to allow a user to adjust the set-speed value by user actuation of a vehicle brake control or a vehicle accelerator control. |
| US09701291B2 |
Vehicle brake hydraulic pressure control apparatus
A vehicle brake hydraulic pressure control apparatus includes, as a controller, acceleration acquiring section for acquiring an output value of an acceleration sensor detecting a front-rear direction acceleration of a vehicle, limiting section for limiting the magnitude of the output value acquired by the acceleration acquiring section within a predetermined limit value, a filter (control acceleration calculation section) limiting a change of a value output by the limiting section in a predetermined direction, and holding section for determining a holding pressure according to a value output by the filter and, based on the holding pressure, holding the braking force. |
| US09701289B2 |
Method for determining a vehicle reference speed and vehicle controller having such a method
A method for determining a vehicle reference speed and a vehicle controller having such a method, in which directly or indirectly determined or estimated vehicle status signals, including weighting factors associated with each of the vehicle status signals, are merged in a merging module, wherein the merging module includes at least two stochastic estimators, which exchange signals with one another that correspond to physical vehicle parameters, wherein the association of the estimators is selected in accordance with a physics model for the vehicle behavior. |
| US09701280B2 |
Revocation of mobile device communication control privileges
A mobile communication system that includes a vehicle and a mobile device is provided. The method pertains to revoking communication control privileges of the mobile device previously authorized to control the vehicle. The method includes the steps of receiving a revocation request at the vehicle via a user interface device, the revocation request including a request to revoke the communication control privileges of the previously authorized mobile device, wherein the control privileges includes a capacity to remotely command at least one of a plurality of vehicle functions; and based on the revocation request, revoking at the vehicle the communication control privileges of the previously authorized mobile device. |
| US09701271B2 |
Passenger seat air bag
A passenger seat air bag includes: a bag main body; and a tether arranged within the bag main body, wherein: the bag main body includes a passenger side wall portion and a peripheral wall portion, the peripheral wall portion including a gas supply opening so opened up as to enable the inflating gas to flow therethrough and having a peripheral edge mountable onto the storage portion side; the tether has a back end side connected to the vicinity of the center of the passenger side wall portion to thereby restrict the distance of the passenger side wall portion from the gas supply opening; and a cover sheet formed of a belt-shaped flexible sheet member, the front end side of the cover sheet being connected to the front edge side of the gas supply opening, and the back end side thereof being connected to the tether. |
| US09701268B2 |
Birds beak bracket system
An attachment system for connecting a vehicle fascia birds beak element to a vehicle front end module bolster includes a bracket having a fascia-engaging portion and a bolster-engaging portion. The bolster-engaging portion includes one or more bracket locator structures configured for engaging cooperating structures disposed on the bolster to self-orient the bracket in a predetermined orientation. The system further includes a vehicle front end module bolster having a bracket-engaging portion that includes one or more bolster locator structures configured for engaging cooperating structures disposed on the bracket to self-orient the bracket in the predetermined orientation. |
| US09701265B2 |
Smartphone-based vehicle control methods
Method for controlling a vehicle including a smartphone-engaging coupling element. Data about operational status of the vehicle is transferred from one or more vehicle-resident systems to a smartphone when the smartphone is engaged with the coupling element. Commands are received by the vehicle from the smartphone when the smartphone is engaged with the coupling element, which commands being based in part on data previously transferred from the vehicle-resident system(s) to the smartphone when the smartphone is engaged with the coupling element. A vehicular system, e.g., seat positioning system, mirror positioning system, passenger compartment temperature control system, route guidance or navigation system, changes its operation in accordance with the commands received by the vehicle from the smartphone when the smartphone is engaged with the coupling element. |
| US09701264B2 |
Systems and methods for coupling a power converter to a fuse tap
Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for coupling a power converter to a fuse tap. By coupling a power converter directly to a fuse tap, the wiring associated with the power converter and an electronic accessory may be positioned behind a dashboard of a vehicle. |
| US09701263B2 |
Wire harness
A wire harness includes: a wire harness main body in which a plurality of wires are bundled together; a first protective tube (protective tube) made of synthetic resin and enclosing the wire harness main body; a ring member provided so as to surround the first protective tube and fixated to a vehicle body via a clamp; and a holding mechanism holding the ring member and first protective tube so as to enable relative displacement within a predetermined tolerance range. |
| US09701260B2 |
Alleviating rear window noise apparatus
An apparatus for alleviating window buffeting noise and associated vibrations along a rear window of an automotive vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a baffle received in a recess of a B-pillar. The B-pillar is located forward of the rear window, and the baffle is disposed vertically along the B-pillar. The baffle extends over at least a portion of the height of the opening to the rear window. An actuation mechanism moves the baffle outward of the B-pillar when the window is lowered to a predetermined lower position, such that the baffle deflects air flow and thus reduces window buffeting along the open window. The actuation mechanism also retracts the baffle back into the B-pillar when the window is raised to a predetermined raised position, at which window buffeting is no longer significant. |
| US09701258B2 |
Vehicle vision system
A vision system of a vehicle includes a camera in the vehicle with a field of view that encompasses at least a hand of a driver of the vehicle. A control includes an image processor operable to process image data captured by the camera. The control, responsive to image data processing, is operable to determine a hand of the driver of the vehicle and, responsive to determination of movement of the driver's hand, is operable to determine if the movement is indicative of a gesture for controlling an accessory of the equipped vehicle. The control learns habitual movements of the driver's hand and, responsive to (i) determination that a detected gesture is not indicative of a learned habitual movement and (ii) determination that the detected gesture is indicative of a gesture for controlling an accessory of the equipped vehicle, the control generates an output for controlling the accessory. |
| US09701257B2 |
Vehicle entertainment system
A vehicle entertainment system including a video system having a video monitor and a cradle secured within a vehicle. The cradle is shaped and dimensioned for selectively receiving and securely holding the video system. The cradle includes a docking port with a faceplate that is substantially flush with an upper end of a seat back of an automobile. |
| US09701254B2 |
Stake hole assembly for device attachment
An attachment mechanism is described for attaching accessories to a stake hole in the sidewall of a cargo area of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck. The mechanism comprises of a base plate with a grove formed in the top of the base plate having the shape of an inverted T. An attachment plate having a connector, also having the shape of an inverted T, is attached to the bottom surface of the attachment plate. An attachment such as a tie down ring, a tie down anchor, a flag pole or tent pole holder or the like is attached to the top surface of the attachment plate. The attachment plate can then be attached to the base plate by sliding the inverted T shaped connector into the inverted T shaped groove in the base plate. Another attachment mechanism is described which can be used to attach accessories to vehicles without stake holes or to other regions of a vehicle. |
| US09701251B2 |
Vehicle cargo area package tray storage system
A cargo area for a vehicle includes a package tray behind the rear seat having an upper surface and a lower surface. The package tray is rotated about an axis to uncover the cargo area. The cargo area further includes a container detachably or permanently attached to the lower surface of the panel. The container may define one or more receptacles that are accessible when the panel is raised and lowered when the package tray is lowered to a horizontal orientation above the cargo area. |
| US09701250B1 |
Motor vehicle hybrid shelf assembly
A motor vehicle hybrid shelf assembly includes a metallic sheet body. A body shelf defines a plane having multiple apertures. Each of the apertures is at least partially surrounded by a peripheral flange created from a portion of the shelf extending away from the plane defined by the shelf. A first leg of the peripheral flange of each of the apertures is integrally connected to the shelf and is angularly oriented with respect to the shelf, and a second leg of the peripheral flange is angularly oriented with respect to the first leg. A reinforcement member of a polymeric material is integrally connected to at least the second leg of the peripheral flange. Multiple ribs formed of the polymeric material directly contact a surface of the body to stiffen the body. The ribs extend between successive peripheral flanges and integrally connect to the reinforcement member of the peripheral flanges. |
| US09701248B2 |
Rearview assembly for a vehicle
A vehicular rearview assembly with a mirror element having a curved or rounded edge on the first surface that is fully observable from the front of the assembly, a complex peripheral ring, and a user interface with switches and sensors that activate and configure pre-defined function(s) or device(s) of the assembly in response to the user input applied to the user interface. The mirror element is supported by a hybrid carrier co-molded of at least two materials, a portion of which is compressible between the housing shell and an edge of the mirror element. The peripheral ring may include multiple bands. Electrical communications between the electronic circuitry, the mirror element, and the user interface utilize connectors configured to exert a low contact force, onto the mirror element, limited in part by the strength of adhesive affixing the EC element to an element of the housing of the assembly. |
| US09701246B2 |
Vehicle vision system using kinematic model of vehicle motion
A vision system for a vehicle includes a plurality of cameras disposed at the vehicle and respective fields of view exterior of the vehicle. An electronic control unit includes an image processor operable to process image data captured by any or all of the cameras. Responsive to image processing of captured image data, the electronic control unit is operable to determine objects present in the field of view of at least one of the cameras. Responsive to vehicle data, the electronic control unit determines a vehicle motion vector during driving of the vehicle by a driver of the vehicle. The electronic control unit compares the determined relative movement of a determined object to the determined vehicle motion vector and, responsive to a difference between the determined relative movement of the object and the determined vehicle motion vector, the electronic control unit determines a misalignment of the at least one camera. |
| US09701244B2 |
Systems, methods, and vehicles for generating cues to drivers
Systems, methods and vehicles for generating cues to drivers of vehicles are disclosed. A system for generating a cue to a driver of a vehicle including at least one processor, at least one memory module communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, at least one stop (S) stored in the at least one memory module and at least one object sensor communicatively coupled to the at least one processor. When executed by the at least one processor, the machine readable instructions cause the cue generating system to detect a presence of an object in front of the vehicle, determine a cue position (Pcue) for generating a cue based on the detected presence of the object and the stop (S), and generate the cue to a driver of the vehicle based on the first position and the cue position (Pcue). |
| US09701241B2 |
Early detection of turning and automatic response by the vehicle
A system and method for early detection of turning intent and automatic actuation of a turn signal in a vehicle is provided. The system has an image recognition system and turn determination unit for identifying turn predictors and processing them to determine if a turn is about to happen. In response, a corresponding turn signal is automatically initiated for a predetermined period of time, and further vehicle systems can be updated. |
| US09701238B2 |
Regulation system of the headlights in a tilting vehicle with roll mechanism
A regulation system of one or more supports of the domes of the headlights in a vehicle having a chassis, a rear wheel, at least one front steering wheel and a roll and steering mechanism operatively connected with the chassis is described. The regulation system comprises articulated connection means between the roll and steering mechanism and the supports for controlling the domes of such headlights so that they rotate such to compensate the roll rotation of the vehicle while driving. |
| US09701237B2 |
Irradiation system that controls headlamps of a vehicle
An irradiation system includes: a light position detection unit that detects a light position of an oncoming vehicle from a captured image; a driver position calculation unit that calculates a position upward and shifted in a first direction by a first distance from the light position detected by the light position detection unit, as a driver position; a shaded area generation unit that generates a first area having vertices respectively set at the light position, the driver position and a position shifted in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, by a distance between a pair of lights in the predetermined vehicle from the driver position, as a shaded area; and an irradiation unit that irradiates an area ahead of the host vehicle while shading the shaded area generated by the shaded area generation unit. |
| US09701231B2 |
Seat headrest
A seat headrest having a side cushion and a mounting mechanism for use in conjunction with existing, standard airplane seat headrests. The seat headrest has an adjustable side cushion to provide head and neck support by serving as headrests on the side of a user's head. The user may be any individual in a passenger airplane. |
| US09701229B2 |
Arm rest stop assembly
Described are arm rest stop assemblies including an arm rest pivotally coupled to a fixed portion of a passenger seat and a down-stop mechanism comprising an adjustment pin inserted through the fixed portion of the passenger seat and an adjustment fastener coupled to the adjustment pin and the fixed portion of the passenger seat, wherein the location of the adjustment pin does not present a pinch point for passengers when the arm rest is lowered to the deployed position. |
| US09701225B1 |
Convertible tailgate cover and seat
A convertible tailgate cover can be converted from simply a tailgate cover to a seat and has a tailgate cover portion that includes an inside cover portion configured to extend over an inside surface of a tailgate and an outside cover portion configured to extend over an outside surface of said tailgate. The tailgate cover portion forms a U-shape having a channel that enables the tailgate cover portion to be slid down over a tailgate. A convertible tailgate cover has a seat-back portion that is rotatably attached to the inside cover portion and can be rotated up and secured by seat-back straps to form a seat-back, when the tailgate is down. The seat-back may have several pads configured in an accordion that fold out to form a sleeping pad. The tailgate cover portion and seat-back portions may be padded to provide a comfortable seat and to prevent tailgate damage. |
| US09701224B2 |
Car safety seat
A car safety seat includes a seat body and at least one safety belt. The seat body has at least one slot structure, wherein the slot structure includes a plurality of positioning slots and a plurality of guiding slots. The positioning slots are arranged with intervals in sequence, wherein each of the positioning slots has a first section and a second section opposite to each other. Each of the positioning slots is connected with another adjacent one of the positioning slots through one of the guiding slots, and each of the guiding slots extends from the first section of one of the positioning slots to the second section of another adjacent one of the positioning slots. The safety belt penetrates through any one of the positioning slots, wherein the safety belt is adapted to move along the corresponding guiding slot to reach another adjacent one of the positioning slots. |
| US09701223B2 |
Disc recliner with tapered pin cam surface
A disc recliner comprises a fixed guide plate coupled to a rotatable tooth plate. Pawls are movable between a first position interlocking the guide plate and tooth plate in a locked condition and a second position disengaged from the tooth plate in an unlocked condition to allow pivotal movement therebetween. A shaft extends through the guide plate and the tooth plate and a cam is fixedly mounted on the shaft for engagement with the pawls. A drive nut is fixedly mounted to the guide plate for rotation therewith. A drive screw is fixedly mounted to the shaft and matingly engaged with the drive nut wherein rotation of the shaft rotates the drive screw and the drive nut causes lateral movement of the shaft and cam along an axis to drive the pawls between the first and second positions thereby actuating the disc recliner between a locked and unlocked conditions. |
| US09701221B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat, which adjusts an inclination angle of a seat back with respect to a seat cushion through a recliner, includes a base member, a bracket, which supports the seat back so that the seat back is able to move, and is fixed to a rotation side of the recliner, a connecting member that connects the seat cushion and the seat back with each other, a first guide mechanism that guides the seat back with respect to the bracket, and a second guide mechanism that guides the seat cushion with respect to the base member. The seat back and the seat cushion are guided by the first guide mechanism and the second guide mechanism, respectively, so that the seat back and the seat cushion move rotationally about a position corresponding to a hip-point of a seated occupant. |
| US09701220B2 |
Seat height adjustment module and arrangement for adjusting the height of a seat
A seat height adjustment module for a seat, in particular for a vehicle seat, having a manually operable control element which, to provide an adjusting movement for the seat, can be moved out of an initial position into a first actuating position and into a second actuating position and back. A primary spring is provided, which cooperates with a transmission member such that the primary spring is relaxed with movement of the control element into a first actuating position and such that the primary spring is tensioned with movement of a control element into the second actuating position. |
| US09701212B2 |
Inductive charging system for electric vehicle
A charging system for an electric vehicle that assists in aligning a primary charging coil and a secondary coil. The system may include a wheel chock that raises the primary coil into alignment with the secondary coil when a tire enters the wheel chock. The system may include a primary that is recessed below the surface supporting the vehicle and is protected by a cover. The secondary coil may be protected and supported by a skid plate mounted to the vehicle. The system may include a charging circuit that is controlled by signals transmitted by a garage door opener transmitter or a garage door opener. The system may include sensors that detect the presence of an animal or object in the space between the primary coil and the secondary coil. |
| US09701209B2 |
Charging device and method of delivering current to a power storage device
A charging device for a power storage device includes a current control device configured to selectively enable and disable current from being delivered to the power storage device. The charging device also includes an actuator that moves at least a first portion of the charging device from a first position to a second position, and a controller coupled to the actuator and the current control device. The controller determines whether a predetermined actuation condition is met, activates the actuator to move the at least a first portion of the charging device to the second position upon the determination that the predetermined actuation condition is met, and controls the current control device to enable current to be delivered when the at least a first portion of the charging device is in the second position. |
| US09701207B2 |
Electric storage apparatus
A battery including an output terminal, an electric storage device, a monitoring apparatus including a detector and a controller, the detector being configured to detect a variation value corresponding to an amount of charge of the electric storage device, a relay connected to the output terminal and the electric storage device, and a communication unit connected to the controller. The controller is configured to execute an opening process to switch a state of the relay from a closed state to an open state and to cause the communication unit to receive an input signal from outside. |
| US09701205B2 |
Power cut off device
A power cut off device includes a case and an actuator disposed in the case. The actuator includes a driver movable relative to the case. Specifically, the driver can move relative to the case between a first driver position and a second driver position. The power cut off device also includes a cutter defining a conductor receiving opening. The cutter is movably disposed in the case. Consequently, the cutter can move relative to the case between a first cutter position and a second cutter position. The cutter is operatively coupled to the actuator such that the driver is configured to drive the cutter from the first cutter position to the second cutter position when the driver moves from the first driver position to the second driver position in order to cut an electrical conductor disposed in the conductor receiving opening. |
| US09701204B2 |
In-wheel motor drive device
Provided is an in-wheel motor drive device which detects an abnormality with high precision over the entire operation range of a motor by measuring the temperatures of a lubricating oil and a motor coil. The in-wheel motor drive device includes an electric motor (1), a wheel bearing (5), a speed reducer (2), a lubricating oil supply mechanism (Jk), and a controller (U1). An oil temperature sensor (Sb) is disposed in a lubricating oil passage (29) in the speed reducer (2), and a coil temperature sensor (Sa) is disposed on a motor stator. The controller (U1) includes a motor output limit (95) that limits an electric current in the electric motor (1) when at least one of temperatures measured by the oil temperature sensor (Sb) and by the coil temperature sensor (Sa) has exceeded a corresponding predefined threshold. |
| US09701202B2 |
Vehicle fingerprint bookmark
Provided in the present disclosure is a fingerprint bookmark system which may be implemented in a vehicle with one or more configurable interior settings. The fingerprint bookmark system may contain a scanner which may be configured to record a fingerprint from a vehicle occupant such that a fingerprint image showing the fingerprint and a duration data for the fingerprint image are recorded by the scanner. The system may contain one or more processors which may be configured to compare the duration data associated with the fingerprint image with a duration threshold. The one or more processors may be configured to initiate a search to obtain a bookmark for the fingerprint shown in the fingerprint image when the duration data is less than the duration threshold. The one or more processors may be further configured to create a new bookmark when the duration data exceeds the duration threshold. |
| US09701199B2 |
Display control device for vehicle and display control method for vehicle
Information display is performed, in which recognizability of information regarding a driving support control is relatively good even in a situation where a driving load is relatively large, the information display not annoying a driver. A display controller displays a support state displaying image, which is an image having a configuration in which a vehicle image is superimposed on a mesh image as a mesh-like planar image, on a liquid crystal display device provided in a meter panel of a meter device. In addition, upon having determined that a driving support control implemented by a driving support device is operating, the display controller performs a display control to change a display mode of a mesh image portion of the support state displaying image, which is to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device, to a preset display mode. |
| US09701195B2 |
Differential with torque coupling
A differential assembly with a torque coupling unit. The differential assembly includes a first side gear connected to a first axle half shaft. A clutch can end piece is also connected to the first intermediate shaft. A clutch can is connected to the clutch can end piece. A first plurality of clutch plates extend from the clutch can. A second plurality of clutch plates is interleaved with the first plurality of clutch plates to form a clutch pack. The second plurality of clutch plates extend from a clutch drum. The clutch drum is connected to a second intermediate shaft. A clutch actuator assembly comprises an actuator in driving engagement with a gear set. The gear set drives an actuator plate. The actuator plate is part of a ball ramp assembly used to selectively engage the clutch pack. |
| US09701190B2 |
User interface for an electrically motorized vehicle
A system, method, and device for operations of an electrically motorized vehicle. The vehicle can utilize an electrically motorized wheel to convert a non-motorized wheeled vehicle to an electrically motorized wheeled vehicle. A method includes calculating a set of parameters to control an amount of assistance or resistance generated by the device of the electrically motorized wheel in response to a user input, the set of parameters are calculated in response to a user selecting one of a plurality of operational modes. |
| US09701186B2 |
Vehicle
A fuel remaining amount is recognized by a control device by a discrete numerical value. In a period that continues until execution of only the electric power supply in which the engine is stopped after the electric power supply is initiated (time is to t1), that is, in a period when no SOC recovery history is generated, the control device calculates an electric power supply possible time Tsp with a sum of an electric power generation possible time Tgs based on a fuel remaining amount detection value FLV# and a discharging possible time Tel based on the SOC. In a period subsequent to the generation of the SOC recovery history attributable to starting of the engine (after time t0), the electric power supply possible time Tsp is calculated in accordance with the electric power generation possible time Tgs without the SOC being reflected. |
| US09701184B2 |
Sunshade device
A sunshade device includes guide rails slidably supporting a shade panel so as to open and close an opening formed on a vehicle roof; and a shade stopper attached to each guide rail, regulating an opening action by allowing the shade panel to abut on the shade stopper, wherein the guide rail includes a rail-side flange or flanges arranged side by side in a height direction which extend toward an inner side in a width direction, the shade stopper includes retaining pieces extending toward an outer side in the width direction and sandwiching the rail-side flange in the height direction, and rail-side and retaining-piece side engaging projections projecting in the height direction to face each other and regulating a movement of the retaining piece in the inner side in the width direction are respectively formed in the rail-side flange and the retaining piece in one side. |
| US09701183B2 |
Vehicle sliding door locking device
A sliding door locking device of a vehicle may include a rail mounted to a vehicle body along a length direction thereof, a slider inserted in and slidably coupled to the rail, a connection structure of which one end is relatively rotatably coupled to the slider and another end is coupled to a door of the vehicle to slidably support the door of the vehicle, a latch rotatably mounted to the slider to lock the connection structure to the rail or release the connection structure from the rail, and a locking groove formed in the rail and to which the latch is detachable therefrom. |
| US09701181B2 |
Vehicle sun visor having an exposed positioning assembly
A vehicle sun visor includes a positioning assembly configured to facilitate rotation and/or translation of the vehicle sun visor relative to an interior of a vehicle. The positioning assembly includes a casing configured to house a positioning mechanism, and an outer surface of the casing forms at least a portion of a show surface of the vehicle sun visor. |
| US09701169B2 |
Unique adjustable trailer-locking system, having unique quick-size-release, quick-size-assembly, and quick-size-switch trailer lock for securely locking hitch-ball receivers of all standardized sizes, and for eliminating cavities inside hitch-ball receivers to prevent crowbar-insertion trailer theft
A unique adjustable trailer-locking system comprises a locking ball, a lock, a locking pin, a key, and first, second, third, and fourth size-adjusting caps. The locking ball has a through hole. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth size-adjusting caps has a dome shape and a hollow shaft attached to its center. Each of the hollow shafts can be inserted into the through hole or another hollow shaft to assemble, disassemble, and switch the size of the locking ball, to fit inside a hitch-ball receiver of one of standardized sizes to eliminate all the gaps therebetween, to prevent a crowbar from being inserted therebetween to pry the locking ball off. The locking pin is for being inserted through a hitch-ball-receiver lever and through the lock. The key is for turning the lock to secure the locking pin and the hitch-ball-receiver lever. |
| US09701168B2 |
Variable rigidity tow cable
A variable rigidity tow cable for attaching a first vehicle with a second vehicle. The tow cable includes a tension control cable having a first end and a second end. Tension on at least one of the ends of the tension control cable can be controlled to increase or decrease the length of the tension control cable. A plurality of beads are slidingly disposed on the tension control cable between the first end and the second end. The beads are free to move relative to one another on the tension control cable when the tension control cable is slack, and the beads are engaged with each other to form a rigid structure around the tension control cable when tension is applied to the tension control cable. |
| US09701166B2 |
Bi-directional self-inflating tire with pressure regulator
A self-inflating tire assembly includes an air tube connected to a tire and defining an air passageway, the air tube being composed of a flexible material operative to allow an air tube segment opposite a tire footprint to flatten, closing the passageway, and resiliently unflatten into an original configuration. The air tube is sequentially flattened by the tire footprint in a direction opposite to a tire direction of rotation to pump air along the passageway to a regulator device. The regulator device regulates the inlet air flow to the air tube and the outlet air flow to the tire cavity. |
| US09701165B2 |
Tire pressure monitor system tool with re-learn and diagnostic procedures
A tire pressure monitor system tool that stores information regarding a plurality of tire pressure monitor systems. The information may include procedures for resetting and diagnosing the tire pressure monitor system. The tool may include a storing module that stores the information and a displaying module that causes the information to be displayed on a display of the tool. The tool may enable a user to input data regarding a vehicle. Based on the vehicle data input by the user, the tool may determine a tire pressure monitor system installed on the vehicle using the information stored. Based on the tire pressure monitoring system installed on the vehicle, the tool may determine one or more reset or diagnostic procedures that may be performed by the tool. The tool may also reference the owner's manual of the vehicle. The tool may also include an updating module that updates the information stored by the tool. The tool may also include an update interface that may be, for example, an RS232 port. The tool may interface with an electronic control unit of a vehicle. |
| US09701158B2 |
Variable track wheel
A variable track wheel (1) comprises a rim (2) suitable for receiving a tire, and a disc (3) through which said wheel (1) is mountable on a hub (37), said disc (3) being removably secured by fastenings (6) to a connecting member (4) provided in said rim (2), said connecting member (4) projecting towards a rotation axis (X) of said wheel (1), said wheel further comprising a plurality of spacers (15) interposed between an annular perimeter zone (36) of said disc (3) and said connecting member (4) of said rim (2), said disc (3) and said rim (2) being mountable in a plurality of reciprocal axial positions and in a plurality of reciprocal orientations to obtain a variation in the track of said wheel (1), said wheel (1) further comprising at least one centring device (8; 9) for mutual positioning of said disc (3) and of said rim (2), said centring device (8; 9) comprising a hole (10; 10a; 10b) and a pin (11), said hole (10; 10a; 10b) or said pin (11) being provided in said connecting member (4) or in said disc (3), said centring device (8; 9) further comprising a coupling element (21) so conformed as to cooperate with said hole (10; 10a; 10b) and with said pin (11) for reciprocally coupling said pin (11) and said hole (10; 10a; 10b). |
| US09701151B2 |
Security thread
An anti-counterfeiting security thread for incorporation into documents and banknotes. The security thread has at least two zones located respectively on either side of a separation line extending longitudinally along the thread. Two optically variable security elements having different appearances are disposed in the first zone and second zones of the security thread. The optically variable elements are arranged with respect to the separation line so that each of the two optically variable elements has a first perceived appearance from a first direction of observation and a second perceived appearance from a second direction of observation, wherein the first and the second perceived appearances are different. |
| US09701150B2 |
Pixel mapping, arranging, and imaging for round and square-based lens arrays to achieve full volume 3D and multi-directional motion
A visual display assembly adapted for use as an anti-counterfeiting device on paper currency, product labels, and other objects. The assembly includes a film of transparent material including a first surface including an array of lenses and a second surface opposite the first surface. The assembly also includes a printed image proximate to the second surface. The printed image includes pixels of frames of one or more images interlaced relative to two orthogonal axes. The lenses of the array are nested in a plurality of parallel rows, and adjacent ones of the lenses in columns of the array are aligned to be in a single one of the rows with no offset of lenses in adjacent columns/rows. The lenses may be round-based lenses or are square-based lenses, and the lenses may be provided at 200 lenses per inch (LPI) or a higher LPI in both directions. |
| US09701149B2 |
Bookbinding device having a glue cartridge and, a glue cartridge receiving unit
A glue cartridge (130) comprises a glue tank (101), a rotatable glue spreading roller (104) connected to the glue tank, which is arranged directly below the glue tank (101) and at least one rotation means (106, 107) usable from outside the glue cartridge (130) for rotating the glue spreading roller (104). The glue spreading roller (104) of the glue cartridge is designed so that the form of the glue spreading roller (104) prevents glue from escaping from the glue tank (101) when the glue spreading roller (104) is in place and takes glue from the glue tank (101) when the glue spreading roller (104) is rotated. A block (1360) of sheets to be bound to form a book is set in a bookbinding device (1300), and glue is spread on the spine (1362) of the block (1360) in such a way that glue is obtainable from an exchangeable glue cartridge (130) by using a receiving unit (150) for the glue cartridge (130). |
| US09701145B2 |
Covert label
A covert label. A substrate comprises a field of ink. Disposed within the field of ink, is ink that can be preferentially removed according to a preconfigured pattern. The preconfigured pattern comprises information associable with at least one object. |
| US09701142B2 |
Multifunction printing device
A small, compact multifunction printing device provides excellent ease of use with little possibility of slips and continuous paper jamming inside. The multifunction printer has a check processing unit and a continuous paper processing unit. The check processing unit has a U-shaped check conveyance path P1 that opens to the front of the printer and enables handling slips to be processed and the processed slips from the front of the printer. A continuous paper conveyance path P2 that conveys continuous paper fed from a paper roll in the roll paper compartment from the back to the front of the printer is formed on the inside of the check conveyance path P1, enabling replacing roll paper and removing processed continuous paper from the front. The conveyance paths P1 and P2 are independent of each other, the printing positions thereof are separated, and conveyed slips and continuous paper will not interfere with each other. |
| US09701136B2 |
Method and device for printing with temperature gradient for optimal solvent penetration
A method for printing to a recording medium having at least one ink or at least one liquid toner whose liquid component includes a plurality of fluids, wherein after the printing, the method includes heat treating the recording medium in a range from 40 to 80° C.; and fixing the recording medium at a temperature of at least 90° C. |
| US09701134B2 |
Medium supporting unit and recording apparatus
A medium supporting unit includes a supporting portion that includes a first surface supporting a medium, a second surface recessed more than the first surface, and a first side surface connecting the first surface to the second surface, and a pressing portion that includes a pressing surface pressing the medium supported by the first surface at a position facing the second surface, and a facing side surface which faces the first side surface, in which in the supporting portion and the pressing portion, at the time of a holding state in which the medium is supported by the first surface and is pressed by the pressing surface, a part of the medium positioned between the first side surface and the facing side surface is capable of being held in a state of being separated from the second surface. |
| US09701131B2 |
Thermal head and thermal printer
A thermal head capable of reducing a possibility of separation of a connector is provided. A thermal head includes a substrate; a plurality of heat generating portions disposed on the substrate; a plurality of electrodes which are disposed on the substrate and are electrically connected to the plurality of heat generating portions, respectively; and a connector including a plurality of connector pins which pinch the substrate and are electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes, respectively, and a housing for containing the plurality of connector pins. The housing is disposed adjacent to the substrate in a sub-scanning direction, and the housing includes a support portion disposed under the substrate. This can reduce a possibility of separation of the connector. |
| US09701129B2 |
Method and device for maintenance and protection of a hydraulic connection
A method of cleaning an ink circuit of an inkjet printer, including at least one reservoir, called the main reservoir, at least one ink cartridge, a first pump to pump ink from the cartridge, a first fluid connection to transfer ink from the ink cartridge to the reservoir, a second pump to pump ink from the reservoir (10), a second fluid connection to transfer ink to the ink cartridge, and a controller. The method includes a) a step in which ink is transferred from the main reservoir as far as the cartridge, through the second pump and the second fluid connection, and b) a step to pump at least part of the ink transferred during step a) to the main reservoir. |
| US09701121B2 |
Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting head unit, liquid ejecting line head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting head including a head main unit having L (L is an integer of 2 or more) nozzle rows parallel to one another in a first direction in which, for each nozzle row, in a case in which one side in a second direction that intersects the first direction at a predetermined angle in a range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees is the first side, the nozzle row furthest to the first side among the L nozzle rows does not have a nozzle positioned at a distance M or more further to the first side in the second direction than the nozzle furthest to the first side of a nozzle row neighboring in the second direction. |
| US09701118B2 |
Liquid discharge apparatus and method for manufacturing the same
A liquid discharge apparatus is provided, including a liquid discharge head including: an upper substrate, a plurality of piezoelectric elements, an intermediate substrate, a lower substrate and a plurality of individual traces arranged on the upper substrate and extending toward the contacts arranged on the one end side in the second direction from the plurality of piezoelectric elements respectively. |
| US09701111B2 |
Address architecture for fluid ejection chip
A printhead including one or more fluid vias in fluid communication with a fluid supply, each of the one or more fluid vias being associated with a first number of heating elements, the heating elements being divided into groups of a second number of heating elements so as to form a number of primitive groups, and an electrical interface having at least one shift register that receives primitive address data to allow for selective application of electrical signals to the heating elements so that fluid is ejected from the printhead in accordance with image data, the number of primitive groups being dependent on the print resolution of the printhead so that a number of bits required for the at least one shift register to address each heater is independent of the print resolution of the printhead. |
| US09701110B2 |
Liquid ejection head production method and liquid ejection head production system
The production method for a liquid ejection head is provided, in which a first head module is set, a second candidate head module is selected, a first representative value of the first head module is acquired, a second representative value of the second candidate head module is acquired, an average value of the first representative value and the second representative value is derived, and the second candidate head module by which the derived average value is 0.76-fold or more and 1.24-fold or less of an average ejection volume target value is set as a second head module. |
| US09701107B2 |
Method for changing printing forms and printing machines having a printing tower and a vertically movable storage device
A printing machine has a printing tower with a plurality of printing units arranged one above the other and a printing form changeover system having at least one vertically movable storage device for printing forms. A first machine plane, which is associated with one or a plurality of first printing units, is provided. A storage is associated with the printing tower. The storage can be moved between a removal position located in the region of the first machine plane and a loading position which is vertically spaced apart therefrom by a conveyor system. The loading position is associated with the second printing unit of the printing tower with a view to feeding printing forms. During the changeover of the printing forms, received printing forms are transported by the vertically movable storage. |
| US09701105B2 |
Method for conveying printing forms during the changeover of printing forms and printing machine having a printing tower and a vertically movable storage device
A printing machine has a printing tower with a plurality of printing units arranged one above the other and a printing form changeover system having at least one vertically movable storage device for printing forms. A first machine plane, which is associated with one or a plurality of first printing units, is provided. A conveying system, which can move the vertically movable storage device from a loading position located in the region of the first machine plane to an advanced position which is vertically spaced apart, is provided. In addition to the vertically movable storage device, an additional storage device which is associated with the first printing unit of the printing tower is provided. |
| US09701100B2 |
Lightweight reinforced phenolic structural sandwich panel based on aramid honeycomb core and method
A structural panel comprises phenolic skins formed over a honeycomb core. The skins are bonded to the honeycomb under vacuum and heat, providing a panel capable of forming to desired shapes. The panel is 30% lighter than aluminum honeycomb panels of similar thickness, equivalent in strength to aluminum honeycomb panels, and meets the very stringent fire, smoke and toxicity norms of the industry. Additionally the product also reduces the thermal load, has very high heat resistance and is corrosion resistant. The use of this product is not limited to flat profiles, but can also be used to mold double curved or other three dimensional profiles. |
| US09701098B2 |
Polyethylene-based resin foam sheet
A polyethylene-based resin foam sheet with density of 15 to 150 kg/m3, including a foam layer containing, as a base resin, polyethylene-based resin, and antistatic layer which is lamination bonded to at least one side of the foam layer containing a polymeric antistatic agent and, as base resin, polyethylene-based resin, wherein polymeric antistatic agent melting point of 125 to 140° C. and ratio of its partial heat of fusion in a region above melting point to its total heat of fusion of 40% or lower, wherein antistatic layer contains the polymeric antistatic agent of 45 to 300 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the polyethylene-based resin constituting the antistatic layer, wherein antistatic layer has a weight of 1 to 50 g/m2, and antistatic layer shows initial electrostatic potential of 50 V or lower when a voltage of 10 kV is applied to a surface for 30 seconds. |
| US09701096B2 |
Overlay applicator machine and method of using the same
An overlay applicator machine including a support base configured to hold an electronic device. The overlay applicator machine also includes a lid attached to the support base. The overlay applicator machine additionally includes a hinge mechanism attaching the lid to the support base. The hinge mechanism allows the lid to rotate with respect to the support base. The support base and the lid are configured to enclose the electronic device in a closed configuration. The overlay applicator machine further includes an alignment base. The alignment base is configured to engage with an alignment mechanism of an overlay applicator. The alignment base is configured to align the overlay applicator with a screen of the electronic device as the overlay applicator is applied to the screen. The overlay applicator machine additionally includes an end slot. The end slot is configured to receive a pull tab of the overlay applicator extending from the support base out of the overlay applicator machine. The pull tab is configured to be pulled through the end slot to remove an adhesive release liner of the overlay applicator from a bottom side of an overlay layer to expose an adhesive of the overlay layer to the screen of the electronic device. Other embodiments are provided. |
| US09701094B2 |
Layered semi-finished product and method for producing it
The object of the present invention is a layered semi-finished product having a layer sequence containing at least one layer of an unconsolidated fabric of reinforcing fibers. At reduced pressure, this layer sequence is arranged between a top and a bottom film connected to each other along their periphery in a pressure-retaining manner. In advantageous modifications of the layered semi-finished product according to the invention, the preforming of the semi-finished, as well as the inclusion of metallic inserts or other components into said semi-finished is intended. Furthermore, a method for producing the layered semi-finished product according to the invention is described. |
| US09701092B2 |
Method for removing matrix from a composite material using a laser
A method for removing matrix from a composite material comprising reinforcement embedded in a matrix and having a thickness bounded by the first surface and a second surface of the composite material. A laser is oriented with a beam axis of the laser approximately perpendicular to the first surface of the composite material. The laser travels over a region of the first surface of the composite material, wherein the laser removes a portion of or the entire thickness of the composite matrix at the region while leaving the reinforcement of the composite material intact. |
| US09701091B2 |
Apparatus and method for dispensing cushioning wrap material
An unpowered, manually operable apparatus (10) for dispensing cushioning wrap material (13) includes a frame (12), a roll (14) of interleaf material (16) rotatably secured to the frame, a roll (18) of expandable sheet material (20) in an unexpanded form rotatably secured to the frame adjacent the roll of interleaf material, and a tensioning assembly (60, 70, 80, 90) operably associated with the roll of expandable sheet material to control rotational resistance thereof. The rotational resistance causes the expandable sheet material to expand in length and thickness as it is pulled with the interleaf material by a user. Typically, the roll of interleaf material and the roll of expandable sheet material are secured to the frame such that respective longitudinal centerlines of each roll are substantially aligned. In addition, typically, the axial directions of the rolls are substantially parallel. |
| US09701086B2 |
Biomass pellet and method of producing same
Described is a substantially spherical biomass pellet, comprising compressed particulate biomass including one or more of ligno-cellulosic material, recycling waste, and dewatered municipal solid waste, useful as a fuel. Also described are methods for producing such pellets using one or more of untorrefied biomass and torrefied biomass, and apparatus for producing such biomass pellets. |
| US09701085B1 |
Radial press
A radial press is provided for the radial deformation of a workpiece centrically to a pressing axis, having two yokes and a pressing tool that comprises a pressing jaw set received in a tool installation space defined between the yokes with pressing jaws arranged concentrically round the pressing axis, wherein both yokes are movable relative to one another by means of a drive system along a drive axis arranged perpendicularly to the pressing axis and the spacing of the pressing jaws from the pressing axis depends on the position of the two yokes relative to one another. |
| US09701084B2 |
Press machine
A press machine includes a press frame having first and second portions, a crankshaft, a crankshaft, a ram, a ram drive mechanism supported by the first portion of the press frame at a primary force application location, a ram guide linearly guiding the ram, and supported by the second portion of the press frame at a ram guide location; and a working tool including an upper tool section and a lower tool section configured for the processing of a workpiece. The upper tool section is fixedly attached to the ram and the lower tool section is fixedly attached to the press frame at a lower tool location. The primary force application location has a first working position during the processing of the workpiece, and a second resting position when the workpiece is not being processed. The ram guide location has a first working position during the processing of the workpiece, and a second resting position when the workpiece is not being processed. The difference between the working position and the resting position of the ram guide location is less than the difference between the working position and the resting position of the primary force application location. |
| US09701081B2 |
Method for forming stratified rubber article with variable cure rate
A method of forming a tread comprising two or more layers of rubber is described. The method includes the steps of: extruding a rubber compound through an extruder and a gear pump and mixing with an accelerant and then applying a continuous strip of rubber directly onto a tire building machine to form a first layer of rubber having a first cure rate; adjusting the amount of accelerant to obtain a second cure rate different than said first cure rate, and then applying a strip of rubber having a second cure rate onto the tire building machine, wherein one of the cure rates is faster than the other cure rate. |
| US09701074B2 |
Method of manufacturing polarizing plate
A method of manufacturing a polarizing plate according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: stretching and dyeing a laminate including a resin substrate having a long shape and a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin layer formed on one side of the resin substrate, to thereby produce a polarizing film on the resin substrate; laminating an optically functional film on a side of the polarizing film of the laminate, to thereby produce an optically functional film laminate; and cutting widthwise direction end portions of the optically functional film laminate. The cut portions include the resin substrate, the polarizing film, and the optically functional film. |
| US09701070B2 |
Mandrel forming for discrete wing skin stiffeners
In one embodiment, a stiffener may be formed by inserting a plurality of flexible mandrels into a channel of a tool having a three-dimensional contour, placing a vacuum bag over the flexible mandrels and the tool, with the mandrels disposed between the vacuum bag and the tool, and applying vacuum pressure between the vacuum bag and the tool. A hardening substance may be inserted into each of the plurality of flexible mandrels and then may be hardened while the plurality of mandrels are inserted in the one or more channels of the tool. Finally, the mandrels may be wrapped with a stiffener material with stiffeners being formed from the stiffener material. |
| US09701067B2 |
Method of laying up prepreg plies on contoured tools using a deformable carrier film
A method is presented. The method comprises identifying a desired shape of a ply on a tool, in which the ply has a fiber orientation; identifying a cut shape for the ply, in which the cut shape is different than the desired shape; cutting a composite prepreg ply to have the cut shape, the composite prepreg ply having the fiber orientation; using a deformable carrier to apply the composite prepreg ply having the cut shape to the tool such that the composite prepreg ply has the desired shape on the tool. |
| US09701065B2 |
Blue-ray photocuring 3D printing pen
The technical solution for reaching the object of this invention is as follows: a blue-ray photocuring 3D printing pen, comprising a casing, an ink cartridge located within the casing, a penpoint located on the head end of the ink cartridge and extending out the casing, a photosensitive resin placed within the ink cartridge. The blue-ray photocuring 3D printing pen further comprises a plurality of blue-ray LED arranged around the circumference of the penpoint. The photosensitive resin is capable of flowing out of the penpoint, and the blue-ray is configured to irradiate and solidify the photosensitive resin, wherein the wavelength of the blue-ray LED ranges from 465 nm to 485 nm. |
| US09701064B2 |
Digital manufacturing system for printing three-dimensional objects on a rotating core
A printer forms a three-dimensional object on a rotating substrate. The printer includes a frame that supports a cylindrical member and at least one printhead such that the first printhead is positioned to eject material onto an outer surface of the cylindrical member. The frame is movable between a first position that rotatably supports the cylindrical member and a second position that enables transfer of the cylindrical member to and from the frame. A controller operates the printhead to eject material onto the rotating cylindrical member to form the object. The controller interpolates a periodic signal generated from a position encoder to adjust the operation of the printhead based on the rotational position and velocity of the cylindrical member. The controller operates a driver to move the frame to the second position to enable removal of the cylindrical member from the printer. |
| US09701061B1 |
Tendon placement for high-altitude balloons
Aspects of the disclosure relate to manufacturing balloon envelopes for use in high-altitude mesh networks for packet-data communications. As an example, a gore portion may be placed on a table such that the gore portion overlies a groove within the table. A tendon may be placed on the gore portion and within the groove. A portion of tubing may be placed over the tendon. The tubing may have one or more surface openings. Restraining tape is applied over the one or more surface openings in the tubing. A constant force roller is applied to secure the tendon to the gore portion and to secure the tendon to the tubing. As an alternative or in addition to the surface openings, double-sided restraining tape may be placed between the tendon and the tubing. The tubing and restraining tape may prevent undesired lateral and longitudinal movement of the tendon during deployment. |
| US09701060B2 |
Extrusion-to-sheet production line and method
Extrusion-to-sheet production line and method comprise first and second rolls set to a predetermined gap through which a continuously-extruded sheet of molten plastic material passes to calender the sheet to a predetermined thickness. The sheet passes through a nip formed between the second roll and a continuous belt looped around a third roll and a fourth roll. The belt comprises an embossing pattern of optical element shapes that is an inverse pattern of optical element shapes to be embossed at a first major surface of the sheet. The sheet remains in contact with the second roll until the sheet passes through the nip, where the pattern of optical element shapes on the belt is embossed into the first major surfaces of the sheet. Downstream of the third roll is a cooling area through which the belt passes. |
| US09701059B2 |
Process and apparatus for registered embossing of extensible printed film or of a laminate comprising an extensible printed film
In an embodiment, a process for synchronized embossing of an extensible printed film or of a laminate product including an extensible printed film is disclosed. The process includes pre-heating the film; possible coupling of the pre-heated film with a substrate; passage of the film or of the laminate between an engraved embossing cylinder; and a pressing counter-cylinder, in which the extensible film is subjected to a controlled elongation, in the longitudinal direction only, during the pre-heating step, during which the film is in a thermoplastic state, and said controlled elongation is such as to synchronize the decoration printed on the film with the position of the embossing cylinder. |
| US09701052B2 |
Fixed platen of injection molding machine
A fixed platen of an injection molding machine is provided with a first leg protruding at a substantially central portion of a lower part and secured to a base frame and second legs protruding left and right. Each of the second legs is provided with a thin portion thinner than the fixed platen. Thus, a deformation difference between the upper and lower sides of the fixed platen caused during nozzle touch operation or when the fixed platen is subjected to a mold clamping force can be reduced. |
| US09701049B2 |
Method for producing a fiber-reinforced plastics part with a connecting region
A process for producing a fiber-reinforced plastic part, includes the steps of providing a mat-type reinforcing matrix consisting of a fiber material; inserting the reinforcing matrix into an injection molding tool; closing the injection molding tool; placing a liquid thermosetting plastic material in the injection molding tool, the reinforcing matrix being saturated with plastic material. In a connection area, in which the plastic part to be produced is to be connectable later with a further component, the reinforcing matrix is deformed such that a trough-type bulging-out is formed. A place holder element is inserted into the bulging-out, and the bulging-out is filled up with plastic material around the place holder element. |
| US09701047B2 |
Methods and systems for the preparation of molded plastic articles having a structural barrier layer
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for the preparation of a co-injection molded multilayer plastic article. Some methods include co-extruding a combined polymeric stream having an interior core stream encased by an inner stream and an outer stream. One or more pulses in a thickness of the interior core stream create portions of an edge of the outer flow stream flowing along different streamlines. A first portion of an outer edge of the interior core stream flows beyond a second portion of the outer edge thereby forming one or more cohesion members that physically interlock the interior layer with the inner layer, with the outer layer or with both. Some embodiments reduce or eliminate a need for addition of an adhesive in the composite stream to prevent delamination of layers of the resulting multilayer plastic article. In some embodiments, cohesion members may be employed to produce a desired cosmetic effect in a resulting article. |
| US09701046B2 |
Method and apparatus for dry cast facing concrete deposition
An apparatus and method for manufacturing masonry blocks using a face mix shuttle comprising an angled shovel for depositing a controllable amount of face mix onto a surface of a masonry block. |
| US09701041B2 |
Debris catching apparatus for a concrete mixer
An apparatus for a lorry-based concrete mixer comprising a vessel adapted to be positioned beneath a concrete mixer discharge chute portion when the discharge chute is in a stowed position, the vessel being adapted, in use, to receive and retain debris exiting the discharge chute portion while the lorry-based concrete mixer is in motion, the vessel being further adapted to receive wash down water. |
| US09701040B2 |
Apparatus for distressing material
An apparatus and method for distressing material, such as a board. The apparatus may include a cutter head supporting a blade, a guide member, and a flattening device. The flattening device and the guide member are positioned proximate the cutter head and on opposite sides thereof. In response to the cutter head and the surface of the material being brought into cutting contact and moved relative to each other, a resulting portion of the surface of the material is distressed. The flattening device maintains the proper vertical position of the cutter head and blade relative to the material and a material support as the material is being brought into cutting contact with the cutter head. The guide member levels warped material boards thereby bringing the board into proper elevation and engagement with the blade for cutting or scraping a top surface of the board. The material may be wood. |
| US09701038B1 |
Automatic chainsaw tensioning device
An apparatus for automatically adjusting a chainsaw cutting element as the chainsaw cutting element lengthens during use due to thermal expansion includes an elongate flat bar circumscribed by the chainsaw cutting element, a motor for causing the chainsaw cutting element to rotate about the elongate flat bar, a motor housing for housing the motor and a cover housing secured to the motor housing for covering a proximal end of the elongate flat bar and a rotatably mounted sprocket gear that engages a proximal end of the chainsaw cutting element. The elongate flat bar has a first, fully retracted position, a second, fully extended position, and an infinite number of positions of adjustment therebetween. Bias members continuously urge the elongate flat bar to displace during saw operation in a proximal-to-distal direction from the first, fully retracted position to the second, fully extended position to maintain chain tension at all times. |
| US09701035B2 |
Adjustable locking shoe
A shoe for a band saw includes a block for coupling to the band saw, the block having an aperture, a locking ball disposed in the aperture, a body including a first surface for engaging a workpiece and an opposite surface having plurality of recesses, and a locking rod coupled to the block and movable between a first position and a second position. The locking ball is received in one of the plurality of recesses of the body when the locking rod is in the first position such that the body is fixed relative to the block, and the body is movable relative to the block when the locking rod is in the second position. |
| US09701034B2 |
Shaver
A shaver that includes a handle with an elongated handgrip portion and a mounting portion, a shaver head attached to the mounting portion, the shaver head having a back structure. A removable cartridge is attached to the shaver head through a slidable button provided on the shaver head. |
| US09701033B2 |
Multi-headed safety razor
A safety razor is disclosed, and includes a handle and a shaving head. The shaving head defines a longitudinal axis. The shaving head is mounted to a distal portion of the handle and has a rest position. The shaving head is configured to rotate out of the rest position in a first radial direction transverse to the longitudinal axis defined by the handle. The shaving head is inhibited from rotation out of the rest position in a second radial direction opposite from the first radial direction. |
| US09701030B1 |
Kitchen utensil
The kitchen utensil provides the consumer a unique method for cutting a sandwich, which includes perforating or a complete and clean cut. The kitchen utensil while upright with the top portion resting in the palm of the consumer's hand with downward pressure being applied and rocked from end to end will push the bottom portion made up of the kitchen utensil blade or cutting side consisting of both comb like teeth in the center and wide blades on either end through the sandwich. The sandwich after being perforated will maintain its traditional square or rectangular shape so the consumer can place and remove the sandwich in and out of a sandwich bag. |
| US09701027B2 |
Robot
A robot includes a base and a robot main body. The robot main body includes a plurality of structural members driven by a plurality of actuators. The base includes a housing into which a control cable drawn, a first opening portion provided on a lower surface of the housing, and a second opening portion provided on a side surface of the housing. The first opening portion is configured capable of selectively attaching/detaching either one of a first connector plate including a connector to which a tip end portion of the control cable can be attached and a first lid portion not including the connector. The second opening portion is configured capable of selectively attaching/detaching either one of a second connector plate including a connector to which a tip end portion of the control cable can be attached and a second lid portion not including the connector. |
| US09701025B2 |
Pick-up tool with integrated light source
Acquisition or pick-up tools that themselves aid in improving the ease with which images of an acquired substrate may be captured, and methods of operating such pick-up tools, are provided. The pick-up tools may include a pick-up surface adapted to interface with a foreign substrate and a light source integrated with the pick-up tool such that light emitted from the light source passes through the pick-up surface to the foreign substrate when the foreign substrate is temporarily coupled with the pick-up surface to create a silhouette of the foreign substrate. A vision system may be adapted for capturing the silhouette of the foreign substrate when the foreign substrate is temporarily coupled with the pick-up surface. The substrate pick-up surface may be formed of one of a transparent, a semi-transparent, or a translucent material such that light may at least partially pass there through. |
| US09701020B1 |
Method and system for robotic surface coverage
Methods for minimizing redundancy of surface coverage of a workspace using a robotic device and a base station are presented, the methods including: creating a polar map of the workspace defined by a number of cells; creating a policy by dividing the workspace into a number of zones each defined by a portion of the number of cells and by ordering the number of zones for surface coverage; selecting a zone of the number of zones for surface coverage by the robotic device; creating a cell matrix of the portion of number of cells representing the selected zone; assigning the selected zone to the robotic device; covering the selected zone by the robotic device; reporting an actual zone coverage to the base station; updating a coverage matrix corresponding with the cell matrix of the selected zone to indicate coverage; and calculating a penalty. |
| US09701018B2 |
Software interface for authoring robotic manufacturing process
Example systems and methods allow for use of a graphical interface to cause one or more robotic devices to construct an output product. One example method includes causing a graphical interface to be displayed on a display device, receiving input data corresponding to one or more interactions with the graphical interface indicating at least one motion path and at least one sequence of tool actions to execute at one or more points within the at least one motion path for use in construction of an output product, generating a plurality of digital nodes including at least one robot node, at least one motion command node, and at least one tool command node, and providing instructions for the at least one robot actor to move according to the sequence of robot motion commands determined by the at least one motion command node and execute the sequence of tool commands determined by the at least one tool command node to construct the output product. |
| US09701015B2 |
Vision-guided robots and methods of training them
Via intuitive interactions with a user, robots may be trained to perform tasks such as visually detecting and identifying physical objects and/or manipulating objects. In some embodiments, training is facilitated by the robot's simulation of task-execution using augmented-reality techniques. |
| US09701013B2 |
Method for controlling a deformable robot, and related module and computer program
The invention relates to a method for controlling a robot (1) defined by a node model and deformable by means of actuators (2). Effector points of the robot must follow a predetermined path. A matrix K defines a change in the inner forces of the robot in each node, on the basis of the change in position of the nodes. Said method includes: updating the K values on the basis of the current position of the nodes of the robot; determining the Jacobian matrix J of the vector δ(x), x being a vector of the position of the nodes and the vector δ(x) comprising respective lines which indicate the coordinates of the gaps between the position of each effector point and the predetermined path thereof, and the movement of each actuator; calculating the values of the matrix W=J·K−1·JT; and solving the equation δ=W·λ+δ0 and controlling the robot on the basis of said resolution. |
| US09701012B1 |
Controlled interaction between a mobile robot and another entity
Devices, systems and methods are provided related to controlled interaction between a mobile robot and another entity in an operating environment. In one method, for example, performance of a task for a time is signaled for, wherein the performance of the task involves the entity. The mobile robot is operated to interact with the entity at the time. |
| US09701011B2 |
Method for robotic energy saving tool search
Systems and a method for robotic energy saving tool search. The systems and method include receiving inputs including one or more of robot information, tooling information, operation information, and position information. Using the information received, a list of tooling candidates of a robot required to complete one or more tasks for a complex operation and a task location for each of the one or more tasks in the complex operation is generated. Tooling candidate are then removed from the list of tooling candidates when the robot cannot reach every task location on a path required by the complex task. The path is adjusted to remove one or more collision events. The total energy consumption value for each remaining tooling candidate is calculated, and returning the tooling candidate with the lowest energy consumed. |
| US09701010B2 |
Work cart
The invention comprises a cart for reducing and alleviating ergonomic stresses on the musculoskeletal system of workers in a variety of building trades, including tile setting and grouting, concrete staining, wood floor refinishing, finish carpentry, electrical finishing, plumbing, and others, that require workers to spend extended periods of the working day in compromising and unsupported kneeling positions. The cart is designed to distribute forces along the shinbone of the worker and redirect them from the back, pelvis, keens, ankles and other joints. A further advantage of the cart is the ability to maneuver around the work surface using pivoting shin supports and without the need for repeated standing and kneeling. |
| US09701008B2 |
Bit and fastener holder assembly for a power tool
There is provided a bit holder assembly for a power tool. According to a first aspect, the assembly comprises an elongate member shaped to extend around and selectively couple to a portion of the power tool. The assembly comprises a bit holder, a male member connected to the elongate member and a female member connected to the bit holder. According to a second aspect, the elongate member has a pair of longitudinal edges and the assembly comprises a mounting member connectable with the bit holder and having a pair of flanges each of which receives a respective one of the longitudinal edges of the elongate member. According to a third aspect, the power tool has a slot for receiving a belt clip adjacent to a bottom portion thereof and the assembly comprises a bracket connectable with the bit holder and the slot of the power tool. |
| US09701007B2 |
Side handle
A side handle (18) is provided for a handheld power tool (1). The user can grasp the side handle (18) by a grip element (19). A ring-shaped clamp is provided for clamping the side handle (18) onto the handheld power tool (1). The clamp (36) has two ends (32, 33) that can be joined. A pre-tensioned spring (39) presses the joinable ends (32, 33) against a stop (40) in order to join them under a force that acts in an effective direction (29). A release mechanism (41, 43) is held in a normal position by the force of the pre-tensioned spring (29) that acts in the effective direction (29). Against the force of the pre-tensioned spring (39) that acts in the effective direction (29), the user can deflect the release mechanism (41) into a release position in order to cancel the force that presses the joinable ends against the stop. |
| US09701002B2 |
Hammering device
Hammering device functioning with pressure fluid of a hydraulic arrangement which hammering device comprises a body (16), (19) which can be attached to a working machine on which machine a hammering mass (3) is adjusted to be resting and to be moving which hammering mass is moved into a hammering position with the help of hydraulic pressure by directing the pressurized fluid into the ring-shaped, first chamber space (6) wherein the hammering mass (3) when it is moving into a hammering position compresses gas in the chamber space (K1) located at the first side of the hammering mass (3) and in order to perform the hammering movement with the hammering mass (3) to the hammering element (5), (27) the flow of hydraulic pressure is blocked to the first chamber space (6) and the access for pressure fluid is allowed away from the first chamber space (6) with the help of the valve (2). In order to remove the pressure fluid fast from the first chamber space (6) the ring-shaped, second chamber space (7) is adjusted to be an extension for the first chamber space (6) and a ring-shaped valve (2) which comprises a closing ring is adjusted between the mentioned chamber spaces (6), (7) the port of which valve is formed of a group of holes which holes are located in the mentioned closing ring. |
| US09701000B2 |
Impact rotation tool and impact rotation tool attachment
An impact rotation tool including a drive source, an impact force generation unit that generates an impact force for converting power from the drive source to pulsed torque, a shaft that transmits the pulsed torque to a bit used to perform a tightening task, a torque measurement unit that measures torque applied to the shaft as measured torque, a rotation angle measurement unit that measures a rotation angle of the shaft, a tightening torque calculation unit that calculates an angular acceleration from the rotation angle to calculate a tightening torque based on the angular acceleration and the measured torque, and a controller that controls the drive source based on the tightening torque. |
| US09700995B2 |
Installation device
A device for installing a lining panel in an aircraft. The installation device comprises a main beam having first and second sections and a hinge pivotably connecting a first end of the first and second sections such that the first section can be pivoted relative to the second section about an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first section. A first beam is provided at a second end of the first section, movable relative to the first section along its longitudinal axis, and a second beam is provided at a second end of the second section, movable relative to the second section along its longitudinal axis. Also, a first longitudinal element connected to an end of the first beam facing away from the first section, and a second longitudinal element connected to an end of the second beam facing away from the second section are provided. |
| US09700988B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus
An embodiment of the present invention provides a buff process module. The buff process module includes: a buff table on which a processing target object is mounted; a buff head that holds a buff pad for applying a predetermined process to the processing target object; a buff arm that supports and swings the buff head; a dresser for dressing the buff pad; and a cleaning mechanism that is disposed between the buff table and the dresser and is for cleaning the buff pad. |
| US09700986B2 |
Method of machining a shroud and grinding wheel therefor
A method of machining a turbine shroud segment including inserting an annular flange of a grinding wheel through a first gap defined between the shroud retention elements and into a second gap defined between the shroud platform and an axially extending, radially inwardly facing arcuate inner surface of one of the retention elements. The wheel flange is inserted with its supporting leg and the wheel body remaining out of contact with the shroud segment and with the wheel flange remaining out of contact with the platform. The inner surface is ground through contact with an annular outer grinding surface of the wheel flange. The wheel leg and body remain out of contact with the shroud segment and the wheel flange remains out of contact with the platform during grinding. |
| US09700982B2 |
Rotary joint support structure spindle of machine tool, and electric motor
A rotary joint support structure includes a rotary joint holding part which covers contact parts between a rotating side member and a stationary side member, at least one drain hole which extends from the outside to the rotary joint holding part, a first cleaning passage which communicates with the rotary joint holding part, a hollow shaft holding part which covers the hollow shaft and hollow shaft surrounding part, at least one cutaway part which is formed so as to communicate the outside with the hollow shaft holding part, and a second cleaning passage which is formed inside the housing corresponding to the at least one cutaway part. |
| US09700979B2 |
Belt tensioner for drill press
A drill press has variable speed drive via belts on stepped pulleys that transfer rotational force from the motor to the drill press spindle. Three stepped pulleys connected by two belts are provided in the example. A belt tension roller is bears against one of the belts to provide tension for effective power transfer from the motor to the spindle. The belt tension roller is adjustable along an arcuate slot in an anchor plate and is fastenable in position by an adjustment knob on the belt tension roller. The middle pulley is mounted to vary its position so that tension adjustments on one belt by the belt tension roller result in tension adjustments on the second belt as well. |
| US09700978B2 |
System and method for processing a workpiece
A system for processing a workpiece, including a rotary drive having a path along which a flow of a fluid is established during operation, a sensor in communication with the path, to generate a signal responsive to the flow of the fluid and not to generate the signal responsive to an absence of the flow, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor to enable the operation of the rotary drive subsequent to a termination of the signal if a duration interval thereof is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and to prevent the operation if the duration interval of the signal is less than the predetermined value. The rotary drive may include a drill. |
| US09700977B2 |
Motor driven machine tool
A motor-driven machine tool includes a drive unit and a tool changing magazine with tool chambers that are placed into a transfer position adjacent to a tool receptacle to be loaded. The machine tool includes a tool changing device with a slide element that is arranged in operative connection with a tool. The slide element is moved by an operating element into a first position for accepting a tool from or transferring a tool to the tool chamber and into a second position to drive the tool. The slide element is fixed in the second position by a blocking element that is brought out of operative connection with the slide element by a transfer element to move the slide element from the second position to the first position. The slide element is arranged in indirect contact with the blocking element to move the blocking element by the transfer element. |
| US09700975B2 |
Five-axis machining apparatus
Disclosed is a five axis machining apparatus. The five axis machining apparatus comprises a base member, a support member, a stationary base, a first moving plate, a second moving plate, a third moving plate, a fourth moving frame, a fifth moving frame and a controller (not shown). The five axis machining apparatus is designed to hold together A, C and X axes thereby resulting in a reduced size without compromising on rigidity that is required for processing metallic job components. The five axis machining apparatus allows independent as well as simultaneous control of X, Y, Z, A and C axes. |
| US09700972B2 |
Pressing device
A pressing device employed to press protection blocks to a workpiece, includes a seat, a transmission assembly and four pressing assemblies. The transmission assembly includes a connecting rod, a rotation shaft, a gear, and a transmission member. The connecting rod is pivotally connected to a bottom of the seat and forms racks on one end. The rotation shaft is assembled to a side of the seat away from the pivoting rod. The gear is securely sleeved on the rotation shaft and engages with the racks. The transmission member is securely sleeved on the rotations shaft. Each pressing assembly is connected to the transmission member of the transmission assembly, and when the connecting rod drives the rotation shaft, and the rotation shaft moves the pressing assembly toward the seat, the protection block is then pressed to the workpiece. |
| US09700968B2 |
Apparatus and methods for processing exfoliated graphite materials
Methods and apparatus for processing flexible graphite sheet material involve patterning the material, on at least one major surface, prior to further processing of the material such as densification, lamination, folding or shaping into three-dimensional structures. For densification and lamination, the patterning is selected to facilitate the removal of air from the flexible graphite sheet material during the densification and lamination process. For folding or shaping, the patterning is selected to render the graphite sheet material more flexible. In some embodiments, methods for increasing the through-plane conductivity of flexible graphite sheet material are employed. Integrated heat removal devices include sheets of graphite material that have been selectively patterned in different regions to impart desirable localized properties to the material prior to it being shaped or formed into an integrated heat removal device. Coatings and/or resin impregnation can also be used to impart desirable properties to the material or device. |
| US09700967B2 |
Heat exchanger and method of repairing thereof
A heat exchanger includes a fluid circuit including a fluid inlet manifold, a fluid outlet manifold, and fluid heat exchange channels fluidly connected between the fluid inlet manifold and the fluid outlet manifold. Each channel has an interior, and walls with an inside surface. A method of repairing the heat exchanger includes pumping an epoxy varnish into the interior of at least one of the heat exchange channels; filling in at least one of a) one or more cracks in the walls of the at least one channel, b) one or more apertures in the walls of the at least one channel, or c) one or more spaces between the at least one channel and another component of the heat exchanger with the epoxy varnish; and heating the at least one channel to a temperature in an approved predetermined epoxy varnish temperature range. |
| US09700966B2 |
Joining a workpiece in a concealed joining seam
A method for joining concealed workpiece parts by an energy beam, wherein a lower workpiece part and an upper workpiece part are positioned relative to each other; the upper workpiece part contacts the lower workpiece part along a joining contour; the energy beam is directed onto an upper side of the upper workpiece part, moved along the joining contour by a controller, in order to join the upper workpiece part to the joining contour; an exploratory seam is produced on the upper work piece part, for detecting the joining contour; a detector detects a boundary at which a surface area of the upper work piece part borders a surface area of the upper work piece part which does have contact with the joining contour; the controller registers a position of the boundary and compares it with a target position of the boundary which is stored in the controller. |
| US09700965B2 |
Base for welding type power supply
A method and apparatus for providing welding type power is disclosed. The welding type power supply has fours sides, a top and a base. Two opposing of the sides and the top are part of a housing. A front panel and a back panel form the other two opposing sides. The front and back panel and the housing are joined such that the front and back panels and the first and second sides form the four sides of the welding type power supply. The base is comprised of extruded material, and has a first edge and a second edge. The first edge is joined to a bottom of the first side and the second edge is joined to a second bottom of the second side. Power and control circuitry disposed in the space formed between housing, front panel, back panel and base. |
| US09700964B2 |
Boric acid free flux
The invention described herein pertains generally to boric acid free flux composition in which boric acid and/or borax is substituted with a molar equivalent amount of potassium tetraborate tetrahydrate. In some embodiments, a phthalocyanine pigment is used to effect a color change at activation temperature. |
| US09700963B2 |
Lead-free solder ball
Provided is a process for mounting a BGA (Ball Grid Array) or CSP (Chip Size Package) on a printed circuit board. The process includes melting and fusing together solder paste and a solder ball. The solder ball has a solder composition that includes 0.5-1.1 mass % of Ag, 0.7-0.8 mass % of Cu, 0.05-0.08 mass % of Ni, and a remainder of Sn. In the process, the solder ball is placed on an electrode of the BGA or CSP substrate and the solder paste is applied onto an opposing electrode of the printed circuit board. |
| US09700959B2 |
Method and apparatus for irradiating a semiconductor material surface by laser energy
A method for irradiating semiconductor material is provided which includes selecting a region of a semiconductor layer surface, irradiating the region with an excimer laser which has a beam spot size, and adjusting the beam spot size to match the selected region size. Further, an apparatus for irradiating semiconductor material is provided. The apparatus includes an excimer laser for irradiating a selected region of a semiconductor layer surface, the laser has a laser beam spot size, and a system for adjusting the laser beam spot size to match the selected region size. |
| US09700953B2 |
Adaptive welding apparatus, control system, and method of controlling an adaptive welding apparatus
An apparatus for adaptive welding is provided. The apparatus includes an arc welding robot having a repositionable arc welding gun. The arc welding robot is configured to position the arc welding gun at a location of a joint formed at an interface of at least a first workpiece and a second workpiece. The apparatus further includes a thermographic imager that is configured to measure a temperature of at least one of the first workpiece and the second workpiece at the location. The apparatus also includes a controller that is in signal communication with the arc welding robot and the thermographic imager. The controller is configured to select a weld schedule for forming a weld at a location based at least in part on the temperature measured with the thermographic imager and a joint profile of the location before the weld is formed. |
| US09700948B2 |
Height adjustment apparatus for a can body
A height adjustment apparatus that can reduce a load to trim a can body is provided. The height adjustment apparatus 1 is adapted to adjust a height of a can body to a desired height by trimming one of opening ends of the can body. The height adjustment apparatus comprises: mandrels on which the can body is individually mounted and which revolve along a predetermined orbit while rotating; outer blades arranged around the revolution orbit of the mandrels; an inner blade fitted onto each mandrel to trim the opening end of the can body together with the outer blade; and a vertical reciprocator that gradually changes a level of the opening end of the can body with respect to a level at which the outer blade and the inner blade are situated from an upstream side toward a downstream side in a revolution direction of the mandrel. |
| US09700947B2 |
Ballnose cutting tool and ballnose cutting insert
A ballnose cutting insert has a top face, a bottom face, a plurality of side clearance faces, a first nose corner, a second nose corner, and a first elongate cutting edge at the top face, a second elongate cutting edge at the top face, and a fastener bore with a center. There is a first open-end notch below the first nose corner, and a second open-end notch below the second nose corner. The first open-end notch is defined at least in part by a first generally planar engaging surface, and the second open-end notch is defined at least in part by a second generally planar engaging surface. The first generally planar engaging surface is disposed at a disposition angle relative to the second engaging surface, and the disposition angle is not equal to zero degrees. The first generally planar engaging surface is disposed from the center of the fastener bore a first abutment distance as measured along a line perpendicular to the first generally planar engaging surface. The second generally planar engaging surface is disposed from the center of the fastener bore a second abutment distance as measured along a line perpendicular to the second generally planar engaging surface. The first abutment distance is equal to the second abutment distance. |
| US09700943B2 |
Anti-vibration plug for mechanising tubes and method for placing said plug inside a tube
The invention relates to an anti-vibration plug for machining tubes and to a method for placing said plug inside a tube, wherein the plug comprises a central body (2) with arms (3) that open radially outwards intended to come into contact with the inside of the tube (1), a blocking screen (4) being arranged between the central body (2) and the arms (3), which blocks the inside of the tube (1) in the open position of the arms (3), whereas the central body (2) has an axial hole (5) wherein there is housed a piston (6) which movably acts on a peripheral part (8) which surrounds the central body (2) and generates the movement of the arms (3), the peripheral part (8) being subjected to a pushing force exerted by an elastic element (10) in the opposite direction to that in which the piston (6) pushes. |
| US09700941B2 |
Method for repairing a component for use in a turbine engine
A removed damaged portion of a fully consolidated turbine engine component is replaced with a powder coupon that includes powder particles that are at most partially sintered or are bonded together with a binder. A bonding agent is applied to the component and/or the powder coupon. The powder coupon is then positioned over the component and heat is applied to fully sinter the powder particles, thus causing the powder coupon to shrink onto the component. The heat also activates the bonding agent to bond the shrunken powder coupon to the component, but the heat does not sinter the material forming the fully consolidated component. |
| US09700940B2 |
Metal nanoparticles formed around a nucleus and scalable processes for producing same
Metal nanoparticles and compositions derived therefrom can be used in a number of different applications. Methods for making metal nanoparticles can include providing a first metal salt in a solvent; converting the first metal salt into an insoluble compound that constitutes a plurality of nanoparticle seeds; and after forming the plurality of nanoparticle seeds, reacting a reducing agent with at least a portion of a second metal salt in the presence of at least one surfactant and the plurality of nanoparticle seeds to form a plurality of metal nanoparticles. Each metal nanoparticle can include a metal shell formed around a nucleus derived from a nanoparticle seed, and the metal shell can include a metal from the second metal salt. The methods can be readily scaled to produce bulk quantities of metal nanoparticles. |
| US09700936B2 |
Method and plant for the production of long ingots having a large cross-section
Method for producing ingots made of metal having cross-sectional areas of at least 0.10 m2 of a round, square or rectangular shape through casting of metal or molten steel either directly from the casting ladle (1) or using a fireproof lined intermediate vessel (3) in a short, water-cooled ingot mold open downwards (4) and withdrawing of the solidified ingot (6) from the same downwardly movable withdrawing tool (8), wherein the casting process is continued with a casting rate determined in accordance with the casting cross-section for as long as the desired or maximum ingot length determined by the height of lift of the withdrawing tool (8) is reached, and additional liquid metal is fed at the end of the regular casting process to an extent that at least the contraction of the metal and steel melt occurring during solidification is balanced during, and whereby after completion of the regular casting process and completion of the ingot withdrawal, the casting process is continued with a casting rate reduced by at least the Factor 10 from the heatable casting ladle (1) or the heatable intermediate vessel (3) or a distribution container, and is reduced progressively or continuously at the end of the solidification to 10% the rate at the start of the additional casting. |
| US09700933B2 |
Punch rivet and method for the attachment of individual components to one another of which at least one component is formed by a workpiece of composite material
A punch rivet for fastening individual components to one another of which at least one component is formed by a workpiece, with the punch rivet having a flange of larger diameter, a rivet section of smaller diameter and a ring-like component contact surface at the side of the flange adjacent the rivet section and surrounding the rivet section, with the rivet section having at its free end a ring surface for the piercing of the two workpieces which stands at least substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the punch rivet and an inner concave ring surface which forms the transition from the end of the punch rivet into the hollow internal space of the rivet section. Ribs extending parallel to the longitudinal axis are provided at the generally cylindrical outer surface of the rivet section and extend up to the free end face of the rivet section. |
| US09700928B2 |
Steel plate for producing pipe highly resistant to fuel vapor corrosion, pipe using same and method for producing pipe
Provided are a pipe which exhibits corrosion resistance against vapor of fuel such as gasoline, diesel oil, bioethanol or a biodiesel fuel, a method for manufacturing the pipe, and a steel sheet for manufacturing the pipe. A method for manufacturing a pipe having a bent portion which has excellent corrosion resistance against fuel vapor includes the steps of; preparing a steel sheet for manufacturing a pipe which is characterized by having a zinc-nickel (Zn—Ni) alloy layer where a nickel content is 4 to 16 at % on at least one surface of the steel sheet; forming the steel sheet for manufacturing a pipe into a tubular shape such that the Zn—Ni alloy layer forms an inner surface of the pipe, and applying bending to the pipe such that the elongation of the bent convex portion generated at the time of bending the pipe falls within 20%. A steel sheet for manufacturing a pipe having excellent corrosion resistance against fuel vapor has a Zn—Ni alloy layer on at least an uppermost surface of a surface thereof which constitutes an inner surface of the pipe, and a nickel content in the Zn—Ni alloy layer is 4 to 16 at %. |
| US09700926B2 |
Industrial machine for bending metallic flat elements
An industrial machine (1) for bending metallic flat elements (E) comprising a support framework (2) which insists on a reference surface (T), a working plan (3), connected to the support framework (2) and accessible to the operator, adapted to receive the metallic flat element (E) to be folded, bending means (4), arranged frontally to the working plan (3) and coupled to the support frame (2), suitable to bend upwards and/or downwards at least one side edge of the metallic flat element (E), handling and supply means (5), operatively connected to the working plan (3), suitable for supplying/removing the metallic flat element (E) to/from the bending means (4), and actuation means (6), operatively connected to the handling and supply means (5) to move them along a vertical direction (Y) and/or horizontal direction (X) determining the displacement with respect to the working plan (3). |
| US09700923B2 |
Method for obtaining a solid product comprising cremated ashes and a wax in a vessel, a product obtained by means of the method and a case containing said product
The present invention reveals a method for obtaining a solid product comprising the cremated ashes of a human being or animal, inside a vessel, comprising the following steps: separating the ashes produced as a result of cremating a body, determining the ashes produced by the body itself and the ashes produced from other elements present during cremation; grinding the ashes produced from the separated human ashes; introducing the ashes and a wax composition into a vessel and closing the vessel with a lid; (iv) heating the vessel, subjecting it to centrifugation and cooling the vessel. It likewise discloses a solid product comprising cremated human or animal ashes inside a vessel, obtained as a result of the method and a case containing said solid product. |
| US09700918B2 |
Seal systems for grain separators
The invention includes a grain separator with a seal system. The seal system includes an elastomeric portion and an inelastomeric portion. The seal system interfaces with an inlet spout at at least two locations. The seal system is rotatable about an inlet spout. A sealing pressure is increased as grain interacts with the seal system. |
| US09700909B2 |
Shower arm attachment assembly
A shower arm attachment assembly including an arm coupling member, a shower pipe coupling member, and a locking member. The arm coupling member may fluidly connect to a shower arm for a showerhead and the shower pipe coupling member may fluidly connect to a shower pipe. The arm coupling member connects to the shower pipe coupling member and is selectively rotatably relative thereto. The locking member selectively controls rotation of the arm coupling member relative to the shower pipe coupling member. |
| US09700907B2 |
Discharging device
A discharging device for liquids.The invention relates to a discharging device for liquids, more particularly for pharmaceutical liquids, comprising a delivery device (10), a liquid storage receptical (20) communicating with an input (10a) of the delivery device for storage of the liquid (30), and a discharge orifice (12) which communicates with an outlet (10b) of said delivery device,and the liquid storage receptical (20) is at least in part in the form of a dimensionally flexible liquid-containing bag (20) and the liquid storage receptical (20) is disposed in a buffer chamber of constant volume (42).To prevent air from escaping from the buffer chamber (42), provision is made for the buffer chamber to be sealed by a protective housing from the environment (1) in a gas-tight manner, for the buffer chamber to communicate with the environment through at least one capillary passageway for the purpose of pressure compensation, or for the buffer chamber (42) to communicate with the environment (1) via a balancing passageway for the purpose of pressure compensation, while a valve (70) which opens in dependence on the pressure differential is disposed in this balancing passageway. |
| US09700906B2 |
Spray coating device for coating material
In a spray coating apparatus having a spray coating gun with a gun body and a coating material tube, a nozzle provided at the front end of the coating material tube, the coating material tube extends from the nozzle at the front end of the coating material tube to a connection piece at the rear end of the coating material tube. A metering system which can be connected to the coating material tube by the connection piece is provided for setting the amount of coating material that is fed to the nozzle per unit of time. |
| US09700905B2 |
Mobile cart for spray dispensing
A mobile cart includes a cart frame, wheels rotatably attached to the frame and feet projecting from the frame to an underlying support surface. A carrier tray is fixedly secured atop the cart frame, having a generally planar tray base, a front wall extending upwardly from the front end of the tray base and a cavity. A first container, containing a first material, and a second container, containing a second material, are positioned in the cavity. A combination mixer and dispenser is releasably secured to the frame and releasably fluidly coupled to the first and second containers. The cart is tiltable between a generally horizontal position and a generally vertical position. The front wall of the tray is angled from the tray base such that the front wall lies against the support surface in the generally vertical position, stabilizing the cart for container loading and unloading. |
| US09700904B2 |
Sprinkler
In one aspect, a sprinkler is provided having a nozzle, a deflector that receives fluid flow from the nozzle, and a friction or viscous brake assembly that controls rotation of a deflector. The friction or viscous brake assembly is releasably connected to the frame in order to enhance serviceability of the sprinkler. In another aspect, a sprinkler is provided having a frame, a deflector rotatably connected to the frame, a nozzle, and a nozzle socket of the frame. The nozzle and nozzle socket have interlocking portions that releasably connect the nozzle to the frame. The nozzle may be easily removed for servicing. Further, the nozzle socket can be configured to receive a plurality of nozzles having different flow characteristics. A nozzle can be selected and utilized with the sprinkler according to the desired application for the sprinkler. |
| US09700902B2 |
Dispensing head
Dispensing head (1) intended to be fitted on a container that contains at least one product to be dispensed, this dispensing head comprising: a body (3), an engaging part (10), in particular a core (10), that defines with the body (3), at rest, a dispensing orifice (12) having an annular section. |
| US09700901B2 |
Organic vapor jet print head with solder joint
A solder joint may be used to attach components of an organic vapor jet printing device together with a fluid-tight seal that is capable of performance at high temperatures. The solder joint includes one or more metals that are deposited over opposing component surfaces, such as an inlet side of a nozzle plate and/or an outlet side of a mounting plate. The components are pressed together to form the solder joint. Two or more of the deposited metals may be capable of together forming a eutectic alloy, and the solder joint may be formed by heating the deposited metals to a temperature above the melting point of the eutectic alloy. A diffusion barrier layer and an adhesion layer may be included between the solder joint and each of the components. |
| US09700900B1 |
Counter-flow ore separator
The present invention includes a mining system adapted to change underwater mining by selecting and harvesting only the target ore or gem. It eliminates costly displacement in mass of ore or material to the surface or shore, reduces pollution of the water column, and minimizes disturbance of the environment. The system includes a trommel fluidly coupled to separators, wherein each separator uses a vortex-like flow pattern to separate high-density sediment from lower density sediment based on flow rate. The present invention is the capable of separating and collecting various sized of desired ore in one pass. Additionally, the system is adapted to be coupled with a ROV dredge to reduce or eliminate diving time and risk of human life. |
| US09700899B2 |
Raw material sorting apparatus and method therefor
An apparatus for separating the main component constituting a raw material from impurities includes: a raw material supply unit for supplying a raw material; a charging unit for charging the raw material supplied from the raw material supply unit; an electrostatic sorting unit for sorting the raw material, which has been charged by the charging unit, according to polarity; and a storage unit for collecting the raw material sorted by and falling from the electrostatic sorting unit, wherein the charging unit includes a charging chamber having a space therein for charging the raw material supplied from the raw material supply unit, and a charging rotor rotatably provided in the charging chamber, for impacting the raw material supplied from the raw material supply unit by the rotating force, thus effectively separating the impurities such as ash and sulfur contained in a raw material, e.g. coal. |
| US09700897B2 |
Adjusting apparatus, adjusting system, crusher, crushing plant and method for adjusting the crusher
An adjusting apparatus of a feed opening of a crushing chamber of a crusher includes one or more adjusting parts arranged in connection with the feed opening, which one or more adjusting parts is/are movable during crushing for adjusting a flow area of material which is to be crushed and is flowing through the feed opening to the crushing chamber. The front edges of the adjusting parts form a unitary flow opening, the flow area of which is adjustable by moving one or more adjusting parts. An adjusting system includes the adjusting apparatus for a feed opening of a crushing chamber of a crusher. A method for adjusting a pressing crusher or a crushing plant suitable for mineral material crushing. A method for avoiding a start peak of a crusher. A method for limiting power intake and/or crushing pressure of a crusher. |
| US09700891B2 |
Integrated nanofluidic arrays for high capacity colloid separation
A technique relates to an integrated nanofluidic device. A loading layer includes an inlet channel reservoir, a diverted fraction reservoir, and a passed fraction reservoir. A sorting layer is attached to the loading layer such that fluid is permitted to communicate between the loading and sorting layers, where the sorting layer includes a bank of sorting elements. The sorting layer has inlet channels and outlet channels connected to the sorting elements, and the inlet channel reservoir is connected to the inlet channels by an inlet feed hole. The diverted fraction reservoir is connected to the outlet channels by a diverted fraction outlet feed hole, and the passed fraction reservoir is connected to the sorting elements by passed fraction feed holes. The passed fraction feed holes are respectively connected to the sorting elements. |
| US09700890B2 |
Centrifuge/magnet-based analyzers and method of operating thereof
The present invention provides centrifuge/magnet-based analyzers and methods of operating thereof. The analyzer comprises three discs sandwiched together, in which each disc has difference functions. The top disc comprises magnetic units configured in patterns, whereas the bottom disc comprises tracks and magnetic units free to move in the tracks. The magnetic field co-generated by the top disc and the bottom disc attracts the magnetic beads in the intermediate disc to move and thus facilitates the reactions in the intermediate disc. |
| US09700889B2 |
Methods and systems for manufacture of microarray assay systems, conducting microfluidic assays, and monitoring and scanning to obtain microfluidic assay results
A method of flowing a fluid with a tracer in a microfluidic channel of an assay device and detecting the tracer for determining the channel location or condition of the channel. |
| US09700886B2 |
Density phase separation device
A mechanical separator for separating a fluid sample into first and second phases is disclosed. The mechanical separator includes a float having a passageway extending between first and second ends thereof with a pierceable head enclosing the first end of the float, a ballast longitudinally moveable with respect to the float, and a bellows extending between a portion of the float and a portion of the ballast. The bellows is adapted for deformation upon longitudinal movement of the float and the ballast, with the bellows isolated from the pierceable head. The float has a first density and the ballast has a second density greater than the first density. The bellows is structured for sealing engagement with a cylindrical wall of a tube, and the pierceable head is structured for application of a puncture tip therethrough. The separation device is suitable for use with a standard medical collection tube. |
| US09700884B2 |
Water softening compositions, and related systems and methods
Water softening compositions, and related systems and methods are disclosed. The present disclosure involves a composition for the regeneration of cation exchange media. The regenerant composition includes an alkali metal formate salt (and optionally a metal halide salt). The present disclosure also involves a systems and methods for treating a cation exchange medium in a water softener to replace hardness cations therefrom with alkali metal cations (such as Na+ and K+. The method includes contacting the media with a regenerant including an alkali metal formate salt (and optionally an alkali metal halide salt). The method also includes contacting the media with the regenerant in an amount sufficient to regenerant the ion exchange medium. According to the method, the hardness cations coupled to the cation exchange media are replaced with the alkali metal cations. |
| US09700882B2 |
Zinc-based nanohybrids, devices and methods thereof
A zinc-based nanohybrid was prepared using a facile wet chemistry process. This nanohybrid has zinc oxide nanostructures connected to zinc phthalocyanine molecules via biologically important ligands. In addition, this nanohybrid has photocatalytic properties and photodegrades water pollutants, such as methyl orange. |
| US09700881B2 |
Heterocyclic coupling catalysts and methods related thereto
This disclosure relates to synthetic coupling methods using a catalytic molecule comprising two bonded atoms wherein one atom is an amide nitrogen and the second atom is not nitrogen or carbon, such as sulfur, such as a sufur amide nitrogen bond, typically in a heterocycle, such as substituted benzoisothiazolones and derivatives thereof, as a catalyst in the transformation of hydroxy group containing compounds to amides, esters, ketones, and other carbon to heteroatom or carbon to carbon transformations. |
| US09700877B2 |
Metal-carbon hybrid composite having nitrogen-doped carbon surface and method for manufacturing the same
Disclosed are a metal-carbon hybrid composite having a nitrogen-doped carbon surface and a method of manufacturing the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a metal-carbon hybrid composite, wherein the surface of carbon for the metal-carbon hybrid composite may be doped with nitrogen in a single step using a co-vaporization process, and to a metal-carbon hybrid composite having a nitrogen-doped carbon surface manufactured by the method. |
| US09700874B2 |
Method of producing mixed metal oxide catalyst system
A process for biomass catalytic cracking is disclosed herein. More specifically, the process is in presence of is a mixed metal oxide catalyst represented by the formula (X1O).(X2O)a.(X3YbO4) wherein X1, X2 and X3 are alkaline earth elements selected from the group of Mg, Ca, Be, Ba, and mixture thereof, and Y is a metal selected from the group of Al, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cr, Ga, B, La, P and mixture thereof, wherein the catalyst is formed by calcining at least one compound comprising at least one alkaline earth element and a metal element. |
| US09700870B2 |
Method and apparatus for the industrial production of new hydrogen-rich fuels
A method with various related apparatus polarizes the orbits of atomic electrons by strong magnetic fields creating in the atomic structure a magnetic field. The polarized atoms are introduced onto fuels, improving an efficiency of the fuels, including but not limiting to, new forms of gaseous, liquid and solid fuels with a bonded-in content of Hydrogen, Oxygen and/or other gases to enhance energy output and decrease contaminants in the exhaust. Further, methods of coating computer chips and other surfaces for their protection against oxidation, new fuels with energy content and flame temperatures greater than those of the conventional form of the same fuels, etc. |
| US09700867B2 |
Method for chemical destroying of magnetic data carriers
A method for chemically destroying magnetic data carriers. Recorded data are irretrievably eliminated and cannot be re-read. The carriers include aluminium or its alloys and ferromagnetic materials. They undergo a digestion reaction with an aqueous solution of a digesting mixture including: a) hydrochloric acid and (V)nitrate of one or more alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, rare earth metals and ammonium; or b) nitric(V) acid and chloride of one or more alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, rare earth metals and ammonium. The product of the reaction is an aqueous solution having aluminium hydroxide and chlorides and (V)nitrates of metals contained in the ferromagnetic metals and gaseous products of the reaction. Acidic salt solutions are utilized in a sewage treatment plant. Gaseous products including hydrogen and nitrogen oxides, after diluting with nitrogen, are directed to the atmosphere through an absorption system. |
| US09700865B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for cooling catalyst
Apparatuses and methods for cooling catalyst are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for cooling catalyst includes a catalyst cooler vessel having a catalyst inlet for receiving catalyst. The apparatus includes a gas distributor lance positioned in the catalyst cooler vessel and having a gas outlet configured for injecting gas into the catalyst. The apparatus also includes a heat exchange tube positioned in the catalyst cooler vessel and having an outer surface. The heat exchange tube is configured to transfer heat from the catalyst to a heat exchange fluid. The apparatus further includes a hard surfacing material located on the outer surface of the heat exchange tube. |
| US09700860B2 |
Mixer provided with floating weight moving mechanism
A mixer includes: a casing having an introduction port at an upper portion and having a rotor provided with a blade portion for mixing a material to be mixed, inside thereof; a floating weight which blocks the introduction port; and a floating weight moving mechanism which has a horizontal movement unit capable of horizontally moving the floating weight in a supported state between a delivery position just above the introduction port and a retracted position being lateral to the introduction port, on the upper side of the introduction port, and can move the floating weight separately from the horizontal movement unit from the delivery position to a blocking position at which the floating weight blocks the introduction port. |
| US09700859B2 |
Cartridge system and static mixer therefor
The invention relates to a cartridge system with two containers (2a, 2b) respectively having an outlet connector (4a, 4b), and a common connection section for a mixer (1) having a positioning aperture (7), and with a static mixer (1) with inlet connectors (14a, 14b) and a positioning element (16). The connection section of the cartridge comprises a ring (5) having an inner thread (6) that surrounds the outlet connectors (4a, 4b), whereby the mixer (1) has an outer thread (11). Further, the invention relates to a static mixer (1) for a cartridge system of this type. |
| US09700858B2 |
Continuous kneading device
A continuous kneading device is provided with an upper trunk (1) to which a powder supply tube (3) through which quantified powder is supplied is connected and in which the powder is blended with a fluid, and a lower trunk (2) concentrically connected to the bottom of the upper trunk (1). The continuous kneading device continuously kneads the powder and the fluid by a first rotating kneading plate (10) built into the upper trunk (1) and a second rotating kneading plate (11) built into the lower trunk (2), wherein surfaces of the base metals of the first and second rotating kneading plates (10, 11) are covered with a coating material (50) for reducing friction when the powder and the fluid are kneaded together. |
| US09700857B1 |
Fluid mixing system with drive shaft steady support
A fluid mixing system includes a flexible bag having an interior surface bounding a compartment. A retainer is coupled to the flexible bag, the retainer having a retention cavity formed thereon that communicates with the compartment of the flexible bag. An elongated tubular connector has a first end coupled to the flexible bag and an opposing second end projecting into the compartment thereof. An impeller is disposed within flexible bag and is coupled with the tubular connector. A steady support is mounted on the second end of the tubular connector and terminates at a distal nose, the distal nose being freely disposed within the retention cavity of the retainer so that the steady support can rotate within the retention cavity relative to the retainer. |
| US09700854B2 |
Chemical dilution system
A dilute chemical solution may be prepared in response to a dispense request by combining multiple concentrated chemicals with a diluent. In one example, a target amount of diluent is dispensed into a container until a measured weight of the diluent reaches a target weight. A first concentrated chemical is also dispensed into the container until a measured weight of the first concentrated chemical reaches a target weight. The liquid solution containing the diluent and the first concentrated chemical is withdrawn from the container and applied on a second concentrated chemical that is a solid state product so as to cause the second concentrated chemical to at least partially dissolve and enter the container. In some applications, the first and second concentrated chemicals react with one another to generate an active molecule in the chemical solution that is not present in either of the two concentrated chemicals. |
| US09700853B2 |
Gas-liquid dissolving tank and microscopic bubble generator
This invention provides a microscopic bubble generator that can stably/efficiently generate a large amount of microscopic bubbles in liquid in a short time and can be easily cleaned in an assembled state and in a disassembled state, and a gas-liquid dissolving tank that can be suitably used for the apparatus.In the gas-liquid dissolving tank that promotes dissolution of gas mixed with liquid in the liquid, openings that pass the flowing gas-liquid are formed at an upper portion and a lower portion of a container of the tank, a plurality of separation walls that vertically divide a plurality of chambers are disposed in the container, openings that connect upper and lower chambers are formed through the separation walls, the upper ends of the openings of the separation walls extend predetermined distances upward from the separation walls, and the lower ends of the openings of the separation walls extend predetermined distances downward from the separation walls. |
| US09700849B2 |
Gas separation membrane, gas separation module, gas separation apparatus, and gas separation method
A gas separation membrane having a gas separating layer containing a polybenzoxazole resin, in which the polybenzoxazole exhibits a solubility of 1% by mass or more to any one solvent selected from tetrahydrofuran, chloroform, methyl ethyl ketone, and N-methylpyrrolidone, at a temperature of 30° C., a gas separation module utilizing the gas separation membrane, a gas separation apparatus, and a gas separation method. |
| US09700845B2 |
Micro flow filtration system and flow filtration method for a fluid sample
A flow filtration system (1) for concentration of components contained in a fluid sample comprises a fluid channel (2) being formed by two conduits (4, 5) allowing a bidirectional flow of the fluid sample through the fluid channel (2), a tangential flow filtration module (3) and at least two pairs (8, 9) of piston pumps (6) each having two piston pumps (6), wherein the piston pumps (6) having a piston swept volume forming a reservoir being able to contain the fluid for volumes of up to 100 ml. The tangential flow filtration module (3) is located in the fluid channel (2) so that a fluid flowing through the channel (2) passes through the filtration module (3). At each end (10, 11) of the channel (2) one piston pump (6) of each pair (8, 9) of piston pumps (6) is located in such a manner that the piston pumps are fluidically connected in parallel. The system (1) is arranged and adapted such that during the concentration process at least for a predetermined period of time only one of the pairs (8, 9) of piston pumps (6) is used to drive the fluid through the tangential flow filtration module (3). |
| US09700844B2 |
Single-use manifolds for automated, aseptic handling of solutions in bioprocessing applications
Presteralized manifolds are provided which are designed for sterile packaging and single-use approaches. Disposable tubing and flexible-wall containers are assembled via aseptic connectors. These manifolds are adapted to interact with other equipment which can be operated by a controller which provides automated and accurate delivery of biotechnology fluid. The manifold also can be used in conjunction with one or more sensors such as pressure and conductivity sensors that interact with the controller or are connected to a separate user interface. An aseptic environment obtains avoiding or reducing cleaning and quality assurance procedures. |
| US09700840B2 |
Method for removing an ester from a vapor mixture
A method for the removal of an ester (3′) from a vapor mixture (5′) containing the ester (3′) is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of by bringing the vapor (5) mixture (5′) into contact with an aqueous solution (6′) containing the acid (4′) corresponding to the ester (3′), wherein a portion of the ester (3′) is dissolved in or otherwise transferred to the aqueous solution (6′), and the aqueous solution (6′) is after the contact led in a circulation (73), the aqueous solution (6′) is processed in the circulation (73) in a process comprising: a heating step (240), a (10) reaction step (250) having a residence time and a temperature, a cooling step (260), wherein the heating step (240) precedes the reaction step (250), the reaction step (250) precedes the cooling step (260), and the residence time and the temperature in the reaction step (250) are sufficient to substantially reduce the content of the ester (3′) in the aqueous solution (6′). The invention further (15) relates to an apparatus (1) for carrying out said process. The present invention further relates also to the use of the apparatus (1) in the method of the invention, preferably in the production of a lactide (13′) or a polylactic acid polymer (12′). |
| US09700839B2 |
Air pollution control system and air pollution control method
Provided is an air pollution control system including: a denitration apparatus; an air heater; a precipitator; a desulfurization apparatus; a dehydrator; a spray drying apparatus provided with a spray unit that is configured to spray dehydrated filtrate as desulfurization wastewater supplied from the dehydrator; a flue gas introduction line through which a branch gas branched from the flue gas is introduced to the spray drying apparatus; a flue gas supply line through which flue gas returns to a main flue gas duct, the flue gas being obtained after the dehydrated filtrate is dried by the spray drying apparatus; and a powder supply apparatus that is configured to supply a powder to the flue gas introduction line. |
| US09700836B2 |
Electrochemical double-cell plate and apparatus for exhaust emissions control
An electrochemical double-cell plate for exhaust emissions control is used to purify a lean-burn exhaust and comprises a substrate made of a metal or an alloy and having a reducing capability; a solid-oxide layer; a side layer; and a cathode layer. The solid-oxide layer and the side layer join to seal the substrate and respectively have a first dense structure and a second dense structure. The cathode layer completely covers the solid-oxide layer, made of a porous material and having an oxidizing environment. The oxidizing environment and the reducing capability generate an electromotive force between the substrate and the cathode layer. The electromotive force promotes sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides of the lean-burn exhaust to decompose into sulfur vapor, oxygen and nitrogen. An electrochemical apparatus using the same for exhaust emissions control is also disclosed. |
| US09700832B2 |
Sterically hindered amines and associated methods
Amine compositions comprising sterically hindered amines and associated methods are provided. In some embodiments, amine compositions of the present disclosure may be useful for selective removal of H2S from an acidic gas stream. |
| US09700824B2 |
Filter shaker system and method
An air filter cleaning system comprises a filter shaker plate having a top surface and a bottom surface, a motor mount extending from the top surface of the filter shaker plate, a motor mounted on the motor mount, a first filter clamp configured to be positioned adjacent to a first side of the filter shaker plate, and a second filter clamp configured to be positioned adjacent to a second side of the filter shaker plate. |
| US09700820B2 |
Method for producing honeycomb structures
A plurality of inlet-side octagonal cells and outlet-side quadrangular cells partitioned by partition walls on an upper surface and a lower surface are opened in a green honeycomb molded body in which a plurality of through-holes partitioned from each other by the partition walls are open in an end surface of a columnar body. Four outlet-side quadrangular cells having a smaller opening area adjoin around one inlet-side octagonal cell through the partition walls. The partition walls are joined together and the inlet-side octagonal cells are opened while closing the outlet-side quadrangular cells on the inlet side and the outlet-side quadrangular cells are opened while closing the inlet-side octagonal cells on the outlet side in a particulate-matter-removing filter such as a diesel particulate filter. |
| US09700817B2 |
Fluid-forwarding sludge-discharge device for settlement basin
A fluid-forwarding sludge-discharge device for a settlement basin, the device including: a pressurized water spraying unit of which one end is disposed adjacent to the floor of the settlement basin; a sludge suction cover which is disposed on an upper part of the floor such that the lower part thereof covers the upper part of the sludge-receiving unit in a state having an open box shape and collection guide plates which are provided joined to the floor of the settlement basin and guide the sludge being moved by means of the pressurized water spraying unit such that the sludge flows towards the sludge inflow recess. |
| US09700814B2 |
Liquid-liquid separator interface detection system and polymerization process utilizing the same
A system for detecting an interface between a polymer-rich phase and a solvent-rich phase comprising a liquid-liquid separator configured to receive a polymer solution as an inlet stream comprising solvent, polymer and unreacted monomer produced in a solvent-based polymerization reactor through an inlet feed, wherein a tank is configured to provide a residence time of at least 20 minutes and to permit the stream to separate into the polymer rich phase and the solvent rich phase; a first sonic transponder for sending a first sonic signal from either a top or bottom of the liquid-liquid separator and for receiving a first reflected portion of the sonic signal, the reflected portion of the sonic signal created by the passage of the sonic signal through a liquid-liquid interface between the solvent rich phase and the polymer rich phase, wherein the first sonic transponder is positioned such that it transmits the signal which travels perpendicularly to the liquid-liquid interface is provided. |
| US09700812B2 |
Cryopump
A cryopump includes: a cryopanel assembly including a plurality of cryopanels each having an adsorption area on both surfaces thereof; a radiation shield forming a gas receiving space that surrounds the cryopanel assembly; and a radiation cover disposed in a cryopump inlet. The radiation cover includes a main plate located at a position in the cryopanel inlet that corresponds to the cryopanel assembly and a louver portion located at a position in the cryopanel inlet that corresponds to the gas receiving space. The radiation cover may not include the louver portion. |
| US09700811B2 |
Systems including a condensing apparatus such as a bubble column condenser
Condensing apparatuses and their use in various heat and mass exchange systems are generally described. The condensing apparatuses, such as bubble column condensers, may employ a heat exchanger positioned external to the condensing vessel to remove heat from a bubble column condenser outlet stream to produce a heat exchanger outlet stream. In certain cases, the condensing apparatus may also include a cooling device positioned external to the vessel configured and positioned to remove heat from the heat exchanger outlet stream to produce a cooling device outlet stream. The condensing apparatus may be configured to include various internal features, such as a vapor distribution region and/or a plurality of liquid flow control weirs and/or chambers within the apparatus having an aspect ratio of at least 1.5. A condensing apparatus may be coupled with a humidifier to form part of a desalination system, in certain cases. |
| US09700807B1 |
Vertically rotating chair assembly
A vertically rotating chair assembly for rotating a child includes a plate. A pair of supports is coupled singly to opposing edges of the plate. The supports extend substantially vertically from the plate. An axle is rotatably coupled to and extends between the supports distal from the plate. A pair of flanges is coupled singly proximate to opposing ends of the axle. A plurality of crossbars is coupled to and extends between the flanges proximate to circumferences of the flanges. A seat, which is configured to position a child, is rotatably coupled to a respective crossbar. An actuator is coupled to an outside face of a respective support. The actuator is operationally coupled to the axle. The actuator is positioned to motivate rotation of the axle such that the flanges, the crossbars, the seat and a child positioned in the seat rotate vertically around the axle. |
| US09700806B2 |
Game operating device
A game operating device (controller) includes a longitudinal housing, and a holding portion held by hand to be wrapped by its palm it is formed in the housing. A direction switch is provided on an upper surface at a position where it can be operated by thumb of the hand holding the holding portion, and a start switch and a select switch are provided backward thereof. An X button 46 and a Y button are further arranged in line on the upper surface of the housing. An imaging information arithmetic unit is provided at a front end of the housing in a longitudinal direction in such a manner that an imaging device thereof is exposed from a front-end surface. A concave portion is formed on a lower surface at a position corresponding to the direction switch. The concave portion includes a valley and two inclined surfaces. An A button capable of being operated by index finger of the hand holding the holding portion is provided on the backward inclined surface. By processing an image signal obtained by imaging an infrared ray from LED modules by the imaging device, it is possible to obtain an operation signal varying according to a position and/or attitude of the controller. |
| US09700798B2 |
Systems and methods for improving fitness equipment and exercise
The present invention provides systems for and methods of playing a video game that includes providing a game character having a virtual appearance characteristic, receiving an input signal indicative of a user exercise performance level, and altering the virtual appearance characteristic in response to receiving the input signal. Numerous other aspects are disclosed. |
| US09700796B2 |
System and method for progressing character abilities in a simulation
Systems and methods are provided to alter one or more characteristics of a digital object or profile, such as developing a character in an online computer game. Using the systems and methods, a user of a computer system, e.g., a player of a computer game, can control how digital objects develop over time both through the direct use of that object by the user as well as by the passage of units of time. |
| US09700793B2 |
Recording medium storing game program, game processing method, and information processing apparatus
A recording medium for storing a game program which processes progress of a game, the game program when executed on a computer causes the computer to execute instructions for: storing basic information of game contents and state information changing according to the progress of the game; receiving an instruction from a user; generating information relating to a game screen based on a received instruction; and outputting information relating to the generated game screen to a user terminal at a predetermined time, wherein the screen information relates to a first game screen that displays game contents and information relating to a second game screen that displays state information of the game contents, and the second game screen includes latest state information at a time when receiving a first instruction which is an instruction to update the state information. |
| US09700789B2 |
System and method for combining multiple game or application views into a single media stream
A system and method are described for combining multiple views of a video game or application into a single video stream (or set of video streams). For example, a system according to one embodiment comprises: a plurality of application/video game instances executed for a particular multi-player video game or application on a hosting service, the application/video game instances being executed in response to control signals received from a plurality of clients; compositing logic executed at the hosting service to combine video streams generated by each of the application/video game instances into a single video stream for a first one of the clients; and compression logic to compress the single video stream with low latency such that the user of the first one of the clients has the perception that the video game or application is being executed locally. |
| US09700786B2 |
Heteromorphic attachment and system used in laser gunfight game
A heteromorphic attachment and a system used in a laser gunfight game, including: a heteromorphic body, at least one movable unit located on the heteromorphic body, a driving device for driving the at least one movable unit to operate, and a control circuit, wherein the heteromorphic body and the at least one movable unit are formed by a surface rubber film. A transitional module is provided on the heteromorphic attachment, and used for placing or attaching the heteromorphic attachment on a game participant or game facility or game field. A laser transmitter and/or an infrared transmitting tube is also provided on the heteromorphic attachment, and used for transmitting a laser encoding signal and/or an infrared encoding signal. A human body sensor is further provided on the heteromorphic attachment. |
| US09700785B2 |
Card-handling device and method of operation
The present invention features a playing card shuffling device, which through the use of a small image capturing means, captures an image of a face value of each card and stores the image in memory. This image is sorted in the format of a bitmap image. An operator of the device would be able to recall, through the use of a keypad, the images of the cards that comprised individual hands in the previous game. This feature allows for verification of a winning hand after a game has been completed. Thereby, a quick recheck of hands before playing a winning hand is performed. The face value of each card is determined by character recognition software. These card values would be stored in memory for archival access for use in monitoring the randomness of the game and determining the number of winnings hands. |
| US09700781B2 |
Sports entertainment tracking system for mobile sports spectators
The present invention is an entertainment system for multitudes of sport's spectators to help them follow the movements of players and play objects on the play areas of sport's venues in past games and in real time games during sporting events and help with making fouling and scoring decisions. The invention uses generic surveillance sources to capture the instantaneous real time and historic continuous data streams of geographic coordinates of the players and their play objects during their movements, and displays the data as scaled animated tracks of the players and the play object on the screens of the spectator's personal smart mobile devices (includes smart devices, mobile devices) under the control of a mobile app. The tracks are displayed on a backdrop which is an animated rendering of the play area. The tracks and the backdrop are calculated to have the same scale to assure their alignment on the screen together. |
| US09700779B1 |
Football throwing apparatus
A football throwing apparatus is described that utilizes air pressure to throw a football in a conventional spiral manner. How far the football can be thrown can be adjusted by an air pressure control. The football may be thrown immediately upon pressing a button, or it may be thrown after a predetermined period of time after the operation of a switch. The football throwing apparatus is initially charged with pressurized air in a first area and a second area. The button or switch causes the pressurized air in the first area to be immediately vented which creates a vacuum due to the pressurized air in the second area. The vacuum actuates a mechanical linkage that causes the pressurized air stored in the second area to be released and throw the football. |
| US09700778B2 |
Method for practising golf swing and device therefor
The present invention provides a golf swing practice method, wherein a swing plane for guiding swing of a club is established, and a member for monitoring the condition whether an included angle is formed between a club body of the club and the swing plane is established outside the swing plane, which are taken as a basis for judging whether a swing action is right or wrong. The present invention also provides a golf swing practice device, which comprises a bracket (1) and a swing guiding frame (2) arranged on the bracket (1), wherein the swing guiding frame (2) forms a certain included angle with the ground; a guiding plane (2-3) for supporting the club is arranged on the surface of the swing guiding frame (2), and concave-convex parts (2-4) or an inductive device (5) are/is arranged outside the guiding plane (2-3), so as to prompt a wrong swing action that an included angle is formed between the club body of the club and the guiding plane during swing to a practicer. |
| US09700770B2 |
Golf club having removeable weight
A golf club head including a hosel, a ball striking face, a sole extending aftward from a lower edge of the ball striking face, a crown extending aftward from an upper edge of the ball striking face, a skirt extending between the sole and the crown, a weight mount disposed on at least one of the sole, the crown, and the skirt, a weight member configured to reside in the weight mount, a fastener, a retainer configured to rotatably couple the fastener to the weight member, wherein the fastener goes from an unlocked position to a locked position in less than one full turn of the fastener relative to the weight mount, wherein rotation of the fastener compresses the retainer. |
| US09700765B2 |
Golf club head with flexure
A golf club head including a crown, a sole, a hosel, a face and a flexure. The flexure provides compliance during an impact between the golf club head and a golf ball, and is tuned to vibrate, immediately after impact, at a predetermined frequency to improve the performance of the golf club head. More specifically, the present invention decouples the flexure from the remainder of the golf club head. |
| US09700756B2 |
Balance board for exercise and physical therapy
A balance board which allows a user to move through a full range of motion without dismounting the board. Movement along a frontal plane as well as along a sagittal plane can be achieved using the disclosed board. Further, stops help stabilize the board and allow easier mounting and dismounting of the board. Finally, with hand openings the board can also be used in a prone position with the stops preventing impact by a user's hands/fingers with the ground surface during use. |
| US09700755B2 |
Exercise apparatus
An exercise apparatus comprising: a foot support, a user interface that includes a visual display, the foot support being movable by the user on the frame back and forth through any one of a plurality of complete, reproducible and different arc segments of a master arcuate path, the foot support being interconnected to a selection device that enables the user to select any one of the plurality of arc segments, one or more detectors adapted to detect one or more of force, energy or power exerted by the user over time on the foot support or distance or velocity of travel of the foot support or resistance assembly during the course of the user's performance of all or a portion of an exercise cycle, the visual display displaying a visually recognizable format of one or more of the force, energy, power, distance, time or velocity. |
| US09700753B1 |
Personal force resistance cable exercise device, force resistance assembly, and method of exercising
A cable exercise device incorporating a force resistance assembly, an elongated flexible cable, and a moveable exercise implement. The force resistance assembly comprises a mounting frame, a rotatable axle operatively supported by the mounting frame, a cable spool carried by the axle, and a magnetic braking device operatively connected to the cable spool. The magnetic braking device comprises an eddy current braking system incorporating a flywheel and magnet. The flexible cable is attached to the force resistance assembly, and is adapted for winding on and unwinding from the cable spool. The movable exercise implement is secured to the flexible cable, and is adapted for being employed by a user performing an exercise. |
| US09700752B1 |
Stretch training tool
A dynamic body stretching device with an elastic loop stitched to a static loop. The elastic loop forms a hand strap with a threaded on end grip handle. The static loop forms a foot loop. Between the elastic loop and the foot loop are threaded on handgrips held in position by buckle type strap locks. The handgrips have mirrored end ovoid shape allowing gripping and pulling from alternative directions. |
| US09700749B2 |
Grip exerciser with interchangeable resistance elements
Exerciser for strengthening the grip of the hand having a pair of handles which are removably mounted on the arms of a helical torsion spring in a manner permitting springs having different strengths or resistances to be used interchangeably with the handles. The handles can be constrained against rotation on the spring arms, allowed to rotate freely, or allowed to rotate to a limited degree, depending upon the needs of the user. |
| US09700746B2 |
Gas purging valve for fire protection system
A gas purging valve is operative to be connected to piping in a Fire Protection System (FPS) and to bleed gas at a predetermined rate. The valve includes an inlet in gas flow relationship with the FPS piping and a central passage in gas flow relationship with the inlet. The valve also includes a calibrated orifice removeably disposed in the central passage, in gas flow relationship with the passage and operative to allow a maximum predetermined gas flow rate therethrough. The valve further includes an outlet in gas flow relationship with the calibrated orifice. A ball is disposed upstream of the central passage. The ball is operative to allow gas flow through the gas purging valve but operative to impede the flow of water through the gas purging valve. |
| US09700743B2 |
Respiratory assembly including latching mechanism
Respiratory assemblies are disclosed that include first and second respiratory components and a latching mechanism. The latching mechanism is capable of engaging at least one retaining feature of a respiratory component, thereby impeding disengagement of the first respiratory component from the second respiratory component. Upon application of force to the actuator, the at least one latch is capable of disengaging from the retaining feature, thereby allowing disengagement of the first respiratory component from the second respiratory component. Respiratory components including or adapted to work with such latching mechanisms are also disclosed. |
| US09700737B2 |
Brachytherapy apparatus
The invention relates to a brachytherapy apparatus (1) for applying a brachytherapy to a living object. The brachytherapy apparatus comprises a planning unit (14) for determining a placing plan defining placing positions and placing times for one or several radiation sources within the living object and close to a target region. The placing plan is determined such that the placing times are within a treatment time window determined by a treatment time window determination unit (13), wherein within the treatment time window a change of a spatial parameter of the living object caused by swelling is minimized. An adverse influence on the brachytherapy due to swelling can thereby be minimized, which improves the quality of the brachytherapy. |
| US09700733B2 |
Wearable cardiac defibrillator system with impedance measurement circuit to control conductive fluid deployment
In embodiments, a wearable cardiac defibrillator system includes an energy storage module configured to store a charge. Two electrodes can be configured to be applied to respective locations of a patient. One or more reservoirs can store one or more conductive fluids. Respective fluid deploying mechanisms can be configured to cause the fluids to be released from one or more of the reservoirs, which decreases the impedance at the patient location, and decreases discomfort for the patient. In some embodiments an impedance is sensed between the two electrodes, and the stored charge is delivered when the sensed impedance meets a discharge condition. In some embodiments, different fluids are released for different patient treatments. In some embodiments, fluid release is controlled to be in at least two doses, with an intervening pause. |
| US09700732B2 |
Leadless cardiac pacemaker and retrieval device
A retrieval device and an associated implantable cardiac pacing device. The retrieval device includes a retrieval catheter and a snare advanceable from the distal end of the retrieval catheter. The snare has a loop configured to be coupled to the docking member to draw the implantable cardiac pacing device into the lumen of the retrieval catheter. The retrieval catheter includes a retention feature in the lumen configured to engage the head portion of the docking member to facilitate retention of the implantable cardiac pacing device in the lumen after drawing the implantable cardiac pacing device into the lumen of the retrieval catheter with the snare. |
| US09700730B2 |
External charger with customizable magnetic charging field
Improved external chargers for charging an implantable medical device, and particularly useful in charging a plurality of such devices, are disclosed. Each of the various embodiments include a plurality of field customization coils for customizing the magnetic charging field generated by the external charger such that the magnetic charging field is not radially symmetric. For example, one embodiment includes a primary coil with a plurality of field customization coils distributed radially with respect to the coil. The generated magnetic charging field can be rendered radially asymmetric by selectively activating or disabling the field customization coils in response to data quantifying the coupling between the various implants and the field customization coils in the charger. If there is a relatively high coupling between a particular implant and a particular customization coil for example, that customization coil can be activated to counter the magnetic charging field at that location, while still maintaining a relatively high magnetic charging field at the location of other implants that may have lower couplings. |
| US09700729B2 |
Criteria for optimal electrical resynchronization during biventricular pacing
Generally, the disclosure is directed one or more methods or systems of cardiac pacing employing a right ventricular electrode and a plurality of left ventricular electrodes. Pacing using the right ventricular electrode and a first one of the left ventricular electrodes and measuring activation times at other ones of the left ventricular electrodes. Pacing using the right ventricular electrode and a second one of the ventricular electrodes and measuring activation times at other ones of the left ventricular electrodes. Computing a first degree of resynchronization based on a sum of differences of activation times and corresponding activation times. Pacing using the right ventricular electrode and a second one of the ventricular electrodes and measuring activation times at other ones of the left ventricular electrodes. Computing a second degree of resynchronization based on the sum of differences of activation times and corresponding activation times. Selecting one of the left ventricular electrodes for delivery of subsequent pacing pulses based on the computed degrees of resynchronization. |
| US09700728B2 |
Combination of feedback on mechanical and electrical resynchronization to select therapy parameters
A system and method select a pacing site for a cardiac pacing therapy. A change from a baseline mechanical activity is extracted from a signal of mechanical heart activity during pacing at each one of multiple pacing sites along a heart chamber. A change from a baseline electrical activity is extracted from a signal of electrical heart activity during pacing at each of the of pacing sites. The pacing sites are sorted in a first order based upon the changes in mechanical heart activity and in a second order based upon the changes in electrical heart activity. A pacing site is selected from the multiple pacing sites as a common pacing site between the first order and the second order. |
| US09700727B2 |
Device for assessment and therapy of temporal ventricular desynchronization
A device includes a hemodynamic sensor measuring blood flow in the left chambers of a myocardium, at least one motion sensor measuring a displacement of the walls of the left ventricle of the myocardium, a first analysis module determining a time of closure of the aortic valve based on a signal of the hemodynamic sensor, a second analysis module determining a time of peak contraction of the left ventricle based on a signal from the motion sensors, and a third analysis module determining a time between the moment of peak contraction of the left ventricle and the moment of closure of the aortic valve. If the peak of contraction of the left ventricle is after the instant of closure of the aortic valve, the device adjusts the inter-ventricular delay and/or the atrioventricular delay to minimize or cancel the time disparity. |
| US09700725B2 |
Neuromodulation using modulated pulse train
A neuromodulation system comprises a plurality of electrical terminals configured for being respectively coupled to a plurality of electrodes, a user interface configured for receiving input from a user that selects one of a plurality of different shapes of a modulating signal and/or selects one of a plurality of different electrical pulse parameters of an electrical pulse train, neuromodulation output circuitry configured for outputting an electrical pulse train to the plurality of electrical terminals, and pulse train modulation circuitry configured for modulating the electrical pulse train in accordance with the selected shape of the modulating signal and/or selected electrical pulse parameter of the electrical pulse train. |
| US09700721B2 |
Stimulation method for treatment of ocular conditions
One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for modulating, suppressing or preventing an ocular disorder in a subject. One step of the method can include positioning at least one electrode on or proximate to at least one of a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG), a sphenopalatine nerve (SN), a vidian nerve (VN), a greater petrosal nerve (GPN), a deep petrosal nerve (DPN), or a branch thereof, of the subject. Next, the at least one electrode can be activated to apply an electrical signal to at least one of the SPG, the SN, the VN, the GPN, the DPN, or the branch thereof. |
| US09700719B1 |
Device using electrotherapy for the relief of hemorrhoid inflammation
A device to relieve hemorrhoid inflammation using electrotherapy including a capsule insertable into a user's anus a predetermined depth, a control unit having a power indicator and power button, the control unit including modulating means for a user to control the intensity and duration of the therapy session. The device also includes a wire that connects the control unit to the capsule. In an alternate embodiment, the device can implement Bluetooth technology to send instructions from the control unit to the capsule wirelessly to actuate it so that it can deliver electrotherapy to a user's anus. A mobile application on a mobile device can be used to control the electrotherapy being sent to a user through the capsule. |
| US09700718B2 |
Systems and methods for treating human joints
A brace includes a closed loop feedback system that provides electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to a joint of a human patient in response to feedback from the joint and surrounding muscles. In one aspect, a brace for treating a human joint of a patient is provided. The brace includes one or more sensors in physical contact with the skin of the patient and configured to obtain a galvanic reading of resistance of the skin. The brace also includes brace control electronics in communication with the sensor(s) to form a closed loop system via a combination of bracing the joint and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS). The brace control electronics is configured to receive the galvanic reading of the resistance of the skin of the patient and is further configured to instruct the sensor to apply a current/voltage/power onto the skin based on the galvanic reading. |
| US09700716B2 |
Nerve cuff with pocket for leadless stimulator
An extravascular nerve cuff that is configured to hold a leadless, integral, implantable microstimulator. The nerve cuff may include a cuff body having a pocket or pouch for removably receiving the implantable device within. The nerve cuff can be secured around the nerve such that the electrodes of the device are stably positioned relative to the nerve. Furthermore, the nerve cuff drives the majority of the current from the stimulation device into the nerve, while shielding surrounding tissues from unwanted stimulation. |
| US09700714B2 |
Methods and devices for inhibiting tissue growth from restricting a strain relief loop of an implantable medical lead
The function of a strain relief loop of an implantable medical lead is preserved by inhibiting restriction of the strain relief loop from tissue growth onto the strain relief loop. The restriction may be inhibited by either obstructing tissue growth and/or by utilizing a mechanical advantage to overcome the restriction. The tissue growth may be obstructed be isolating the interior of the strain relief loop such as by enclosing the strain relief loop or including an object within the loop. The mechanical advantage to overcome restriction from tissue growth may be provided in various ways such as utilizing a spring loaded mechanism or a structure such as an elastic mesh, tube, or mold having an inherent bias toward a steady state position. |
| US09700712B2 |
Dipolar antenna system and related methods
Some embodiments include a dipolar antenna system to electrically power an implantable miniature device and/or to stimulate bioelectrically excitable tissue, such as, for example, through microelectronic neurostimulation. Other related systems and methods are also disclosed. |
| US09700711B2 |
Flexible tubing occlusion assembly
An occlusion assembly for compressing a pair of collapsible tubes comprises an occluding member for each tube. Each occluding member is forced into an occluding position by a spreader positioned within a space between the occluding members that slides along a side of each occluding member causing a tube-contacting portion of each occluding member to compress the collapsible tubes. A main spring may be included that urges the spreader toward the distal ends of the occluding members and into an occluding position. The spreader may be moved against the biasing force of the main spring into a non-occluding position near the proximal ends of the occluding members either manually through a button and linkage assembly coupled to the spreader, or by an automatic actuator coupled to the spreading element. |
| US09700709B2 |
Coupling arrangement
A coupling arrangement in a medicament delivery device, the coupling arrangement being adapted to permanently attach a first and a second longitudinally elongated tubular component to each other. The coupling arrangement includes a first positive connection mechanism configured to lock the first and the second components to each other such that the components are locked from being moved in a longitudinal direction in relation to each other, and a second positive connection mechanism configured to lock the first and the second components to each other such that the components are locked from being rotated in relation to each other about a longitudinal axis of the components. |
| US09700708B2 |
Maintaining multiple defined physiological zones using model predictive control
The disclosure relates to drug delivery and maintaining multiple defined physiological zones using model predictive control. |
| US09700705B2 |
Balloon catheter inflation apparatus and methods
An inflation device includes a syringe body containing a bore. The bore holds a fluid that is used to inflate a separate device such as a dilation balloon. A plunger assembly slides within the syringe bore and contains a sealing member that forms a fluid tight seal with the syringe body. A shut-off valve is disposed within the distal end of the syringe body. The distal end of the syringe body has a fluid bypass channel fluidically coupled to the aperture of a connector. The shut-off valve has a spring-biased moveable piston with a bypass lumen contained therein, wherein the bypass lumen forms a fluid path between the bore and the fluid bypass channel when the pressure of the fluid is below a threshold value. The fluid path between the bore and the fluid bypass channel is interrupted when the pressure of the fluid is above the threshold value. |
| US09700704B2 |
Drug releasing coatings for balloon catheters
Balloon catheters, methods for preparing balloon catheters, and uses of balloon catheters are disclosed. The balloon catheter includes an elongate member, an expandable balloon, and a coating layer overlying an exterior surface of the expandable balloon. The coating layer includes a total drug load of a hydrophobic therapeutic agent and a combination of additives including a first additive and a second additive. The hydrophobic therapeutic agent is paclitaxel, rapamycin, or paclitaxel and rapamycin. The first additive is a surfactant. The second additive is a chemical compound having one or more hydroxyl, amino, carbonyl, carboxyl, acid, amide, or ester groups. |
| US09700703B2 |
Guidewire insertion tool
A guidewire insertion tool includes a sidewall defining a passageway having a first open end and a second open end and a neck therebetween. The passageway tapers from the first and second open ends to the neck. The sidewall has a slit extending longitudinally along the sidewall. A tab is adjacent one of the first or second open ends for removing the tool from a guidewire through the slit. |
| US09700700B2 |
Medical article with rotatable wings
A medical article is configured to provide access to a patient's vasculature. The medical article includes an elongated body and a pair of stabilizing wings that extend from the elongated body and are configured to stabilize the medical article on a patient. The stabilizing wings are configured to rotate together or independently about the longitudinal axis of the elongated body between at least a first configuration and a second configuration. The elongated body can include a one-way valve disposed therein. The medical article can also one or more adhesive layers configured to releasably attach at least a portion of the wings to a patient. |
| US09700696B2 |
Method of manufacturing a catheter sheath
A catheter sheath comprises a tubular member connected to a catheter handle, the tubular sheath including one or more electrical conductors and one or more electrode rings attached to the tip of the tubular member. The tubular member further includes at least one opening that allows the one or more electrical conductors to be electrically connected to the one or more electrode rings. The electrode ring is slid over the tubular member so as to cover the at least one opening. The tubular member and the electrode ring are subjected to heat treatment by induction heating so that the material of the tubular member melts locally around the electrode ring to form a seal between the tubular member and the electrode ring. |
| US09700693B2 |
Systems and methods for intubation
An intubation device is provided. An intubation device comprises a movable guide configured to guide an insertion of an endotracheal tube into a trachea of a patient, the guide having a guide extension and a guide tip; an external trachea identifier source external to the trachea and disposed on the patient during an intubation, wherein the trachea identifier source generates and transmits a signal; at least one trachea condition sensor disposed on the guide tip to detect the signal generated by the trachea identifier source; and a guide control device operatively coupled to the guide, the guide control device configured to move the guide into the trachea in response to the detected signal. |
| US09700685B2 |
Nebulizer mesh and production method thereof
The present invention relates to a nebulizer mesh which is used, in a nebulizer for atomizing and nebulizing liquid, for atomizing the liquid, and has plural through holes 17, wherein each of the through holes 17 forms a cylindrical space portion 174 on one surface side of the nebulizer mesh, and forms an opening 172 opened in a mortar shape on the other surface side, and to a production method thereof. |
| US09700677B2 |
Antiseptic cap with antiseptic
A syringe assembly including: (1) a syringe barrel defining a chamber; (2) a plunger mounted in the chamber and moveable with respect to the barrel; and (3) a cap assembly containing a cap and an absorbent material is removably attached to the plunger. |
| US09700666B2 |
Medical paraphernalia carrier assembly
A medical paraphernalia carrier assembly for carrying medical paraphernalia adjacent a patient care bed includes a base assembly and a paraphernalia support assembly. A coupling assembly couples the base assembly and the paraphernalia support assembly in a manner that permits the paraphernalia support assembly to be displaceable between lateral sides of a bed when the base assembly is located intermediate the lateral sides of the bed. |
| US09700664B2 |
Implantable heart treatment systems, devices, and methods
Treatment of cardiac tissue via an implantable heart treatment device is described. A device embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a substrate configured for implantation within a body; an electromagnetic signal generator coupled to the substrate and configured to generate one or more electric signals configured to stimulate one or more tissues of a heart within the body; and an energy-carrier molecule delivery device coupled to the substrate and configured to supply one or more non-oxygen cellular energy sources to one or more tissues of the heart within the body. |
| US09700663B2 |
Filtration system for preparation of fluids for medical applications
Systems, methods, and devices for preparation of water for various uses including blood treatment are described. In embodiments, fluid is passed either by pump or passively by gravity feed, through various filtration elements from a fluid source to a treatment fluid container. The latter forms a batch that may be used during treatment. Methods and systems for creating multiple-treatment batches are described. Advantages of creating a multitreatment batch include the fact that the burden of treatment preparation can be reduced and the timing of the preparation of the batch can be independent of the treatment time. As described, there are various trade-offs and concerns with this approach which are addressed by the inventive embodiments. |
| US09700662B2 |
Device for extracorporeal blood treatment
A device for extracorporeal blood treatment is disclosed that includes a detection equipment for detecting uremic toxins in a used dialysis liquid by measuring the absorbance, the detection equipment being provided at such a position downstream the outflow of the dialysis liquid from a filter element that at least one of the following requirements is fulfilled: a) the filling volume of the fluid line and of the components starting from the outflow of the used dialysis liquid from the filter element to the detection equipment is less than or equal to 100 ml; and b) the length of the fluid line starting from the outflow of the used dialysis liquid from the filter element to the detection equipment is at most 250 cm. |
| US09700661B2 |
Chronic pH or electrolyte monitoring
Methods include monitoring blood pH or electrolyte levels and setting initial fluid parameters, such as dialysate fluid parameters or replacement fluid parameters, for a blood fluid removal session based the monitored data. Blood fluid removal systems may employ sensors that monitor blood pH or electrolyte levels to adjust the fluid parameters during a blood fluid removal session. |
| US09700660B2 |
Pumping cassette
A pumping cassette including a housing having at least two inlet fluid lines and at least two outlet fluid lines. At least one balancing pod within the housing and in fluid connection with the fluid paths. The balancing pod balances the flow of a first fluid and the flow of a second fluid such that the volume of the first fluid equals the volume of the second fluid. The balancing pod also includes a membrane that forms two balancing chambers. Also included in the cassette is at least two reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pumps. The pumps are within the housing and they pump the fluid from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet line and pump the second fluid from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet. |
| US09700656B2 |
In situ forming hemostatic foam implants
Systems and methods related to polymer foams are generally described. Some embodiments relate to compositions and methods for the preparation of polymer foams, and methods for using the polymer foams. The polymer foams can be applied to a body cavity and placed in contact with, for example, tissue, injured tissue, internal organs, etc. In some embodiments, the polymer foams can be formed within a body cavity (i.e., in situ foam formation). In addition, the foamed polymers may be capable of exerting a pressure on an internal surface of a body cavity and preventing or limiting movement of a bodily fluid (e.g., blood, etc.). |
| US09700652B2 |
Absorbable medical implant made of fiber-reinforced magnesium or fiber-reinforced magnesium alloys
A medical implant comprising a composite material which is composed of reinforcement fibers made of a magnesium-containing, bio-corrosive alloy, another bio-corrosive alloy containing a main component that is selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Fe, and Y, or a non-biodegradable fiber material, embedded in a matrix made of crystalline magnesium or magnesium alloys. |
| US09700647B2 |
Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation system
A modular germicidal light grid system for use inside an air treatment apparatus that has a plenum in which a stream of air is enclosed. The system comprises at least one elongate member and at least one lamp assembly. Each lamp assembly comprises a housing defining at least one socket and is mounted to one elongate member at a predetermined position. The system further comprises at least one linear germicidal light source. Each light source has a longitudinal axis and a distal end constructed and arranged to mount within one socket of the housing. The elongate member is mounted within the plenum and the lamp assembly is mounted to the elongate member such that the longitudinal axis of the light source extends therein the stream of air and is positioned at an acute light angle relative to the direction of flow of the stream of air. |
| US09700646B2 |
Compositions and their use
Aqueous compositions, methods of manufacturing such aqueous compositions, and methods of removing reducing and/or suppressing malodors using such aqueous compositions are described. These compositions utilize a combination of hydrogen peroxide, a source of copper II, nonionic surfactant and alcohol to provide a highly effective and stable malodor removing, reducing and/or suppressing composition. The compositions are particularly useful as aerosol compositions for effective malodor removal, reduction and/or suppression in particular malodors from open sites such as landfill and in closed domestic environments such as the home. Also described is a stabilized hydrogen peroxide solution, which is stable on the addition of copper (II) salts. |
| US09700645B2 |
Two-phase exhaustion indicator for fragrance release systems
A two-phase system containing at least one solvatochromic dye, water, at least one fragrance, and at least one solvent. Wherein the two-phase system includes liquid phases layered one on top of the other. The inventive compositions can be used as exhaustion indicators for fragrance release systems. |
| US09700643B2 |
Sanitizer with an ion generator
An ion generator configured to generate ions for use in hand dryers and sanitizers for sanitizing various surfaces including hands, hardware, fixtures, appliances, countertops, equipment, utensils and specifically to a chemical-free ion generators that do not use sacrificial anodes and cathodes, more specifically to an ozone-free ion generators and yet more specifically to an electronic ion generator using AC and a single ion source electrode with a ground plane electrode. |
| US09700629B2 |
Composition containing S-adenosyl-L-methionine with excellent storage stability
The present invention relates to a composition including S-adenosyl-L-methionine; and at least one kind of additive selected from carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, soybean polysaccharide, casein sodium, and zein, in which S-adenosyl-L-methionine is extracted from S-adenosyl-L-methionine-containing cells obtained by culturing a microorganism having an ability to produce SAMe, and the content of the additive in the composition falls within the range of 0.05 to 15 times by mass of S-adenosyl-L-methionine in the composition. The present invention provides a composition containing a high concentration of S-adenosyl-L-methionine, which is useful as a water-soluble physiologically active substance, and being excellent in storage stability and bioabsorbability. The present invention also relates to a molded article formed by using the composition and a method of producing the composition. |
| US09700628B1 |
Heparin-mimicking sulfonated reverse thermal gel for the delivery of heparin-binding therapeutic proteins
A heparin-mimicking sulfonated reverse thermal gel (SRTG) as a heparin-binding therapeutic protein delivery system. This system is designed to turn from low viscous liquid to a physical gel by exposure to body temperature alone. This allows direct deployment through a small gauge needle or catheter at target area with minimal surgical intervention. A unique aspect of this system is that it possesses a net negative charge due to the presence of sulfonate groups. This allows the SRTG to mimic heparin function, binding and preserving the bioactivity of positively charged therapeutic proteins, providing localized and sustained release of such proteins. |
| US09700626B2 |
Wound healing using topical systems and methods
The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for topical or transdermal delivery and treatment of wounds and/or promoting wound healing. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide and/or peptides such as thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and/or GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone). The nitric oxide and/or peptide may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other structures containing nitric oxide, peptides, or both. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin, e.g., wounded skin. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such compositions, methods of promoting such compositions, kits including such compositions, or the like. |
| US09700624B2 |
Formulations for the delivery of active ingredients
This invention relates generally to in vivo delivery of active ingredient formulations. More particularly, this invention relates to formulations of active ingredients that further comprise an agent, methods of making such formulations, and methods of using the same. |
| US09700620B2 |
Polymeric nanocarriers with light-triggered release mechanism
Near infrared radiation at a wavelength that induces resonance in water is used to remotely activate thermal plasticization of polymeric particles to trigger the release of encapsulated molecules from the particles. Nanocarriers formed from biocompatible hydrophilic polymers may be used to deliver encapsulated molecules to tissue with a reversible transition that allows repeated activations for extended release of the payload. |
| US09700619B2 |
Combination drug therapy for the treatment of solid tumors
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical combination that comprises an IGF1R inhibitor and an mTOR inhibitor for the treatment of cancer in a subject; a pharmaceutical composition comprising such a combination; the use of such a combination for the preparation of medicament for the treatment of cancer; a kit comprising such a combination as a combined preparation for simultaneous, separate or sequential use; and a method of treating cancer in a subject, especially a human. |
| US09700615B2 |
Adjuvant formulations and methods
The present invention is directed to methods for administering antigenic material to a patient as a vaccine against an infection comprising providing both an antigenic material specific to the desired immunological response desired plus an adjuvant comprised of a peptide of a sequence derived from the sequence of pneumococcal surface adhesin A protein (PsaA). Preferably the peptide comprises a sequences derived from one or more sequences of PsaA that contain the epitope regions or contiguous amino acids of SEQ ID NOs 1 or 2. The invention is also directed to vaccine compositions containing adjuvant of the invention and also adjuvant compositions of the invention. |
| US09700614B2 |
Intranasal vaccination dosage regimen
The present invention relates in a first aspect to a vaccine kit comprising a) a first vaccine component comprising i) a first set of one or more containers, each container containing a vaccine composition for intranasal administration, b) optionally a second vaccine component comprising a second set of one or more containers, each container containing a vaccine composition for intranasal administration, and c) optionally instructions for use, wherein each container of the first and second set of containers contains a volume of the vaccine composition from about 5 microliter to about 400 microliter. The present invention also relates to: An administration regimen for intranasal administration of a vaccine composition for use in immunizing a human. A device for use in administration of vaccine compositions. The use of: a) a first vaccine component comprising i) a first set of one or more containers, each container containing a vaccine composition for intranasal administration, b) optionally a second vaccine component comprising a second set of one or more containers, each container containing a vaccine composition for intranasal administration, wherein each container of the first and second set of containers contains a total volume of the vaccine composition from about 5 microliter to about 400 microliter for immunizing a human. The use of: a) a first vaccine component comprising i) a first set of one or more containers, each container containing a vaccine composition for intranasal administration, b) optionally a second vaccine component comprising a second set of one or more containers, each container containing a vaccine composition for intranasal administration, wherein each container of the first and second set of containers contains a total volume of the vaccine composition from about 5 microliter to about 400 microliter for the preparation of a vaccine for intranasally immunizing a human. The method of treating a person in need of a vaccination. The vaccine formulated for intranasal administering. |
| US09700611B2 |
Live attenuated catfish vaccine and method of making
Live attenuated bacteria vaccines against enteric septicemia of fish, especially catfish, and methods related to the same. Mutant strains of the bacteria Edwardsiella ictaluri (a pathogenic bacterial strain of Enterobacteriaceae) are provided. The mutant Edwardsiella ictaluri bacteria (or other pathogenic bacterial strain of Enterobacteriaceae) contain one or more gene deletions or disruptions that result in less virulent bacterial strains as live attenuated vaccine compositions against virulent wild-type Edwardsiella ictaluri bacteria (or other pathogenic bacterial strain of Enterobacteriaceae). The mutant strains showing the best immunological protection and safety as a vaccine are the triple mutants ESC-NDKL1 (ΔgcvPΔsdhCΔfrdA) strain and ESC-NDKL2 (ΔgcvPΔsdhCΔmdh) strain, with the ESC-NDKL1 strain providing the greatest safety and efficacy of these two triple mutants. |
| US09700608B2 |
Methods for constructing antibiotic resistance free vaccines
The present invention provides Listeria vaccine strains that express a heterologous antigen and a metabolic enzyme, and methods of generating same. |
| US09700599B2 |
Rapid-acting insulin formulation comprising a substituted anionic compound
The invention relates to a composition in aqueous solution, including insulin and at least one substituted anionic compound chosen from substituted anionic compounds consisting of a backbone formed from a discrete number u of between 1 and 8 (1≦u≦8) of identical or different saccharide units, linked via identical or different glycoside bonds, said saccharide units being chosen from the group consisting of hexoses, in cyclic form or in open reduced form, said compound comprising partially substituted carboxyl functional groups, the unsubstituted carboxyl functional groups being salifiable. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims. |
| US09700597B2 |
Methods of treating cognitive impairment
The subject invention concerns materials and methods for treating a person or animal having cognitive impairment. In one embodiment, the method comprises administering an effective amount of one or more inflammatory mediator(s), for example, fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 (Flt3) ligand, interleukin-6 (IL-6), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-3 (IL-3), erythropoietin (EPO), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), hypoxia-inducible transcription factor (HIF-1alpha), insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), Stem Cell Factor (SCF), Darbepoetin (ARANESP), and metalloproteinases, to an animal or person in need of treatment. |
| US09700595B2 |
Liquid formulation of a fusion protein comprising TNFR and Fc region
The present invention relates to a liquid formulation comprising a TNFR-Fc fusion protein and a stabilizer, in which the fusion protein comprises TNFR (tumor necrosis factor receptor) or a fragment thereof and an immunoglobulin Fc region, and the stabilizer comprises one or more amino acids selected from the group consisting of proline and histidine, a buffer solution, and an isotonic agent containing sodium chloride (NaCl) and sucrose, and a preparation method of the liquid formulation. The liquid formulation according to the present invention provides excellent storage stability because long-term storage of TNFR-Fc fusion protein (etanercept) is possible and particular storage conditions are not needed. Since the liquid formulation of the present invention shows excellent storage stability even though the formulation is simple, it is more economical than other stabilizers or lyophilized formulations, and thus the formulation can be effectively applied for uses wherein treatment of TNFR-Fc fusion protein (etanercept) is beneficial. |
| US09700594B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition for treating bone diseases which comprises protein comprising Frizzled1, Frizzled2 or Frizzled7 extracellular cysteine-rich domain
This invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for treatment of a bone disease comprising, as an active ingredient, a protein comprising an extracellular cysteine-rich domain, which is from the Frizzled receptor selected from the group consisting of mammalian animal-derived Frizzled 1, Frizzled 2, and Frizzled 7 and has activity of increasing bone mass, bone density, and/or bone strength, or a mutant of such domain having sequence identity of 85% or higher to the amino acid sequence of the domain and having activity of increasing bone mass, bone density, and/or bone strength, or a vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding the protein. |
| US09700588B2 |
Use of parvovirus for eliminating cancer stem cells (CSCs)
Described is the use of a parvovirus, preferably H-1PV, for the therapeutical elimination of cancer stem cells (CSCs), preferably neuroblastoma stem cells and glioblastoma stem cells. |
| US09700583B2 |
Methods and compositions for optimized expansion and implantation of mesenchymal stem cells
Compositions and methods are provided for the optimized expansion and implantation of mesenchymal stem cells into a patient in need thereof. Autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to a patient in need of MSCs are harvested, expanded within novel growth parameters under the influence of autologous growth factors located on the patient's platelets. |
| US09700574B2 |
Use of secnidazole in treatment of dental infections
The invention relates to the combination of secnidazole with an antibiotic of the macrolide family, preferably azithromycin 11, for oral treatment of dental infections, which enables a considerable reduction in the length of treatment and the doses administered in comparison with the conventional treatment. |
| US09700573B2 |
Compositions comprising nanoparticles and apoptotic agents and methods of use
A method for treatment of malignant cells includes administering to the malignant cells nanoparticles and etoposide. The nanoparticles are selected from the group consisting of single wall carbon nanotubes, silver nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles and combinations thereof. |
| US09700562B2 |
Triazine compounds and compositions thereof and methods for treating malaria and chemoprophylaxis
Disclosed herein are triazine compounds and methods of making and using thereof to treat malaria, provide chemoprophylaxis, and/or treat or inhibit infection by one or more Plasmodium spp. |
| US09700560B2 |
2′-fluoro-6′-methylene carbocyclic nucleosides and methods of treating viral infections
The present invention relates to 2′-Fluoro-6′-methylene carbocyclic nucleosides, pharmaceutical compositions containing these nucleosides and their use in the treatment or prophylaxis of a number of viral infections and secondary disease states and conditions thereof, especially including Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and secondary disease states and conditions thereof (cirrhosis and liver cancer), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Herpes Simplex virus I and II (HSV-1 and HSV-2), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) and Epstein Barr virus (EBV) and secondary cancers which occur thereof (lymphoma, nasopharyngeal cancer, including drug resistant (especially including lamivudine and/or adefovir resistant) and other mutant forms of these viruses, especially HBV. |
| US09700559B2 |
Compounds and compositions for the treatment of parasitic diseases
The present invention provides compounds of Formula A: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, tautomer, or stereoisomer, thereof, wherein the variables are as defined herein. The present invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods of using such compounds for treating, preventing, inhibiting, ameliorating, or eradicating the pathology and/or symptomology of a disease caused by a parasite, such as leishmaniasis, human African trypanosomiasis and Chagas disease. |
| US09700556B2 |
Method for producing indigo-plant leaf extract
An object of the present invention is to provide a tryptanthrin-containing indigo-plant leaf extract particularly suitable for application to the skin. The present invention provides a method for producing a tryptanthrin-containing indigo-plant leaf extract, the method comprising filtering a mixture of a concentrated ethanol extract of indigo-plant leaves and a polyhydric alcohol, and collecting the filtrate. The present invention further provides an indigo-plant leaf extract produced by this method. |
| US09700555B2 |
Bromocriptine formulations
The present application describes pharmaceutical formulations of bromocriptine mesylate and methods of manufacturing and using such formulations. The formulations are useful for improving glycemic control in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. |
| US09700553B2 |
Compositions and methods for increasing the metabolic lifetime of dextromethorphan and related pharmacodynamic effects
This disclosure relates to methods administering various compounds in conjunction with dextromethorphan to a human being. Dosage forms, drug delivery systems, and methods related to dextromethorphan or dextrorphan and bupropion, hydroxybupropion, erythrohydroxybupropion, threohydroxybupropion, or a metabolite or prodrug of any of these compounds are also disclosed. |
| US09700552B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions for treatment of addiction
The invention provides transdermal patches comprising an adhesive and a composition comprising naltrexone and either methyl oleate or isopropyl myristate, a kit comprising a plurality of such transdermal patches, a composition comprising naltrexone and methyl oleate, such a composition for use as a medicament, and compositions comprising naltrexone and methyl oleate or isopropyl myristate for use in the treatment of alcoholism or opiate addiction. |
| US09700546B2 |
Trivalent chromium compounds, compositions and methods of use
The present invention provides chromium compounds, specifically chromium dinicocysteinate, which possess the ability to improve insulin sensitization, glucose tolerance, bioavailability, efficacy, and safety, and methods for their use. |
| US09700545B2 |
Forms of rifaximin and uses thereof
The present invention relates to Rifaximin amorphous forms, to their use in medicinal preparations and to therapeutic methods using them. |
| US09700544B2 |
Oral rapamycin nanoparticle preparations
Oral preparations of microcapsules and nanoparticles including an inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin. The preparations are intended to assist with the treatment and prevention of cancer neurocognitive dysfunction, genetically predisposed disorders, and age-related disorders. The embodiments discussed address the present need for alternative preparations or manufacturing processes that ensure efficacy while improving other performance characteristics such as storage stability, biodistribution, dosage cost, etc. |
| US09700537B2 |
Composition for preventing the occurrence of cardiovascular event in multiple risk patient
Disclosed is a composition which is useful for preventing the occurrence of a cardiovascular event, particularly a composition which is expected to show a prophylactic effect on a cardiovascular event occurring in a hypercholesterolemia patient despite providing the patient with a treatment with HMG-CoA RI or a cardiovascular event occurring in a multiple risk patient. |
| US09700530B2 |
Capsule dosage form of metoprolol succinate
This disclosure provides an extended-release capsule dosage form of metoprolol succinate in the form of coated discrete units, wherein said capsule dosage form is bioequivalent to the marketed Toprol-XL® tablet. The extended-release capsule dosage form comprising coated discrete units can be sprinkled onto food to ease administration to patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules. |
| US09700523B2 |
Buffered oxygen therapeutic
An oxygen therapeutic composition, which includes a perfluorocarbon material having a boiling point of about 4 degrees Celsius to about 60 degrees Celsius, a lipid; a viscosity modifier; a buffer. |
| US09700521B2 |
Multi-layered injectable self-assembling peptide scaffold hydrogels for long-term sustained release of human antibodies
The invention relates to a pharmaceutical formulation for sustained delivery of a therapeutic agent, preferably a protein, polypeptide, an antibody or an antibody fragment, comprising one or more gel forming peptides wherein the formulation exhibits sustained delivery for at least two weeks, three weeks, four weeks, five weeks, six weeks, seven weeks, eight weeks, nine weeks, ten weeks, eleven weeks, twelve weeks or more. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a formulation comprising self-assembling peptides that undergo sol-gel transition in the presence of an electrolyte solution such as biological fluids and salts. The formulation can provide sustained release of antibody and antibody fragments, in particular, IgG. Antibody diffusivities can be decreased with increasing hydrogel nanofiber density, providing a means to control the release kinetics. |
| US09700517B2 |
Acid resistant capsules
The present invention relates to new acid resistant hard pharmaceutical capsules, a process for their manufacture and use of such capsules particularly but not exclusively for oral administration of pharmaceuticals, veterinary products, food and dietary supplements to humans or animals. The capsules of the invention are obtained by aqueous compositions comprising a water soluble film forming polymer and gellan gum in a mutual weight ratio of 4 to 15 weight parts of gellan gum for 100 weight parts of film forming polymer. |
| US09700513B2 |
Method and apparatus for dry granulation
The invention provides, inter alia, a method for producing granules from a powder, characterized in that compaction force is applied to the powder to produce a compacted mass comprising a mixture of fine particles and granules and separating and removing fine particles and/or small granules from the other granules by entraining the fine particles and/or small granules in a gas stream. Also provided are apparatus for use in the process and tablets formed by compression of the resultant granules. |
| US09700512B1 |
Synthesis of hesperetin nanoparticles
A method of preparing hesperetin nanoparticles includes dissolving hesperetin in an organic solvent to form a solution; spraying the solution in boiling water while applying ultrasonic energy to form a mixture; and stirring the mixture for at least about 15 minutes at a speed of about 200-800 rpm to obtain the hesperetin nanoparticles. |
| US09700507B1 |
Lotion to help with dry scalp symptoms and methods of use
This invention is a natural scalp lotion that exploits the benefits of Dead Sea salt by adding it to a base of organic aloe vera juice, organic coconut oil, castor oil, sweet almond oil, olive oil, NF emulsified wax (vegetable based), potato starch, and apple cider vinegar. It also includes several 100% pure essential oils/extracts, and preservatives. |
| US09700506B2 |
Antioxidant composition containing extract of processed Chrysanthemum indicum or Citrus unshiu peel
The present invention relates to an antioxidant cosmetic composition, and more particularly to an antioxidant cosmetic composition containing, as an active ingredient, either an extract of at least one of Chrysanthemum indicum and Citrus unshiu peel, processed using a medicinal herb processing technique, or a mixture of said extract and an extract of at least one of unprocessed Chrysanthemum indicum and Citrus unshiu peel. |
| US09700504B2 |
Composition and method for an intradermal hair growth solution
Disclosed herein is an intradermal pharmaceutical composition for application to the scalp of a person for improving the bodily appearance comprising plurality of growth factors, peptides and nourishing complex in an amount effective to treat or to prevent hair loss by stimulating hair follicles and promoting hair growth, where such hair growth improves the bodily appearance of the said person. |
| US09700500B1 |
Disposable wipes comprising of warming lubricants, vitamin E oil, and essential oils
Disposable wipes comprising of warming lubricants, glycerol and capsaicin, vitamin E oil, essential oils, Lavender and Lemon, and propyl paraben. The fragrance free disposable wipes comprises of 85% purified water, 0.4.% glycerol, 0.1% capsaicin, 0.9% vitamin E oil, and 0.1% propyl paraben. The disposable wipes with fragrance comprises of 80% purified water, 0.4.% glycerol, 0.1% capsaicin, 0.9% vitamin E oil, 0.5% of either the essential oils, Lavender or Lemon, and 0.1% propyl paraben. The warming effect is achieved by having one or more additives in the lubricant which are either always active or activated by your body. |
| US09700498B2 |
Methods for polishing a tooth surface utilizing abrasive nanoparticles
A method for polishing tooth surface which eases removal of a bacterial film later grown on the polished surface. The method includes the steps of providing a providing a toothpaste or slurry comprising a plurality of inorganic abrasive particles smaller than 100 nm in size, the inorganic abrasive particles comprising one or more of silica, ceria, titania, zirconia, silicon nitrite, and silica carbide, wherein the inorganic abrasive particles are sufficiently hard to be abrasive; and polishing a tooth surface with the toothpaste or slurry to attain an ultra-smooth tooth surface which can be easily cleaned. |
| US09700495B2 |
Method for making an emulsified antiperspirant product
A method for making an emulsified antiperspirant product is provided. The product has a continuous phase with a water-immiscible liquid and a disperse aqueous phase with an antiperspirant active. The method steps include providing a water-immiscible liquid; providing a volatile aqueous solution with an antiperspirant active; combining the water-immiscible liquid and the aqueous solution to form an emulsion with a continuous phase including the water-immiscible liquid and a disperse phase including the aqueous solution; providing a structurant separate from the emulsion and adding it to the emulsion to form an emulsified antiperspirant composition. The emulsified antiperspirant composition is heated to a temperature between 60° C. and 110° C. from 15 minutes to less than 2 hours. The emulsified antiperspirant composition is transferred into one or more dispensing containers. The batch weight of the emulsified antiperspirant composition may be greater than 20 kg. |
| US09700494B2 |
Foaming cleanser
An aqueous, foamable composition comprising castor oil maleate, PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate, glycerin, surfactant, and optionally PEG-6 caprylic/capric glycerides. The composition is useful as a foaming cleanser that dispenses a foam that has enhanced skin feel and optionally increased foam stand up so that it is less runny and messy. |
| US09700491B2 |
One-part dental adhesive
The present invention provides a one-part dental adhesive that exhibits excellent adhesive properties to both enamel and dentin and that has high storage stability and ambient-light stability. The present invention is a one-part dental adhesive including 1 to 30 weight % of a phosphoric acid group-containing monofunctional (meth)acrylate compound (a), 10 to 50 weight % of a water-soluble polymerizable monomer (b), 5 to 50 weight % of a hydrophobic crosslinkable (meth)acrylate compound (c), water (d), and a polymerization initiator (e). The water-soluble polymerizable monomer (b) includes a combination of a monofunctional (meth)acrylamide compound (b-1) having a particular structure and a water-soluble crosslinkable (meth)acrylic monomer (b-2). The weight ratio between the monofunctional (meth)acrylamide compound (b-1) and the water-soluble crosslinkable (meth)acrylic monomer (b-2) is 10:1 to 1:5. |
| US09700490B2 |
Cough containment apparatus
A laminated, antiviral and silver impregnated, 100% activated woven carbon cloth is fashioned into a biodegradable disposable device. The device has the ability to capture and kill viruses, germs and bacteria that emanate from the cough as one suffers the effects of respiratory infections. The device attaches to the wrist and is to be used at first signs of respiratory infection, such as the cold or flu. When one begins to cough, the idea is to press your mouth against the device and deliver the cough instead of coughing into ones hands, sleeve or open air. The carbon base device is antiviral, anti-germ and antibacterial inside and out and will remain effective throughout the entire bout of the cold or flu and is then disposed of. The cough containment apparatus provides security to its users and others, in knowing that the virus is being contained. |
| US09700481B2 |
Deep vein thrombosis prevention garment having an expandable bladder
A deep vein thrombosis prevention garment includes a body having a central panel, a left side panel, and a right side panel formed with a number of attachment straps having an integral fastener, such as Velcro® brand hook and loop fasteners. The central panel is formed with a single air chamber containing a single expandable air bladder receiving air from a pump through a flexible air supply tube. The central panel, left side panel and right side panel are formed from a single material which does not require a skin-safe liner or other combination of materials. The single chamber with nested expandable bladder is attached to the central panel. A cover panel covers the chamber having an expandable bladder, and is attached along its perimeter to the central panel. The cover panel and the body are made from the same material which can be placed against a patient's skin. |
| US09700475B2 |
Controlling access to radiotherapy systems
A patient support includes a bed, one or more mechanisms configured for manipulating at least one of position and orientation of the bed, and a display configured for displaying a user interface and receiving inputs to control at least the one or more mechanisms. |
| US09700474B2 |
Sling bar for patient lift slings
Disclosed is a new sling bar for use with an overhead lift system to lift a load suspended in a lift sling there below. The sling bar comprises a cross bar having first and second ends, a pair of lift loop retention ears extending from each of the first and second ends of the cross bar. Each pair of ears includes a first ear in the pair being disposed adjacent a first face of the cross bar and a second ear in the pair disposed adjacent a second opposite face of said cross bar, the pair of retention ears defining a space there between. A lift hook is disposed at each of the first and second ends of the cross bar in the space defined between the pair of retention ears, the pair of ears extending at least up to an inner surface of a bend portion of the lift hook. |
| US09700473B2 |
Lightweight foldable lift
The lift of the present invention includes a lightweight, foldable lift that can be conveniently transported and stored in a home or car. According to a first preferred embodiment, the lift of the present invention may be operated as a caregiver lift to allow a typical caregiver to handle a patient under a wider variety of conditions and circumstances than the industrial sized lifts of the prior art. Further, the lift of the present invention is designed to allow a patient to be moved in all directions and to operate on a variety of surfaces. |
| US09700471B2 |
Wheelchair movement assistance device
This wheelchair movement assistance device comprises: a pair of mounting members which is mounted to the left and right front pipes or the left and right leg pipes of a wheelchair in a removable manner by being clamped or engaged therewith; and a square C-shaped pipe frame, to both ends of which the pair of mounting members is mounted. The mounting members are provided with clamping sections formed at the ends of pipe frame, and with grasping sections attached to the ends of the pipe frame at positions in front of the clamping sections. Each of the grasping sections grips a portion of each of the front pipes of the wheelchair or a portion of each of the leg pipes of the wheelchair, and each of the clamping sections is in pressure contact with a portion of each of the front pipes or the leg pipes of the wheelchair. |
| US09700470B2 |
Wheelchair suspension
A wheelchair suspension includes a frame, a drive assembly pivot arm, a drive assembly, a front caster pivot arm, a front caster, and a spring and shock absorbing assembly. The drive assembly pivot arm is pivotally connected to the frame. The drive assembly includes a drive wheel and is mounted to the drive assembly pivot arm. The front caster pivot arm is pivotally mounted to the frame and coupled to the drive assembly pivot arm. The front caster is coupled to the at least one front caster pivot arm. The spring and shock absorbing assembly is pivotally connected to the drive assembly pivot arm at a first pivotal connection and pivotally connected to the front caster pivot arm at a second pivotal connection. The first and second pivotal connections are positioned such that a majority of the force applied by the spring and shock absorbing assembly is applied to the drive wheel when the suspension is on a flat, horizontal support surface. |
| US09700468B2 |
Wheelchair hand rim, cover and fastening system therefor
A hand rim or push rim for a wheelchair wheel. The hand rim includes a rim structure with a convex bearing surface on a circumference of the rim structure, wherein the convex bearing surface is off-centered with respect to a center of the rim and tilted in an outer direction with respect to the wheelchair. Also provided is a wheelchair wheel hand rim cover, wherein the cover is made of ethylene vinyl acetate. There is also provided a fastening system for fastening a hand rim to a wheel. The fastening system includes fixing elements selectively and slideably interfacing with a plurality of anchor elements for selectively setting a separation distance between the hand rim and the wheel. |
| US09700467B2 |
Intrahospital vehicle for transport and transfer of obese patients
An intrahospital vehicle for transport and transfer of obese patients designed to take a bedridden obese patient, lift the patient up and then lay the patient down onto a receiving stretcher to transfer the patient within a hospital, so that, once the target location has been reached, the patient may be transferred to an operating table, X-ray table, intensive care unit table or the like, and then transferred back to the receiving stretcher to return to the hospital bed. The vehicle includes a robust main rectangular base structure, mounted on wheels, a lower chassis formed by a rear crossbar and two side rails, from which four corner columns are projected. |
| US09700462B2 |
System for monitoring and controlling negative pressure wound therapy
A system for monitoring and controlling negative pressure wound therapy includes a microcontroller that controls means for maintaining reduced air pressure based on a pressure signal from a pressure sensor. The means for maintaining reduced air pressure may include a vacuum pump and valve. The system includes a mobile communication device having a microprocessor, touchscreen display, data storage device, GPS module, and wireless transceiver. The microprocessor generates control signals sent to the microcontroller to control the means for maintaining reduced air pressure to provide continuous or intermittent reduced air pressure. The microprocessor monitors the pressure signal and generates a closed-system alarm, leak-detected alarm or open-system alarm. The closed-system alarm indicates an air pressure leak rate below a closed-system threshold. The leak-detected alarm indicates an air pressure leak rate above a leak-detected threshold and below an open-system threshold. The open-system alarm indicates an air pressure leak rate above the open-system threshold. |
| US09700459B2 |
Apparatuses, tools and kits relating to fluid manipulation treatments of paranasal sinuses
Apparatuses, tools and kits are directed to fluid manipulations in relation to a paranasal sinus through a paranasal sinus access implant device (906) that provides fluid communication between the lacrimal apparatus in the orbit and a paranasal sinus. An implant device has a proximal head and a conduit distal of the head, with the conduit having a first longitudinal portion having a larger minimum wall thickness than a minimum wall thickness of a second a second longitudinal portion of the conduit located distal of the first longitudinal portion. A paranasal sinus fluid manipulation tool (900) has an engagement structure (904) insertable into the palpebral fissure to engage a head of the implant device. |
| US09700456B2 |
Device and method for corneal delivery of riboflavin by iontophoresis for the treatment of keratoconus
Ocular iontophoresis device and method for delivering any ionized drug solution to the cornea includes: a reservoir containing a solution suitable to be positioned on the eye; an active electrode disposed in or on the reservoir; and a passive electrode suitable to be placed on the skin of the subject, elsewhere on the body; elements for irradiating the cornea surface with suitable light for obtaining corneal cross-linking after the drug delivery; wherein the reservoir and the active electrode are transparent to UV light and/or visible light and/or IR light. The method includes: positioning the iontophoretic device on the eye to be treated; driving the solution by a cathodic current applied for 0.5 to 5 min, at an intensity not higher than 2 mA; and thereafter irradiating, with UV light for 5 to 30 min at a power of 3 to 30 mW/cm2; thereby obtaining the corneal cross-linking of the solution. |
| US09700453B2 |
Rotation and abduction device for shoulder immobilization
Methods, systems, and apparatus regarding a Rotation & Abduction Device (“RAD”) for shoulder immobilization in treating shoulder instability, wherein the ability to maintain particular degrees of shoulder rotation and abduction is desired or necessary. An exemplary RAD shoulder immobilization system may include: a frame; a harness connected to the frame and including a waist support and a neck/shoulder strap; a sling connected to the frame and the harness; and a lining covering parts of the frame, the harness, and/or the sling. A method of treating a shoulder disorder may include: providing a shoulder immobilization system capable of shoulder rotation positioning adjustment and capable of shoulder abduction-adduction positioning adjustment; putting the shoulder immobilization system on a wearer; adjusting the shoulder immobilization system for shoulder rotation positioning; and adjusting the shoulder immobilization system for shoulder abduction-adduction positioning. Numerous other aspects are provided. |
| US09700452B2 |
Patient support system and method
A patient support system for a wheelchair is provided. At least a portion of the patient support system components form a no-air-loss patient support surface. At least one fluid pump can supply air pressure to a plurality of no-air-loss air cells, and at least one pressure release valve can release air pressure from the no-air-loss air cells. A computer can compare air pressure within the air cells to a desired air pressure set point and can modulate the air pressure by actuating the at least one fluid pump and/or the at least one pressure release valve to bring the air pressure within the air cells to a desired air pressure. After the initial air pressure adjustments are made and the desired air pressure is achieved, no further adjustments during the operation are able to be made by the computer so that the patient positioned thereon the patient support system will not be moved by the patient support system during an operation. |
| US09700447B2 |
Surface interactions to improve retention of medical devices
A method for improving the retention between the surfaces of medical devices. The method includes coating a surface of one medical device such as a stent with a coating that includes a functional group and coating a surface of another medical device such as a balloon with a coating that includes an identical or different functional group. The method further includes interacting the coated surfaces to produce a plurality of bonds between the surfaces, thereby improving retention. |
| US09700444B2 |
Modified pusher apparatus
Placement of a stent having a tethered ferromagnetic bead may be facilitated with a modified pusher having an opening at the distal end of the pusher to receive the tethered ferromagnetic bead. The ferromagnetic bead may be positioned within the bladder whereby a tether connection to a shortened stent ending within the ureter may be used to reduce the likelihood of patient irritation. The bead, tether, and stent assembly may be advanced into the patient as a unit along a conventional guide wire and using a conventional cystoscope. |
| US09700443B2 |
Methods for attaching a radiopaque marker to a scaffold
A scaffold includes a radiopaque marker connected to a strut. The marker is retained within the strut by a head at one or both ends. The marker is attached to the strut by a process that includes forming a rivet from a radiopaque bead and attaching the rivet to the marker including deforming the rivet to enhance resistance to dislodgement during crimping or balloon expansion. The strut has a thickness of about 100 microns. |
| US09700442B2 |
Methods for manufacturing a stent frame
A support structure includes strut members interconnected by articulated joints to form a series of linked scissor mechanisms. The structure can be remotely actuated to compress or expand its shape by adjusting the scissor joints within a range of motion. In particular, the support structure can be repositioned within the body lumen or retrieved from the lumen. The support structure can be employed to introduce and support a prosthetic valve within a body lumen. |
| US09700439B1 |
Identification and implementation of locomotion modes using surface electromyography
Apparatus and methods are provided for determining a locomotion mode that can be provided to a controller of a lower prosthesis limb in order to accurately control the prosthesis. One or more prosthesis sensors are provided that break a gait cycle down into a plurality of gait phases. EMG sensors provide signals to a processor that directs them to a gait phase specific classifier that is used to determine a particular locomotion mode for the wearer. With the locomotion mode accurately known, the prosthetic device can be accurately controlled. |
| US09700438B2 |
Orthopaedic instrument for securing a bone
An orthopedic instrument for securing a bone includes a base plate, a cutting block removably coupled with an end of said base plate, and a V-shaped vice member slidingly coupled with the base plate and movable toward and away from the cutting block. The cutting block has a plurality of cutting slots, each of which has a predefined configuration. Further, the vice member is configured for centering the bone and applying a force against the bone toward the cutting block. |
| US09700436B2 |
Stemless humeral component of an orthopaedic shoulder prosthesis
A stemless humeral component for replacing the humeral head of a patient's humerus includes a support flange having a number of cantilevered legs extending distally away from a bottom surface thereof. Instruments and methods for surgically installing the stemless humeral component are also disclosed. |
| US09700435B2 |
Surgical delivery system and method
An implant delivery device includes a body having a first portion and a second transverse portion. The second transverse portion defines a cavity in at least a portion thereof. A first member has at least a portion thereof disposable in the cavity and movable relative to the second portion. A second member has a surface disposed about an implant disposable in the cavity. The surface of the second member includes an opening. The first member is engageable with the implant to expel the implant from the cavity and through the opening. Methods of use are disclosed. |
| US09700431B2 |
Orthopaedic implant with porous structural member
An orthopedic implant includes an implant body having a first surface with a first peak, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a cavity formed therein that extends through the first surface and second surface. The implant body is substantially non-porous. A load bearing member comprising a substantially porous material is held within the cavity. The load bearing member has a first contact surface that extends out of the cavity past the first peak of the first surface. |
| US09700430B2 |
Systems and methods for inserting an expandable intervertebral device
An expandable interbody device for implantation within an intervertebral space is provided, together with methods and tools for use therewith. The interbody devices of the present invention include upper and lower bearing members configured to expand via an expansion mechanism configured to allow the insertion of osteoconductive materials and other structures into the interior of the interbody device before and after implantation, and before and after expansion of the interbody device. The insertion tool is configured expand the interbody device and to allow insertion of materials into the interbody device through a protected pathway. |
| US09700421B2 |
Prosthetic devices and implants
A trochlear ridge prosthesis includes a curved section, the curved section having a span (RS) and a height (RH) above the span, the ratio of the height to the span being in the range 0.15 to 0.35, and a tail extending from a proximal end of the curved section. |
| US09700419B2 |
Extra-articular implantable mechanical energy absorbing systems and implantation method
A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one aspect, the method involves identifying link pivot locations, fixing base components and minimally invasive insertion techniques. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones. |
| US09700416B2 |
Constrained mobile bearing hip assembly
An acetabular hip implant includes an acetabular shell component having a first feature and a first insert having a second feature that cooperates with the first feature of the acetabular shell component and further includes a third feature. The implant further includes a second insert having a fourth feature that cooperates with the third feature of the first insert and further includes a fifth feature. A femoral head component includes a sixth feature that cooperates with the fifth feature. Interaction between the first and second features, between the third and fourth features, and between the fifth and sixth features mechanically constrains the acetabular hip implant to prevent dislocation of the femoral head during rotation. |
| US09700415B2 |
Cartilage mosaic compositions and methods
Compositions comprising a cartilage sheet comprising a plurality of interconnected cartilage tiles and a biocompatible carrier are provided. Methods of manufacturing cartilage compositions comprising a cartilage sheet comprising a plurality of interconnected cartilage tiles are also provided. |
| US09700412B2 |
Heart valve repair devices for placement in ventricle and delivery systems for implanting heart valve repair devices
Devices and methods for the repair of the functioning of heart valves are provided. A device may comprise a ventricular winding having a generally spiral shape, wherein the device is free of any atrial stabilizing section. A method involves positioning the device such that chords associated with the heart valve are positioned within the path of the generally spiral shape of the ventricular winding and turning the ventricular winding such that the chords move closer to the center of the ventricular winding. The ventricular winding draws the chords closer together, thereby pulling the valve leaflets closer together in order to facilitate their coaptation and proper closing. A delivery system for maneuvering and releasing a heart valve repair device comprises an applicator tube and internal rod. |
| US09700411B2 |
Delivery system for collapsible heart valve
A delivery system for delivering a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes a valve support structure for supporting a collapsible prosthetic heart valve, and a distal sheath movable in a longitudinal direction relative to the valve support structure between a first position in which the distal sheath is adapted to surround a collapsible prosthetic heart valve supported on the valve support structure, and a second position in which the distal sheath is adapted to expose the collapsible prosthetic heart valve for deployment. The distal sheath is at least partially formed of an inner polymer layer, an outer polymer layer, and a tubular supporting member sandwiched between the inner polymer layer and the outer polymer layer. |
| US09700409B2 |
Reduced profile prosthetic heart valve
A prosthetic heart valve may include a stent body with a plurality of cells arranged in circumferential rows and a cuff attached to the stent. A leaflet attachment panel may be attached to and span a portion of one of the cells. A prosthetic valve element, such as a leaflet having a belly, may be mounted to the leaflet attachment panel. The leaflet attachment panel may not be integral with the stent body. A reduced overlap area may be defined between a proximal end of the stent body and a proximalmost point of attachment of the leaflet belly to the cuff. The reduced overlap area may have a size dependent upon the circumferential row of cells the leaflet attachment panel is attached to and a position of the portion of the leaflet attachment panel to which the leaflet is mounted. Alternately, the leaflet may be attached directly to the stent. |
| US09700405B2 |
Directional tissue expander
An expandable mammary implant including a shell having an anterior face and a posterior face. The anterior has an upper pole portion and a lower pole portion meeting at an apex, and an injection zone for receiving fluid therethrough to inflate the implant. A reinforcement material is coupled to the shell in a reinforcement zone. The reinforcement material is coupled to the shell so as to at least coincide with the upper pole portion and a peripheral rim portion that extends from the posterior face upwardly into said anterior face by a predetermined distance. |
| US09700404B2 |
Tissue expander implant with self-sealing safety patch
Disclosed is a self-sealing patch for use with a tissue expander implant. The self-sealing patch serves as protection for the tissue expander against a hypodermic needle inadvertently missing a fluid injection port thereof by sealing a puncture through the patch. The patch includes a first sheet having a first sheet perimeter, a second sheet having a second sheet perimeter attached to the first sheet perimeter to form a pocket between the first sheet and the second sheet. Material is disposed within the pocket, where the material is hydrophobic material having a viscosity high enough that the material is prevented from flowing outside the pocket when either the first or second sheet is punctured with a hypodermic needle but low enough that the material flows to close a track made by a hypodermic needle puncturing the first or second sheet. |
| US09700402B2 |
Endoprosthesis assemblies and methods to use the same
Endoprosthesis assemblies and methods for using the same. In at least one embodiment, the endoprosthesis assembly comprises an endoprosthesis comprising an impermeable inner wall defining an endoprosthesis lumen sized and shaped to permit fluid to flow therethrough, a distal balloon positioned at or near a distal end of the endoprosthesis and capable of inflation to anchor the distal end of the endoprosthesis within a luminal organ, and a proximal balloon positioned at or near a proximal end of the endoprosthesis and capable of inflation to anchor the proximal end of the endoprosthesis within the luminal organ, wherein when the endoprosthesis assembly is positioned within the luminal organ at or near an aneurysm sac, inflation of the distal balloon and the proximal balloon effectively isolates the aneurysm sac and prevents fluid within the aneurysm sac from flowing past the distal balloon and the proximal balloon. |
| US09700400B2 |
Attachment of stent to graft fabric with an anchoring machine stitching
The invention relates to stent-grafts having a continuous anchoring machine stitching and methods of attachment of a stent to the graft material. The continuous anchoring machine stitching includes a series of loop points used to attach the stent to the graft material. |
| US09700399B2 |
Stopper to prevent graft material slippage in a closed web stent-graft
A stent-graft has a closed web configuration in which end stent crowns or apexes do not extend beyond an end of a tubular graft. In order to permit interaction of the endmost crowns with tip capture fingers or prongs of a delivery system, the graft covers the endmost crowns but the endmost crowns are not coupled to the graft material and thus free to interact with the delivery system. In order to prevent slippage of the graft material at the endmost crowns and secure the longitudinal position of the graft material, one of a pair of stoppers is coupled on each of the opposing struts between which the unattached endmost crown is formed. In an embodiment, the stoppers are cylindrical tubes of a radiopaque material having a longitudinally-extending slit in a wall thereof. |
| US09700391B2 |
Method of manufacturing a prosthetic element
A process for preparing a prosthetic element comprising a glass-ceramic body. including the steps of a) providing a basic body comprising an amorphous glass phase and containing the components of the glass-ceramic body to be prepared, and b) transferring energy to the basic body to induce conversion of a starting phase of the material of the basic body into at least one crystalline phase in a confined region. According to the invention, energy is transferred to the confined region of the basic body by laser irradiating said region with a laser beam having a wavelength of at least 500 nm. |
| US09700388B2 |
One-part or multi-part implant system comprising a mounting element having one or more outer rings
The present invention relates to a mounting element (10) for fixing removable tooth prostheses which are anchored by an implant, comprising a lower end (13) for fastening the mounting elements (10) having an implant (21) or abutment; and an upper end for connecting the mounting element having a tooth prosthesis, optionally a friction insert; characterised in that the main body of the mounting element (10) has an outer ring (11). |
| US09700387B2 |
Porous implant
An implant can include a core having a head portion and a stem portion extending from the head portion. The stem portion can include an intermediate threaded section, a first porous section located along the stem portion, and a second porous section located along the stem portion, wherein the intermediate threaded section of the stem separates the first porous section from the second porous section. |
| US09700385B2 |
Attachment structure
A series of appliances including a first shell and a second shell can be designed to incrementally implement a treatment plan. The first and second shells can have cavities designed to receive teeth of a jaw. The first shell can be designed to interface with a first surface of a plurality of surfaces of an attachment structure to provide a first engagement force specific to a first stage of the treatment plan. The second shell can be designed to interface with a second surface of the plurality of surfaces of the attachment structure attached to the at least one tooth of the first jaw to provide a second engagement force specific to a second stage of the treatment plan. |
| US09700381B2 |
Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical pliers
Laparoscopic surgical pliers include jaws mounted on a rotating body and first and second transmissions each including at least one tendon including several cables, and each transmission adapted to transmit movement of the jaws and the rotating body, respectively. The tendons of the first and second transmissions are each respectively formed of several cables arranged so that a cross-section of at least one tendon associated with the first transmission has a variable geometry therealong formed by a first arrangement in which the cables are arranged, in cross-section, with their longitudinal axes in a radial distribution, a second arrangement in which said axes are arranged in a first orientation, and a third arrangement in which said axes are arranged in a second orientation, perpendicular to the first orientation. |
| US09700378B2 |
Endoscope lens cleaning device
An endoscope lens cleaning apparatus used for removing surgical debris from an objective lens of an endoscope. The endoscope lens cleaning apparatus includes an elongated sheath and a connection assembly. The elongated sheath includes an endoscope lumen and an irrigation channel, configured in parallel and adjoining, each extending between an inlet end and an outlet end. At least one stand-off is formed within the elongated sheath along the outlet end. The endoscope lumen and the irrigation channel are fluidly open to one another when the endoscope lumen is in an empty state and the irrigation channel is fluidly sealed from the endoscope lumen between the at least one stand-off and the inlet end when the endoscope lumen is in an occupied state. A fluid passageway extends from a fluid port of the connection assembly and is configured to align and fluidly connected with the irrigation channel. |
| US09700376B2 |
Multi-joint fixture system
A multi-joint fixture including a proximal base unit, one or more arms serially connected by electromagnetically lockable ball joints, and a distal hub. The ball joints unlock when not powered. A centering mechanism biases the ball joints toward a neutral position. A control system activates the electromagnetic brake with a high-then-low voltage profile. A headpiece attaches to the hub and holds a drape that covers the fixture. A connector connects a surgical device to the headpiece. A switch on the hub can be actuated via actuators on the headpiece or connector. |
| US09700374B2 |
Tunable microwave ablation probe
An electromagnetic surgical ablation probe having a tunable helical antenna element includes a coaxial feedline having an inner conductor coaxially disposed within a dielectric, and an outer conductor coaxially disposed around the dielectric. The inner conductor and dielectric extend distally beyond a distal end of the outer conductor. A helical antenna element is operably coupled to a distal end of the inner conductor. During use, the antenna may be tuned by changing at least one dimension of the helical antenna element. Embodiments are presented wherein a dimensions of the helical antenna element is changed by state change of a shape memory alloy, by a change in temperature, by activation of a piston by fluidic pressure, by linear motion of a conical tip, and by a manual screw-type adjustment. |
| US09700373B2 |
Segmented balloon catheter
A catheter has an inflatable assembly at its distal portion, including a containment chamber, an axial core and a plurality of longitudinally oriented partitions extending from the axial core to the wall of the chamber to divide the containment chamber into at least four inflatable sectors. Hydraulic valves are connected to respective sectors to enable selective inflation of the sectors by a fluid when the valves are connected to a source of the fluid, and at least one surface electrode is mounted on each of the sectors. When introduced into a heart chamber and diametrically opposed sectors are inflated the assembly is stably fixed against the walls of the heart chamber and readings can be obtained from the surface electrodes of the inflated sectors. |
| US09700370B2 |
Limited reuse ablation needles and ablation devices for use therewith
A surgical instrument includes a reusable component and a limited-use component releasably engagable with the reusable component. The limited-use component is configured for one or more uses and includes a clocking mechanism configured to count each engagement of the reusable component and the limited-use component to one another. The clocking mechanism is incrementally transitionable upon each successive count from one or more uses state, wherein the clocking mechanism permits both mechanical engagement and electrical coupling of the reusable component and the limited-use component to one another, to a spent state, wherein the clocking mechanism inhibits both mechanical engagement and electrical coupling of the limited-use component and the reusable component to one another. |
| US09700362B2 |
Method and apparatus for an orthopedic fixation system
An orthopedic fixation system includes a sterile packaged implant kit and a sterile packaged instrument kit. The sterile packaged implant kit includes at least one surgical implant, an insertion device, and an implant package adapted to receive the at least one surgical implant and the insertion device therein. The implant package maintains the at least one surgical implant and the insertion device sterile after sterilization of the sterile packaged implant kit. The sterile packaged instrument kit includes one or more instruments necessary to use the sterile packaged implant kit and an instrument package adapted to receive the one or more instruments therein. The instrument package maintains the one or more instruments sterile after sterilization of the sterile packaged instrument kit. |
| US09700358B2 |
Guided rod and anchor system for use in a minimally invasive surgery spinal procedure or the like
A bone anchor system utilizing an extended tab tulip having rails which extend from a point above the skin of a patient to a point proximal a bone anchor, and a slide member pivotally coupled to a rod, the slide member having engagement features which align to the rails of the extended tabs such that the coupled rod assembly is easily and efficiently guided to a position more proximate to the bone anchor and the rod is simultaneously pivoted into engagement with an adjacent bone anchor under the skin and musculature of the patient, for example. |
| US09700357B2 |
Methods and devices for improving percutaneous access in minimally invasive surgeries
A device for use as a portal in percutaneous minimally invasive surgery performed within a patient's body cavity includes a first elongated hollow tube having a length adjusted with a self-contained mechanism. The first elongated tube includes an inner hollow tube and an outer hollow tube and the inner tube is adapted to slide within the outer tube thereby providing the self-contained length adjusting mechanism. This length-adjustment feature is advantageous for percutaneous access surgery in any body cavity. Two or more elongated tubes with adjustable lengths can be placed into two or more adjacent body cavities, respectively. Paths are opened within the tissue areas between the two or more body cavities, and are used to transfer devices and tools between the adjacent body cavities. This system of two or more elongated tubes with adjustable lengths is particularly advantageous in percutaneous minimally invasive spinal surgeries, and provides the benefits of minimizing long incisions, recovery time and post-operative complications. |
| US09700356B2 |
Systems for and methods of fusing a sacroiliac joint
A sacroiliac joint fusion system including a joint implant, anchor element and delivery tool. The joint implant includes a bore extending non-parallel to the implant longitudinal axis. The anchor element is for receiving in the bore. The delivery tool includes an implant arm and anchor arm. The implant arm distal end is releasably coupled to the joint implant proximal end so the implant arm longitudinal axis is coaxial or parallel with the implant body longitudinal axis. An anchor arm distal end is engaged to the anchor element proximal end. The anchor arm is coupled to the implant arm such that the anchor element longitudinal axis is coaxially aligned with the bore longitudinal axis when the implant arm distal end is releasably coupled with the implant proximal end and the anchor arm distal end is engaged with the anchor element proximal end. |
| US09700352B2 |
Calculus retrieving/removing device and method
A device for retrieving calculus in a lumen of a living body includes an elongated member possessing an outer dimension configured to be positioned in the lumen of the living body, wherein the tubular body includes an inlet, an outlet and a retrieval space in the interior at a position between the inlet and the outlet. A foldable sealing member is positioned in the tubular body interior and is axially movable in distal and proximal directions, and a plunger is connected to the sealing member so that axial movement of the plunger axially moves the sealing member in the interior of the tubular body. The foldable sealing member is folded into a folded configuration when the plunger is axially moved in a distal direction toward the inlet and being spread out in a spread-out configuration when the plunger is axially moved in a proximal direction away from the inlet. |
| US09700351B2 |
Fossa ovalis penetration
Apparatus and methods are described, including apparatus for puncturing a fossa ovalis of a heart. The apparatus comprises a catheter shaped to define a catheter lumen. A puncturing element is slidably disposed within the catheter lumen, and is configured to be deployed from a distal portion of the catheter and to puncture the fossa ovalis. One or more flexible longitudinal members are configured to be deployed from the distal portion of the catheter, and upon being deployed, facilitate the puncturing of the fossa ovalis by the puncturing element, by contacting tissue at a perimeter of the fossa ovalis. Other applications are also described. |
| US09700341B2 |
Loading features for ultrasonic surgical instrument
A surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, a transducer assembly, and a loading assembly. The end effector is coupled with a distal end of the shaft assembly. The transducer assembly is removably coupled with the proximal end of the shaft assembly. The loading assembly comprises an actuator that is operable to couple the distal end of the transducer assembly with the proximal end of the shaft assembly. The loading assembly is operable to drive the transducer assembly through at least two stages of rotation to couple the distal end of the transducer assembly with the proximal end of the shaft assembly. |
| US09700336B2 |
Surgical instrument
There is provided a surgical instrument that simplifies surgery for implantation surgery for treating anal incontinence in women. The disclosed surgical instrument is intended to be inserted through an incision in the vagina and is used for dissecting tissue as well as positioning the implant. The instrument comprises a main part of the instrument, an elongated member with a flexible tip and can change conformation from a straight conformation to a loop conformation that can reach around a portion of the rectum. |
| US09700333B2 |
Surgical instrument with variable tissue compression
Surgical instruments and methods for applying variable compression to tissue are described herein and can have particular utility when cutting and sealing tissue. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument end effector is described that includes first and second jaw members movable relative to one another between an open position and a closed position to clamp tissue therebetween. The end effector can include a compression member configured to translate along the end effector to move the first and second jaw members and apply a variable compression force to the tissue. The variable compression force can have different profiles along the length of the end effector, including, for example, a continuously increasing profile or a profile that alternates between different values. The provided variable compression can reduce the force required to actuate the surgical instrument and increase the quality of a tissue seal formed thereby. |
| US09700329B2 |
Patient-specific orthopedic instruments
A method of preparing a distal femur for a knee joint implant includes mounting a patient-specific bone engagement surface of a femoral alignment guide on a complementary surface of a distal femur of a patient. A plurality of alignment pins is inserted through a corresponding plurality of guiding bores of the femoral alignment guide into the distal femur. A cutting guide is mounted on first and second alignment pins of the plurality of alignment pins, and a first resection of the distal femur is made using the cutting guide while cutting through the femoral alignment guide. |
| US09700328B2 |
Removal of articles embedded in surrounding material
A drill guide comprises a mounting arrangement for mounting the drill guide on an article. The drill guide further includes first and second guide arrangements and a holding arrangement for holding the first and second drill guides. The holding arrangement is adjustable between a release position in which the positions of the first and second guide arrangements are adjustable relative to the holding arrangement and a holding position in which the first and second guide arrangements are held by the holding arrangement in a fixed position. |
| US09700326B2 |
Shapeable guide catheters and related methods
Shapeable guide catheters and methods for manufacturing and using such shapeable guide catheters. In one embodiment, the shapeable guide catheter comprises a tubular member having a shapeable region, a malleable shaping member attached to the shapeable region such that, when the shape of the shapeable region is changed from a first shape to a second shape, the shaping member will plastically deform to thereafter substantially hold the shapeable region in the second shape, a tubular outer jacket disposed about the outer surface of the tubular member and a tubular inner jacket disposed within the lumen of the tubular member. The shapeable region of the guide catheter may be manually formed into a desired shape before insertion of the guide catheter into the body. In some embodiments, the guide catheter is sized to be inserted through a nostril of a human patient and used to guide the transnasal insertion of another device (e.g., a guidewire, catheter, etc.) to a desired location within the nose, throat, ear or cranium of the subject. |
| US09700325B2 |
Multi-point fit for patient specific guide
A bone preparation system including a guide body and a plurality of bone locators. The guide body is configured to mate with a patient-specific module having a patient-specific module surface customized based on image data of a specific patient to correspond to the patient's specific bone geometry. The plurality of bone locators are coupled to the guide body and positioned by the patient-specific module surface to define a patient-specific bone engaging surface of the guide corresponding to the patient's specific bone geometry. |
| US09700324B2 |
Surgical clip applicator
A surgical clip applicator includes a base housing having a body portion, a movable trigger, a cannula, and a clip application mechanism extending within and through at least a portion of a length of the cannula. The clip application mechanism includes a movable first linkage and a jaw rotatable about a pivot mount. A first actuation of the trigger causes the first linkage to be moved in a linear direction with respect to the body portion and the cannula and the jaw to be rotated in a first direction about the pivot mount, for placing the clip in an open position on the patient's tissue. A second actuation of the trigger causes the jaw to be rotated in second direction about the pivot mount, the second direction being opposite to the first direction, placing the clip in a closed position on the patient's tissue. |
| US09700323B2 |
Medical devices having fixation anchor
A medical device including a medical device body that includes a first support structure, the medical device further comprising a first fixation anchor that includes a first anchor body extending between a first end and an opposing second end, and a hook portion extending from the first end, wherein the first anchor body engages the first support structure, and wherein the first fixation anchor is fabricated separate and apart from the medical device body. A method of making a medical device is disclosed. |
| US09700319B2 |
Surgical stapling and cutting apparatus, clamp mechanisms, systems and methods
A surgical stapling device is configured for use in open and/or laparoscopic surgical procedures. The device includes a handle assembly, a shaft assembly coupled to the handle assembly, and an end-effector coupled to the shaft assembly. The end-effector comprises of a jaw assembly configured to clamp, staple, and/or cut a target tissue. The handle assembly comprises of a trigger element that can activate a drive assembly to advance a clamp drive assembly to clamp the aforementioned target tissue. The clamp drive assembly comprises of a clamp slide member to either advance the clamp drive assembly in a first direction or retreat the clamp drive assembly in a second direction. The clamp drive assembly is movably coupled to a clamp driver member. Movement of the clamp driver member operates clamping operations of a jaw assembly of the surgical stapling device. |
| US09700315B2 |
Linear cutting stapler
A linear cutting stapler includes an upper jaw and a lower jaw capable of closing or opening relative to each other. A staple cartridge is disposed at a distal end of the lower jaw. The lower jaw is U-shaped, and has a staple driving rod and a blade driving rod slidably disposed therein. The linear cutting stapler further includes a safety mechanism which includes an engagement member. A notch fitting the engagement member is disposed on a bottom surface of the staple driving rod. The safety mechanism further includes a floating block which is displaceable in the lower jaw in an up-down direction perpendicular to the length direction of the lower jaw. When the floating block is pressed against the staple cartridge or an anvil, a top end of the engagement member is driven to displace in the up-down direction, thus the engagement member is separated from the notch. |
| US09700313B2 |
Flexible endoluminal surgical instrument
A surgical instrument comprises a first elongated member and a second elongated member, the first elongated member and the second elongated member being operatively connected and configured to rotate in opposite directions to substantially limit counter torque. The first and second elongated members are flexible shafts. The surgical instrument can be configured to apply fasteners to a tissue portion. This embodiment of the surgical instrument includes a cartridge having a plurality of fasteners, an anvil, said anvil and cartridge being relatively movable between spaced and approximated positions, and a sled disposed in the cartridge. The sled includes a cam member. The cam member is designed to drive the fasteners through tissue and toward the anvil. |
| US09700310B2 |
Firing member retraction devices for powered surgical instruments
A surgical instrument that includes a motor-powered drive unit that drives a portion of a firing member assembly in an axial direction to actuate a surgical end effector coupled to the instrument. The instrument may further include a retraction system configured to interact with the firing member assembly to permit a clinician to manually retract the portion of the firing member assembly should it become jammed or inadvertently stopped during a firing process. The surgical instrument includes a locking arrangement that interfaces with the retraction system and the motor-powered drive unit to prevent the transfer of the retraction forces generated by the retraction system to the motor shaft without physically separating portions of the motorized drive unit. |
| US09700303B2 |
Devices, systems, and methods for providing surgical access and facilitating closure of surgical access openings
A suture passer includes a handle, an elongated sleeve defining a distal end, an inner shaft slidably disposed within the elongated sleeve, and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the inner shaft. The end effector assembly includes first and second arms, at least one which is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for retaining a portion of a suture therebetween. The inner shaft and elongated sleeve are relatively movable between a first condition, wherein the first and second arms are disposed in the approximated position and the distal end of the elongated sleeve is exposed, a second condition, wherein the first and second arms are disposed in the approximated position and the distal end of the elongated sleeve is shielded, and a third condition, wherein the first and second arms are disposed in the spaced-apart position. |
| US09700299B2 |
Suture passer devices and methods
Devices, systems and methods for passing a suture. In general, described herein are suturing devices, such as suture passers, as well as methods of suturing tissue. These suture passing devices are dual deployment suture passers in which a first distal jaw member is moveable at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the device and the second distal jaw member is retractable proximally to the distal end region of the elongate body and/or the first jaw member. Methods of suturing tissue using a dual deployment suture passer are also described. |
| US09700297B2 |
Laminated surgical device
A surgical device according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a first laminated layer and a second laminated layer fused to the first laminated layer to construct a body portion. At least one of the first laminated layer and the second laminated layer is constructed of a plurality of laminae that are made from a porous material. |
| US09700295B2 |
Universal height foam port
A surgical apparatus for positioning within a tissue tract accessing an underlying body cavity is adapted to tissues having different thicknesses. The surgical apparatus is configured to have different lengths. In one embodiment, the surgical includes a seal anchor member having two ends, and one of which is adapted to fold resulting in a plurality of folded states. Each folded state corresponds to a different length of the seal anchor member. The seal anchor member includes a slot to facilitate transition within the plurality of folded states. The seal anchor member further includes an aperture and a pin configured to further facilitate transition within the plurality of folded states. |
| US09700292B2 |
Systems and methods for surgical and interventional planning, support, post-operative follow-up, and functional recovery tracking
Various systems and methods are provided for surgical and interventional planning, support, post-operative follow-up, and functional recovery tracking. In general, a patient can be tracked throughout medical treatment including through initial onset of symptoms, diagnosis, non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment, and recovery from the surgical treatment. In one embodiment, a patient and one or more medical professionals involved with treating the patient can electronically access a comprehensive treatment planning, support, and review system. The system can provide recommendations regarding diagnosis, non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment, and recovery from the surgical treatment based on data gathered from the patient and the medical professional(s). The system can manage the tracking of multiple patients, thereby allowing for data comparison between similar aspects of medical treatments and for learning over time through continual data gathering, analysis, and assimilation to decision-making algorithms. |
| US09700291B2 |
Capsule retractor
An articular capsule retractor including a flexible construct, a dermal abutting member, and an anchor. The flexible construct includes a strand extending between a first end and a second end. The dermal abutting member is coupled to the flexible construct and is configured to abut a dermal layer. The anchor is coupled to the flexible construct such that the strand extends through a passageway defined by the anchor. Pulling the first end and the second end draws the dermal abutting member and the anchor together. |
| US09700287B2 |
Coaxial incisional full-core biopsy needle
Among other things, there are disclosed embodiments of full-core biopsy needles having an outer needle component and a middle cannula through a lumen in the outer component, through which a mandrel may be placed. The outer component includes an internal boss that reduces its internal diameter, and the cannula includes fingers that extend distally. When the needle is inserted for biopsy, tissue enters the outer component and cannula. Moving the cannula forward causes the fingers to engage a surface of the internal boss, resulting in the fingers curving into the tissue. The fingers pinch the tissue while reducing or eliminating compression of the sample to provide an easier removal of the tissue from adjacent tissue, as well as providing a block or backstop keeping the tissue within the needle. Gaps are provided between the fingers to further reduce damage to the tissue sample. |
| US09700286B2 |
Fluid sample collection and testing device
A device and method for the collection and testing of mammalian fluid samples. The device consists of an outer sleeve and an inner swab whereby the inner swab fits into the internal cavity of the outer sleeve and is moveable within the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve contains testing means, such as a pH test or an amine release test within its internal cavity. A fluid sample is introduced to the device by way of a sample collection opening in the outer sleeve, which is received by the inner swab within the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve containing the sample is then moved through the outer sleeve so that it comes into contact with the testing means. |
| US09700283B2 |
Volume ultrasound catheter array support
A medical ultrasound imaging catheter is stiffened for introduction into the patient. An insert is mated with the array. The insert may stiffen the catheter at the array, avoiding damage due to buckling. The insert is keyed to the array in order to fix the orientation of the array, such as using a support for twisting the array as the key. |
| US09700281B2 |
Sensor attachment for three dimensional mapping display systems for diagnostic ultrasound machines
A sensor attachment for use with three dimensional ultrasound mapping devices is presented. According to the invention, one or more sensors are attached to specific locations on the body, such as the nipple and sternum, the inventive sensor attachments enabling accurate recording of target information, including location and size; the present invention especially helpful in subsequent and comparative examinations. A method of use is also presented. |
| US09700280B2 |
Ultrasonic probe with ultrasonic transducers addressable on common electrical channel
Methods and apparatus are provided for electrically addressing multiple ultrasonic transducers that are connected to a common electrical channel and housed within an imaging probe. An imaging probe may comprise an imaging ultrasonic transducer and a moveable element for controlling the direction of an emitted imaging beam, and an angle sensing ultrasonic transducer, where the angle sensing ultrasonic transducer is configured for determining the direction of an ultrasonic imaging beam. The angle-sensing transducer may be configured to direct an angle sensing ultrasonic beam towards an acoustically reflective substrate and provide a signal by detecting a reflected ultrasonic beam reflected from the acoustically reflective substrate, where the acoustically reflective substrate is positioned relative to the movable element such that motion of the movable element produces a change in the signal. |
| US09700278B2 |
Radiation image capturing system
Disclosed is a radiation image capturing system including a portable radiation image capturing apparatus and a portable console. The portable radiation image capturing apparatus can generate image data according to irradiated radiation and transmit the generated image data by wireless communication. The portable console includes a first wireless communication unit which can receive the image data transmitted from the radiation image capturing apparatus and a second wireless communication unit which can communicate with an external apparatus or system by wireless communication. The console gives priority to one wireless communication than the other between the wireless communication through the first wireless communication unit or the wireless communication through the second wireless communication unit. |
| US09700277B2 |
X-ray apparatus
In an X-ray apparatus in which an FPD-4 moves independently of an X-ray tube, an X-ray irradiation area discriminator discriminates, for separate X-raying actions, X-ray irradiation area images from among X-ray images outputted from the FPD-4. An X-ray tube position sensor acquires position information P on the X-ray tube for the separate X-raying actions. A long image creator creates a long image by shifting the X-ray irradiation area images based on the position information, and splicing the X-ray irradiation area images together. Therefore, even when a relative position between the X-ray tube and FPD-4 is variable instead of being constant, the X-ray irradiation area images can be obtained reliably, and these can be spliced together with high accuracy. There is no need to uniform starting timing and moving speed of the X-ray tube and FPD-4, which simplifies control. |
| US09700273B2 |
System and method for thermal management of a CT detector
In one embodiment, a system for thermal management in a CT device comprises first and second thermal management zones, each comprising an x-ray detector, at least one variable speed fan proximate to the x-ray detector, an air temperature sensor positioned to measure an air temperature of the intake air to the variable speed fan, a rail heater in thermal contact with the x-ray detector, a rail temperature sensor in thermal contact with the rail heater to measure a rail temperature, and a controller that controls the variable speed fan as a function of at least the air temperature and the rail heater as a function of the rail temperature to maintain a temperature of the x-ray detector within a predetermined range. |
| US09700268B2 |
X-ray imaging apparatus and control method for the same
An X-ray imaging apparatus and control method for the X-ray imaging apparatus are provided. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source configured to generate and emit X-rays having a preset broadband, an X-ray detector including a plurality of raw pixels configured to detect an average of ten photons or less in response to the X-rays which are emitted and convert the detected photons into an electrical signal, and an image processor configured to produce a plurality of single-energy images corresponding respectively to a plurality of preset energy bands by separating the plurality of raw pixels for each of the plurality of preset energy bands based on the electrical signal, and to produce a multi-energy image using the single-energy images. |
| US09700267B2 |
Method and apparatus for fabrication and tuning of grating-based differential phase contrast imaging system
A method for assembling a phase contrast x-ray imaging system includes fabricating a phase grating and an absorption grating according to a preselected pitch of the gratings. The actual obtained pitches are measured and a source grating is then fabricated according to a desired design point of the imaging system. |
| US09700265B2 |
Patient support apparatus
A patient support apparatus is provided. The patient support apparatus may be used as an operating table apparatus for a neurosurgical intervention. The patient support apparatus includes a support couch and a transfer plate which may be moved relative to the support couch, wherein the transfer plate is designed to support a patient for the neurosurgical intervention, wherein the patient support apparatus includes a holding unit with a support shell, which is designed to support a head of the patient and/or a surgical head restraint unit, and a fastening unit for fastening the holding unit to the patient support apparatus. |
| US09700264B2 |
Joint estimation of tissue types and linear attenuation coefficients for computed tomography
The present invention is directed to a new joint estimation framework employing MAP estimation based on pixel-based latent variables for tissue types. The method combines the geometrical information described by latent MRF, statistical relation between tissue types and P-C coefficients, and Poisson noise models of PCD data, and makes possible the continuous Baysian estimation from detected photon counts. The proposed method has better accuracy and RMSE than the method using FBP and thresholding. The joint estimation framework has the potential to further improve the accuracy by introducing more information about tissues in human body, e.g., the location, size, and number of tissues, or limited variation of neighboring tissues, which will be easily formulated by pixel-based latent variables. |
| US09700263B2 |
Electronic physical therapy and rehabilitation rolling device with tactile sensor array
A touch screen based exercise roller device is disclosed. The device comprising an elongated, cylindrical shell configured to support physical activity of a user, a processing unit, a sensor array for measurement data associated with at least one parameter associated with physical activity, wherein the sensor array linked to the processing unit, and a touch screen attached onto the outer surface of the shell communicatively linked for controlling a software application, wherein the software application is configured to process data associated with the physical activity of a user. |
| US09700261B2 |
Hearing assistance system comprising electrodes for picking up brain wave signals
The application relates to a hearing assistance system comprising first and second spatially separated parts adapted for being mounted fully or partially at a first ear and on the head of a user, respectively, the first and second parts comprising a number of first and second electrodes located at a surface of first and second housings, respectively, to allow said first and second electrodes to contact the skin of the user when said parts are operationally mounted on the user's head. The first and second electrodes are adapted to pick up low-voltage electric signals from the user's brain and a reference voltage, respectively, to provide voltage difference signals. An improved binaural hearing assistance system further comprising a comparison unit for determining the voltage difference signal, and an electric interface allowing the reference voltage or a measure representative thereof to be transferred from said second part to said comparison unit is provided. |
| US09700259B1 |
Rapid custom intra-articular ligament reconstruction guide
The present invention is a method of creating custom surgical guides based on the patient's unique anatomy that can be quickly and accurately applied intra-operatively without navigation are disclosed. The device is created using preoperative MRI images and uniquely conforms to the bone in the region of the desired tunnel. The images are filtered and used to generate computerized three dimensional models of surgical guides that conform to the patient's anatomy. The surgical guides can be introduced through a portal and applied to the bone denuded of soft tissue. |
| US09700253B2 |
Systems and methods for processing analyte sensor data
Systems and methods for applying time-dependent algorithmic compensation functions to data output from a continuous analyte sensor. Some embodiments determine a time since sensor implantation and/or whether a newly initialized sensor has been used previously. |
| US09700249B2 |
Non-invasive optical sensor
An apparatus includes a sensor body, a circuit board, a cable, at least one light emitting device, and at least one photodetector. The circuit board is enclosed within the sensor body and includes at least one conductive trace and at least one aperture. The cable is coupled to the at least one conductive trace. The cable includes a shield conductor and a signal conductor. The at least one light emitting device is coupled to the circuit board and is configured to emit light into a tissue. The at least one photodetector includes a planar active area coupled to the circuit board and is configured to provide an output signal based on light detected by the active area. The planar active area is aligned with the aperture. The output signal is coupled to the cable. |
| US09700248B2 |
Concentration measurement device and concentration measurement method
A concentration measurement apparatus includes a probe, having a light incidence section making measurement light incident on the head and a light detection section detecting the measurement light that has propagated through the interior of the head, and a CPU determining temporal relative change amounts of oxygenated hemoglobin concentration and deoxygenated hemoglobin concentration and determining a correlation coefficient of the relative change amounts and a polarity of a slope of a regression line. |
| US09700247B2 |
Patient support apparatus with redundant identity verification
A patient support apparatus includes one or more readers and/or sensing devices to receive data that can be use to verify the identity of persons or objects, such as patients, caregivers, and medications. The sensing devices may include, for example, a biometric sensor, a physiological sensor, a bar code reader, a camera, a microphone, or a combination thereof. The patient support apparatus may use identity verification information obtained from these devices for a number of different purposes, including, for example, managing the delivery of therapy, medication, or treatment to a patient associated with the patient support apparatus. |
| US09700245B2 |
Transdermal analyte extraction and detection system and the method thereof
The present invention relates to an active transdermal analyte detection system performing extraction and detection of body analytes comprising of a patch accepting at least one electrical input; a plurality of transducers configured for converting input electrical energy to different forms of energies for activating extraction procedure; a controller configured for providing the control signals, intensity, sequence, nature, and timing information for the different energies supplied to the said patch vide said transducers; and at least one layer/compartment configured for either collection of extracted fluids and/or delivering at least one reagent formulation that detects the body analyte on activation and a method for performing transdermal extraction and detection of body fluids using said electronic patch. |
| US09700244B2 |
Wireless degradation data generator for use with a therapeutic scaffold and methods for use therewith
A degradation data generator is used with a scaffold for delivery within a patient. The degradation data generator includes a driving circuit electrically coupled to drive an impedance of the scaffold. A detection circuit generates degradation data based on the impedance of the scaffold or other properties such as RF or lightwave transmission, conductance or absorption. The degradation data indicates an amount of biodegradation of the scaffold. A wireless transmitter is coupled to transmit the degradation data to a wireless degradation data receiver, while the scaffold is within the patient. |
| US09700234B2 |
System and method for storing information relating to a medical implant device
A method of storing information relating, to a medical implant device having a number of implant elements includes receiving a first image, the first image showing a surgical site and the medical implant device, creating a second image using the first image and a stored list of possible implant elements, the second image showing the surgical site and the medical implant device with a number of labels associated therewith, wherein each of the labels is associated with a respective one of the implant elements and indicates one of the possible implant. elements from the stored list, and storing the second image on an transponder device structured to be attached to the medical implant device or at a medically appropriate site on or within a patient's body. |
| US09700229B2 |
System and method for imbedded, high-spatial resolution, fluoroscopic tracking of multi-station, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography
A method of producing a series of vasculature images over an extended field of view (FOV) larger than an FOV of an MRI system includes acquiring initial time-resolved image data from the vasculature and, during the acquiring process, reconstructing, in substantially real-time, a series of three-dimensional (3D) tracking images of the initial portion of the vasculature illustrating a current position of a contrast bolus in the vasculature as the contrast bolus passes through the initial portion of the vasculature. Based on a current position of the contrast bolus, the subject is moved to a subsequent imaging station to acquire subsequent time-resolved image data and reconstruct subsequent 3D tracking images of subsequent portions of the vasculature. This process is repeated and then an image is assembled that extends over the extended FOV using the initial time-resolved image data and the subsequent time-resolved image data. |
| US09700226B2 |
Quantitative heart testing
Heart condition and function can be quantified using repolarization measures and/or repolarization indices derived from a time-frequency transform of an electrocardiogram, e.g., based on points in time associated with the T wave. The electrocardiograms, time-frequency maps derived therefrom, and/or indices obtained by analysis of the time-frequency maps and electrocardiograms may be assembled into a user interface. Further embodiments are described. |
| US09700225B2 |
Wearable medical system with stretch-cable assembly
A Wearable Medical System includes a support structure that is configured to be worn by a person. The WMS also includes an electronics module, a cable assembly, and at least one electrode that can be configured to be coupled to the support structure. The cable assembly includes a base member and a cable coupled to the base member. The support structure can be dimensioned relative to the person's body to be worn with tension, and be resiliently stretched under the tension. The stretching of the support structure can stretch the base member of the cable assembly, thus increasing the effective length of the cable, while reducing or even eliminating slack in the cable. |
| US09700223B2 |
Method for forming a component of a wearable monitor
A health-monitor patch comprising at least one physiological sensor and digital processor is configured to be adhered to the skin of a subject. A health-monitor patch may further include an accelerometer and may detect cardiac waveforms, activity performed by the subject, and a body orientation of the subject. A health-monitor patch may be disposable, in some embodiments, and used for outpatient monitoring. Aspects of noise cancellation and reel-to-reel manufacturing are also described. |
| US09700220B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and magnetic resonance imaging method
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes an imaging condition setting unit, a scan performing unit and a blood flow image generating unit. The imaging condition setting unit sets a sequence accompanying application of a motion probing gradient pulse as an imaging condition. The scan performing unit performs an imaging scan according to the sequence. The blood flow image generating unit generates a blood flow image based on data acquired by the imaging scan. |
| US09700218B2 |
Systems and methods for reducing nuisance alarms in medical devices
A method for storing data relating to generated alarms includes receiving a physiological signal or a physiological parameter value. The method also includes generating an alarm in response to a determination that the physiological signal or physiological parameter value meets an alarm condition. Additionally, the method includes receiving a relevance indicator indicating a relevance of the generated alarm and storing the relevance indicator and the alarm condition. |
| US09700215B2 |
Systems and methods for assessing vasculature health and blood clots
A system and method for determining a pH level of blood in a vessel of a patient including a flexible elongated member configured and dimensioned for insertion in the vessel of the patient, a sensor positioned at the distal portion of the elongated member, and a connector connecting the elongated member to an indicator. The sensor measures the pH level of blood downstream of the blood clot. A system and method are also provided for determining a density of a blood clot in a vessel of a patient for subsequent selection of a treatment method. The system includes a sensor positioned at the distal portion of the elongated member, and a connector connecting the elongated member to an indicator, wherein the sensor determines the density of the blood clot and the indicator provides an indication of the density of the clot. |
| US09700210B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method for controlling the same
An image processing apparatus includes an image acquisition unit configured to acquire a tomographic image of an object, a layer detection unit configured to detect a layer that constitutes the object from the tomographic image acquired by the image acquisition unit, and a normal structure estimation unit configured to estimate a normal structure of the layer based on the layer detected by the layer detection unit and a feature that is modified by a lesion of the layer. |
| US09700209B2 |
Medical imaging device for providing an image representation supporting in positioning an intervention device
A medical imaging device and a method for providing an image representation supporting positioning of an intervention device such as a wire tip (4) in a region of interest during an intervention is proposed. Therein, the following process steps are to be performed: (S1) acquiring a pre-live anatomy image (1) including a region of interest; (S2) acquiring a live anatomy image using a live image acquisition device comprising an adjustable collimator device; (S3) identifying a location (5) of the intervention device (4) within the live anatomy image; (S4) adjusting settings of the collimator device based on the identified location of the intervention device for subsequently acquiring a further live anatomy image representing the region of interest using the live image acquisition device with the collimator device being in the adjusted settings; and providing (S5) the image representation by merging information from the live anatomy image into the pre-live anatomy image. Thereby, the intervention device may be continuously tracked and the collimator device may restrict a field of view to a location of the intervention device thereby significantly reducing an applied X-ray dose. Background anatomical information may be introduced into the final image representation using the pre-live anatomy image possibly having a higher image contrast than the live anatomy images. |
| US09700207B2 |
Methods, systems, and products for measuring health
Methods, systems, and products measure health data related to a user. A time-stamped device identifier is received that uniquely identifies a communications device. A time-stamped sensor measurement is separately received. A difference in time between the time-stamped device identifier and the time-stamped sensor measurement is determined. When the difference in time is within a window of time, then the sensor measurement is associated with the device identifier. |
| US09700200B2 |
Detecting visual impairment through normal use of a mobile device
A method, system or computer usable program product for detecting visual interaction factors indicative of visual impairment through normal use of a mobile device including monitoring and recording in memory visual interaction of a user with content presented by the mobile device during normal use of the mobile device in accordance with predetermined parameters; establishing a baseline pattern of visual interaction factors in accordance with the predetermined parameters; utilizing a processor to compare the visual interaction of the user with the baseline factors to determine a set of differences; and responsive to the set of differences exceeding a predetermined threshold, providing a notification of visual impairment. |
| US09700199B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
To accurately position multiple tomographic image.An image processing apparatus includes a detecting unit configured to detect motion of an eye in a plurality of polarization-sensitive tomographic images, based on a predetermined region extracted from the plurality of polarization-sensitive tomographic images of the eye, and a positioning unit configured to position a plurality of tomographic luminance images corresponding to the plurality of polarization-sensitive tomographic images, based on the detected movement. |
| US09700195B2 |
Conveyor dishwasher and method for operating a conveyor dishwasher
A conveyor dishwasher has at least one wash zone, at least one final rinse zone, and conveyor apparatus. In order to reduce the consumption of disinfection chemical and energy, but to nevertheless maintain a desired final rinse result, the final rinse liquid which is sprayed in the final rinse zone has a metered disinfection chemical, and at least one additional final rinse zone arranged downstream of the final rinse zone provided for spraying fresh water without a disinfection chemical onto the washware to be treated. The at least one additional final rinse zone has an associated collection device for collecting liquid which is sprayed in the additional final rinse zone. Furthermore, a liquid transfer system is provided, it being possible to supply the liquid which is collected in the collection device directly to the wash zone by means of said liquid transfer system. |
| US09700192B2 |
Abrasive sponge and process for production thereof
The present invention concerns an abrasive sponge (10) comprising a layer of spongy material (11) covered on at least one side, by a coating layer (13) for the removal of dirt, characterized in that inside said layer of spongy material (11), in the vicinity of the surface of the side covered with said coating layer (13) and in any case below such surface, a plurality of granules (12) of rigid material are present.The invention concerns also a process for the production of said abrasive sponge. |
| US09700190B2 |
Cleaning disc having sacrificial electrolysis cell and corresponding mobile floor cleaner
An apparatus is provided having a scrubbing disc that includes sacrificial electrodes of an electrolysis cell. |
| US09700189B2 |
System and method of resetting power in a cleaning system
A cleaning system including a body; a motor; a switch; an unit removable from the body; and a power reset device. The switch configured to provide power to the motor upon receiving a first input, and prohibit power to the motor upon receiving a second input. The power reset device configured to prohibit power to the motor upon removal of the removable unit from the body, and provide power to the motor upon replacement of the removable unit onto the body and the switch receiving a third input. |
| US09700188B2 |
Vacuum cleaner tool
A tool for a vacuum cleaner that comprises a nozzle and a bristle assembly. A suction opening is provided in the base of the nozzle, which extends from a front to a rear of the nozzle. The bristle assembly is mounted within the nozzle and protrudes through the suction opening. The suction opening is delimited along its length by a leading edge and a trailing edge, and at least part of the leading edge is raised relative to a front end and a rear end of the nozzle. Consequently, when the tool is swept over a cleaning surface and the front end and the rear end of the nozzle contact the cleaning surface, a gap is created between the cleaning surface and the leading edge. |
| US09700186B2 |
Portable vacuuming device for collecting and neutralizing flammable residue
A vacuuming device for neutralizing flammable powders. The device includes a container having an upper chamber and a lower chamber separated by a baffle, with the upper chamber being in fluid communication with the lower chamber proximate an outer annular region of baffle. A liquid such as water is disposed in the lower chamber, and an air jet drawn into the lower chamber via a vacuum inlet line. In one embodiment, the air jet passes through the liquid for generation of a tangential flow that causes the body of liquid to rotate within the lower chamber. The rotation in the lower chamber can also cause the air in the upper chamber to rotate, so that liquid droplets entrained therein migrate to the outer wall centrifugally. Flammable particles entrained in the air jet are wetted and neutralized. |
| US09700184B2 |
Floor care appliance
In a vacuum cleaner it is provided that a brush set can be connected via a pivotable connecting element in the form of a connecting piece for an attachable filter housing to a handle in the form of a hand grip. Here the brush set has an electric motor for a suction fan and for the drive of the brush roller. The pivotable connecting element of the brush set has an external connector plug for an electrical connection to an appliance coupling of a power line connection lead for connection to a power supply, for example, for connection to a wall socket and the like. As a result, the brush set with the integrated motor and a switch for operating control forms a functional electrical unit. |
| US09700177B2 |
Food processing device jar lock
A food processing machine having a base and a cylindrical jar lock extending upwardly from a top surface of the base. A jar assembly has a jar and a collar that extends downwardly from the jar. The collar is adapted to fit circumferentially around the cylindrical jar lock. A plurality of locking tabs extend radially inwardly from the collar. The locking tabs engage with the cylindrical jar lock and prevent vertical movement of the jar while allowing rotational movement of the jar and linear movement of the jar with respect to the base in the xy-plane. The cylindrical jar lock is optionally spring-mounted to the base to provide dampened movement in the vertical direction of the cylindrical jar lock with respect to the base. |
| US09700175B2 |
Dispenser for particulate matter and method of use
This invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing particulate matter. The dispenser includes a hopper, a coupling configured for attachment of the hopper, either directly or indirectly, to a receptacle; an aperture configured to be moved between an open and closed position to allow or prevent, respectively, flow of the particulate matter between the hopper and the receptacle. The dispenser further includes a stirrer housed in the hopper and configured to move in a substantially vertical and rotational manner within the hopper. |
| US09700173B2 |
Two-surface grill with adjustable gap and multi-stage method for cooking food
The present invention relates to a device for cooking food on a grill having opposed upper and lower platens wherein a gap spacing between the platens is automatically adjusted in an initial stage and in subsequent stages of the cooking time for the food. The food is caused to be located between two opposed platens, the opposed platens each having opposed cooking surfaces and the opposed cooking surfaces defining a gap spacing that is adjustable. A controller and drive mechanism adjust the gap spacing between the platens so that during an initial stage of the cooking the gap spacing is equal to or less than the nominal initial uncooked thickness of the food, and during one or more subsequent stages of the cooking, after the initial stage, the gap spacing between the platens is varied. |
| US09700167B1 |
Impact resistant mailbox support apparatus
An impact resistant mailbox support apparatus including a mailbox support post and a mailbox having a dome-shaped body, a front door, and an attachment arm hingedly attached to the mailbox support post. The attachment arm has at least one first spring-loaded self-returning hinge. The attachment arm of the mailbox is configured to selectively swing in one of a rightward direction and a leftward direction upon impact and return to an original pre-impact position following impact as a result of the at least one first spring-loaded self-returning hinge. The mailbox support post optionally includes a lower half, an upper half pivotally attached to the lower half, and a second spring-loaded self-returning hinge. The upper half is configured to selectively rotate in one of a rightward direction and a leftward direction upon impact and return to an original pre-impact position following impact as a result of the second spring-loaded self-returning hinge. |
| US09700166B2 |
Impact-resistant mailbox
A mailbox with improved structural rigidity and improved impact resistance over previous mailboxes includes one or more of a rod at least partially within a rolled front edge of the mailbox, use of the mailbox floor to improve structural integrity, such as by rolling the body and floor edge together, rolling the body edge and sliding a flanged floor into the roll, or hemming the floor and body together, and/or a front door impact brace. |
| US09700156B1 |
Extendable shelf dividers
Disclosed are various embodiments of an extendable divider system. In one embodiment, such a divider system includes a base. A shelf divider extends from a surface of the base, the shelf divider having an extension connector component on at least one free end. A divider extension having a divider connector component configured to mate with the extension connector component is also disclosed. The divider connector component is configured to removably attach the divider extension to the extension connector component of the shelf divider. |
| US09700150B2 |
Crib shield system and other breathable apparatus
An apparatus and method for making same utilizing a breathable mesh material having a reduced suffocation resistance level for infant and toddler use. The breathable mesh material includes an inner and outer fabric that includes larger openings on the front substructure than on the back substructure and a pile substructure is integrated and extends between the front and back substructures allowing air to substantially move effectively therethrough. |
| US09700146B1 |
Collapsible video display support system
The collapsible video display support system is an audio visual display support with an elongated base that is integrated with a modified chair. The collapsible video display support system is customized to provide an audio visual experience to the occupant of the modified chair. The modified chair further comprises a plurality of tactile transducers. The plurality of tactile transducers are integrated into the sound component of the audio visual component. Specifically, the tactile transducers take a subset of audio frequencies from between 16 Hz and 524 Hz and converts those frequencies into a vibration that can be felt by the user of the chair. The collapsible video display support system can be collapsed for ease of transport and storage. The collapsible video display support system comprises a base structure, a stanchion, a video display mount, a chair, and a plurality of tactile transducers. |
| US09700145B1 |
Quick assembly armrest connecting device
A quick assembly armrest connecting device includes a connecting head and a receiving seat. The connecting head includes a body extending along a first axis. The receiving seat includes a groove extending along a second axis. The armrest connecting device is movable between an assembled position and a separated position in which the connecting head is separated from the receiving seat. When the armrest connecting device moves from the separated position towards the assembled position, the first axis is parallel to the second axis, and the connecting head moves rectilinearly along the second axis towards the receiving seat and inserts the body into the groove. After the connecting head abuts the bottom side of the groove, the connecting head moves rectilinearly in a radial direction of the second axis relative to the receiving seat, moving the armrest connecting device to the assembled position. |
| US09700142B2 |
Backrest or seating element
Back- or seat-element for a piece of seating furniture, in particular a swivel chair, including a flexible, tensible surface element and a support frame with a plurality of individual holding areas, the surface element is attached to and stretched therebetween. |
| US09700138B2 |
Seating furniture product
A seating furniture product, with a support surface unit which forms a seat part and a backrest connected directly to the seat part, and with a frame, wherein the seat part is connected to the frame by means of a swivel joint allowing a rotation about a swivel axis aligned transversely to the seating furniture product and the backrest is connected to the frame by a fastening point, is characterized in that the distance between the fastening point and the swivel joint can be changed in terms of the vertical direction of the seating furniture product, such that changing this distance is accompanied by a change in the inclination alignment of the seat part. |
| US09700137B2 |
Wire shelf extensions
A one piece wire shelf extension for expanding the depth of an existing wire shelf whose front face is defined by a front support wire and a spaced support wire, the wire shelf extension having support wires and, perpendicular thereto, stringer wires wherein at least two of the stringer wires have extended segments that bend at a 90° angle relative to the plane of the support and stringer wires said extended segments adapted to engage the front and spaced support wires. |
| US09700133B1 |
Method for forming a continuous belt brush
A method for manufacturing a flexible belt brush from a flexible brush element is disclosed. The axis of a cylindrical winding drum is aligned with a cylindrical winding base axis. A bottom winding of the flexible brush element is formed around the winding drum with the flexible brush element base adjacent to a winding drum outer surface and the flexible brush element surface disposed against the winding base. A winding ring is center aligned with the winding base and placed over the bottom winding. A top winding of the flexible brush element is formed around the winding drum adjacent to the winding ring. A compression ring is placed above the top winding. The winding bases are welded to form the base of the flexible belt brush. |
| US09700127B2 |
Toothbrush having tufted bristles and tongue brush bristles emanating from the same surface
A toothbrush can include tufted bristles and tongue brush bristles that emanate from the same surface of the head. The tufted bristles can function primarily to clean the teeth whereas the tongue brush bristles can function primarily to clean the surface of the tongue. The tongue brush bristles can also insert between teeth and along the gum line when the toothbrush is used to brush the teeth thereby enhancing the toothbrush's effectiveness for removing bacteria, food particles, and/or soft plaque from the teeth. |
| US09700126B2 |
Mounting device for a drum in a shaft of a brush roller and a drum segment, a drum and a brush roller
The invention relates to a mounting device for a drum (2) consisting of at least two joined drum segments (21, 22) as a part of a shaft (1) of a brush roller, said mounting device including an internal circumferentially directed shoulder (24) being a part of a first drum segment (21) and an external circumferentially directed shoulder (23) being a part of a second drum segment (22), said two shoulders (23, 24) are provided with cooperating contact surfaces mainly positioned in a circumferential or tangential direction with respect to a complete drum (2), the external shoulder (23) being provided with a radial directed clearance hole intended to involve a screw (30), the threaded end of which being directed into the geometrical rotation axis of a complete drum, whereby the interior circumferentially directed shoulder (24) is provided with a recess (26) having a bottom (25) and an opening (27) facing the geometrical rotation axis and the recess (26) is designed with plain inner side surfaces (42, 43) facing each other and being parallel and axial with respect to the drum, and the recess (26) is equipped with projections (28) tangentially and circumferentially originating from each one of said side surfaces and pointing to each other. Furthermore the invention relates to a drum segment, a drum, and a brush roller with such a mounting device. |
| US09700122B2 |
Central osteoarticular relief and performance structured load distribution system device and modular scalable vest system
The present invention is a loadbearing device known by the Applicants' as the “Central Osteoarticular Relief and Performance Structured Load Distribution System” (“CORPS-LDS”), which is worn by a user to help distribute the weight of a load being carried or borne by the user. More specifically, the weight is substantially shifted from the user's shoulders to their hips while not overly inhibiting the user's range of motion. Furthermore, it is an aspect of the CORPS-LDS to distribute the weight being carried in a manner that reduces the strain on the spine and back while lessening the metabolic expenditure of the user. Moreover, the present invention is a protective vest system that utilizes the present invention's CORPS-LDS. |
| US09700120B2 |
Baked powder pencils, sticks and pellets, and methods of making and using the same
A baked powder pencil includes a housing having a base portion with a hollow interior and an opening that opens into the hollow interior. A stick or pellet of baked powder cosmetic material is disposed at least partially within the hollow interior of the base portion. The stick or pellet of baked powder cosmetic material has an end portion that is arranged to extend through the opening of the base portion. The stick or pellet of baked powder cosmetic material is formed into a pre-defined three-dimensional shape and is configured to maintain its three-dimensional shape. The three-dimensional shape of the stick or pellet may have a head section with multiple, generally planar surfaces extending in multiple respectively different planes, or a head section with a semi-spherical or semi-spheroid shape. |
| US09700117B2 |
Articles providing long lasting fragrances
A method of providing a longer lasting fragrance and a kit for delivering a longer lasting fragrance by dispensing microcapsules and a volatile solvent is provided. |
| US09700116B2 |
Loop-shaped hair holding device
A loop-shaped hair holding device is made from ingredients including 40 wt % of butadiene, 10 wt % of polyethylene, 3 wt % of polypropylene, 15 wt % of paraffin oil, 12 wt % of styrene, 15 wt % of silicone, 3 wt % of a stabilizer, and 2 wt % of a cross linking agent. The weight of each of the ingredients has a margin of error of 5%. The loop-shaped hair holding device has good surface unctuousness, good toughness, and high elasticity to avoid deformation. |
| US09700114B2 |
Case and mount system for handheld electronic device
A protective case and mounting system for a handheld electronic device is provided. The protective case can include a removable mounting system comprised of an interlocking member and a plurality of mounting bases. The protective case may further include a non-slip member to prevent the device from slipping on a surface and a magnet for attaching the device to a magnetic surface. |
| US09700109B2 |
Mobility device
Devices and systems are disclosed which allow a user easier transfer from a seated position into a standing position, particularly those that are adapted to be usable as conventional canes and crutches when not employed for rising from a seat. Seated positions in which the present devices are applicable include at least seated positions in a car, on a commode, and in a bed. |
| US09700102B2 |
Clasp and system
A clasp is disclosed wherein two housings with fingers are interlocked in a transition fit and then secured by a central lock bar. The clasp is beneficially applied to open space between garment edges whereby the garment is fastened and sized. |
| US09700099B2 |
Footwear article
A footwear article comprising a generally elongate sole for engagement with and support of the foot of a person, said sole having an upper surface, a lower surface, a first portion being for interaction with at least the heel region of the foot of the person and a second portion for interaction with at least the metatarsal region of the foot of the person; and a foot engagement means for securing the footwear article to the foot of a person. The footwear article being characterized in that a first portion of the sole includes a first material having a first material property and the a second portion of the sole includes a second material having a second material property; and said first portion and said second portion extend at least to the upper surface of the sole and first material property provides for dampening of load imparted to the foot of the person upon contact with a surface. |
| US09700096B2 |
Mandible guard attachment system
A contact surface, such as a seating surface on a mandible guard is adjustable such that variations in helmet geometry and/or mandible geometry can be accommodated. The mandible guard may be fixedly attached to a helmet with an attachment arm, yet be configured to permit adjustment of the height of the contact surface to reduce or eliminate a gap between the helmet and a guard portion of the mandible guard. A tilt arrangement may be provided between the attachment arm and the guard portion of the mandible guard to allow a wearer to adjust a pitch angle of the guard portion relative to the attachment arm. |
| US09700095B2 |
Molded gel headgear having impact dispersing properties
A protective molded gel headgear for protecting a wearer during an impact to the wearer's head is provided. The molded gel headgear has a shape that approximates the outer periphery of portions of the wearer's head to be protected. The molded gel headgear is made of an energy absorbing gel material to reduce the impact to the wearer's head during a head-impact event. One or more methods for producing the headgear are also provided. |
| US09700089B2 |
Security pocket
Included herein are multiple pocket systems orientated along a seam or other shared axis of positioning where a primary pocket is provided and a subordinate secondary pocket is accessible through the primary pocket. In so doing the primary pocket may be positioned before the subordinate secondary security pocket and user access to the higher pocket and the subordinate security pocket may lie along the same positioning axis where access to the security pocket is primarily achieved after passing into the primary pocket. |
| US09700087B2 |
Illuminated glove assembly
An illuminated glove assembly includes a glove and an illumination data controller. The glove has a body portion, a longitudinal glove axis, a pointer extension, a pinky extension, a wrist strap and a pocket portion. The wrist strap is positioned at a proximal end of the body portion. A securing mechanism is connected to the wrist strap and the pointer extension and pinky extension extend from a distal end of the body portion. The pointer extension is positioned on a first side of the longitudinal axis and the pinky extension is positioned on a second side of the longitudinal axis. The pocket portion is secured to and defines a pocket with the body portion. An opening of the pocket is defined proximate the distal end of the body. The illumination data controller is configured for selective mounting in the pocket and includes a housing with a front face. |
| US09700085B2 |
Protective garments and methods of making
Protective garments having first and second elastic straps and methods of manufacturing the same are described herein. The first strap may be positioned partially or entirely along a first strap line that extends from a left shoulder region to a right leg. The second strap may be positioned partially or entirely along a second strap line that extends from a right shoulder region to a left leg. The first and second strap lines intersect at an intersection. |
| US09700083B2 |
All of me strapless bra
An improved strapless bra having the capabilities of desired tightness that is resealable and reusable and not limited to set back closure hooks. The adjustable band replaces the typical hooks for fastening material of opposing pieces of fabric one with hook closure and one with loop closure that interlock when pressed together used to fasten bra. It enables users to adjust and fasten their band as tight as desired in order for it to stay secure and in its intended position to ensure support no matter what activity they are engaging in. |
| US09700081B2 |
Wrap back bra
A sport bra having an adjustable underband tightening assembly is provided herein. The sport bra comprises a front portion having a pair of breast cups, a pair of shoulder straps, and a front underband segment comprising a first wing extending away from a first side of the front underband segment and terminating in a first free end and a second wing extending away from a second side of the front underband segment and terminating in a second free end. The sport bra further comprises a back portion having a central body portion, a pair of shoulder straps secured to the shoulder straps of the front portion, and a back underband segment unaffixed to the front underband segment in an un-worn configuration. |
| US09700071B2 |
Nutritive fragments, proteins and methods
Nutritive proteins are provided. In some embodiments the nutritive proteins comprise a protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) that exceeds a benchmark protein. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding the proteins, recombinant microorganisms that make the proteins, methods of making the proteins using recombinant microorganisms, compositions that comprise the proteins, and methods of using the proteins, among other things. |
| US09700070B2 |
Low bitter chicory products
The present invention provides a food product comprising at least 1.5%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, or more, by weight total ingredients of a low bitter chicory plant material or flour. The present invention also provides a method for obtaining a chicory product with reduced bitterness, comprising blanching chicory roots or root chips, drying the blanched chicory root chips, and optionally grinding the dried chicory root chips and incorporating it into flour, dough, or other food products. Also provided is a method for obtaining a chicory taproot with reduced bitterness, comprising cultivating a chicory plant at a soil nitrogen level of 150 lbs per acre or less in the upper 3 feet of the soil. |
| US09700066B2 |
Preparation of soy protein isolate using calcium chloride extraction (“S703 cip”)
A soy protein product having a protein content of at least about 60 wt % (N×6.25) d.b., preferably an isolate having a protein content of at least about 90 wt % (N×6.25) d.b., is formed by a procedure in which soy protein is extracted from a soy source material using an aqueous calcium chloride solution at low pH, generally about 1.5 to about 5, and separating the resulting aqueous soy protein solution from residual soy protein source. The resulting clarified aqueous soy protein solution may be diluted and the pH adjusted within the range of 1.5-5.0. The solution may be concentrated by ultrafiltration, diafiltered and then dried to provide the soy protein product. Alternatively, the concentrated and optionally diafiltered soy protein solution may be optionally adjusted in pH within the range of 1.5-7.0 then diluted into water to cause the formation of a precipitate, separating the precipitate from the diluting water (supernatant) and drying the separated soy protein to form a soy protein product having a protein content of at least about 60 wt % (N×6.25) d.b., preferably a soy protein isolate having a protein content of at least about 90 wt % (N×6.25) d.b. The supernatant may be processed to form soy protein products having a protein content of at least about 60 wt % (N×6.25) d.b., preferably a soy protein isolate having a protein content of at least 90 wt % (N×6.25) d.b. Alternatively, the precipitate from the dilution step may be re-solubilized in the diluting water by adjustment of the pH to resolubilize the precipitate and form a protein solution. The soy protein solution may be concentrated while maintaining the ionic strength substantially constant by using a selective membrane technique followed by optional diafiltration and drying. The soy protein product is soluble in acidic medium and produces transparent, heat stable solutions and hence may be used for protein fortification of soft drinks and sports drinks. |
| US09700058B2 |
Dispersion and detachment of cell aggregates
Compositions comprising a protein or isolated peptide, and methods using the same for preventing, dispersing or detaching a biofilm, are disclosed. |
| US09700057B2 |
Bradyrhizobium strains
According to the present invention new isolates of Bradyrhizobium japonicum have been isolated and possess unique properties. These Bradyrhizobia are plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR), possess superior tolerance/resistance to desiccation, and enhance the overall performance of leguminous plant growth. |
| US09700055B2 |
Seed treatment method and composition
A method of treating seeds, comprising: providing a batch of seeds; adding a first mixture comprising at least one insecticide, at least one fungicide, and at least one coating agent to the seeds over a period of about 6 to 15 seconds; homogenizing the seeds for 5 to 25 seconds; adding a second mixture comprising at least one inoculant and at least one protectant to seeds over a period of about 6 to 15 seconds; and homogenizing the seeds for about 5 to 25 seconds. |
| US09700051B2 |
Use of squalamine or analogue as a disinfecting agent
The present invention relates to the use of a compound chosen from squalamine and a squalamine-analog aminosteroid compound as agent for disinfecting an inert material object, in particular for the pre-disinfection of medical, dental, diagnostic or surgical equipment.The present invention also provides an aqueous or water-soluble disinfecting composition beneficial for a use according to the invention, characterized in that as disinfecting active compound it comprises a said antibacterial and antifungal compound selected from squalamine and a said squalamine-analog aminosteroid compound and suitable excipients for a water-soluble or aqueous formulation. |
| US09700046B2 |
Herbicidal agents containing aclonifen
Herbicidal compositions having an effective amount of aclonifen and the other herbicides pendimethalin and diflufenican.These herbicidal compositions have an improved application profile. |
| US09700043B2 |
Corrosive ingredient(s)-containing compositions having reduced toxicity and method of obtaining
Compositions, preferably cleaning compositions, containing at least one component which is corrosive by nature and present at a level to render the compositions corrosive, are provided with reduced corrosivity by increasing the viscosity of the compositions. Reduction in corrosivity of the compositions is provided to a degree so that the compositions are classified as non-corrosive under EPA or OECD/GHS regulations and do not have to be stored in and dispensed from child-resistant packaging and do not require regulated hazard warning labeling. |
| US09700042B2 |
Nanoformulation of musk-derived bioactive ingredients for nanocosmetic applications
The composition of the Nano carrier or Nano polymers composed of Hyaluronic Acid (15-25%) and fatty acids (50-70%) cross linked with ultra-Low molecular weight chitosan (15-25%) encapsulating isolated compounds from musk and their combinations for cosmetic use as anti-aging, anti-microbial, and fragrance. Additionally, these nano-encapsulated Musk bioactive compounds (MBC) at 0.1-10% (w/w MBC/Nano polymers) could be used in textile manufacturing (carpet/rugs and clothes) to provide anti-microbial and fragrance properties. Furthermore, Musk derived products are chemically conjugated to HA polymer, FA polymer, CH polymer, HA-CH co-polymer, FA-CH co-polymer or HA-CH-FA co-polymer to be incorporated into the fabric of the textile products (carpet/rugs or clothes). |
| US09700040B2 |
Polymeric systems for delivering hypohalide salts
The invention relates to polymeric systems for stabilizing, storing and delivering hypohalide salts. One system consists of material coated with two layers: one prepared from polyethylene glycol epoxide and melamine solution and second prepared from inorganic hypohalide salt solution. The material can be fabric, cotton, bamboo, cellulosic materials, blend of cellulosic and synthetic fibers. Antimicrobial materials comprising this system are also described. Another system consists of material containing pre-formed spaces coated with water-polyethylene glycol solution of hypohalide salt and encapsulated by film forming polymer. Hypohalide salts within both systems are in some cases storage stable for at least three months. |
| US09700037B1 |
Duck decoy device
A duck decoy device with a hollow duck decoy body joined to a base having a housing thereon, and an insert having selectively separable and pivotable front and rear platforms and selectively separable left and right halves. A spool for holding a line is removably disposed between stilted arches on the left and right halves. A disc, on the spool proximal the right half stilted arch, has notched teeth along an entire outer perimeter thereof. A hook is forwardly disposed on a parallelepiped central shaft on the rear platform and engages one of the notched teeth to arrest spool spinning. A solid metal weight within the entire shell is selectively held and alternately released from the insert, and is fastened to the insert via the line. The insert and the separability of the right and left halves and the front and rear platforms permit servicing and replacement of various parts. |
| US09700036B1 |
Duck decoy device
A duck decoy device with a hollow body joined to a base with an interior u-shaped housing. An insert has a platform capable of partial disassembly. The platform has a left half and a right half that are selectively divisible. The platform also has a front platform and a rear platform that are pivotal and divisible. A collar selectively joins the left half to the right half. A spool with line is removably contained between a pair of stilted arches, one of each stilted arch disposed on each of the left half and the right half. The stilted arches are selectively disposed within the u-shaped housing. A weight with surrounding shell is selectively held and alternately released from the insert, and is fastened to the insert via the line. The insert provides for the decoy to be serviceable and to have various parts repaired and replaced. |
| US09700035B2 |
Leaderless quick release fishing assembly
A saltwater fishing assembly includes a body resembling a forage fish. The body includes a quick connect device that is swivelable relative to a fishing line and is reelable to a fishing rod tip. A quick connection subassembly is connectable to the quick connect device of the body and includes a hook and is releasable with a hooked fish. Methods of using the fishing assembly are also provided. |
| US09700034B1 |
Quick brake adjust knob of fishing reel
A quick brake adjust knob, which is disposed on an axle of a fishing reel, includes a base disc, a passive member, an elastic member, a threaded member, an active member, and a panel disc. The passive member has a first arc slope gradually approaching the outside of the knob from a first staring end thereof to a first terminal end thereof and C-shaped with a breach where a first recess is provided. The active member has a first protrusion abutted against the first arc slope or accommodated in the first recess. The panel disc is fixed to the active member and rotatable relative to the base disc. The periphery of the panel disc is joined with the periphery of the base disc. Therefore, the quick brake adjust knob can quickly and precisely control the resistance of the fishing reel to stretch out the fishing wire. |
| US09700016B2 |
Animal marking devices, transfer assemblies, and useful restraints
Described herein is a marking system for marking animals. The marking system may include a restraining device, a controller, and a marking device. The marking device includes a marking needle of fixed length comprising one or a plurality of needle tips; the restraining device is sized and configured for restraining an animal or animal body part thereof and oriented such that the marking device can make a mark on a substrate portion of the animal body part; and the controller is configured to control the position of the marking device and to make a mark on the substrate portion of the animal body part. Also described herein are media transfer assemblies for use in the disclosed marking system. |
| US09700015B2 |
System for metering feed in feed lines
A method for measuring feed flow, feed is moved through a flexible pipe using a flexible auger operably positioned within the pipe. Feed flow through a metered section (309) of the flexible pipe is metered using a feed meter (304) attached to the flexible pipe. The feed meter includes load cell (312) configured to detect strain induced by feed mass within the metered section (309). Metering feed includes providing a measure of mass flow of the feed, using the load cell (312), when the feed moves through the metered section (309). |
| US09699995B1 |
Maize hybrid X08F037
A novel maize variety designated X08F037 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X08F037 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08F037 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08F037, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08F037. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08F037. |
| US09699994B1 |
Maize hybrid X13F360
A novel maize variety designated X13F360 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X13F360 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13F360 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X13F360, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13F360. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13F360. |
| US09699990B1 |
Maize hybrid X95F553
A novel maize variety designated X95F553 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X95F553 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X95F553 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X95F553, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X95F553. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X95F553. |
| US09699988B2 |
Maize hybrid X90F448
A novel maize variety designated X90F448 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X90F448 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X90F448 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X90F448, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X90F448. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X90F448. |
| US09699986B2 |
Maize hybrid X80F124
A novel maize variety designated X80F124 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X80F124 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X80F124 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X80F124, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X80F124. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X80F124. |
| US09699985B1 |
Maize hybrid X08F022
A novel maize variety designated X08F022 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X08F022 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08F022 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08F022, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08F022. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08F022. |
| US09699982B2 |
Pepper hybrid DR3914PB
The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid DR3914PB and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid DR3914PB and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants. |
| US09699981B2 |
Pepper hybrid SV9504PB
The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid SV9504PB and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SV9504PB and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants. |
| US09699979B2 |
Pepper hybrid PX-11459057
The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid PX-11459057 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid PX-11459057 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants. |
| US09699976B2 |
Direct and indirect organogenesis of Jatropha
The present invention relates in general to plant biotechnology. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and media compositions for the efficient direct organogenesis and indirect organogenesis of Jathropha plants, such as Jatropha curcas. |
| US09699970B2 |
Combine side-shake cleaning control system
A combine side-shaking control system includes a sieve for separating crop material from other materials and a movable side-shaking mechanism coupled to the sieve and configured to move the sieve in a side-to-side motion. The control system also includes also includes first and second grain loss sensors configured to sense amounts of grain loss from separate portions of the sieve. The control system further includes a controller configured to: (i) receive a first grain loss value corresponding to the sensed first amount of grain loss and a second grain loss value corresponding to the sensed second amount of grain loss; and (ii) cause the side-shaking mechanism to control movement of the sieve in the side-to-side motion based on at least one of the received first grain loss value and the received second grain loss value. |
| US09699968B2 |
Calibration of a distance sensor on an agricultural vehicle
Calibrating a distance sensor on an agricultural vehicle provided for measuring the distance between the sensor and a set of points on a ground surface in front of the agricultural vehicle, includes: performing a reference measurement when the agricultural vehicle is standing on a paved and substantially flat ground surface; processing the results of the reference measurement to reference data for use as reference during further measurements; storing the reference data in a memory. |
| US09699963B2 |
Mulch kit control lever
A mulch kit control lever with a detent plate attached to the top surface of a mower deck, and a vertically oriented pivot pin extending through the detent plate and through the mower deck and engaging a mulch gate. A pivoting handle connected to the pivot pin moves the mulch gate between a side discharge position and a mulching position. A detent pin on the handle abuts a first stop on the detent plate in the side discharge position and a second stop on the detent plate in the mulching position. |
| US09699962B2 |
Mower unit
A mower unit is detachably mounted between front wheels and rear wheels of a mid-mount grass mower. The mower unit includes a blade cover having a top plate and a side plate extending from a circumferential edge of the top plate, a pair of right and left ride-over deck units provided on the top plate. Each ride-over deck unit includes a support deck fixed to an upper face of the top plate, a wheel guide member movable between a home position for storage in the support deck and a bridging position for bridging between the support deck and a ground surface, and a tethering member for tethering the support deck with the wheel guide member. |
| US09699961B2 |
Mowing vehicle including arrangement for raising/lowering height of a mower unit
A mowing vehicle that includes: a raising/lowering control portion 59 that changes the height of the mower unit with respect to the ground between an operation height and a non-operation height, and a management portion 55 that provides control instructions to the raising/lowering control portion 59 and a mowing blade driving control portion 58 based on a result of detection performed by a traveling state detection portion 7. |
| US09699956B2 |
Dust particles separator for seeding machine
A seeding machine (1) and method of use, for introducing seed material into a soil (11), with a first ploughing device for drawing at least one furrow into the soil and a filling device for closing the first furrow. A dust separator (5) separates air during the seeding process into an air component (13) and a dust component (7). A line from the dust separator delivers the dust component separated from the air component into the soil. |
| US09699955B2 |
Seeding machine with seed delivery system
A seeding machine with a seed meter and a seed delivery system for moving seed from a seed meter to a furrow formed in the soil. The delivery system has an endless member moving in a housing about pulleys to move seed from an upper opening in the housing to a lower discharge opening. In one embodiment, a loading wheel at the upper opening to the housing engages seed on a metering disk to move seed into the housing. The metering disk and housing can be arranged in planes parallel to one another. |
| US09699953B2 |
Air seeder for singulated and bulk seeding
An air seeder apparatus has a frame and a plurality of furrow opener assemblies spaced across a width of the frame at a narrow row spacing, and a plurality of bulk product containers and a bulk meter mounted on each, one of which dispenses seeds through a distribution network to a seed tube on each furrow opener assembly. A plurality of singulating meter is provided, each dispensing singulated seeds to the furrow opener on one of the furrow opener assemblies. During singulating operation seeds are delivered to the singulating furrow opener assemblies only by the singulating seed meter, and during conventional operation seeds are delivered to the singulating furrow opener assemblies only by the bulk meter. A lift system, when in a singulating mode, maintains idle conventional furrow opener assemblies in the transport position while moving singulating furrow opener assemblies between the operating position and the transport position. |
| US09699950B2 |
Lawn-mowing vehicle with outwardly and upwardly rotatable lawn-mowing unit
A lawn-mowing vehicle is provided in which a facing-the-ground surface of a lawn-mowing unit can manually be shifted. The lawn-mowing units of the lawn-mowing vehicle can be rotated. There is provided a first connection mechanism that connects each of the lawn-mowing units to the arm, in such a way that the lawn-mowing units can be shifted by rotation between their work positions and the biased side positions that are biased toward the sides of the carriage. There is provided a second connection mechanism that connects each of the lawn-mowing units to the first connection mechanism so as to be rotatable, in such a way that the lawn-mowing units placed at the biased side positions can be shifted from a facing-the-ground posture to an outward posture. |
| US09699948B1 |
Tipped metal implement
A metal implement such as an aeration tine formed from a hardened carbide tip affixed to a steel tine body is disclosed. The tine exterior surface is treated, such as by diffusion, with a hardening agent like aluminum-titanium-nitride and heating the tine to produce an implement that defines a hardness rating in excess of eight thousand (8,000) Vickers. The tip is attached to the body to form a tine. A method of manufacturing a tipped metal implement including the steps of providing a metal body and a hardened tip, treating substantially all of the body with a hardening agent, heating the body, and affixing the tip to an end of the metal body to form an implement that defines a hardness rating in excess of eight thousand (8,000) Vickers. |
| US09699947B2 |
Tool system for resisting abrasive wear of a ground engaging tool of an agricultural implement
A tool system is provided for resisting abrasive wear of a ground-engaging tool of an agricultural implement during a crop production procedure. The tool system may include a tool for engaging an agricultural field while performing crop production procedure and that defines a main segment and a cutting segment having a working edge covered by a nanostructure coating. The cutting segment may include multiple wear zones with multiple working edges, respectively, covered by nanostructure coatings which may have different thicknesses. |
| US09706694B2 |
Electronic module produced by sequential fixation of the components
A production line for producing electronic modules including a printed-circuit board, at least one first-type component, and at least one second-type component, wherein the production line includes a unit for putting the first-type component in place, a general heating unit for melting a solder placed between the at least one first-type component and the circuit, a unit for putting the second-type component in place, and a local heating unit for melting a solder placed between the at least one second-type component and the circuit. |
| US09706688B2 |
Systems and methods for heat management of an information handling resource in an information handling system
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a system may include a structural element and a heat pipe. The structural element may be for mechanically supporting an information handling resource. The heat pipe may be thermally and mechanically coupled to the structural element, such that the heat pipe conducts heat generated by an information handling resource supported by the structural element to the structural element. |
| US09706687B1 |
Electronic equipment chassis having storage devices and other modules configured for front-access removability
An electronic equipment chassis in one embodiment comprises a housing having a front portion and a rear portion, first and second rows of cooling modules disposed at respective upper and lower levels of the front portion, and a plurality of storage devices arranged in the front portion between the first and second rows of cooling modules. At least a subset of the cooling modules and the storage devices are configured so as to be removable from the chassis through a vertical plane of the front portion of the housing. |
| US09706686B2 |
Formation of system to increase server's density in datacenter
A method for forming a system. A cooling conduit is secured on a top surface of each rack container of rack units to allow a cooling fluid to flow through a flexible tube into each rack container via the cooling conduit that encapsulates the flexible tube. The rack units are stacked in a direction parallel to a floor. Each rack unit includes at least one heat generating device. Each heat generating device is configured to generate heat while in operation. The top surface is further from the floor than is any other surface of each rack container. The cooling fluid is configured to be heated by absorbing heat from the at least one heat generating device. An exhaust conduit is secured on the top surface of each rack container to allow the heated cooling fluid to be exhausted from each rack container via the exhaust conduit. |
| US09706685B2 |
Cooling system for high density heat loads
A pumped refrigerant cooling system having multiple pumping units for providing working fluid to a load to enable cooling of a space via the load. The pumped refrigerant cooling system operates the pumping units at less than capacity. When a pumping unit is deactivated, the output of the remaining pumping units is increased to maintain fluid flow. |
| US09706684B2 |
Exfoliated graphite materials and composite materials and devices for thermal management
Exfoliated graphite materials, and composite materials including exfoliated graphite, having enhanced through-plane thermal conductivity can be used in thermal management applications and devices. Methods for making such materials and devices involve processing exfoliated graphite materials such as flexible graphite to orient or re-orient the graphite flakes in one or more regions of the material. |
| US09706682B2 |
Heat exchanging module and electronic device applying the same
A heat exchanging module comprises a casing, a plurality of first air guiding elements and a plurality of first separation elements. The first air guiding elements are disposed in the casing. Each of the first air guiding elements comprises a plurality of first structures and a plurality of second structures, the first structures are disposed parallelly, and the second structures are disposed between the first structures and connected with the first structures to form a plurality of first channels. Each of the first separation elements is disposed between the two adjacent first air guiding elements to form a second channel. An airflow direction of the first channels is different from that of the second channels. The present invention further provides an electronic device using the same. |