Document Document Title
US09879133B2 Foam compositions and uses thereof
Components for articles of footwear and athletic equipment are provided including a foam. A variety of foams and foam components and compositions for forming the foams are provided. In some aspects, the foams and components including the foams can have exceptionally high energy return while also having improved durability and softness. In particular, midsoles including the foams are provided for use in an article of footwear. Methods of making the compositions and foams are provided, as well as methods of making an article of footwear including one of the foam components. In some aspects, the foams and foam components can be made by injection molding or injection molding followed by compression molding.
US09879132B2 Release agent and use thereof in the production of moulded polyurethane articles
The invention relates to compositions comprising OH-functional polybutadiene and solvent and to the use thereof as release agents in the production of polyurethane moulded articles or as antisquawk agents in the processing of moulded polyurethane articles.
US09879128B2 Multiple-function filler materials
A composition of matter includes a particle, a resin bonding functionality bonded to a first portion of the particle, and a lubricating functionality bonded to a second portion of the particle.
US09879123B2 Fiber-reinforced polypropylene resin composition, molding material and prepreg
A molded article excellent in dynamic characteristics and water degradation resistance can be obtained by using a fiber-reinforced polypropylene resin composition including a carbodiimide-modified polyolefin (a), a polypropylene resin (b) and reinforcing fibers (c), wherein the content of the carbodiimide group contained in a resin component in the fiber-reinforced polypropylene resin composition is 0.0005 to 140 mmol based on 100 g of a matrix resin component, and the reinforcing fibers (c) are sizing-treated with a polyfunctional compound (s); and a molding material using the fiber-reinforced polypropylene resin composition.
US09879119B2 Lignin product and process for making same
There is provided a process for recovery of lignin from black liquor that contains either soluble or dispersed lignin, generating a “liquid-lignin” at high yield. Lignin at elevated pH is precipitated by reducing the pH of the black liquor stream with carbon dioxide, at elevated temperature and pressure, creating two bulk fluid phases: a dense liquid-lignin phase and a light lignin-depleted phase. The dense liquid-lignin phase is separated and washed with a strong acid to displace metal cations from the lignin, creating a low-salt, randomly shaped lignin. If needed, especially for lignin recovered from kraft papermaking black-liquor streams, an oxidation step is included to eliminate negative odor for high value green chemistry applications.
US09879118B2 Polymers from stabilized imines
The disclosure describes new compositions and methods related to polyaminals and related polymers. The compositions are useful as therapeutic/drug conjugates, self-healing materials, reversible crosslinking materials, degradable hydrogels, protective coatings, and as metal scavenging agents. New atom efficient synthetic schemes are disclosed, which yield previously unobtainable high molecular weight polyaminals.
US09879114B2 Process for the production of low molecular weight polyoxyalkylene polyols
This invention relates to a semi-batch process for producing low molecular weight polyoxyalkylene polyols. These polyoxyalkylene polyols are characterized by hydroxyl numbers of from 200 to 500. In accordance with the invention, the first alkylene oxide block used to activate the DMC catalyst comprises from 50% to 100% by weight of propylene oxide and from 0% to 50% by weight of ethylene oxide; and the second alkylene oxide block comprises from 50% to 100% by weight of propylene oxide and from 0% to 50% by weight of ethylene oxide. A continuously added starter is present. Optionally, a third alkylene oxide block can be added. The addition of the second alkylene oxide block and of the third alkylene oxide block when present is completed with a space time yield of greater than or equal to 250 kg/m3/hr.
US09879112B2 Polymer network material comprising a poly(glycidyl ether) structure, method of its production and use
The present invention is related to novel preparative methods to a novel class of polymer network materials with a highly branched poly(glycidyl ether) (PGE) structure. Said polymer networks are prepared by a simple procedure involving ring-opening polymerisation and the method is applicable to a wide range of glycidyl ether containing monomers. The method comprises the step of copolymerising (A) at least one multi-topic glycidyl ether comprising at least three glycidyl ether groups with (B) at least one glycidyl ether component comprising at least one glycidyl ether group by ring opening polymerisation, wherein the multi-topic glycidyl ether (A) is glycerol glycidyl ether (GGE) having the Formula (I) and the glycidyl ether component (B) is selected from monoglycidyl ethers comprising one glycidyl ether group and diglycidyl ethers comprising two glycidyl ether groups.
US09879111B2 Resin mixture based on vinyl ester urethane resin and use thereof
A resin mixture comprises a vinyl ester urethane resin as the base resin, wherein the vinyl ester urethane resin can be obtained by reacting a dianhydrohexitol compound with a diisocyanate to obtain a product and reacting the obtained product with a hydroxy substituted (meth)acrylate. The resin mixture can be used to produce a reactive resin mortar containing that resin mixture and inorganic aggregates, organic aggregates or a mixture thereof. The reactive resin mortar can be used for chemical fastening.
US09879106B2 Producing polyolefin products
Catalyst systems and methods for making and using the same are described. A method includes selecting a catalyst blend using a blend polydispersity index (bPDI) map. The polydispersity map is generated by generating a number of polymers for at least two catalysts. Each polymer is generated at a different hydrogen to ethylene ratio. At least one catalyst generates a higher molecular weight polymer and another catalyst generates a lower molecular weight polymer. A molecular weight for each polymer is measured. The relationship between the molecular weight of the polymers generated by each of the catalysts and the ratio of hydrogen to ethylene is determined. A family of bPDI curves for polymers that would be made using a number of ratios of a blend of the at least two catalysts for each of a number of ratios of hydrogen to ethylene. A ratio for the catalyst blend of the catalysts that generates a polymer having a bPDI that matches a polymer fabrication process is selected, and the product specific polyolefin is made using the catalyst blend.
US09879105B2 Polyolefin composition and method of producing the same
The instant invention provides a polyolefin composition, a catalyst composition, and a method of producing the same. The method for polymerizing one or more polyolefins according to the present invention comprises the steps of: (1) selecting a first olefin monomer and optionally one or more alpha-olefin comonomers; (2) selecting one or more catalyst systems comprising one or more procatalysts comprising a first metal selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Hf, Zr, and combinations or mixture two or more thereof, one or more cocatalysts comprising Al, and one or more self-limiting agents (SLA) selected from the group consisting of polyether, polyester, and combinations or mixtures thereof; wherein the ratio of said SLA to said first metal (SLA:first metal) is from 0.1:1 to 30:1; (3) polymerizing said first olefin monomer and optionally one or more alpha-olefin comonomers in the presence of said one or more catalyst systems via a slurry polymerization process or gas-phase polymerization process in one or more reactors; (4) thereby producing one or more olefin-based polymers; (5) wherein said catalyst system has a loss of least 85 percent of catalyst activity when the temperature is increased from 85 to 110° C.
US09879103B2 Initiation of controlled radical polymerization from lactide monomer
A lactide-functionalized polymer is synthesized by polymerizing a monomer capable of undergoing radical polymerization (e.g., styrenic, vinylic, acrylic, etc.) using a brominated lactide initiator via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). In some embodiments of the present invention, the brominated lactide initiator is 3-bromo-3,6-dimethyl-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione prepared by reacting lactide with N-bromosuccinimide in the presence of benzoyl peroxide.
US09879102B2 Mixed decyl mercaptans compositions and use thereof as chain transfer agents
A chain transfer agent composition comprises at least one branched C10 mercaptan selected from 5-methyl-1-mercapto-nonane, 3-propyl-1-mercapto-heptane, 4-ethyl-1-mercapto-octane, 2-butyl-1-mercapto-hexane, 5-methyl-2-mercapto-nonane, 3-propyl-2-mercapto-heptane, 4-ethyl-2-mercapto-octane, 5-methyl-5-mercapto-nonane, or combinations thereof. The chain transfer agent composition can be a component of an emulsion polymerization mixture and can be used in a process for emulsion polymerization for the production of polymers, for example, via free-radical polymerization.
US09879099B2 Polyethylene composition having high stress cracking resistance
A polyethylene composition made from or containing a polyethylene, having the following features: 1) a density from about 0.930 to about 0.945 g/cm3, determined according to ISO 1183 at 23° C.; 2) a ratio of MIF/MIP from about 30 to about 55; 3) a MIF from about 3 to about 25 g/10 min.; 4) a Mz equal to or greater than about 1,500,000 g/mol; and 5) a long-chain branching index, LCBI, equal to or lower than about 0.55, wherein the LCBI is the ratio of the measured mean-square radius of gyration Rg, measured by GPC-MALLS, to the mean-square radius of gyration for a linear PE having about the same molecular weight of 1,000,000 g/mol.
US09879098B2 Mitigation of wax levels in the high pressure low density polyethylene process
In the high pressure polymerization of ethylene homopolymers or copolymers, conditions in the high pressure recycle system may lead to the build-up of low molecular weight oligomers and waxes. Sequentially draining knock-out pots, located downstream of a high pressure separator, at regular intervals can reduce the build-up of low molecular weight oligomers and waxes during the high pressure polymerization of alpha olefins.
US09879097B2 Method for producing activated sugar chain derivative and activated sugar chain derivative produced therefrom
When manufacturing a sugar chain compound having an activating group, there was a problem with the ammonium carbonate method that is the conventional technology that during the process of introducing an amino group at the reducing terminal of the sugar chain, the unit sugar located at the reducing terminal of the sugar chain is subjected to ring-opening, thus causing a mixture of α and β anomers to be produced. The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a sugar chain compound having an activating group with high β selectivity using a compound having a sugar chain asparagine structure as the source material by cleaving the sugar chain from the sugar chain peptide so that the reducing terminal of the sugar chain and the nitrogen atom derived from the asparagine side chain will remain in a bound state, and introducing an activating group to said nitrogen atom while retaining not only the covalent bond between the reducing terminal of said sugar chain and said nitrogen atom but also the β configuration. A novel sugar chain compound which is a β anomer and has an activating group is also provided as a compound of the present invention.
US09879096B2 Process for preparation of sugammadex sodium
The present invention provides a process for the preparation of sugammadex sodium involving the step of: reacting 6-perdeoxy-6-per-halo-gamma-cyclodextrin with 3-mercapto propionic acid in the presence of alkali metal alkoxide in an organic solvents. The invention also provides a process for purifying the sugammadex or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts using water and organic solvents.
US09879094B2 Nucleic acid molecules encoding for BACE1 antibodies
The invention provides antibodies to specific neural proteins and methods of using the same.
US09879093B2 Single domain antibodies as inhibitors of PCSK9
Antibodies (e.g., sdAbs) binding to PCSK9 are described. Nucleic acids encoding such Abs, host cells expressing such Abs and pharmaceutical composition comprising same are described. The use of these PCSK9-binding Abs for lowering low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, is also described.
US09879088B2 Disease therapy by inducing immune response to Trop-2 expressing cells
The present invention concerns compositions and methods of use of bispecific antibodies comprising at least one binding site for Trop-2 (EGP-1) and at least one binding site for CD3. The bispecific antibodies are of use for inducing an immune response against a Trop-2 expressing tumor, such as carcinoma of the esophagus, pancreas, lung, stomach, colon, rectum, urinary bladder, breast, ovary, uterus, kidney or prostate. The methods may comprising administering the bispecific antibody alone, or with one or more therapeutic agents such as antibody-drug conjugates, interferons (preferably interferon-α), and/or checkpoint inhibitor antibodies. The bispecific antibody is capable of targeting effector T cells, NK cells, monocytes or neutrophils to induce leukocyte-mediated cytotoxicity of Trop-2+ cancer cells. The cytotoxic immune response is enhanced by co-administration of interferon, checkpoint inhibitor antibody and/or ADC.
US09879086B2 Cytotoxic and anti-mitotic compounds, and methods of using the same
Compounds having cytotoxic and/or anti-mitotic activity are disclosed. Methods associated with preparation and use of such compounds, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, are also disclosed. Also disclosed are compositions having the structure: (T)-(L)-(D), wherein (T) is a targeting moiety, (L) is an optional linker, and (D) is a compound having cytotoxic and/or anti-mitotic activity.
US09879085B2 Antibodies against human CSF-1R and uses thereof
The present invention relates to antibodies against human CSF-1R (anti-CSF-1R antibody), methods for their production, pharmaceutical compositions containing said antibodies, and uses thereof.
US09879082B2 Anti-KIR antibodies, formulations, and uses thereof
A novel IgG4 isotype anti-KIR antibody, novel formulations of this and other IgG4 anti-KIR antibodies, and methods of using such formulations are provided. Also described are compositions, formulations, dosages, and administration regimens suitable for NK cell activation and therapeutic applications of anti-KIR antibodies, as well as kits comprising one or more anti-KIR antibodies with instructions for use in treating cancer.
US09879081B2 Protein complex, bispecific antibody including the protein complex, and method of preparation thereof
A protein complex comprising a first polypeptide comprising a first antigen-binding region; a second polypeptide comprising a second antigen-binding region; anda linker connecting the first polypeptide and the second polypeptide, wherein the first antigen-binding region is a single stranded polypeptide comprising a first light chain antigen-binding region and a first heavy chain antigen-binding region, the second antigen-binding region is a single stranded polypeptide comprising a second light chain antigen-binding region and a second heavy chain antigen-binding region, and the linker connects the C-terminal of the first polypeptide and the N-terminal of the second polypeptide, and comprises a tag including a cleavable amino acid sequence at one terminal or both terminals of the linker; as well as a bispecific antibody derived from the protein complex, and related compositions and methods.
US09879080B2 Anti-transthyretin antibodies
The invention provides antibodies that specifically bind to transthyretin (TTR). The antibodies can be used for treating or effecting prophylaxis of diseases or disorders associated with TTR accumulation or accumulation of TTR deposits (e.g., TTR amyloidosis). The antibodies can also be used for diagnosing TTR amyloidosis and inhibiting or reducing aggregation of TTR, among other applications.
US09879075B2 Anti-semaphorin 3A antibody and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and inflammatory immune diseases using same
The present invention mainly addresses the problem of providing an antibody against semaphorin 3A protein, said antibody enabling effective prevention and/or treatment of a disease, in which Sema 3A protein participates, such as a neurodegenerative disease, autoimmune disease, inflammatory disease, cancer, infectious disease, etc. or disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome. An anti-Sema 3A antibody comprising CDRs having specific amino acid sequences (SEQ ID NOS: 1-6, 60-62, 64-66, 68-70, 72-74, 76-78, 80-82, 84-86 and 88-90) enables effective prevention and/or treatment of a disease, in which Sema 3A protein participates, such as a neurodegenerative disease, autoimmune disease, inflammatory disease, cancer, infectious disease, etc. or disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome and, therefore, remarkably ameliorates symptoms associated with such a disease.
US09879074B2 Antibodies to IL-6 and use thereof
The present invention is directed to therapeutic methods using IL-6 antagonists such as an Ab1 antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity for IL-6 to prevent or treat disease or to improve survivability or quality of life of a patient in need thereof. In preferred embodiments these patients will comprise those exhibiting (or at risk of developing) an elevated serum C-reactive protein level, reduced serum albumin level, elevated D-dimer or other coagulation cascade related protein(s), cachexia, fever, weakness and/or fatigue prior to treatment. The subject therapies also may include the administration of other actives such as chemotherapeutics, anti-coagulants, statins, and others.
US09879070B2 Antibodies to S. aureus surface determinants
Antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof directed against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) surface determinant antigens and secreted toxins are disclosed. Methods of detecting, diagnosing and treating S. aureus using the antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof are also provided.
US09879068B2 Antibodies targeting HIV escape mutants
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to compositions and methods for anti-HIV (anti-CD4 binding site) broadly neutralizing antibodies having improved potency and breadth for neutralizing a range of HIV strains. Combinations of broadly neutralizing antibodies can also improve potency over a single antibody composition.
US09879067B2 Stabilized liquid anti-RSV antibody formulations
The present invention provides liquid formulations of SYNAGIS® or an antigen-binding fragment thereof that immunospecifically bind to a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antigen, which formulation exhibit stability, low to undetectable levels of aggregation, and very little to no loss of the biological activities of SYNAGIS® or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, even during long periods of storage. In particular, the present invention provides liquid formulations of SYNAGIS® or an antigen-binding fragment thereof which immunospecifically binds to a RSV antigen, which formulation are substantially free of surfactant, inorganic salts, and/or other common excipients. Furthermore, the invention provides method of preventing, treating or ameliorating symptoms associated with RSV infection utilizing liquid formulations of the present invention.
US09879060B2 SV82 polypeptide, and cosmetic composition for reducing skin wrinkles and maintaining skin elasticity comprising SV82 polypeptide as active ingredient
A spider venom (SV) 82 polypeptide has an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. An SV82 polypeptide-encoding gene having a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 which is optimized for E. coli codon. A recombinant vector includes the SV82 polypeptide-encoding gene, An E. coli is transformed with the recombinant vector. A method of producing SV82 polypeptide includes transforming a host cell with the recombinant vector. A cosmetic composition for reducing skin wrinkles and maintaining skin elasticity includes SV82 polypeptide as an active ingredient.
US09879056B2 Insecticidal protein
Provided are an artificially designed and modified insecticidal protein or a segment thereof. The insecticidal protein belongs to a Vip3A-type insecticidal protein. The protein or the segment thereof has an insecticidal activity against a pest, especially a lepidoptera pest. Also provided are a nucleic acid for coding the protein or the segment thereof, an insecticidal composition, a DNA constructor, and a transformed microorganism or a plant comprising the nucleic acid, and a method for controlling a pest, especially a plant pest.
US09879051B2 Synthetic peptide for repressing transcription and/or gene expression from a binding site of interest
A synthetic peptide includes an amino acid sequence that: has 70-75%, 75-80%, 80-85%, 85-90%, 90-95% or 95-100% homology with an RpoN box of Region III of an RpoN protein; and binds specifically to a −24, −12, or −24/−12 site(s) of an RpoN promoter. The synthetic peptide is effective for repressing transcription and/or gene expression from a binding site of interest, and the binding site of interest is an RpoN binding site or a cryptic promoter upstream of an RpoN binding site.
US09879049B2 Glycopeptide antibiotic analogs effective against vancomycin-resistant bacterial strains
The invention is directed to glycopeptide antibiotics and their aglycones that are engineered to overcome bacterial resistance by replacement of a single, specific peptide carboxamide group in the core peptide of the glycopeptide antibiotic with an amidine group. The amidine pseudopeptide analog of the glycopeptide is effective in killing vancomycin-resistant bacteria at therapeutically achievable concentrations in a patient. For example, a [Ψ[C(═NH)NH]Tpg4]-vancomycin aglycon designed to exhibit the dual binding to D-Ala-D-Ala and D-Ala-D-Lac needed to reinstate activity against vancomycin-resistant bacteria has been shown to overcome a common mode of bacterial resistance to the “last resort” antibiotics of the glycopeptide class. The pseudopeptide amidine analogs can be prepared from corresponding pseudopeptide thioamide analogs, which can be prepared synthetically, semi-synthetically, or biosynthetically.
US09879044B2 Methods, compositions, and kits using heterogeneous catalysts
Described herein are methods, compositions and kits utilizing heterogeneous metal catalysts for the preparation of cycloaddition compounds, such as triazoles and biomolecules.
US09879043B1 Synthesis of non-natural cofactor analogs of S-adenosyl-L-methionine using methionine adenosyltransferase
The present disclosure relates to the synthesis of non-natural analogs of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) and/or of Se-adenosyl-L-methionine (SeAM) by reacting a methionine analog and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the presence of at least one methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT), and to use thereof with downstream SAM and/or SeAM utilizing enzymes. The non-natural analogs of SAM and/or SeAM have the general formula: where X is S or Se, and R1 is an alkyl group.
US09879041B2 Saccharide dendritic cluster compounds as inhibitors of BACE-1
The invention relates to dendritic compounds, the use of these compounds as pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, processes for preparing the compounds, and methods of treating diseases or conditions in which it is desirable to inhibit β-secretase.
US09879040B2 Metathesis catalyst
The current invention describes new metathesis catalysts, a method for their preparation and their use in metathesis reactions.
US09879038B2 Salt of tenofovir disoproxil
Disclosed is a novel tenofovir disoproxil edisylate salt having the structure of Chemical Formula 1.
US09879037B2 Fluorine-containing phosphate ester-amide, and flame retardant resin, flame retardant liquid and flame retardant solvent for organic synthesis containing same
[Problem] To provide a fluorine-containing phosphate ester-amide which has high flame retardancy such as exhibiting flame retardant effects at a small quantity of addition, and sufficient hydrolysis resistance.[Solution] A fluorine-containing phosphate ester-amide represented by general formula (1). (In the formula, R1 and R2 are the same or different and represent a branched or linear alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms in which at least one carbon bonded to a nitrogen atom is a secondary or tertiary carbon, wherein R1 and R2 may have a substituent group selected from the group consisting of an alkoxy group, a hydroxy group, an amino group, a methyl amino group, an ethyl amino group, a dimethyl amino group, diethyl amino group and a fluorine atom. In addition, R1 and R2 may be bonded together to form a five- to eight-membered cyclic structure. X and Y are the same or different and represent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, and n and m represent an integer of 1 to 6.)
US09879036B2 Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 binding compounds and methods of use thereof
The present invention provides compounds that bind to mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2), methods of using said compounds to treat patients with Fanconi Anemia, and methods of preparing said compounds.
US09879035B2 Composition for fabricating organic film, organic light-emitting display apparatus manufactured using the same, and method of manufacturing the organic light-emitting display apparatus
A composition for fabricating an organic film, an organic light-emitting display apparatus manufactured using the same, and a method of manufacturing the organic light-emitting display apparatus, the composition comprising a first compound that includes n substituents Y, and m polymerizable groups P1, wherein n is selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4; m is selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4; OP1 of the first compound is equal to or greater than 2.8 and equal to or less than 4.8; OP1 being (total number of atoms of the first compound)/{(number of carbon atoms of the first compound)−(number of oxygen atoms of the first compound)}; and RP1 of the first compound is equal to or greater than 0.01 and equal to or less than 0.46; RP1 being {(number of carbon atoms of the substituent Y)X n}/(number of carbon atoms of the first compound).
US09879034B2 Near-infrared absorption composition, cured film, near-infrared cut filter, solid-state imaging device, infrared sensor, and compound
To provide a near-infrared absorption composition which contains a squarylium compound having excellent solvent solubility, a cured film which uses the near-infrared absorption composition, a near-infrared cut filter, a solid-state imaging device, an infrared sensor, and a compound. A near-infrared absorption composition includes a compound represented by the following Formula (1) and a resin. R1 and R2 each independently represent “—S1-L1-T1” or the like, R3 and R4 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, X1 and X2 each independently represent an oxygen atom or —N(R5)—, R5 represents a hydrogen atom or the like, Y1 to Y4 each independently represent a substituent, p and s each independently represent an integer of 0 to 3, and q and r each independently represent an integer of 0 to 2; and S1 represents an arylene group or the like, L1 represents an alkylene group or the like, and T1 represents an alkyl group or the like.
US09879030B2 GPR17 receptor modulators
Chemical compounds are provided which act on GPR17 receptors and are useful in the treatment or amelioration of chronic and/or acute neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, inflammatory diseases, pathologies involving the immune system, cardiovascular diseases, and renal diseases.
US09879025B2 Transfer hydrogenation of cyclopamine analogs
Provided herein is a process for the transfer-hydrogenation of ketone analogs of members of the jervine type of Veratrum alkaloids, such as cyclopamine. Also provided herein are novel ruthenium transfer-hydrogenation catalysts.
US09879024B2 Crystal forms of (R)-N-methylnaltrexone bromide and uses thereof
The present invention provides a new forms of (R)-N-methylnaltrexone, and compositions thereof, useful as a peripheral mu opioid receptor antagonist.
US09879022B2 Bicyclic-fused heteroaryl or aryl compounds
Compounds, tautomers and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds are disclosed, wherein the compounds have the structure of Formula Ia, as defined in the specification. Corresponding pharmaceutical compositions, methods of treatment, methods of synthesis, and intermediates are also disclosed.
US09879020B2 GABAA agonists and methods of using to control airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in asthma
Novel methods of treating inflammation and airway constriction using GABAergic compounds with reduced benzo-diazepine-like CNS activity are provided. Novel compounds which selectively target alpha-4 and alpha-5 GABAA receptors and methods of using those compounds to treat bronchoconstriction and inflammation are provided herein.
US09879018B2 Processes for the preparation of (3S,4R)-3-ethyl-4-(3H-imidazo[1,2-α]pyrrolo[2,3-e]-pyrazin-8-yl)-N-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl and solid state forms thereof
The present disclosure relates to processes for preparing (3S,4R)-3-ethyl-4-(3H-imidazo[1,2-a]pyrrolo[2,3-e]pyrazin-8-yl)-N-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)pyrrolidine-1-carboxamide, solid state forms thereof, and corresponding pharmaceutical compositions, methods of treatment (including treatment of rheumatoid arthritis), kits, methods of synthesis, and products-by-process.
US09879014B2 Method for screening substance capable of inhibiting abnormal splicing causative of onset or progress of disease
A compound and a pharmaceutical composition for disease associated with an abnormal splice variant, use of the compound and the pharmaceutical composition, or a screening method of the compound and the pharmaceutical composition are provided. One or more embodiments disclose a compound expressed by the following formula (I) or (I′) or prodrugs or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Another one or more embodiments disclose a screening method using a DNA construct that is fused, arranged, or constructed so as to express different reporter genes for a wild-type splice variant and an abnormal splice variant that contributes to the development or progression of disease;
US09879013B2 Purinone derivative
Compounds represented by general formula (I) (all of the symbols in the formula conform to the definitions in the Description) are compounds that, in addition to having a Btk-selective inhibitory activity, exhibit an excellent metabolic stability and can avoid hepatotoxicity or the like, and as a consequence can provide safe therapeutic agents for diseases in which B cells or mast cells participate.
US09879009B2 Pyrazole derivative manufacturing method
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a compound represented by formula (I). With this method, provided are a method for manufacturing a 4-heteroaryl-N-(2-phenyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyridin-7-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxylic acid amide derivative; and an intermediate for this manufacturing method.
US09879004B2 Substituted acetylene derivatives and their use as positive allosteric modulators of mGluR4
The present invention relates to novel acetylene derivatives as positive allosteric modulators for modulating metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 4 (mGluR4) and/or altering glutamate level or glutamatergic signalling.
US09879003B2 Host targeted inhibitors of dengue virus and other viruses
Novel antiviral compounds of Formulae (I)-(III) are provided: (I) (II) (III) The inventive compounds, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and kits including the inventive compounds are useful for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases caused by viruses, for example, by Flaviviridae virus (e.g., Dengue virus (DENY)), Kunjin virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), poliovirus, Junin virus, Ebola virus, Marburg virus (MARV), Lassa fever virus (LASV), Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), or Rift Valley Fever virus (RVFV).
US09878989B2 Heterocyclic compound
The present invention provides a compound having a cholinergic muscarinic M1 receptor positive allosteric modulator activity, which may be useful as a prophylactic or therapeutic drug for Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, pain, sleep disorder, Parkinson's disease dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and the like. The present invention relates to a compound represented by the formula (I) or a salt thereof: wherein each symbol is as defined in the attached DESCRIPTION.
US09878984B2 Anti-cancer compounds
The present invention relates to anti-cancer compounds, methods for their discovery, and their therapeutic use. In particular, the present invention provides analogs of the known anti-cancer compound amonafide, and structurally and functionally related compounds, and methods of using such compounds as therapeutic agents to treat a number of conditions associated with hyperproliferation.
US09878983B2 Process for fluorinating compounds
Disclosed are mild temperature (e.g., from 0 to 80° C.) SNAr fluorinations of a variety of halide and sulfonate substituted aryl and heteroaryl substrates using NMe4F.
US09878982B2 Pyridine derivatives and anti-mycobacterial use thereof
Disclosed are a method for preparing a series of novel pyridine derivatives and a use thereof. Such derivatives can be used in the treatment of related diseases caused by mycobacteria, in particular diseases caused by pathogenic mycobacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis, Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium marinum.
US09878980B2 Heterodimers of glutamic acid
Compounds of Formula (Ia) wherein R is a C6-C12 substituted or unsubstituted aryl, a C6-C12 substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, a C1-C6 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or —NR′R′, Q is C(O), O, NR′, S, S(O)2, C(O)2(CH2)p Y is C(O), O, NR′, S, S(O)2, C(O)2(CH2)p Z is H or C1-C4 alkyl, R′ is H, C(O), S(O)2, C(O)2, a C6-C12 substituted or unsubstituted aryl, a C6-C12 substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl or a C1-C6 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, when substituted, aryl, heteroaryl and alkyl are substituted with halogen, C6-C12 heteroaryl, —NR′R′ or COOZ, which have diagnostic and therapeutic properties, such as the treatment and management of prostate cancer and other diseases related to NAALADase inhibition, Radiolabels can be incorporated into the structure through a variety of prosthetic groups attached at the X amino acid side chain via a carbon or hetero atom linkage.
US09878977B2 N-((3,4,5-trimethoxystyryl)aryl)cinnamamide compounds as potential anticancer agents and process for the preparation thereof
The present invention provides a compound of general formula A, useful as potential anticancer agents against human cancer cell lines and process for the preparation thereof. [Formula should be entered here] General formula A where in B selected from aryl, heteroaryl and fused heteroaryl ring R and X selected from H, hydroxy, alkyl, alkoxy, prop-2-ynyloxy, allyloxy, halo, alkylhalides, alkoxy halides, nitro, amine.
US09878975B2 Catalytic hydrogenation for producing amines from carboxylic acid amides, carboxylic acid diamides, di-, tri-, or polypeptides, or peptide amides
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of amines, comprising the following steps: a. reaction of a (i) carboxylic acid amide of the general formula (I), or (ii) carboxylic acid diamide of the general formula (II), or (iii) di-, tri- or polypeptide, or (iv) peptide amide with carboxy-terminal amide function with an alkylating agent, b. addition of a hydrogenation catalyst to the reaction mixture in a molar ratio of from 1:10 to 1:100 000, based on carboxylic acid amide, carboxylic acid diamide, di-, tri- or polypeptide or peptide amide, c. reaction of the reaction mixture with hydrogen, where a hydrogen pressure of from 0.1 bar to 200 bar is established and where a temperature in a range of from 0° C. to 250° C. is established.
US09878974B2 Ester of pentaerythritol and isotridecanoic acid used therefor
Provided are an ester of isotridecanoic acid and pentaerythritol, etc., wherein (i) the kinematic viscosity at 40° C. is in the range of 80-140 mm2/sec. and (ii) the number of terminal methyl groups per molecule of isotridecanoic acid in the isotridecanoic acid obtained by 1H-NMR measurement is in the range of 2.6-3.4 on average.
US09878973B2 Catalytic processes for preparing estolide base oils
Provided herein are processes for preparing estolides and estolide base oils from fatty acid reactants utilizing catalysts. Further provided herein are processes for preparing carboxylic esters from at least one carboxylic acid reactant and at least one olefin.
US09878970B1 Process for the preparation of benzonorbornenes
The present invention relates to a novel a process for the preparation of 9-dichloromethylene-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1,4-methano-naphthalen-5-ylamine which process comprises a) reacting cyclopentadiene in the presence of a radical initiator and CXCl3, wherein X is chloro or bromo, to a compound of formula I1, or aa) reacting cyclopentadiene with CXCl3, wherein X is chloro, in the presence of a metal catalyst to a compound of formula I1, wherein X is chloro, b) reacting the compound of formula I1 with a base in the presence of an appropriate solvent to the compound of formula III, c) and converting the compound of formula III in the presence of 1,2-dehydro-6-nitrobenzene to the compound of formula IV, and d) hydrogenating the compound of formula IV in the presence of a metal catalyst.
US09878966B2 Dehydrogenation of alkanols to increase yield of aromatics
The present invention provides methods, reactor systems, and catalysts for increasing the yield of aromatic hydrocarbons produced while converting alkanols to hydrocarbons. The invention includes methods of using catalysts to increase the yield of benzene, toluene, and mixed xylenes in the hydrocarbon product.
US09878962B2 Process and plant for producing olefins from oxygenates
A process for producing olefins from oxygenates comprises the following steps: (i) heterogeneously catalyzed conversion of at least one oxygenate to an entire stream containing liquid and gaseous organic compounds and water, and (ii) separating the entire stream in a first separating means into a fraction containing at least 90 vol-% of the gaseous organic compounds of the entire stream, into a fraction containing at least 90 wt-% of the liquid organic compounds of the entire stream, and into a fraction containing at least 90 wt-% of the water of the entire stream. Furthermore, the invention also comprises a plant for carrying out this process.
US09878960B2 Slow and fast release fertilizer composition and methods for making same
A homogeneous fertilizer granule comprises slow-release (e.g. struvite) and fast release sources of phosphorus (P). The homogeneous fertilizer granule may further contain other essential nutrients and micronutrients required by plants. A number of methods may be used to make such granules. One method includes introducing a struvite slurry or fines and a liquid supply of water soluble P into a granulator. Alternatively, dry raw materials can be mixed with water/steam and/or another binder prior to being fed into a granulator. In another embodiment, pre-mixed dry raw materials are mechanically compacted and crushed to yield homogeneous fertilizer particles.
US09878955B2 Ceramic material and capacitor comprised thereof
The invention relates to a ceramic material for capacitors. In order to achieve reduced self-heating on assembly of the material into multilayer capacitors with antiferroelectric properties and a high dielectric constant, a ceramic material of formula ┌Pb(1-r)(BaxSryCaz)r┘(1-1.5a-1.5b-0.5c)(XaYb)Ac(Zr1-dTid)O3 is proposed, where X and Y both represent a rare metal earth selected from the group consisting of La, Nd, Y, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er and/or Yb; where A represents a monovalent ion; x+y+z=1; x and/or y and/or z>0; 0
US09878951B2 Hollow-core articles and composite materials, methods of production and uses thereof
The invention provides novel articles of composite materials having hollow interior channels or passageways, or otherwise being hollowed out, and formulations and methods for their manufacture and uses. These hollow core objects are suitable for a variety of applications in construction, pavements and landscaping, and infrastructure.
US09878948B2 Compositions and methods for the introduction of reinforcement fibers in Portland and asphalt cement concrete
The present invention relates to a blend of reinforcement fibers for use in a variety of applications. In particular, the blend of reinforcement fibers can be used in cementitious compositions, such as Portland cement concrete and asphalt cement concrete compositions to reduce or preclude voids and/or cracks formed in the cement concrete upon placement. The blend of reinforcement fibers includes a plurality of first fibers and a plurality of different second fibers. The first and second fibers can be different based on coarseness/fineness, melting temperature, denier and specific chemical or material composition. In certain embodiments, one of the plurality of first fibers and the plurality of different second fibers has a melting temperature that is lower than the temperature of an asphalt cement concrete composition such that the plurality of first or different second fibers serves as a carrier/buffer to improve distribution and dispersion of the fibers in the Portland or asphalt cement concrete composition.
US09878947B1 Polyvinyl alcohol engineered ductile mortar and method of making the same
A high performance engineered composite cementitious ductile mortar including a predetermined amount of matrix interactive fibers; a water reducer having a plasticizing effect; and a defoamer/plasticizer having a plasticizing effect. A carboxylic acid polymer or carboxylic acid copolymer based superplasticizer are not included in the defoamer/plasticizer or the water reducer.
US09878946B2 Method for producing a hydraulic binding agent
Disclosed is a method and system for producing a hydraulic binder by processing of a silicate-containing component with at least one of calcium silicate hydrate- or belite-containing components. The method includes comminuting the silicate-containing component to a particle sizes of <100 μm, with at least partial breaking of Si—O—Si bonds and/or hydrogen bonds in the structure of the surface layer of the silicate-containing component, for surface activation. The method further includes contacting the comminuted silicate-containing component with calcium silicate hydrate- and/or belite-containing components to cause the calcium silicate hydrate- and/or belite-containing components to accumulate on at least 50% of the surface area of the silicate-containing carrier substance.
US09878945B2 Method for expanding raw material in the form of sand grains
The invention relates to a method for the expansion of sand grain-shaped raw material (1) in which the raw material drops downwards through a substantially vertical heated shaft (3) provided with means (2) for heating, in which a shaft flow (4) prevails and to a dosing element (6) which can be connected to a substantially vertical shaft (3) and a conveying line (7).In order to prevent the pressure fluctuations coming from the conveying line (7) in the area of the shaft (3), a dosing element (6) is attached between the shaft and the conveying (7) line, in which the quantity of granulate which goes over from the shaft (3) into the conveying line (7) is regulated via means for regulating so that a defined material collection of the granulate is formed as a buffer in the dosing element (6), which decouples the shaft flow (4) from the conveying flow.
US09878943B2 Optical fiber with reducing hydrogen sensitivity
The present disclosure is directed to a method of making an optical fiber with improved bend performance, the optical fiber having a core and at least one cladding layer, and a chlorine content in the in the last layer of the at least one cladding layer that is greater than 500 ppm by weight. The fiber is prepared using a mixture of a carrier gas, a gaseous chlorine source material and a gaseous reducing agent during the sintering of the last or outermost layer of the at least one cladding layer. The inclusion of the reducing gas into a mixture of the carrier gas and gaseous chlorine material reduces oxygen-rich defects that results in at least a 20% reduction in TTP during hydrogen aging testing.
US09878942B2 Glass composition for glass fiber
Provided is a glass composition for glass fiber allowing spinning to be stably performed without mixing of red foreign substances into glass fibers. The glass composition for glass fiber includes, in relation to the total amount thereof, SiO2 in a content falling within a range from 57.0 to 60.0% by mass, Al2O3 in a content falling within a range from 17.5 to 20.0% by mass, MgO in a content falling within a range from 8.5 to 12.0% by mass, CaO in a content falling within a range from 10.0 to 13.0% by mass and B2O3 in a content falling within a range from 0.5 to 1.5% by mass, the total content of SiO2, Al2O3, MgO and CaO being 98.0% by mass or more.
US09878938B2 Antimony-free glass, antimony-free frit and a glass package that is hermetically sealed with the frit
An antimony-free glass suitable for use in a frit for producing a hermetically sealed glass package is described. The hermetically sealed glass package, such as an OLED display device, is manufactured by providing a first glass substrate plate and a second glass substrate plate and depositing the antimony-free frit onto the first substrate plate. OLEDs may be deposited on the second glass substrate plate. An irradiation source (e.g., laser, infrared light) is then used to heat the frit which melts and forms a hermetic seal that connects the first glass substrate plate to the second glass substrate plate and also protects the OLEDs. The antimony-free glass has excellent aqueous durability, good flow, low glass transition temperature and low coefficient of thermal expansion.
US09878937B2 Heat ray-absorbing glass plate and method for producing same
A heat-absorbing glass plate containing iron, tin, selenium, cobalt and sulfur, where the mass ratio of divalent iron as calculated as Fe2O3 to total iron as calculated as Fe2O3 is at least 55%, the ratio Tv/Te of the visible light transmittance Tv (by illuminant A, 2° visual field) as defined in JIS R3106 (1998) calculated as 4 mm thickness of the glass plate to the solar transmittance Te as defined in JIS R3106 (1998) calculated as 4 mm thickness of the glass plate, is at least 1.5, the visible light transmittance Tv (by illuminant A, 2° visual field) is higher than 65% as defined in JIS R3106 (1998) calculated as 4 mm thickness of the glass plate, and the excitation purity Pe is at most 7% as defined in JIS Z8701 (1999) calculated as 4 mm thickness of the glass plate.
US09878936B2 Ultraviolet absorbing glass article
An ultraviolet absorbing glass article comprising, as a glass matrix composition in mass % based on oxides, from 66 to 75% of SiO2, from 10 to 20% of Na2O, from 5 to 15% of CaO, from 0 to 6% of MgO, from 0 to 5% of Al2O3, from 0 to 5% of K2O, from 0.13 to 0.9% of FeO, at least 0.8% and less than 2.4% of total iron as represented by Fe2O3, and more than 1% and at most 5% of TiO2, containing from 100 to 500 mass ppm of CoO, from 0 to 70 mass ppm of Se and from 0 to 800 mass ppm of Cr2O3 in a total content of CoO, Se and Cr2O3 of less than 0.1 mass % based on the total content of components in the glass matrix composition, and having an ultraviolet transmittance of at most 2% at a thickness of 3.5 mm.
US09878935B2 Manufacturing method, control device, and manufacturing apparatus of optical fiber
A manufacturing method of an optical fiber includes drawing an optical fiber preform and forming a bare optical fiber, coating an outer circumference of the bare optical fiber with a coating layer including a resin, curing the coating layer and forming an optical fiber by curing the coating layer, and changing a direction of the bare optical fiber using one or a plurality of direction changing devices at any position between a position where the bare optical fiber is formed and a position where the coating is performed. The direction changing device includes a guide groove which guides the bare optical fiber, and an internal space portion into which a fluid is introduced from an outside, and in the guide groove, an outlet through which the fluid in the internal space portion is blown to float the bare optical fiber in the guide groove is formed.
US09878934B2 Methods and apparatus for conveying a glass ribbon
Methods of conveying a glass ribbon are provided that each includes the step of conveying the glass ribbon over a support device with a cushion of fluid supporting the glass ribbon over the support device. Each method further includes the step of monitoring a physical contact event between the glass ribbon and the support device by detecting an acoustic signal associated with the physical contact event. In further examples, glass ribbon conveying apparatus are provided that each includes a support device configured to support a glass ribbon over the support device with a cushion of fluid. Each apparatus further includes an acoustic sensor configured to monitor a physical contact event between the glass ribbon and the support device by detecting an acoustic signal associated with the physical contact event.
US09878930B1 Systems and methods for installing digester ballast
An enhanced apparatus system and method may be used to facilitate the construction of a processing tank such as an anaerobic digester. The kit may include a cover assembly that can be assembled to form a cover for the processing tank, a side wall assembly that can be assembled to form a side wall for the processing tank, and a plurality of ballast support assemblies. Each ballast support assembly may have a retracted configuration in which the ballast support assembly avoids significantly impeding vertical motion of the ballast block from an initial ballast location to a final ballast location, and a deployed configuration in which the ballast block can be supported by the ballast support assembly in the final ballast location.
US09878929B2 Stable salt-free polyaluminum chlorosulfates
A process for producing a polyaluminum chlorosulfate (PACS) includes providing solid aluminum hydroxychloride, providing aluminum sulfate, mixing the solid aluminum hydroxychloride with the aluminum sulfate, in the presence of water, to form an aqueous milky suspension, wherein, on a dry weight basis, the ratio of the aluminum hydroxychloride to the aluminum sulfate is 0.75-20 parts aluminum hydroxychloride to 1 part aluminum sulfate, and maintaining the milky suspension for a period sufficient to allow the milky suspension to form a clear to slightly turbid solution including the PACS, the PACS having a basicity of 55 to 75%, the average molecular weight of the PACS is greater than or equal to 95 and less than or equal to 111, and salts present in the PACS comprise 0-1.0% sodium chloride by weight and 0-1.0% sodium sulfate by weight.
US09878928B1 Pretreatment solution for water recovery systems
Chemical pretreatments are used to produce usable water by treating a water source with a chemical pretreatment that contains a hexavalent chromium and an acid to generate a treated water source, wherein the concentration of sulfate compounds in the acid is negligible, and wherein the treated water source remains substantially free of precipitates after the addition of the chemical pretreatment. Other methods include reducing the pH in urine to be distilled for potable water extraction by pretreating the urine before distillation with a pretreatment solution comprising one or more acid sources selected from a group consisting of phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, and nitric acid, wherein the urine remains substantially precipitate free after the addition of the pretreatment solution. Another method described comprises a process for reducing precipitation in urine to be processed for water extraction by mixing the urine with a pretreatment solution comprising hexavalent chromium compound and phosphoric acid.
US09878927B2 Apparatus for purifying a fluid and method for purifying a fluid, in particular by means of the aforesaid apparatus
Apparatus for purifying a fluid, which comprises at least one ion absorption cell (2) with an operating chamber (4, 5) at its interior through which a first operative fluid (F1) flows and an evacuation chamber (13, 13′) through which a second operative fluid (F2, F2′) flows and which is separated from the operating chamber (4,5) by a filtering membrane (100). A porous electrical conductor (18) is housed in the evacuation chamber (13, 13′) and is traversed by the second operative fluid (F2, F2′). Two electrodes (A, B) have the aforesaid operating chamber (4, 5) and evacuation chamber (13, 13′) interposed, and are supplied with opposite polarities in order to generate an operative electric field in the operating chamber (4, 5) and a limited electric field in the evacuation chamber (13, 13′), the latter with value lower than the operative electric field, due to the shielding effect of the porous electrical conductor (18). The charged particles contained in the operating chamber (4, 5) are susceptible of traversing the filtering membrane (100) under the action of the operative electric field generated by the electrodes (A, B), and be evacuated by the second operative fluid (F2, F2′) in the evacuation chamber (13, 13′), in which they are subjected to the action of the limited electric field.
US09878923B1 Adsorbent comprising bisphenol, formaldehyde and hexadiamine terpolymer with adsorbed Pb
A cross-linked terpolymer (BSDF) obtained by polycondensation of bisphenol-S, formaldehyde and 1,6-diammohexane. The terpolymer is highly efficient in eliminating lead ions from aqueous solutions. The adsorption of lead ions on BSDF was studied under different conditions such as: pH, contact time and temperature. The adsorption kinetics fits Lagergren second order kinetic model that are in agreement with the low surface area as a chemisorption process. Applying BSDF on non-spiked and spiked real wastewater samples under optimum conditions revealed the high efficiency of BSDF in removing toxic metal ions.
US09878921B2 Outlet for shower or faucet head
Removable and replaceable outlets for point-of-use showers or faucets, filter devices, and methods and systems including the outlets and/or filter devices, are disclosed.
US09878920B2 White pigment dispersions
A white pigment dispersion includes 10 to 60 wt % of low effective density TiO2, 1 to 40 wt % of a latex, and the balance a dispersing medium. Inks using the low effective density TiO2 and methods for preparing the low effective density TiO2 are also disclosed.
US09878910B2 Treatment of gases
A process and apparatus for recovering sulphur from a hydrogen sulphide containing gas stream are disclosed. A gas stream containing hydrogen sulphide gas is passed into an apparatus having a first thermal-reaction-region and a first catalytic region and reacting a portion of the hydrogen sulphide gas to sulphur dioxide and water and reacting a further portion to form sulphur vapor and water vapor to form a resultant-gas-mixture of water vapor, sulphur vapor, sulphur dioxide and hydrogen sulphide and passing a portion to the first catalytic-region whereby at least a portion of the hydrogen sulphide is reacted in the presence of a catalyst to form further sulphur vapor and water vapor and condensing at least a portion of sulphur vapor to form liquid sulphur and passing at least a portion of the liquid sulphur to a sulphur pit.
US09878905B2 Negative electrode including metal/metalloid nanotubes, lithium battery including the negative electrode, and method of manufacturing the negative electrode
A negative electrode includes nanotubes including a metal/metalloid, disposed on a conductive substrate, and having opened ends. A lithium battery includes the negative electrode.
US09878902B2 Cavity pressure modification using local heating with a laser
A method and system for changing a pressure within at least one enclosure in a MEMS device are disclosed. In a first aspect, the method comprises applying a laser through one of the at least two substrates onto a material which changes the pressure within at least one enclosure when exposed to the laser, wherein the at least one enclosure is formed by the at least two substrates. In a second aspect, the system comprises a MEMS device that includes a first substrate, a second substrate bonded to the first substrate, wherein at least one enclosure is located between the first and the second substrates, a metal layer within one of the first substrate and the second substrate, and a material vertically oriented over the metal layer, wherein when the material is heated the material changes a pressure within the at least one enclosure.
US09878894B1 Fluid delivery devices having improved efficiency in delivering fluid with reduced wastage of fluid
A fluidic delivery device includes a fluid supply containing a fluid, the fluid supply has a fluid reservoir and a pair of fluid permeable compressible bodies located in the fluid reservoir. One of the fluid permeable compressible bodies has an effective greater density than the other fluid permeable compressible body.
US09878889B2 Mast lift using multi-stage mast module
A multi-stage mast module is cooperable with a mast lift. The mast lift includes a base supporting the multi-stage mast module and a platform coupled with the multi-stage mast module. The multi-stage mast module includes a mast unit including a plurality of telescoping mast sections, and a multi-stage drive connected between the telescoping mast sections of the mast unit. Gas springs are connected between the telescoping mast sections of the mast unit. The gas springs act between the adjacent ones of the telescoping mast sections.
US09878886B2 Electronically controlled hydraulic swing system
A hydraulic circuit for use on a construction machine includes a first valve, a second valve, and at least a third valve. The second and third valve each includes at least one inlet port connected to a first outlet port of the first valve. The first outlet port of each of the second and third valves are configured to reduce a first pressure to a second pressure and/or a third pressure downstream of the second valve and the third valve, respectively. The second valve and the third valve also include at least a second outlet port connected to a reservoir tank. A hydraulic motor is connected to the first outlet port of the second valve, which operates the hydraulic motor in a first direction. The hydraulic motor also is connected to the first outlet port of the third valve, which operates the hydraulic motor in a second direction.
US09878883B2 Moving walkway safety system
A safety system for a moving walkway having a continuous loop of steps driven by a drive system and missing step detector adapted to detect a missing step from the loop of steps. The safety system comprises: an interrupt unit adapted to control the drive system to disable automatic movement of the loop of steps upon detection of a predetermined event and adapted to subsequently control the drive system to enable automatic movement of the loop of steps only after a safety procedure has been completed without a missing step being detected by the missing step detector. The safety procedure comprises causing a step to traverse an entire loop under manual control of the drive system.
US09878882B2 Large-tonnage slender externally powered curve rail-mounted unloading skip
The present invention provides a large-tonnage slender externally powered rail-mounted unloading skip, comprising an upper bin body and a lower bin body that are respectively formed by an inner lining plate and an outer plate fixed together via a number of pin shafts, a self-locking gate, and a gate opening device. A loading opening and a coal baffle plate that is used to block coal when the coal is loaded are arranged on the upper part of the upper bin body, a self-locking gate composed of a sector gate plate and unloading rollers is arranged on the lower bin body, a coal chute is arranged on the lower part of the self-locking gate, the upper bin body and the lower bin body are connected together through flanged connection, and channel irons are welded around the walls of the upper bin body and lower bin body respectively; when the skip is at an unloading position, externally powered telescopic push rods push the unloading rollers to move in an unloading rail of the slide block, so that the self-locking gate is opened, and the coal is unloaded along a coal chute. With the reliable connection between the upper bin body and the lower bin body, effective and convenient fixing of the lining plate, and reliable opening of the gate, the skip can meet the production requirements of 10-million tonnage large-size shafts.
US09878878B2 Elevator
An elevator comprisingan elevator car;a plurality of belt-shaped ropes connected to the car, each having a width larger than thickness as measured in transverse direction of the rope; and at least one rope wheel, around which the belt-shaped ropes pass; wherein the rope wheel comprises a plurality of circumferential rope contact areas distributed in axial direction thereof, one of said ropes passing against each circumferential rope contact area, the elevator further comprising a sensing arrangement for sensing displacement of one or more of said ropes, comprising a sensing member for sensing displacement of one or more of said ropes radially outwards from the rope wheel, extending in axial direction of the rope wheel along its surface at a radial distance therefrom, whereby a gap is formed between the sensing member and each rope contact area, the height of the gap being more than thickness of the belt-shaped ropes and less than 2.2 times the thickness of the belt-shaped ropes; sensing member being displaceable by a rope colliding into contact with it, and the sensing arrangement is arranged to trigger one or more predefined action in response to displacement of the sensing member.
US09878870B2 Print media ejection
According to an example, to eject print media from an image forming apparatus, a variable page feed velocity of a first page of print media exiting a feed zone is detected. An acceleration value and a deceleration value based on the variable page feed velocity of the first page is calculated. The calculated acceleration is applied to a media movement component in the output zone when the entire first page has cleared a media sensor in the front of the output zone, and the deceleration is applied when the tail end of the first page is in a brake zone. In some examples, a second page of print media and a variable page feed velocity of the second page exiting the feed zone is detected, and the media movement component in the output zone is accelerated to match the variable page feed velocity of the second page.
US09878869B2 Rolled product dispenser with multiple cutting blades and cutter assembly for a rolled product dispenser
There is provided a rolled product dispenser for dispensing a web of rolled product. The rolled product dispenser includes a housing, a dispensing assembly operationally connected to the housing and interacting with the web of the rolled product and a cutting assembly cooperating with the dispensing assembly to sever the web of rolled product. The cutting assembly includes at least two cutting blades, each one of the cutting blades having a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally mounted and the second end is operationally connected to a guiding assembly for guiding the blade between a cutting position and a non-cutting position.
US09878865B2 Apparatus and method for securing an end of a strip to a tambour
A method for securing a web end of a paper web on a first drum during a change of drum, the method includes passing the web end through a nip between a Pope roller and the second drum and applying adhesive to an area of the web end on a downward-rotating area of the Pope roller after the web end is passed through the nip.
US09878864B2 Automatic positioning group in a winding machine of plastic film
An automatic positioning group in a machine for winding plastic film onto bobbins that determines the correct position of an operative oscillating element with respect to a core such as a bobbin of a film having a different diameter sizes, wherein the operative oscillating element is supported at first free ends of levers hinged on pins associated with a frame of the winding machine and oscillated by a related actuator. The levers extend, in an opposite position to the ends carrying the operative oscillating element into appendices which collaborate with at least one pair of abutments positioned on a respective cam rotated with respect to the frame by an actuator, wherein each of the abutments is positioned on the cam with a different radial dimension with respect to a rotation axis of the rotating cam. The operative oscillating element can consist of a contact roll or a cutting blade.
US09878861B1 Sheet supplying apparatus, image forming apparatus
It is an object of the present invention to provide sheet supplying apparatus. The sheet supplying apparatus has a tray; a guide mechanism; a movement conversion mechanism; a rotary member; a cam and slider mechanism and a compression spring. The movement conversion mechanism converts an up and down motion of the tray to a rotational motion. The rotary member comprises a transmitted portion configured to receive a rotational motion converted from the up and down motion of the tray in cooperation with the movement conversion mechanism and a driven portion configured to receive a rotational driving force to lift the tray. The cam and slider mechanism converts the rotational motion of the rotary member to a linear motion of a linearly movable member. The compression spring elastically presses the linearly movable member of the cam and slider mechanism in the rotational axis direction to lift the tray.
US09878859B2 Device and method for separating an item from a stack of items
The present invention relates to a separating device and to a respective method for separating an item from a stack (12) of items (14), the separating device comprising: —a carrier unit (20; 40; 50) having a support surface (24; 44; 54) to support numerous items (14) stacked on top of each other in an axial direction (z), and having at least a first discharge outlet (25; 45; 55) for a pressurized fluid to at least partially raise the stack (12) of items (14) from an initial position into an elevated position relative to the support surface (24; 44; 54) and to keep at least several items (14) of the stack (12) in the elevated position, —a gripping unit (30; 60) having at least one suction nozzle (38; 68) to grip the uppermost item (14) when the stack (12) is in the elevated position, and—wherein the carrier unit (20; 40; 50) and the gripping unit (30; 60) are displaceable relative to each other at least in the axial direction (z).
US09878851B1 Pick and pass conveyor with fully rotatable transmissions
A transmission for driving articles can drive the articles in any direction up to nearly 360 degrees from a first direction of motion of the article while maintaining the input constant. The transmissions can be used in connection with material handling systems to convey articles to desired locations. Conveyor sections may have a plurality of such transmissions whose orientations are controlled as a group or individually.
US09878850B2 Cold planer folding conveyor
A foldable conveyor includes a rocker mechanism and actuator coupled to first and second conveyor sections, pivotably connected by a pivotal coupling to pivot the second conveyor section between deployed and stowed positions. The rocker mechanism includes first and second pivotably coupled links pivotably coupled to each other and the first and second conveyor sections, and a mechanical advantage amplifier secured with the first link. The actuator is coupled to the mechanical advantage amplifier such that extension of the actuator moves the second conveyor section to a stowed position below the first conveyor section.
US09878848B2 Friction feeder
Disclosed is a friction feeder configured to allow for the removal and replacement of wear parts such as friction belts, drive belts and friction meter wheels without the need to significantly disassemble the machine and without the need for tools. The rollers are mounted only on one end in a cantilever manner to aid in the access to the friction belts. The rollers are releasably held in tension with a hand-actuatable piston. The roller ball assembly can be rotated clear of the product holding position without the use of tools. The friction meter wheel assembly can then be accessed and replaced. A piston also releasably holds the drive belt pulleys in tension so that the drive belts can be replaced.
US09878839B2 Seaweed-based food packaging coating
A food packaging material comprises a paper, paperboard or cardboard substrate and a barrier coating on the substrate, wherein the barrier coating comprises the combination of starch, seaweed extract and paper fibers.
US09878830B2 Flanged sealing means
A structure for substantially sealing a storage unit, wherein the structure includes an elastically stretchable flange cooperable with a lip provided on a rim of the storage unit, wherein the flange is elastically urged to seal against the lip of the storage unit.
US09878829B2 Bag container dispenser and dispenser rack
A bag container dispenser includes a bag container. The container is formed of resilient material and has a bottom, a top, first and second sides, a front, a back and a removable access panel. The access panel has a top segment that includes a portion of the top and a connected front segment. The front segment has a height that extends from the bottom to the top. Stacked bags are sized and shaped to fit within the bag container. Each of the bags has a front wall, a back wall, an open top and a closure mechanism. The bags are dispensable from the container through an opening provided by removal of the access panel which may have a removable cover. A dispenser rack has a horizontal platform sized and shaped to support the bag container. Peripheral guards extend upward from the platform and constrain movement of the container during dispensing.
US09878827B2 Reclosable package
A reclosable package for food products has the following features: a cold seal formed between a first and a second sealing portion, in which the bonding force of the cold seal to the first and the second sealing portion is greater than the bonding force within the cold seal, so that the cold seal is separated and partly adheres to the first, and partly adheres to the second sealing portion when the seal is opened, or a seal with an initial opening force of 2, preferably 2.5, to 4 N/15 mm, and opening forces for one or more reclosings of 0.5 to 2 N/15 mm, preferably 1 to 1.5 N/15 mm.
US09878824B1 Reusable envelopes
The present invention provides reusable envelope structures and methods of use thereof. In preferred aspects, the present invention provides envelope structures in which a single envelope structure can provide multiple uses.
US09878823B2 Display package having two modes
A display package for a consumer product includes a base, a surround window positioned upon the base, and a top cover positioned upon the surround window. Each of the front, back, and two opposed side walls include a respective edge defining an upper perimeter of each of the walls and each of the front, back, and two opposed side walls include a respective edge defining a lower perimeter of each of the walls, wherein these upper and lower edges are constructed such that when the surround window is positioned upon the base and the top cover is positioned upon the surround window the front exposed surface area is greater than the back exposed surface area and wherein when the surround window is removed from between the base and top cover, the edges of the top cover are constructed to mate in a close fitting relationship with the edges of the base.
US09878819B2 Reusable container with interlocking members and method of using same
A reusable container and a method of using same to transport fragile, yet heavy loads, is provided. The reusable container, preferably made primarily from wood, includes a base member, at least one vertical member having one or more vertical support members capable of being received in one or more interlock pockets in the base member, a top or lid and a cargo support member. These components interact in such a way as to provide for ease of assembly and disassembly by a single person, and to provide a container having great strength when assembled. More specifically, the at least one vertical member interlocks with the base member and adjacent vertical members, thus minimizing the need for supplemental fasteners.
US09878816B2 Systems for compensating for vacuum pressure changes within a plastic container
A plastic container comprises an upper portion including a finish adapted to receive a closure, a lower portion including a base, and a sidewall extending between the upper portion and the lower portion. The upper portion, the lower portion, and the sidewall define an interior volume for storing liquid contents. The plastic container further comprises a pressure panel located on the container and moveable between an initial position and an activated position. The pressure panel is located in the initial position prior to filling the container, and is moved to the activated position after filling and sealing the container. Moving the pressure panel from the initial position to the activated position reduces the internal volume of the container and creates a positive pressure inside the container. The positive pressure reinforces the sidewall. A method of processing a container is also disclosed.
US09878812B2 Method of loading cartons
A large container loading system and method for a packaging machine includes an infeed conveyor and a transfer flight. An array of pivotable cradle lugs is carried by the transfer flight in synchronized movement with cartons on an adjacent carton flight. Containers are moved into the cradle lugs in an upright orientation and the cradle lugs and containers are reoriented to a substantially horizontal or sideways orientation before being pushed into their cartons by an inserter assembly. A transfer block or a support conveyor may be positioned between each of the cradle lugs and an aligned open container to support a container as it moves between a cradle lug and a carton.
US09878810B2 Self-contained stud adhesive bonding apparatus and method of use
A self-contained stud adhesive bonding apparatus enables an externally threaded stud to be adhesively attached to a separate surface in an adverse environment for an adhesive, such as the vacuum of space.
US09878809B2 Stand-off panel thermal protection system and method of fabricating the same
A stand-off panel thermal protection system includes a sandwich panel comprising: a first ceramic matrix composite facesheet and a second ceramic matrix composite facesheet. A ceramic matrix composite core is positioned between the first ceramic matrix composite facesheet and the second ceramic matrix composite facesheet. The ceramic matrix composite core has a perimeter. The first ceramic matrix composite facesheet and the second ceramic matrix composite facesheet extend past the perimeter to form a gap between the first ceramic matrix composite facesheet and the second ceramic matrix composite facesheet surrounding the ceramic matrix composite core. A plurality of orifices are formed through the sandwich panel. The thermal protection system further comprises a soft goods seal positioned in the gap; a plurality of insulation components; a plurality of stand-off brackets; and a plurality of fasteners positionable through the plurality of orifices to couple the sandwich panel to the plurality of brackets.
US09878806B2 On-orbit assembly of communication satellites
A spacecraft including a main body structure and at least a first deployable element is reconfigured from a launch configuration to an on-orbit configuration. In the launch configuration, the first deployable element is mechanically attached with the spacecraft main body structure by way of a first arrangement. In the on-orbit configuration, the first deployable element is mechanically attached with the spacecraft main body structure by way of a second arrangement. Reconfiguring the spacecraft includes detaching the first deployable element from the first arrangement, moving the first deployable element with respect to the spacecraft main body structure; and attaching the first deployable element to the second arrangement.
US09878805B2 Space vehicle with customizable payload and docking station
A “black box” space vehicle solution may allow a payload developer to define the mission space and provide mission hardware within a predetermined volume and with predetermined connectivity. Components such as the power module, radios and boards, attitude determination and control system (ADCS), command and data handling (C&DH), etc. may all be provided as part of a “stock” (i.e., core) space vehicle. The payload provided by the payload developer may be plugged into the space vehicle payload section, tested, and launched without custom development of core space vehicle components by the payload developer. A docking station may facilitate convenient development and testing of the space vehicle while reducing handling thereof.
US09878803B2 Interactive system and method for integral emergency unlocking of a locked cockpit door on an airplane
An interactive system for unlocking a locked airplane cockpit door having at least one ground station and at least one system for transmitting data between the ground station and airplane, including a ground station signal for actuating a door unlock mechanism. The airplane has: a passenger cabin located door unlock request unit to generate a door unlock request signal; a unit to transmit the request signal; at least one image capture unit in the passenger cabin or a cockpit and a unit to transmit images; a unit for receiving a door unlock signal; and an on-board computer, configured to receive the door unlock signal from the receiving unit and activate the door unlock mechanism. The ground station is connected to at least one receiving station for door unlock request and image signals transmitted from airplanes and is provided with or connected to a transmitting unit for door unlock signals.
US09878796B2 Hybrid drive for gas turbine engine
A gas turbine engine has a fan drive turbine for selectively driving a fan rotor. A drive shaft between the fan drive turbine and the fan rotor includes a clutch, and an electric motor. The electric motor is positioned such that it is not downstream of a flow path relative to the fan drive turbine. A method of operating a gas turbine engine is also disclosed.
US09878789B2 Lift and hold differential lift PDU utilizing a permanent magnet rotor
A power drive unit (PDU) for moving cargo relative to a cargo bay of an aircraft includes a cam shaft. The PDU also includes a lift cam coupled to the cam shaft and configured to cause the PDU to be in at least one of a raised position or a lowered position based on rotation of the cam shaft. The PDU also includes a permanent magnet motor configured to generate a cogging torque sufficient to resist rotation of the cam shaft such that the PDU remains in the raised position in response to power being removed from the permanent magnet motor.
US09878788B2 Aircraft
An aircraft is provided that is convertible in flight between a rotary wing configuration and a fixed wing configuration. In its fixed wing configuration the aircraft resembles a Blended Wing Body (BWB) having a swept wing angle β. Conversions from the fixed wing configuration to the rotary wing configuration, and vice versa, are accomplished by flipping an outboard portion of one wing through 180° to reorient the leading edge of the outboard portion by an angle of 2β to establish a reverse sweep. In its rotary configuration, the entire aircraft is rotated.
US09878787B2 System and method for operating unmanned aircraft
A system and method for repowering an unmanned aircraft system is disclosed. The system and method may comprise use of a utility transmission system configured to function as power system/source for UAV/aircraft and UAV/aircraft configured to interface with the power source/system. Systems and methods provide access and for administrating, managing, and monitoring access and interfacing by UAV/aircraft with the power system/source. UAV/aircraft system can be configured and operated/managed to interface with and use the power system/source (e.g. network of power lines from a utility transmission system) to enhance range and utility (e.g. for repowering and/or as a flyway or route). The system comprises an interface between the aircraft and the power source for power transfer; a monitoring system to monitor the aircraft; and an administrative/management system to manage interaction/transaction with the aircraft. The power source for power transfer may be a power line; power transfer to the aircraft may be by wireless power transfer (capacitive or inductive or optical) of an aircraft while at or operating along the power line. The aircraft may comprise a connector configured to interface with the power source/line; the power line may be configured to interface with the connector/aircraft. Data communications between the aircraft and system may be facilitated for interaction/transaction.
US09878783B2 Constant velocity joint with spring rate control mechanism
According to one embodiment, a constant velocity (CV) joint includes a first yoke, a second yoke, and three bearings. The first yoke is configured to be rotatably coupled to an input device about a first axis and configured to receive the input device through a first opening. The second yoke is rotatably coupled to the first yoke about a second axis and rotatably coupled to an output device about a third axis. The first bearing is disposed about the first axis adjacent to the first yoke, the second bearing is disposed about the second axis adjacent to the first yoke or the second yoke, and the third bearing disposed about the third axis adjacent to the second yoke. The first and third bearings torsionally constrain movement the first yoke and the second yoke so as to achieve a substantially CV characteristic between the input device and the output device.
US09878780B2 Aircraft landing gear assembly
An aircraft landing gear assembly includes a bi-stable, split line tube biased to assume a tubular condition to serve in place of a lock link or side stay and an actuator configured to radially enlarge the tube at a region for folding.
US09878779B2 Unmanned aerial vehicle and landing method thereof
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a landing method thereof are provided. The landing method includes the following steps. Firstly, a depth image of a scene is obtained. Next, a landing position is determined in accordance with the depth image. Next, a height information of the landing position is obtained. Next, a plurality of relative distances of the landing gears relative to the landing position are adjusted in accordance with the height information to make the relative distances substantially the same. Then, the UAV lands on the landing position.
US09878778B2 System and method for controlling a pressure field around an aircraft in flight
A system for controlling a pressure field around an aircraft in flight is disclosed herein. In a non-limiting embodiment, the system includes, but is not limited to, a plurality of pressure sensors that are arranged on the aircraft to measure the pressure field. The system further includes, but is not limited to, a controller that is communicatively coupled with the plurality of pressure sensors. The controller is configured to receive information that is indicative of the pressure field from the plurality of pressure sensors. The controller is also configured to determine when the pressure field deviates from a desired pressure field based on the information. The controller is also configured to transmit an instruction to a movable component onboard the aircraft that will cause the movable component to move in a manner that reduces the deviation.
US09878776B2 System and method for optimizing horizontal tail loads
A method of controlling an elevator of an aircraft may include identifying a current stabilizer angle of incidence of a stabilizer of the aircraft. The stabilizer may include an elevator pivotably coupled to the stabilizer. The method may further include comparing the current stabilizer angle of incidence with a threshold stabilizer angle of incidence, and selecting an elevator position limit that is more restrictive if the current stabilizer angle of incidence is greater than or equal to the threshold stabilizer angle of incidence. The method may additionally include moving the elevator to a commanded elevator position that is no greater than the elevator position limit.
US09878768B1 Marine transmission with synchronizer to shift into high speed gear
A marine transmission includes a synchronizer on a counter rotating shaft to shift into a high speed gear. The synchronizer includes friction surfaces on both sides of the gear body for the high speed gear. The high speed gear mesh is helical and generates axial force that enhances the torque carrying capacity of synchronizing friction surfaces, thereby enabling the shifting into the high speed gear without torque interrupt.
US09878762B2 System for launching and recovering an underwater vehicle
A system for launching and recovering an underwater vehicle (18), which system comprises a crane (16) and a storage location for at least one underwater vehicle (18), wherein the crane (16) is attached to the bottom of a first container (12) and the storage location is provided in a second container (14), said first container (12) being arranged on the second container (14) during an operation of launching or an operation of recovering.
US09878760B2 Brake and method for the installation thereof
A hydraulic brake having a master unit, a slave unit, and a hydraulic line. The hydraulic line is filled with a hydraulic fluid and connects the slave unit to the master unit. Further, the hydraulic line has a continuous internal cross-section reduced in at least one longitudinal portion thereof. A method for the installation of a hydraulic brake having a master unit and a slave unit connected to a hydraulic line is also provided.
US09878754B2 Height adjusting device for a bicycle seat post
A height adjusting device for a bicycle seat post provides an up-down adjust unit. All the oil-flow control elements of the height adjusting device are arranged inside the up-down adjust unit. The oil flows between the valve port and the oil-block plate are blocked by both the oil-block plate and the valve port touching tightly in an up-down engaging manner. By the structure, what repairing the oil-flow control elements needs is to replace the up-down adjust unit when the oil-flow control elements are out of work. Therefore, it is convenient to repair and assemble. The valve port and the oil-block plate are arranged up and down so that they may touch each other closely in surfaces engaging. Thus, it provides good oil-blocking effects. Besides, the oil-block plate receives no shear stress occurring in the prior art generated from suddenly pressing down the seat. Therefore, it has a long service life.
US09878749B2 Rubber crawler and rubber crawler manufacturing method
A rubber crawler includes: a rubber belt serving as an example of an endless rubber body entrained around plural wheels; plural rubber projections that are formed at the rubber belt at intervals around a crawler peripheral direction of the rubber belt, that project toward an inner peripheral side of the rubber belt, and that limit movement of the wheels in a crawler width direction through contact; and at least one metal member embedded in each rubber projection, the at least one metal member raising a rigidity of the rubber projection in the crawler width direction, and including a portion that is exposed from the rubber projection.
US09878744B2 Wood flooring with reinforced thermoplastic underlayer
An example reinforced wood flooring for use in forming a truck trailer or container floor may include a wood member. The wood member may include a plurality of wood strips that are attached together. The wood member may also have a top surface and a bottom surface. An essentially water impermeable fiber-reinforced thermoplastic underlay may be adhered to the bottom surface of the wood member.
US09878737B2 Hydraulic steering control system
A hydraulic fluid supply portion of a hydraulic steering control system may include an accumulator holding a quantity of pressurized steering fluid, and a priority valve. The priority valve may have a priority supply inlet port fluidly connected to the accumulator for receiving pressurized steering fluid from the accumulator, and a priority supply outlet port fluidly connected to a steering flow amplifier circuit. The priority valve may have a normally open position with a minimal pressure drop between the priority supply inlet port and the priority supply outlet port, and a flow restriction position where fluid flow between the ports is restricted. A load signal line from a steering control circuit to the priority valve may bias the priority valve toward the normally open position in response to an operator steering command to provide pressurized steering fluid to the steering flow amplifier circuit.
US09878731B2 Steering wheel with data transmission via a finger navigation module
A steering wheel for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The steering wheel includes an optical finger navigation module, at least one further operating element, a steering wheel electronic system and a databus for data transmission between the optical finger navigation module and the steering wheel electronic system. The at least one further operating element is directly connected to the optical finger navigation module via a signal line. The optical finger navigation module is designed in such a way as to receive a signal from the at least one further operating element and relay it on to the steering wheel electronic system via the databus. In this way, no dedicated lines from the operating element to the steering wheel electronic system are necessary. Thus, the construction space for the installation of a device consisting of an optical finger navigation module and a further operating element in a steering wheel is reduced.
US09878715B2 Vehicle driving assistance apparatus and vehicle driving assistance method
An in-vehicle system includes a vehicle position detection unit and a vehicle position calculation unit that detect a vehicle position, a road condition prediction unit that predicts a road condition at a position in front of the detected vehicle position, an automatic driving continuation determination unit that determines whether or not the vehicle automatic driving can be continued at the position in front of the vehicle based on the road condition predicted by the road condition prediction unit, and an automatic driving cancellation warning unit that warns of cancellation of the vehicle automatic driving when the automatic driving continuation determination unit determines that it is difficult to continue the vehicle automatic driving.
US09878713B2 Method and apparatus for controlling an engine of a motor vehicle
A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of an engine of a motor vehicle is disclosed in which the engine is restarted while the vehicle is in motion by bump starting it if the speed of the vehicle falls within predetermined speed limits but is otherwise restarted using a starter motor. The number of starts for which the starter motor is used is thereby reduced advantageously reducing wear of the starter motor and increasing the life and/or reducing the duty cycle of the battery or source of power used for the starter motor.
US09878712B2 Apparatus and program for assisting drive of vehicle
In an apparatus, a first obtainer obtains a first travelling-condition parameter of a target vehicle. The first travelling-condition parameter shows one or more conditions under which the target vehicle is travelling on the road. A second obtainer obtains a second travelling-condition parameter of a preceding vehicle travelling on the road immediately ahead of the target vehicle. The second travelling-condition parameter shows one or more conditions under which the preceding vehicle is travelling on the road. A deviation calculator calculates a deviation between the first and second travelling-condition parameters. A behavior determiner determines a recommended behavior of the target vehicle in response to the calculated deviation. A controller controls a device, which is associated with a behavior of the target vehicle, according to the recommended behavior.
US09878710B2 Method for improving performance of a method for computationally predicting a future state of a target object, driver assistance system, vehicle including such driver assistance system and respective program storage medium and program
The invention regards a method for improving performance of a method for computationally predicting a future state of a target object, a driver assistance system and a vehicle with such driver assistance system. First data describing a traffic environment including a target object is acquired. On the basis of the acquired data at least one prediction step for estimating a future state of an object in the traffic environment is performed and a signal indicative of a prediction result describing an estimated future state of the target object and/or an ego vehicle is generated. An actual state of the target object and/or the ego vehicle is observed and quality of the prediction by comparing the observed actual state and the prediction result is estimated. Finally the prediction result and/or parameters of the prediction algorithm is adapted.
US09878708B2 Control apparatus for vehicle, and vehicle
A drive system includes a drive source and a transmission mechanism transmitting a torque between the drive source and a drive wheel. The transmission mechanism includes at least one clutch switching between an engaged state of transmitting the torque between elements constituting the drive system and a disengaged state of failing to transmit the torque. An ECU detects at least one loaded state in which an excessively large torque can be applied to the drive system in a direction from the drive wheel, and disengages a predetermined clutch when the at least one loaded state in which an excessively large torque can be applied is detected. In the case where an excessively large torque can be applied to the drive system, the torque applied to a predetermined element constituting the drive system can be blocked and the torque applied to the drive system can be suppressed with a good response.
US09878706B2 Modular hybrid transmission with torque converter baffle
An assembly includes, among other things, a front module housing an electric machine and an engine disconnect clutch, a transmission aft of the front module, a torque converter axially between the front module and the transmission, and a baffle radially between the torque converter and the transmission.
US09878704B2 Vehicle shifting control method
A shifting control method of a vehicle includes inhibiting, by a controller, a line pressure from being increased when the controller senses a power-off upshift condition of the vehicle, calculating, by the controller, a target speed of a motor after the inhibiting step, synchronizing, by the controller, the motor to the target speed after the calculating step, and increasing, by the controller, an oil pressure of an engagement side clutch of a transmission to complete shifting after the synchronizing step.
US09878703B2 Electrified vehicle with power dissipation feature
An electrified vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an energy recovery mechanism, and a controller configured to selectively activate at least a battery cooling mode to dissipate excess power from the energy recovery mechanism.
US09878700B2 Indicator apparatus for hybrid vehicle, hybrid vehicle, indicating method for hybrid vehicle
An indicator apparatus for a hybrid vehicle includes a display region having a range that extends between first and second ends of the display region. The display region displays a first mark to indicate to the driver a first state amount that changes in accordance with the output demand from the driver, a first edge of the first mark moving across the range between the first and second ends of the display region as the first state amount changes. A second mark having a second edge is displayed so that the second edge extends across and overlaps the display region, the second edge indicating to the driver a threshold at which switching occurs between an EV traveling mode and an HV traveling mode.
US09878699B2 Throttle disk of a hydraulic assembly of a vehicle brake system
In a throttle disk of a dynamic throttle of a hydraulic assembly of a vehicle brake system, with at least one disk surface which is formed by a rigid material, a layer of elastic material is at least partially formed on the disk surface.
US09878697B2 Actuating device for a motor vehicle brake system
The invention relates to an actuating device for a vehicle brake system, comprising a first piston-cylinder unit, the at least one working space of which is to be connected to at least one wheel brake of the vehicle via at least one hydraulic line, further comprising an electromechanical drive device and an actuating device, in particular a brake pedal, and to a method for operating an actuating device for a vehicle brake system. According to the invention, the actuating device comprises a further piston-cylinder unit (6, 41), the piston (6) of which can be actuated by means of the actuating device (10, 5) and is connected to a piston of the first piston-cylinder unit (4) via a connecting device.
US09878696B2 Method for actuating a parking brake in a vehicle
In a method for actuating a parking brake in a vehicle, a clamping force is generated by an electromechanical braking device comprising a brake motor. The motor voltage of the brake motor is determined on the basis of the control-unit input voltage of a closed-loop or open-loop control unit.
US09878694B2 Stroke simulator and bush for stroke simulator
A stroke simulator and a bush for a stroke simulator are configured so that a bush provided to a stroke simulator can be attached without direction management. The stroke simulator generates brake reaction force by a simulator piston that is displaced within a cylinder by hydraulic pressure generated according to the operation of a brake pedal by a driver. A cylindrical rubber bush elastically deformed in an axial direction by pressure from the simulator piston to generate brake reaction force, the bush characterized in that a first end section on the simulator piston side and a second end section facing the first end section contain the same number, at least two, of concave sections concaved in the axial direction, and the concave section formed in the first end section and the concave section formed in the second end section are formed in different positions in the axial direction.
US09878693B2 Absolute acceleration sensor for use within moving vehicles
A communication system for a vehicle comprises a mechanism for sensing a motion status of a vehicle, a control device, plurality of data acquisition sensors, and one or more alerting device activation circuits. The communication system is customizable with the plurality of data acquisition sensors and one or more alerting device activation circuits based upon the needs of the vehicle.
US09878691B2 Self-arming immobilizer system, apparatus and method
There is disclosed a self-arming immobilizer system for immobilizing a vehicle. In an embodiment, the system comprises a signal input for receiving a signal indicating the absence of an authorized operator in a position of control in the vehicle; and an immobilizer unit adapted to receive the signal input, and in response to the signal indicating the absence of an authorized operator in a position of control in the vehicle, switch one or more relays to disable one or more circuits in the vehicle to immobilize and secure the vehicle. In an embodiment, upon arming, the immobilizer unit is adapted to passively disarm the vehicle upon detection of a first key fob within a defined first distance from a sensor located on the vehicle. In another embodiment, the first key fob is operable to wirelessly arm or disarm the vehicle from a defined second distance from a sensor located on the vehicle.
US09878690B2 Vehicle communications
A method and apparatus 10 for interacting remotely with a vehicle 12 comprising data transfer means 22 for wirelessly communicating messages between a mobile communications device 18 operable by a user and a vehicle databus 24 located within the vehicle 12. Optionally, the data transfer means 22 is arranged to wirelessly communicate with the mobile communications device 18 via a web server 14, a web portal or other internet-connected host system. The data transfer means 22 may be arranged to wirelessly communicate with the web portal via a GSM or other cellular communications network 13. After the vehicle engine has stopped, communication of messages may continue on an intermittent basis, or may be suspended after a predetermined time has elapsed or when the vehicle battery voltage reaches a predetermined threshold. High priority messages may be communicated at any time after the vehicle engine has stopped.
US09878687B2 Vehicle energy absorbing device
Example embodiments relate to a vehicle energy absorbing device that includes a primary energy absorbing box and a secondary energy absorbing box, the primary energy absorbing box having a U-shaped cross section with a bottom and a wall extending therefrom, the secondary energy absorbing box being nested inside the primary energy absorbing box. In the event of a collision between a car and a pedestrian, the secondary energy absorbing box of the vehicle energy absorbing device is configured to provide continuous stiffness when the primary energy absorbing box is almost collapsed, so as to protect lower legs of pedestrians and reduce harm thereto. The vehicle energy absorbing device can not only decrease harm to lower legs of pedestrians, but also reduce damage to automobiles as a result of a low-speed collision.
US09878683B2 Maintaining telematics service after vehicle power disruption
An electronic device including a first connector adapted to couple the electronic device to a vehicle diagnostic connector, wherein the first connector includes first electrical contacts arranged according to a first pin arrangement, and the electronic device is configured to obtain operating power for the electronic device via the first connector; a second connector including second electrical contacts arranged according to the first pin arrangement, wherein the second connector is configured to supply operating power for a telematics device coupled to the second connector, and the electronic device is configured to convey a communication signal between one of the first electrical contacts and a respective one of the second electrical contacts; an energy storage unit adapted to provide stored power as operating power for the electronic device and the telematics device; and a first processor configured to detect a loss of power from the first connector, and in response to detecting the loss of power, transmit an indication message indicating the loss of power to the telematics device while power is provided from the energy storage unit to the second connector.
US09878682B2 Multiple vehicular charge sources and loads
A charge controller for a vehicle passive energy system employs an interface to a plurality of charge sources including intermittent sources, such as vehicle mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and the vehicle engine and alternator, and an interface to a plurality of charge loads, such as a comfort heating ventilation, refrigeration and air conditioning (HVAC) system and auxiliary vehicle loads. Charge logic computes which of the plurality of sources will supply the charge current and which of the plurality of loads will receive the charge current, and a switch responsive to the charge logic will direct the charge current from at least one of the plurality of sources to at least one of the loads, the plurality of charge sources mutually exclusive from simultaneously powering a common load.
US09878679B2 Vehicle vision system with windshield mounted camera
A vision system for a vehicle includes a camera module having a camera and a circuit board. With the camera module disposed at the windshield, the camera has a field of view forward of the vehicle and through the vehicle windshield. The camera includes (i) an imager and (ii) a lens. The camera is electrically connected to circuitry established at the circuit board via a flexible electrical connection. The circuitry, via the flexible electrical connection, provides power to the camera and receives image data from the camera, and may control the camera. With the camera module disposed at the windshield, the circuit board is angled relative to a principal axis of the field of view of the camera.
US09878678B2 Camera module for automobiles
A camera module for automobiles is disclosed. The camera module includes a lens unit, a housing, in front of which the lens unit is disposed, and a plurality of printed circuit boards disposed in the housing so as to be opposite the lens unit, wherein the housing is provided at the inner wall thereof with a plurality of steps, the steps being provided between the respective printed circuit boards so as to be spaced apart from each other for setting the distance between the respective printed circuit boards.
US09878677B2 Apparatus, systems and methods relating to sliding dash assemblies
The sliding display device system is a device for mounting a display devices in a recreational vehicle that allows for easy repositioning of the display device along a horizontal axis between the driver and passenger side.
US09878675B2 Ramp bracket
A ramp bracket assembly for selectively storing a ramp in a rear of the vehicle is disclosed. The ramp bracket includes a mounting plate, a support plate, and a retaining channel. The mounting plate is spaced away from and fixedly connected to the support plate. The mounting plate further includes a key member that engages with a mounting bracket connectable to the vehicle sidewall. The retaining channel, which selectively receives a ramp, is fixedly connected to the support plate.
US09878674B2 Storage assembly and vehicle interior trim assembly employing the same
In one or more embodiments, a storage assembly to be at least partially received underneath a trim panel of a volume of space is provided to include a storage floor positioned at least partially within the volume of space, a first connector about which the storage floor pivots relative to the trim panel, a cover providing covering to the storage floor, and a second connector spaced apart from the first connector and supporting the cover such that the cover may be moved relative to the storage floor.
US09878670B2 Variable reflectance mirror reflective element for exterior mirror assembly
A variable reflectance exterior mirror reflective element suitable for use in a vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly a front substrate and a rear substrate and an electrochromic medium disposed therebetween. A mirror reflector is disposed at a third surface of the rear substrate. A perimeter layer is disposed at a second surface of the front substrate proximate a perimeter edge and generally conceals the perimeter seal from view by a person viewing through the front substrate. Light that reflects off of the mirror reflector and passes through the electrochromic medium and the front substrate exhibits a substantially non-spectrally selective reflectance characteristic when no voltage is applied to the electrochromic medium. A display is disposed proximate a fourth surface of the rear at a light-transmitting portion of the mirror reflector established by laser ablation. The display is configured to be operated responsive to a blind spot detector of the vehicle.
US09878669B2 Mirror assembly with spring-loaded electrical connectors
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electro-optic reflective element with first and second conductive pads established at a fourth surface of the reflective element and in electrical connection to respective electrically conductive coatings of the reflective element. A back plate has first and second spring-loaded connectors disposed in passageways established through the back plate. A circuit element includes first and second conductive traces in electrical connection with the electro-optic control circuitry. With the circuit element attached at the back plate, (i) the first spring-loaded connector contacts and is biased into engagement with the first conductive pad and the first conductive trace to electrically connect the first conductive trace to the first conductive pad and (ii) the second spring-loaded connector contacts and is biased into engagement with the second conductive pad and the second conductive trace to electrically connect the second conductive trace to the second conductive pad.
US09878668B2 Vehicle outside mirror device
It is important to eliminate or reduce dispersion in clutch torque of a clutch mechanism for each product to its required minimum. According to the present invention, a clutch member 25 that is manufactured separately from a gear member 33 of a clutch gear 32 is formed of a resin member. As a result, there is no need to apply a treatment of eliminating surface roughness or a surface hardening treatment in the clutch member 25, and therefore, no dispersion occurs in surface roughness or surface hardening of a clutch protrusive portion 40 of the clutch member 25 that is made of a resin member, and the dispersion in clutch torque can be eliminated or can be reduced to its required minimum.
US09878666B2 Digital display system with a front-facing camera and rear digital display
There is provided a digital display system for use with a first vehicle. The first vehicle includes a vehicle body, a vehicle front end and a vehicle rear end. The system includes a front-facing camera affixed with the vehicle body configured to capture digital images from in front of the vehicle front end. The system further includes a wireless receiver affixed with the vehicle body configured to receive an activation request signal from a wireless transmitter of a second vehicle. The system further includes a digital display affixed with the vehicle body disposed at the vehicle rear end. The digital display is configured to display captured digital images from the front-facing camera in response to receipt of an activation request signal by the wireless receiver.
US09878665B2 Active detection and enhanced visualization of upcoming vehicles
A vehicle is provided with multiple object-detecting devices, such as cameras and radar devices, that are configured to detect approaching vehicles from the rear. The object-detecting devices sense the relative distance and speed of the approaching vehicles relative to the vehicle. Based on the relative distance and speed, at least one controller is programmed to determine an anticipated collision time, indicating how long it would take for the upcoming vehicles to potentially collide with the vehicle. The controller can be programmed to illuminate a colored display on a rear-view mirror at a location where an approaching vehicle appears on the mirror, and change a color of the colored display based on the relative distance and relative speed of the approaching vehicle.
US09878658B2 Vehicle brake lighting
A brake lamp module for a vehicle, wherein the module includes a housing, lamp device, sensor, and electronic control unit (ECU). The lamp device, sensor and ECU are carried by the housing. The ECU is configured based at least in part on data received from the sensor to provide a power signal that causes illumination of the lamp device. In at least some embodiments, this arrangement permits actuation of the brake lamp or other lamp device in response to detection of a hazard event, such as rapid deceleration of the vehicle. And, in at least some embodiments, this may be done independently of actuation of the brake pedal by the driver.
US09878652B2 Tailgate with integrated loading ramp system
A cargo bed tailgate may include an extension configurable between a plurality of positions to enable oversized cargo to be securely carried on a cargo bed as well accommodate a deployable set of loading ramps which are storable within the tailgate and deployable to attach to the cargo bed extension after the cargo bed extension is moved and locked for the loading and unloading of a payload into or out of the cargo bed of the vehicle.
US09878650B2 Side-by-side vehicle
A utility vehicle includes a plurality of ground engaging members and a frame supported by the plurality of ground engaging members. The frame assembly extends generally along a longitudinal axis of the utility vehicle. The utility vehicle further includes a front seating section coupled to the frame. The front seating section is configured to support an operator and a first passenger. Additionally, the utility vehicle includes a rear seating section coupled to the frame. The rear seating section is configured to support a second passenger and a third passenger. The rear seating section has an angled panel configured as a dead pedal for the second and third passengers, and a portion of the rear seating section extends forwardly into the front seating section.
US09878646B2 Cover adaptable to multiple vehicle seat configurations
A cover for a vehicle may include a lower portion sized and configured to extend over a horizontally-oriented top of a bench of a vehicle seat. The cover may also include an upper portion coupled to the lower portion. The upper portion may be sized and configured to extend upwardly over a backrest of the vehicle seat. The upper portion may include a first section, a second section, and a third section. Each of the first section, the second section, and the third section may extend from an upper edge of the upper portion to the lower portion. The cover may include a first coupling mechanism and a second coupling mechanism. The first coupling mechanism may be configured to couple the first section to the second section. The second coupling mechanism may be configured to couple the second section and the third section.
US09878643B2 Juvenile vehicle seat with headrest adjustor
A child restraint includes a juvenile vehicle seat and a headrest. The headrest is mounted for up-and-down movement on a seat back included in the juvenile vehicle seat. A releasable lock is provided to retain the headrest in more than one selected position on the seat back.
US09878642B2 Safety belt clip
The present invention relates to a safety belt clip (1) that is adapted to be coupled to a seat base (110) of a child safety seat (100) and to engage with a lap portion (10a) of a safety belt (10). The safety belt clip (1) comprises a guiding element (2) comprising an engaging element (2a) and a positioning component (2b). The positioning component (2b) is adapted to position the engaging element (2a) at a distance from the seat base (110) and the engaging element (2a) is adapted to engage with the lap portion (10a) of the safety belt (10). Furthermore, the guiding element (2) is configured to drive the lap portion (10a) of the safety belt (10) towards the pelvic region (230) of an occupant (200) secured in the child safety seat (100) with the safety belt (10).
US09878640B2 Vehicle seat and method for manufacturing same
A vehicle seat includes a link mechanism for liftably connecting a seat cushion to a support base directly or indirectly mounted to a vehicle body. The seat cushion is composed of a seating frame with side frames arranged at both right and left ends. The link mechanism includes link members connecting the support base and side frames, and a link connecting member connecting the link members together. Flange portions are formed at both end portions of the extending direction of the link connecting member. End surfaces of the extending direction of the flange portions and facing surfaces of the link members facing the end surfaces are abutted, and the end surfaces and the facing surfaces are joined by welding.
US09878639B2 Adaptable vehicle seat fitting
A seat support for use with a vehicle seat and configured to engage a track on the floor of the vehicle. The track including two inwardly-directed lips on opposed sides of a slot, the lips providing first alternating protrusions, a spacing distance apart, and recesses along the length of the track. The seat support having an elongate main body and including an interface portion having second alternating protrusions and recesses. The second protrusions are spaced apart by the same spacing distance as the first protrusions. The seat support includes first and second bracing members and a locking arrangement. The locking arrangement configured to restrain the longitudinal movement of the seat support when engaged.
US09878636B2 Levitation and distribution system and method
A system and method in at least one embodiment provides magnetic levitation to a vehicle above and/or partially about a rail or track using a flux field generator having a plurality of members having mated waveform patterns. In a further embodiment, the magnetic levitation also uses a distribution system. In a further embodiment, the plurality of members forms a disk-pack turbine. In a further embodiment, the flux field generator is not vehicle based.
US09878634B2 Power reserve apparatus, power system, and electric vehicle
A power reserve apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the power reserve apparatus comprises a first module including a first set of battery cells and a first inter-cell balance adjustment unit configured to use passive balancing to reduce voltage variance among the first set of battery cells. The power reserve apparatus also comprises a second module including a second set of battery cells and a second inter-cell balance adjustment unit configured to use passive balancing to reduce voltage variance among the second set of battery cells. The power reserve apparatus further comprises an inter-module balance adjustment unit configured to use active balancing to reduce voltage variance among the first and second modules.
US09878629B2 Method and apparatus for electric vehicle charging station load management in a residence
An electric vehicle charging station that is installed in a residence is coupled with a main circuit breaker in an electrical service panel. The charging station includes a charging point connection that couples an electric vehicle to a set of service drop power lines that provide electricity from a power grid to the residence; a current control device coupled to control the amount of electric current that can be drawn from the set of service drop power lines by an the electric vehicle through the charging point connection; a receiver to receive energy readings from one or more current monitors that indicate an amount of current is being drawn from the set of service drop power lines; and a set of control modules to cause the current control device to control the amount of current that can be drawn by the electric vehicle through the charging point connection based on the received energy readings to avoid tripping the main circuit breaker.
US09878627B2 Device for detecting level of control pilot signal and charging control system having the same
An apparatus for detecting a level of a control pilot signal includes: a switch controller configured to output a switch control signal using a control pilot input signal, which was outputted from an electric vehicle supply equipment; and a sample and hold logic unit configured to sample and hold the control pilot input signal, based on the outputted switch control signal, in order to output a control pilot output signal.
US09878625B2 Vehicle including charger and electronic control unit configured to control the charger, and control method for controlling charger of vehicle
A vehicle includes a high voltage battery, a charger and an ECU. When electric power from an external power supply is equal to or less than first predetermined electric power and first power feeding control to feed electric power to a low voltage system power line is performed, the ECU is configured to control the charger to: continue the drive of the charger when a first predetermined time has not elapsed from a start of the first power feeding control or when charged electric power of the high voltage battery is greater than second predetermined electric power that is smaller than the first predetermined electric power after the first predetermined time has elapsed; and stop the drive of the charger when the charged electric power of the high voltage battery is equal to or less than the second predetermined electric power after the first predetermined time has elapsed.
US09878624B2 Apparatus for converting power of electric vehicle
Provided is a power converting apparatus of an electric vehicle which reduces the number of power semiconductor components to efficiently perform charging, driving, and V2G (vehicle to grid) modes in accordance with choice by a user. The device includes a charging unit which charges commercial power into a battery; an inverting unit which supplies battery power to drive a motor; a switching unit which is connected to the motor, the charging unit, and the inverting unit to be turned on/off in accordance with a switching control signal in accordance with an operation mode selection; and a controller which provides the switching control signal to the switching unit in accordance with a mode selection signal to perform the selected mode operation.
US09878614B1 All-terrain vehicle
An all-terrain vehicle is provided comprising a chassis, four wheels and a passenger compartment that includes a passenger seating structure. The vehicle additionally comprises a drivetrain operatively connected to at least one of the wheels comprising at least one drive shaft and at least one torque transfer device. Furthermore the vehicle includes a prime mover that is mounted to the chassis forward of the seating structure and operatively connected to the drivetrain. The prime mover is structured and operable to provide motive force to at least one of the wheels. In various instances the prime mover is mounted to the chassis such that it has a longitudinal orientation relative to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Additionally, in various instances wherein the torque transfer device is a transmission, the transmission is mounted such that it has a longitudinal orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
US09878612B2 Fuel container with liquid separator that can be pneumatically emptied
A fuel container, in particular for motor vehicles, comprising an aereation and de-aereation device for balancing the internal gas pressure during filling of the container with fuel and during consumption of the fuel during the operation of a working machine powered by the fuel. The aereation and de-aereation device has a separator device for separating liquid fuel from an aereation and de-aereation line. In order to permit the separator device to be emptied, if a fuel pump, which serves this purpose during normal operation, is not in operation, the separator device comprises a housing and a pipe nozzle which is connected to the housing either directly or via a pipeline and in which pressure fluctuations occur as a result of incoming and outgoing fuel, said fluctuations acting as a pump for emptying the separator device.
US09878607B2 Hybrid electric vehicle
A hybrid electric vehicle includes a high voltage DC bus and an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine is mechanically coupled to a non self-excited generator/motor which is preferably a switched reluctance machine. A power inverter electrically and bidirectionally couples the high voltage DC bus to the non self-excited switched reluctance generator/motor. Front and rear axle dual DC-AC inverters electrically and bidirectionally couple two traction AC non self-excited switched reluctance motors/gear reducers to the high voltage DC bus for moving the vehicle and for regenerating power. An ultracapacitor coupled to the high voltage DC bus. A bidirectional DC-DC converter interposed between a low voltage battery and the high voltage DC bus transfers energy to the high voltage DC bus and ultracapacitor to ensure that the non self-excited switched reluctance generator/motor operating in the motor mode is able to start the engine.
US09878606B2 Planetary gear mechanism and transmission
A planetary gear mechanism has a sun gear disposed to a rotating shaft, a plurality of pinion gears, a carrier supporting the plurality of the pinion gears, a ring gear meshing with the pinion gear on the outer diameter side of the carrier and a case holding the ring gear on the outer diameter side thereof. The ring gear is slidable in the axial direction of the rotating shaft with respect to the case. The planetary gear mechanism has a load transmission member abutting to an inner diameter side end portion of the ring gear and holding the carrier and the ring gear so as to be relatively rotatable. The load transmission member transmits an axial load from the ring gear to the carrier.
US09878605B2 Power transmission system for hybrid vehicle
A power transmission system (10) for a hybrid vehicle, the power transmission system (10) includes a transmission (TM, 20), a clutch (18), a motor (MG), an engine (14), a first oil pump (44), a second oil pump (68), a first hydraulic circuit in which the first oil pump (44) is provided, and a second hydraulic circuit in which the second oil pump (68) is provided. The motor (MG) is connected to a driving wheel (26) through the transmission (TM, 20). The engine (14) is connected to the motor (MG) through the clutch (28). The first oil pump (44) supplies oil to the transmission (20). The second oil pump (68) supplies oil to the motor (MG) and the clutch (28). The second hydraulic circuit is independent from the first hydraulic circuit. Selected drawing.
US09878601B2 Automobile two pull windshield sunshade protector system
An automobile windshield shade system of multiple retractable sun visors is disclosed. The system includes a base, the base dimensioned to fit around an automobile sun visor and attaching thereto; a first sun visor tube, the first sun visor tube connected to the base by a first telescoping slide rail and containing a first retractable sun visor; a second sun visor tube, the second sun visor tube connected to the base by a second telescoping slide rail and containing a second retractable sun visor; and a third sun visor tube, the third sun visor tube connected to the base and containing a third retractable sun visor. The second sun visor tube extends along the second telescoping slide rail linearly to distance from the automobile sun visor. The first sun visor tube extends along the first telescoping slide rail linearly to a distance beyond the second sun visor tube. The third sun visor tube remains in a static relationship with the automobile sun visor. The system is deployed by two movements by a user. The first movement extends the first sun visor tube, which engages the second sun visor tube and extends it also. The second movement pulls the second retractable sun visor downward, bringing with it by its connection through rings to the first and third retractable sun visors.
US09878592B2 Method and system for defogging of vehicle
A method for defogging of a vehicle includes: determining whether the defogging of the vehicle is necessary based on at least any one of an outdoor temperature, an operation state of a cooler of an air conditioner, and an operation state of a blower of the air conditioner; defogging to control an air direction mode to add or increase an air volume supplied to a window if it is determined that the defogging of the vehicle is necessary. The air direction mode is maintained in a current state if it is determined that the defogging of the vehicle is not necessary.
US09878590B2 Heater-core cover with heat pickup for aspirator air nozzle
An HVAC assembly for conditioning air within a vehicle passenger cabin. The assembly includes a housing, at least one front air inlet and at least one front air outlet for conditioning air at a front of the cabin, at least one rear air inlet and at least one rear air outlet for conditioning air at a rear of the cabin, and a heater core. A cover is configured to: be mounted to an exterior of the housing over at least one heater core conduit; direct airflow exiting the housing to the at least one heater core conduit to permit heat transfer from heated coolant flowing through the at least one heater core conduit to the airflow to heat the airflow; and direct the heated airflow out from within the cover towards the at least one rear air inlet to mix with air exiting the at least one rear air inlet.
US09878583B2 Vehicle alertness control system
A vehicle alertness control system that executes alertness control to increase an alertness level of a driver of a vehicle includes an alertness level determination unit, an alertness controller, and a conversation controller. The alertness level determination unit is configured to determine an alertness level of the driver. The alertness controller is configured to select a level of a stimulus applied to the driver based on the determined alertness level. The conversation controller is configured to select a conversation category corresponding to the selected stimulus level from conversation categories categorizing a content of utterance in correspondence with each stimulus level and control conversation with the driver through a speaker and a microphone.
US09878580B2 Rubber composition for pneumatic tires for construction vehicles
The present technology provides a rubber composition containing: from 20 to 40 parts by weight of carbon black, from 15 to 30 parts by weight of silica, from 2.0 to 3.5 parts by weight of sulfur, and a sulfur-containing silane coupling agent, per 100 parts by weight of diene rubber that contains from 80 to 100 wt. % of natural rubber, and from 20 to 0 wt. % of isoprene rubber; the total amount of sulfur in the sulfur and the sulfur-containing silane coupling agent being from 2.3 to 4.0 parts by weight.
US09878579B2 Traction mat
The invention relates to a roll-up traction mat (10) for a vehicle (V) having at least one wheel (R1), said traction mat comprising a main track portion (12), and a track starter tab (20) that is fastened to one of the ends of the main track portion (12) by a hinge-forming connection portion (22) arranged to lower the track starter tab relative to the main track portion, by means of which the track starter tab can be positioned at the bottom of a rut (O) in which said wheel of the vehicle is stuck. The track starter tab comprising a plurality of transverse stiffener elements and a top face provided with studs. The track starter tab and the main track portion are constituted by at least one textile layer covered in a polymer layer.
US09878575B2 Wheel for vehicles and method for manufacturing the same
A wheel for vehicles may include a rim coupled to a tire, and a spoke-shaped disc including a spoke and a vent hole, the spoke-shaped disc being coupled to a side surface of the rim to support the rim, in which a coupling zone between the spoke of the spoke-shaped disc and the rim and a coupling zone between a portion of the spoke-shaped disc formed with the vent hole and the rim have a height difference in a wheel axis direction, to allow the spoke-shaped disc to support the rim at an interior and an exterior of the rim.
US09878569B2 Media composition
Described herein is a media composition. The media composition includes a substrate and an ink receiving layer that includes binder that includes an ethylene-vinyl alcohol co-polymer with a glass transition temperature of 75 degrees Celsius or less, a melting point temperature of 175 degrees Celsius or less, and/or a crystallization temperature of 150 degrees Celsius or less. The ink receiving layer can be applied to a substrate using extrusion techniques.
US09878565B1 Cooling control system
A cooling control system and method comprise a power meter for measuring a power of a laser, a temperature controller configured to adjust a temperature of fluid circulating through a cooling block, and a chip connected to the cooling block wherein the temperature controller regulates said temperature of the coolant in order to prevent the chip from overheating or from developing condensation on the chip.
US09878564B2 Digital printing machine having a printing bar for inkjet printing
A digital printing machine includes a printing bar for inkjet printing. The printing bar is mounted to be movable into a working position and into a retracted position. An adjustable roll and a spring-mounted roll form a first assembly and are disposed opposite one another. A rail forms a second assembly and is located between the adjustable roll and the spring-mounted roll when the printing bar is in the working position and is not located between the adjustable roll and the spring-mounted roll when the printing bar is in the retracted position. One of the two assemblies is disposed on the printing bar and the other of the two assemblies is separate from the printing bar.
US09878556B2 Valve
A valve comprises an orifice plate (1) having one or more orifices (4) through which a fluid may flow, and one or more piezo-electric elements (2). Each element (2) has a face positioned to contact the orifice plate at an orifice. Each element has a first state in which it abuts the plate to prevent flow of fluid through the associated orifice and a second state in which the face is spaced from the plate to allow flow through the associated orifice. A controller (50) selectively applies a first voltage to an elements to cause it to adopt the first state and applies a second voltage to the one or more elements to cause the elements to adopt the second state.
US09878555B2 Supply authentication via timing challenge response
In an example implementation, an authentication system includes a printer having a controller and a memory. The authentication system also includes an authentication algorithm stored in the memory and executable on the controller to issue a cryptographic timing challenge, and to authenticate a print supply cartridge when the cartridge provides a challenge response corresponding to an expected response within an expected time window.
US09878554B1 Packaging system for fluidic ejection cartridge with controlled protective tape removal
A film sealed ejection cartridge assembly is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge for fluidic ejection, as well as a cartridge retainer having a plurality of retainer walls and a retainer opening. The cartridge retainer receives and secures the cartridge. The cartridge assembly further includes a length of a nozzle plate seal film. A first portion of the nozzle plate seal film is removably secured to the fluidic ejection chip and a second portion of the nozzle plate seal film is secured to the cartridge retainer. Removal of the cartridge from the cartridge retainer causes the nozzle plate seal film to separate from the fluidic ejection chip.
US09878553B2 Fluid ejection device for depositing a discrete quantity of fluid onto a surface
A fluid ejection device includes a body defining an interior bore, a fluid reservoir, and a fluid ejection chip. The fluid reservoir defines an interior passage that receives a fluid, the interior passage in fluid communication with the interior bore of the body. The fluid ejection chip is coupled with the body and includes one or more fluid ejection actuators. The fluid ejection chip has one or more interior fluid paths in fluid communication with the interior bore of the body so that the fluid ejection chip ejects the fluid upon activation of the one or more fluid ejection actuators. The interior passage of the fluid reservoir and the one or more interior fluid paths are substantially devoid of obstructions such that the fluid is gravity fed to the fluid ejection chip upon entry into the interior passage of the fluid reservoir.
US09878550B2 Fluid container
A container for holding a volume of fluid includes a housing defining an interior for retaining the volume of fluid, a vent system disposed at an upper portion of the interior adjacent to a fluid chamber to vent air to atmosphere. The vent system includes an air chamber in fluid communication with the fluid chamber through an air inlet and disposed within the interior. The air chamber includes a bottom surface angling from the air inlet towards a distal end of the air chamber.
US09878544B2 Ink-jet printer with wiper assembly
An ink jet printer with a print assembly includes an ink jet print head, the print assembly configured to be movable between a first position in which print head is positioned over a substrate to be printed upon and a second position in which the print head is positioned away from the substrate. The print head purges ink at the second position. A wiper assembly is positioned between the first position and the second position of the print assembly. The wiper assembly has a first orientation in which the wiper assembly does not contact the print head when the print assembly moves between the first position and the second position. The wiper assembly has a second orientation in which the wiper assembly contacts the print head when the print assembly moves between the second position and the first position. A fluid distribution device provides fluid to clean the wiper assembly.
US09878543B2 Liquid ejecting apparatus with flushing receptive body for receiving liquid during maintenance operation
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting portion which has a nozzle that ejects liquid, and a flushing receptive body which receives the liquid that is ejected in a flushing operation in which the liquid is ejected from the nozzle, the flushing receptive body including a receiving member that is able to receive the liquid, a receiving member holding portion which holds the receiving member, and a fixing member with conductivity that fixes the receiving member to the receiving member holding portion by contacting the receiving member and has a mesh form portion that forms an adhesion surface to which the ejected liquid is adhered with the receiving member in the flushing operation, in which the fixing member is electrically grounded.
US09878533B2 Method and device for ink-jet printing onto containers
A method and a device for ink-jet printing onto containers is described, in which at least one container is rotated and/or transported along a curved path, and associated surface velocities of partially circumferential portions of a lateral container surface are measured, where the printing times and/or a rotational velocity of the containers associated with the partially circumferential and/or intermediately disposed portions are adapted to the surface velocities. Changes in the print advance rate caused by different surface velocities in front of print heads can thereby be compensated. This allows for uniform print resolution and seamless joining of partial prints.
US09878532B2 Imaging device having fluid container
An imaging device can include an imaging drum to support a carrier fluid. A roller can remove a portion of the carrier fluid from the imaging drum. A fluid container can collect the carrier fluid from the roller. A fluid remover on the container can be used to remove the carrier fluid from the roller.
US09878530B2 Laser cutting method and articles produced therewith
Laser cutting of multilayer optical film bodies comprising polyester and polycarbonate materials.
US09878529B2 Adhesive disposable container
The invention relates to a disposable container for holding food or for decorative purposes. The disposable container has a surface with an adhesive layer to removably detach the disposable container from the surface of another disposable container, to form a stacked configuration with multiple disposable containers. The disposable container can also contain a fragrance or non-toxic insect repellent on a surface or in the adhesive layer, which can release the fragrance or non-toxic insect repellent.
US09878528B2 Preparation method of graphene/metal composite board
A method for preparing a graphene/metal composite sheet includes adding polyvinyl alcohol into distilled water and heat to about 100° C. under stirring to prepare a polyvinyl alcohol solution; dispersing graphene in distilled water using ultrasonication to prepare a graphene solution; mixing the polyvinyl alcohol solution and the graphene solution to form a graphene/polyvinyl alcohol mixed slurry; after a metal sheet is subjected to a surface activation treatment, coating the graphene/polyvinyl alcohol mixed slurry onto the metal sheet at both upper and lower surfaces; vacuum sintering to remove the polyvinyl alcohol in the surface coating to obtain a graphene/metal plate; overlaying at least two graphene/metal plates and bonding them together via hot isostatic pressing to form multilayer graphene/metal plates; and hot rolling the bonded multilayer graphene/metal plates to form the graphene/metal composite sheet.
US09878527B1 Method for applying adhesive media to paper
A method of using a device to apply adhesive to a medium is disclosed. Preferably, a device allows the hand loading of a medium, such as paper, etc., to then have a strip of adhesive applied thereto so the medium can be applied to a surface (like a sticky note).
US09878524B2 Valve and method of making same
A method of making a one-way gas release valve for releasing gas pressure from within a coffee container comprises pre-oiling a relatively narrow dry strap of flexible material and laminating the pre-oiled dry strap between relatively wide ribbons of base and cover material with the dry strap overlying spaced vent patterns in the base material. Alternatively, the base material may be pre-oiled or both the base material and the dry strap may be pre-oiled. The dry strap and base may be made of PET and the cover may be made of mPET. Gas release valves are then die cut from the resulting web with each valve containing a vent pattern. Pre-oiling of the dry strap and/or the base can be accomplished through a roll metered process to insure that the oil is applied in precise amounts and with consistent thickness and coverage. Since the oil is applied during fabrication of the gas release valves, the vent patterns in the base can be configured to function also as a filter to prevent coffee grinds from migrating into the valve.
US09878514B2 Apparatus and method for producing a thatch roofing material for building construction
To produce a thatch roofing material from waste plastic bottles, an apparatus includes a device for cutting the bottles into one or more strips. The device may include a decontouring unit that removes contours from the bottles and a heated clamp that fuses the strips together lengthwise to create a plastic tape. A bottle may be formed into rectangular stock by removing the top and bottom and longitudinally cutting the middle part. The rectangular stock may be cut into the cut strips, such as with a wire cutter. The plastic tape may be used to create folded thatch components by cutting, from the plastic tape, one or more slats and one or more thatch roofing material strips, and folding and attaching the thatching roofing material strips to the slats. Serrated ties may be cut from the plastic tape and used to fasten the folded thatch components to a building structure.
US09878512B2 Methods and machine for forming a shipping and display container from a blank assembly using a pre-fold mandrel section
A machine for forming a container from a blank assembly including a tray blank and lid blank includes a frame, a mandrel assembly mounted to the frame, a pre-folding assembly, and a glue panel presser assembly. The mandrel assembly includes a first mandrel and a second mandrel positioned downstream from the first mandrel. The first mandrel has an external shape complementary to an internal shape of at least a first portion of the container, and the second mandrel has an external shape complementary to an internal shape of at least a second portion of the container. The pre-folding assembly is configured to fold a first portion of the blank assembly around the first mandrel to form a partially formed container. The glue panel presser assembly includes a first presser plate configured to form a first manufacturer joint, and a second presser plate configured to form a second manufacturer joint.
US09878510B2 Pressing apparatus and stamp press apparatus
A pressing apparatus includes a driving device, a platform configured to support a workpiece, a movable support mounted to the driving device, a pressing member rotatably mounted to the movable support, and a limiting block mounted on the platform. The movable support is movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the platform. The limiting block rotates the pressing member down pressing the workpiece between the platform and the pressing member when the movable support moves.
US09878505B2 Tool and a method for forming and assembling beams of composite material
A tool for forming a C-section beam made of carbon fiber includes a straight elongated mandrel with a rectangular or trapezoidal cross-section. The mandrel has three consecutive outer faces, with a planar face configured to form a surface of the web of the C-section beam, and two opposing lateral faces, configured to form two respective surfaces of the flanges of the C-section beam. The mandrel has a distributed perforation on at least one of the three outer faces and an inlet/outlet connection to connect the mandrel to an external source of vacuum and/or compressed air. Passages are formed inside the mandrel to establish a fluid communication between the distributed perforation and the inlet/outlet connection. Through the distributed perforation, a vacuum is applied to the interface between the mandrel and the C-section beam to retain the C-section beam on the mandrel while lifted and turned by 180° for coupling to a similar C-section beam to assemble an H-beam. Applying compressed air through the perforation facilitates the removal of the C-section beam from the mandrel at the end of the compaction step.
US09878500B2 Composite semifinished products, molded parts produced therefrom, and molded parts produced directly based on hydroxy-functionalized (meth)acrylates, which are cross-linked by means of uretdiones in a thermosetting manner
Provided is a prepreg composed of a fibrous substrate impregnated with a reactive or highly reactive polymer composition as a matrix material. The reactive or highly reactive polymer composition contains a (meth)acrylate-based resin comprising at least one of a hydroxyl group, an amine group, a thiol group, an initiator and/or accelerator, and a di- or polyisocyanate which has been internally capped, capped with a capping agent, or a combination thereof. The (meth)acrylate-based resin contains from 20% by weight to 70% by weight of at least one (meth)acrylate monomer and from 1% by weight to 50% by weight of at least one prepolymer.
US09878495B2 Three-dimensional printing of large objects
A variety of techniques are disclosed for visual and functional augmentation of a three-dimensional printer.
US09878494B2 Device for constructing models in layers
The invention relates to a device for constructing models in layers. A region for constructing models, preferably a construction platform, and a material applying device (4, 5) for applying material onto the region are provided. The material applying device (4, 5) is arranged in a movable manner over the region. The material applying device (4, 5) is designed as a portal (1, 1′) such that the material applying device can be moved over the region at least via two linear guides (2) arranged at opposite sides of the region, and the material applying device is arranged around the region such that a portal (1, 1′) is formed by at least two portions that extend laterally with respect to the region. At least one additional material applying device (4, 5) for applying an additional material onto the region is provided.
US09878493B2 Spray charging and discharging system for polymer spray deposition device
The disclosed spray deposition systems and methods use spray charging and discharging techniques to assist with digital deposition of spray droplets on a substrate. For example, the disclosed systems and methods have a charging system that generates spray droplets from a spray generator and charges the droplets. Focusing electrodes help to collimate the droplets into a tight droplet stream and, optionally, steering electrodes help direct the tight droplet stream. A charge removal system neutralizes or removes the charge from the droplets, either during the deposition of the droplets on a substrate or after the droplets have been deposited on a substrate.
US09878491B2 Seal carving apparatus and seal carving method
A seal carving apparatus includes a thermal head having a plurality of heat generating elements disposed in lines, and thermal drive control means that performs a control process of selectively and thermally driving the individual heat generating elements while moving the thermal head and a porous material in relative to each other with the thermal head being in abutment with the porous material, thereby forming a seal face on the porous material. The thermal drive control means controls a pulse time width for thermally driving the individual heat generating elements of the thermal head under pulse width modulation control based on gradation image data having a gradation value, thereby forming a seal with a gradation on the porous material.
US09878490B2 Laser beam welding method and molded components fabricated thereby
The invention relates to a method for laser welding two plastic components A, B brought into contact at least in the joining area, wherein component B facing away from the laser radiation consists of a plastic matrix with a white pigmentation of 1.5 5-20 wt.-%, and component A facing the laser radiation, through which the laser beam passes in the welding process, exhibits a plastic matrix. For a given laser wavelength the travel distance of the laser beam through the component A measures at most 10 mm, and given a white pigmentation of the component A in wt.-%, the product of the travel distance of the laser 10 beam through the component A in mm and white pigmentation in wt.-% is less than 1.25, and the travel distance of the laser beam through the component A measures at most 1 mm.
US09878488B2 Vacuum thermal insulation material
A vacuum heat insulation material includes outer covering material which has a gas barrier property and a core material that is provided in an inside of outer covering material, the inside of the outer covering material being vacuum sealed, in which a sealed portion that is configured by sealing the peripheral edge of outer covering material, fin that is formed on the peripheral edge of outer covering material, and compressed portion which is formed by a protrusion being compressed, the protrusion is generated when the peripheral edge of outer covering material is folded back toward the core material are provided. Thereby, it is possible to provide a vacuum heat insulation material that is able to suppress reduction of a heat insulation property when a plurality of sheets are disposed lined up.
US09878487B2 Multi-shape product
Multi-shape products of the present disclosure comprise two components: a matrix component and a fiber component that is embedded or otherwise disposed in the matrix component. The matrix component exhibits certain shape memory properties. The fiber component interpenetrates the matrix component to facilitate fixing of the multi-shape product in various temporary shapes.
US09878485B2 Method and apparatus for producing embossed structures in radiation-curing materials
For the production of embossed microstructures in radiation-curing materials, use is made of a micro embossing form fixed to a reflective or scattering cylinder surface. Via a press nip, the micro embossing form comes into contact with the substrate guided over a cylinder or a deflection roller. The radiation-curing material is acted on in one or both pockets, before or after the press nip, with radiation which penetrates into the press nip by reflection or scattering.
US09878480B1 Method for making polymer feedstock usable for generation of fiber having anti-microbial properties
A method of making synthetic polymer pellet feedstock having a high concentration of an anti-microbial agent includes the steps of: introducing a polymer into a mixing vessel; introducing a polysiloxane dispersant into the mixing vessel; introducing an anti-microbial agent comprised of a powdered metal material into the mixing vessel; heating and mixing the polymer, the polysiloxane dispersant and the anti-microbial agent to form a molten blend that exhibits a generally homogenous dispersal of the anti-microbial agent; extruding the molten blend to form filaments; and cutting the filaments to form metalized synthetic polymer pellet feedstock. The powdered metal material includes particles of silver in metallic or salt form measuring between about 2 micrometers and about 12 micrometers and particles of copper in metallic or salt form measuring between about 2 micrometers and about 12 micrometers.
US09878476B2 System and process for molding polymeric articles while reducing gate blush
A system and process for injection molding polymer articles is described. The system and process are designed to reduce gate blush. In one embodiment, an injection molding device injects a molten polymer composition into a runner that extends from an injection point to a gate. The gate is positioned adjacent to an opening leading into a mold cavity. In accordance with the present disclosure, the system includes one or more overflow passages that divert flow of the polymer composition so as to temporarily reduce the flow rate and pressure of the polymer composition entering the mold.
US09878475B2 Transfer molding method, mold, and molded article
There is provided a molding method for efficiently and accurately molding a hollow part of a thermosetting resin with a simple mechanism, a mold, and a molded article. A mold used for molding of a thermosetting resin includes an upper mold, an intermediate mold, and a lower mold which can be stacked with each other. Primary molding for molding segment parts and secondary molding for bonding the segment parts are sequentially performed by placing or retracting the intermediate mold to switch between a runner for primary molding and a runner for secondary molding.
US09878468B2 Method for manufacturing articles from e-waste feedstocks
A method of recycling plastic e-waste material and products made from recycled e-waste involves one or more separate streams of different plastic waste which are reduced to small granular form, blended together or separately or used separately before insertion into a compounder which reduces the small sized plastic particles to a semi-molten emulsion. The emulsion is placed in a press and molded to a final product shape. The final product is finished and inspected. The products from the recycled plastic e-waste can be used as substrates on road signs.
US09878467B2 Apparatus and process for forming particles
An apparatus and process for forming particles.
US09878465B2 Molds for producing concrete blocks with roughened surfaces; blocks made therefrom; and methods of use
A mold for making dry cast concrete blocks includes a pair of vertical shoulder forming sections, one along each of the opposite sides of the mold to form vertical front shoulders of a block. Each shoulder forming section has a shoulder roughening arrangement to result in molded, roughened shoulders of the block. Methods of making such blocks and the resulting block are included.
US09878464B1 Preservation of cellulosic materials, compositions and methods thereof
The disclosure relates to compositions for preservation of cellulosic materials and methods of applying compositions for preservation of cellulosic materials. The compositions comprise a pre-polymer and optional nonionic surfactants and other additives. Compositions of optional nonionic surfactant mixtures and pre-polymers can be used advantageously in methods to preserve cellulosic materials by application of the material with preservatives at ambient atmospheric pressures.
US09878462B2 Interleaving paper
The invention relates to a device for inserting an interleaving paper between a first and a second food slice, or a second and third food slice, a third and fourth food slice, etc., wherein the interleaving paper is guided in a channel and, in a time interval between the slicing of the first food slice and the slicing of the second food slice, exits the channel and enters a slicing region, wherein the channel is designed in such a way that the channel shapes the flat cross-section of the interleaving paper. The invention further relates to a slicing device and an interleaving paper.
US09878457B2 Electric hair clipper
An electric hair clipper includes a housing containing an electrical source and drive-related components. A clipper mechanism having a reciprocating clipper is located beneath the bottom of the housing but is spaced therefrom by a central hub that extends downwardly from the bottom of the housing. The housing, central hub and clipper mechanism are arranged such that a person can hold the electric hair clipper by placing his or her fingers in the space between the housing and the clipper mechanism with the central hub lying between two fingers and with the back of the person's fingers resting in a pair of elongated spaced apart recesses formed in the bottom of the housing on opposite sides of the hub.
US09878454B1 Flexible clamping device
The present disclosure provides a flexible clamping device, which is composed of a housing, a shaft I, a sleeve I, a cylinder, a connector, a shaft II, a clamping spring, a protective pad, a pressure block, a shaft III, a sleeve II and a bottom plate. The bottom plate is provided with two steps on which wheels having different sizes are fixed respectively. When the large-sized wheel is put on the bottom step, the cylinder drives the connector to move right in a plane, the protective pad on the pressure block presses the hub of the wheel, and the function of compacting the large-sized wheel is thus realized; when the small-sized wheel is put on the bottom step, the cylinder drives the connector to continuously move right in the plane, the protective pad on the pressure block presses the hub of the wheel, and the function of compacting the small-sized wheel is thus realized. The flexible clamping device in use can meet the requirement of mixed-line high precision clamping in the wheel burr brushing process, has the characteristics of ideal effect, high efficiency, safety and reliability in work and high degree of automation, and is particularly suitable for batch production on production lines.
US09878453B2 Workpiece structures and apparatus for accessing same
A workpiece container stores at least one workpiece having a bottom surface and a peripheral edge. In one embodiment, a workpiece support structure is located within the container enclosure, which forms multiple vertically stacked storage shelves within the enclosure. Each storage shelf includes, in one embodiment, a first tine and a second tine for supporting the workpiece in a substantially horizontal orientation. The bottom surface and peripheral edge of a workpiece seated on a storage shelf extends beyond the outer edge of both the first tine and the second tine. An end effector may engage these extended portions or “grip zones” of the workpiece.
US09878447B2 Automated collection and labeling of object data
Data about a physical object in a real-world environment is automatically collected and labeled. A mechanical device is used to maneuver the object into different poses within a three-dimensional workspace in the real-world environment. While the object is in each different pose an image of the object is input from one or more sensors and data specifying the pose is input from the mechanical device. The image of the object input from each of the sensors for each different pose is labeled with the data specifying the pose and with information identifying the object. A database for the object that includes these labeled images can be generated. The labeled images can also be used to train a detector and classifier to detect and recognize the object when it is in an environment that is similar to the real-world environment.
US09878446B2 Determination of object-related gripping regions using a robot
The invention relates to a method and a system for determining gripping regions on an object. The object is to be gripped, based on the determined gripping regions, by means of a robot. At least one first gripping pose of the robot is taught at the object, and additional gripping poses are determined at the object. Based on these gripping poses, a first gripping region is configured.
US09878443B2 Adjustment assembly for marking gauge
A tool for acting on a workpiece includes a body and an adjustable element movably attached to the body. A tool member on the adjustable element is disposed on the adjustable element to act on the workpiece. The adjustable element is configured to move between a plurality of predetermined adjustment positions to locate a portion of the adjustable element a selected distance from the body. The adjustable element is resiliently biased against movement out of the predetermined adjustment positions. A micro adjustment mechanism provides for micro adjustment of a position of the adjustable element relative to the body once the adjustable element is moved to a selected predetermined adjustment position. The micro adjustment mechanism is configured for moving the adjustable element to an intermediate adjustment position located between the selected predetermined adjustment position and an immediately adjacent predetermined adjustment position for precise position adjustment of the adjustable element.
US09878438B2 Strengthened hand tool handle with flexible insertion point and method of manufacturer
A hand tool assembly generally comprising a handle and a tool head combined by a connector. The handle has a first end and a second end. The connector has a first end and a second end. The first end of the connector is combined with the second end of the handle. The second end of the connector is combined with the head of a tool by inserting the connector into a socket/opening in the tool's head. The second end of the connector is flexible thereby allowing it to conform to the shape of the socket regardless of whether the socket is straight or curved. A rigid tube insert is positioned a short distance into the handle second end and extends a short distance outward from the handle second end. Adhesives or fasteners may be used to help secure the components together.
US09878432B2 Cordless power tools with a universal controller and tool and battery identification
A handheld power tool having an electric motor held in a power tool body and a universal controller in the power tool body in communication with the electric motor. The universal controller is in communication with an electronic component that defines a tool type identifier in the power tool body. The handheld power tool also has a battery pack releasably attachable to the power tool body, the battery pack having an on-board electronic identifier. The universal controller has a plurality of different operational control modes for a plurality of different tool types and a plurality of different battery packs with different battery characteristics. The controller can automatically select an appropriate control mode based on the tool type identifier and the battery pack identifier.
US09878430B2 Tensioning device for extending a threaded bolt
A tensioning device for extending a threaded bolt by tensioning the threaded end section has a supporting tube surrounding the threaded end section, a cylinder arranged in continuation of the supporting tube and having at least one piston axially movable therein, an exchange socket which is screwable to the threaded end section and is configured such that it can be carried along axially by the piston, and a pin arranged in an axially movable manner in a longitudinal guide in the exchange socket. The pin end is axially supportable against that end of the threaded bolt that has the threaded end section. In order to assess the actually usable thread projection even in cases in which known tensioning devices provide imprecise results, the pin is formed in a radially widened manner at its pin end compared with the pin cross section.
US09878429B2 Tube assembly apparatus and method
The present disclosure provides an apparatus having a base with at least one guide formed along a length thereof. A fitting clamp and a tube clamp are coupled to the base and spaced apart from one another. A drive mechanism is operable for moving at least one clamp relative to the other clamp along the guide of the base so as to slidingly assemble a tube and fitting together.
US09878421B2 Chemical mechanical polishing retaining ring with integrated sensor
A retaining ring for a chemical mechanical polishing carrier head having a mounting surface for a substrate is provided herein. In some embodiments, the retaining ring may include an annular body have a central opening, a channel formed in the body, wherein a first end of the channel is proximate the central opening, and a sensor disposed within the channel and proximate the first end, wherein the sensor is configured to detect acoustic and/or vibration emissions from processes performed on the substrate.
US09878416B2 Grinding machine, particularly compact design centerless grinding machine
The present disclosure relates to a grinding machine, comprising a machine bed, a grinding spindle, that is arranged to be coupled with a spindle drive and for receiving a grinding wheel, a regulator spindle that is arranged to be coupled with a spindle drive and for receiving a regulator wheel, a workpiece mount for receiving a to-be-machined workpiece between the grinding spindle and the regulator spindle, wherein the grinding spindle and the regulator spindle are coupled with the machine bed and arranged in a fashion movable to one another, wherein the grinding spindle and the regulator spindle form a spindle set, wherein a longitudinal guide is formed at the machine bed, wherein a base carriage is received at the longitudinal guide, wherein the machine bed and the base carriage define a first movement axis, wherein the grinding spindle is coupled with the base carriage and assigned to a second movement axis, wherein the regulator spindle is coupled with the base carriage and assigned to a third movement axis, and wherein the grinding spindle and the regulator spindle are arranged to be moved with respect to one another, and to approach the workpiece mount in an in-feed movement.
US09878413B2 Counterbalance and drive system for machine slide mechanism
A counterbalance and drive system for a machine slide mechanism includes a counterbalance system having a first flexible connector suspended from a machine mount and interconnecting a slide mechanism and a counterweight and a drive system having a second flexible connector suspended from the machine mount and interconnecting the slide mechanism and the counterweight. The drive system includes both a drive motor operatively engaged along a length of the second flexible connector for vertically displacing the slide mechanism and a compliant connector operating within a limited range of compliance that imparts a regulated amount of tension along at least a portion of the length of the second flexible connector between the engagement of the drive motor and the counterweight.
US09878411B2 Device for clamping a turbine blade
A device for clamping a turbine blade (9) during a welding repair of the blade tip (11). The blade has a peripheral surface that has a suction side (5) and pressure side (7) and has a blade tip. The device has at least one movable clamping structure (1,3) for pressing on the suction side (5) or the pressure side (7) of a turbine blade (9) in the region of the blade tip (11) of the turbine blade, wherein the clamping structure (1,3) is designed to remove heat from the turbine blade (9). The at least one movable clamping structure (1,3) has a plurality of clamping elements (13), which are each individually movably supported in such a way that the clamping elements can be moved toward the peripheral surface of a turbine blade (9) to be clamped and away from the peripheral surface.
US09878402B2 High-strength aluminum alloy brazing sheet and method of manufacture
An aluminum alloy brazing sheet having a core material of an aluminum alloy, and a filler material cladded on the core is disclosed. The core material is an aluminum alloy having about 0.05 to about 1.2 mass Si, about 0.05-about 1.0 mass % Fe, about 0.05-about 1.2 mass % Cu, and about 0.6-about 1.8 mass % Mn, balance Al and the inevitable impurities. The filler material includes an aluminum alloy having about 2.5-about 13.0 mass % Si. Also, there is provided a method of manufacturing such an aluminum alloy brazing sheet.
US09878401B1 Methods of forming parts using laser machining
Embodiments are directed to the formation micro-scale or millimeter scale structures or methods of making such structures wherein the structures are formed from at least one sheet structural material and may include additional sheet structural materials or deposited structural materials wherein all or a portion of the patterning of the structural materials occurs via laser cutting. In some embodiments, selective deposition is used to provide a portion of the patterning. In some embodiments the structural material or structural materials are bounded from below by a sacrificial bridging material (e.g. a metal) and possibly from above by a sacrificial capping material (e.g. a metal).
US09878399B2 Method and apparatus for welding dissimilar material with a high energy high power ultrafast laser
Methods and systems for welding are disclosed, including generating electromagnetic radiation from an ultrashort pulse laser; coupling the electromagnetic radiation from the ultrashort pulse laser to a scanner comprising a scanning and focus range, wherein the scanner is configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation from the ultrashort laser and to scan and focus the electromagnetic radiation onto a joining interface of one or more materials; using a computer to adjust the pulse repetition rate and the average power of the ultrashort pulse laser; using one or more stages to position the joining interface; using a dichroic filter positioned between the scanner and the one or more materials; and focusing an imager and processor through the dichroic filter and onto the joining interface to monitor the joining interface of the one or more materials within the scanning and focus range of the electromagnetic radiation. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09878396B2 Bearing component and its manufacturing method
A bearing component and a method to form a bearing component. The bearing component comprises a first and a second metallic material wherein the first material presents a first carbon content and the second material presents a second carbon content, wherein the first material and the second material have been joined by a diffusion welding process. The diffusion welding process has resulted in a transition zone with a varying carbon content between the first material and the second material. The varying carbon content in the transition zone is essentially within an interval, wherein the interval end points are defined by the carbon content of the first material and the second material.
US09878390B2 Solder supply device including a solder cup and a nozzle section with a flange section that is elastically deformable
Solder supply device includes solder cup that is tubular and open at one end, nozzle section for ejecting solder from the solder cup, flange section that is fixedly provided on an outer circumferential section of the nozzle section and that is engaged inside of the solder cup, and inner tube an end of which holds the nozzle section and the other end of which extends from the opening of the solder cup; the flange section is formed from material that is elastically deformable and the flange section is engaged inside the cup with an outer edge section of the flange section in an elastically deformed state. The elastic force arising between the outer edge section of the flange section and the solder cup is smaller than the holding force of the nozzle section by the inner tube.
US09878387B2 Electrical discharge machining electrode
An example electrical discharge machining electrode assembly includes an electrode base and an electrode coating containing diamond that is electroplated to the electrode base.
US09878382B2 Abrasive article and method of forming
An abrasive article includes a substrate having an elongated body, a plurality of discrete tacking regions defining a discontinuous distribution of features overlying the substrate, where at least one discrete tacking region of the plurality of discrete tacking regions includes a metal material having a melting temperature not greater than 450° C., a plurality of discrete formations overlying the substrate and spaced apart from the plurality of discrete tacking regions, and a bonding layer overlying the substrate, plurality of discrete tacking regions, and plurality of discrete formations.
US09878381B2 Horizontal band saw machine
A horizontal band saw machine includes a pair of jaws, a pair of saw blade wheels, a band saw blade looped over the saw blade wheels, a pair of saw blade guides, a contact guide attached to the other of the pair of jaws, a coupling bracket connected to the other of the pair of saw blade guides to locate a distal end thereof below the other of the pair of saw blade wheels, and a follower member provided at the distal end of the coupling bracket. The contact guide and the coupling bracket are configured to move one of the pair of saw blade guides until the follower member contacts with the contact guide when the band saw blade is fed circularly in a state where the band saw blade is clamped by the one of the pair of saw blade guides.
US09878379B2 Cutting tool with enhanced chip evacuation capability and method of making same
A milling cutter includes a shank and a cutting head attached to the shank. The cutting head has a plurality of helical teeth, each tooth including a cutting tip, a leading face and a rear face. A flute is defined between the leading face of a trailing tooth, and a rear face of an immediately preceding tooth. A gully of the flute has a flute base with a portion that is planar or convex in profile to provide additional volume for effective chip evacuation. A method for manufacturing the milling cutter includes rotating a cylindrical blank about its own longitudinal axis, rotating a disc-shaped flute grinding wheel) about a rotational axis of a flute wheel and moving the grinding wheel in a longitudinal direction so as to form the helical flute with the gully having the flute base with the planar or convex portion in profile.
US09878378B2 Key clamp rotation controller
A key clamping device includes a first key clamp, a second key clamp and a rotational device connected to the first and second key clamps. The rotational device may facilitate rotation of the first and second key clamps.
US09878377B2 High-speed rotary electrical connector for use in ultrasonically assisted machining
An ultrasonic machining module that includes an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is adapted to receive a machining tool; a vibration-isolating housing adapted to be both compatible with a machining system and to receive the ultrasonic transducer therein, wherein the housing further includes at least one modification for isolating all vibrations generated by the ultrasonic transducer when the device is in operation except axial vibrations transmitted to the machining tool, thereby preventing unwanted vibrations from traveling backward or upward into the machining system; and a connector in electrical communication with the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the connector is operative to supply electrical energy to the ultrasonic transducer, and wherein the connector is adapted to rotate at a predetermined rate of speed.
US09878373B2 Surface-coated cutting tool
A surface-coated cutting tool according to the present invention includes a coating. The coating includes an α-Al2O3 layer. Each of the α-Al2O3 layers on a side of a rake face and a side of a flank face shows (001) orientation. In the α-Al2O3 layer on the rake face side, a length LR3 of a Σ3 crystal grain boundary exceeds 80% of a length LR3-29 of a Σ3-29 crystal grain boundary and is not lower than 10% and not higher than 50% of a total length LR of all grain boundaries. In the α-Al2O3 layer on the flank face side, a length LF3 of a Σ3 crystal grain boundary exceeds 80% of a length LF3-29 of a Σ3-29 crystal grain boundary and is not lower than 10% and not higher than 50% of a total length LF of all grain boundaries. A ratio LR3/LR3-29 is lower than a ratio LF3/LF3-29.
US09878370B2 Bimodal metal matrix nanocomposites and methods of making
A bimodal metal nanocomposite of ceramic nanoparticles in a metal or metal alloy matrix has a microstructure showing a first “hard” phase containing the ceramic nanoparticles in the metal or metal alloy matrix, and a second “soft” phase comprising only the metal or metal alloy with few or no ceramic nanoparticles. The stiffness and yield strength of the bimodal metal nanocomposite is significantly increased compared to the metal or metal alloy alone, while the ductility of the metal or metal alloy is retained. A process for making the bimodal metal matrix nanocomposite includes milling a powder mixture of micrometer-size metal flakes and ceramic nanoparticles for a time sufficient to embed the ceramic nanoparticles into the metal flakes.
US09878363B2 Punching apparatus
A punching apparatus includes a tool holder unit rotatable around a working axis and provided with a plurality of seats for slidably housing respective punching tools, a beating element movable along and around the working axis and provided with an operating end that has a beating portion to selectively interact with a set punching tool, a first driving assembly for moving the beating element along the working axis to move the set punching tool, and a second driving assembly for rotating the tool holder unit around the working axis. The operating end of the beating element includes a first coupling element and the tool holder unit includes a plurality of second coupling elements, each of the second coupling elements being associated with a respective one of the seats and a related one of the punching tools and being arranged to couple with the first coupling element in a connection configuration.
US09878360B2 Method of producing shaped steel changing in cross-sectional shape in longitudinal direction and roll forming apparatus for same
A roll forming apparatus for roll forming for producing from a sheet material a shaped steel which varies in cross-sectional shape in a longitudinal direction comprises a first rolling die which has an annular ridge part which varies in cross-sectional shape in a circumferential direction; a second rolling die which has an annular groove part which varies in cross-sectional shape in a circumferential direction; and a drive device for the first rolling die and the second rolling die. At least transition parts of the side surfaces of the annular ridge part of the first rolling die are provided with relief so that the gap with respect to the side surfaces of the annular groove part of the second rolling die becomes broader inward in the radial direction.
US09878359B2 Bending device for metallic plate
[Problem] To provide a bending device with a novel structure capable of efficiently bending a metallic plate without scratching or denting the plate.[Solution] A device (10) for bending a metallic plate (W) mounted on a pair of movable plates (35, 35) by applying pressing force to the metallic plate by an upper die (20) along a central axis (X), wherein against the biasing force of a coil spring (45), the movable plates move with the extension of the metallic plate during bending, and therefore the metallic plate is not scratched. The upper surface of each of the movable plates is a perfect flat surface, and therefore does not dent the metallic plate being subjected to the pressing force by the upper die. When the pressing force and the load of the metallic plate are removed after the completion of bending, swing members return to the original position thereof, and the movable plates are also returned to the original position thereof by the biasing force of the coil spring, with top parts (42) of fastening members (41) coupling the movable plates to fixed plates (38) functioning as a stopper and holding the movable plates at the original position.
US09878355B2 Method of treating waste items
Disclosed is a method of fragmenting a discrete waste product item or a combination of discrete waste product items involving introducing the discrete waste product item or combination of discrete waste product items into a pressure vessel, subjecting the item or items to an atmosphere of superheated steam in the vessel of at least 0.5 bar above atmospheric pressure, subsequently decompressing the vessel to achieve a pressure reduction of at least 0.5 bar in at most 5 seconds, and repeating the steps to effect fragmentation of the waste product item or combination of waste product items.
US09878345B2 Squeeze-out dispenser
A squeeze-out dispenser for a container containing compounds is disclosed. In an embodiment, the squeeze-out dispenser features two plungers which are provided with a profile along their longitudinal extensions and a drive unit for the plungers with a drive meshing with the profile of the plungers. The profile of the plungers is formed by several through-holes spaced apart from one another at a uniform interval and passing through the plungers, into which through-holes engagements of the drive engage for advancing the plungers.
US09878337B1 Sprayer
A sprayer includes a body which has a neck, of which an inner sectional area becomes gradually smaller as it goes towards a front side, on a front side of the blower module assembly, a chemical container that includes a chemical container top which has a check valve in the interior thereof, and a chemical discharge hole that is formed at a lower portion thereof, a blower module that is installed in the blower module assembly such that exterior air passes through the neck, a feeding pump that is connected to the chemical discharge hole by a connection pipe, an ejection nozzle assembly that connected to the feeding pump by a connection pipe, and a tube-shaped fixing cap are separated from and coupled to an end of the neck of the body.
US09878331B2 Detecting passing of unintended objects through throat of under-sink disposal
An under-sink disposal unit includes a motor, a disposal chamber, and a disposal throat. The disposal throat extends from the disposal chamber to an opening in a top of the disposal unit and defines a passageway through which objects pass into the disposal chamber for grinding. The disposal unit further includes a coil assembly including an arrangement of coils. The arrangement of coils is used to detect the passing of a metallic object in the passageway through the disposal throat. Furthermore, the arrangement of coils includes at least one coil having a loop that is oriented with respect to an axis of the passageway through the disposal throat such that objects passing through the disposal throat into the disposal chamber pass by and proximate to, but do not pass through, such loop. Preferably DC injection braking is used to stop the motor upon detection of a metallic object.
US09878325B2 Electronic control of fluidic species
Various aspects of the present invention relate to the control and manipulation of fluidic species, for example, in microfluidic systems. In one aspect, the invention relates to systems and methods for making droplets of fluid surrounded by a liquid, using, for example, electric fields, mechanical alterations, the addition of an intervening fluid, etc. In some cases, the droplets may each have a substantially uniform number of entities therein. For example, 95% or more of the droplets may each contain the same number of entities of a particular species. In another aspect, the invention relates to systems and methods for dividing a fluidic droplet into two droplets, for example, through charge and/or dipole interactions with an electric field. The invention also relates to systems and methods for fusing droplets according to another aspect of the invention, for example, through charge and/or dipole interactions. In some cases, the fusion of the droplets may initiate or determine a reaction. In a related aspect of the invention, systems and methods for allowing fluid mixing within droplets to occur are also provided. In still another aspect, the invention relates to systems and methods for sorting droplets, e.g., by causing droplets to move to certain regions within a fluidic system. Examples include using electrical interactions (e.g., charges, dipoles, etc.) or mechanical systems (e.g., fluid displacement) to sort the droplets. In some cases, the fluidic droplets can be sorted at relatively high rates, e.g., at about 10 droplets per second or more. Another aspect of the invention provides the ability to determine droplets, or a component thereof, for example, using fluorescence and/or other optical techniques (e.g., microscopy), or electric sensing techniques such as dielectric sensing.
US09878321B2 Materials and methods for the selective recovery of multivalent products
Described herein are processes and apparatus for the high purity and high concentration recovery of multivalent products via continuous ion exchange from aqueous solutions for further down-stream purification.
US09878318B2 Trimer catalyst additives for improving foam processability
The present invention provides trimerization catalyst compositions and methods to produce a polyisocyanurate/polyurethane foam using such trimerization catalyst compositions. The catalyst composition is the contact product of at least one α,β-unsaturated carboxylate salt and at least one second carboxylate salt.
US09878311B2 Process for preparation of zeolitic material
The present invention relates to a process for process for the preparation of a zeolitic material which process comprises (i) providing a boron-containing zeolitic material and (ii) deboronating the boron-containing zeolitic material by treating the boron-containing zeolitic material with a liquid solvent system thereby obtaining a deboronated zeolitic material, which liquid solvent system does not contain an inorganic or organic acid, or a salt thereof.
US09878306B2 Silver nanowires, methods of making silver nanowires, core-shell nanostructures, methods of making core-shell nanostructures, core-frame nanostructures, methods of making core-frame nanostructures
In accordance with the purpose(s) of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide for silver nanowires, methods of making silver nanowires, core-shell nanostructures, methods of making core-shell nanostructures, core-frame nanostructures, methods of making core-frame nanostructures, and the like.
US09878305B2 Fluidizable vanadium catalyst for oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanes to olefins in a gas phase oxygen free environment
Fluidizable catalysts for the gas phase oxygen-free oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanes, such as propane, to corresponding olefins, such as propylene. The catalysts comprise 5-20% by weight per total catalyst weight of one or more vanadium oxides (VOx), such as V2O5. The dehydrogenation catalysts are disposed on an alumina support that is modified with calcium oxide to influence characteristics of lattice oxygen at the catalyst surface. Various methods of preparing and characterizing the catalyst as well as methods for the gas phase oxygen free oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanes, such as propane, to corresponding olefins, such as propylene, with improved alkane conversion and olefin product selectivity are also disclosed.
US09878304B2 Method of manufacturing water-absorbent resin composition
The invention provides a method of manufacturing a water-absorbent resin composition containing water-absorbent resin particles and additive particles, by which it is possible to obtain a water-absorbent resin composition that sufficiently exhibits additional functions, such as an anti-blocking property under moisture absorption, of the additive particles while maintaining an excellent water absorption property. A method of manufacturing a water-absorbent resin composition includes a resin particle preparation step and a mixing step. In the mixing step, water-absorbent resin particles which are prepared in the resin particle preparation step are mixed with additive particles in multiple stages by using a plurality of mixing apparatuses to obtain a water-absorbent resin composition.
US09878298B2 Distributor device for a multiple-bed downflow reactor
The invention relates to a device and method for distributing a liquid and gas in a multiple-bed downflow reactor, such as a hydrocarbon processing reactor, like a hydrocracker. The device comprises respectively the method uses a distributor device comprising a substantially horizontal collecting tray provided with a central gas passage. Gas passing in downward direction through the central gas passage is forced into a swirling motion by a swirler. This swirling motion has a swirl direction around a vertical swirl axis so that the gas leaves the central gas passage as a swirl. At a location above the collecting tray, a quench fluid is ejected into gas in an ejection direction, which is, viewed in a horizontal plane, at least partly opposite to the swirl direction.
US09878297B2 Apparatus for processing a biomass
An apparatus to convert carbonaceous materials, particularly biomass and those biomass resources which are remotely located, into a solid material, which may be a high performance solid fuel, are presented. The apparatus provides a continuous process which can be completely powered by the energy contained in the biomass. The heat, mechanical power and electrical power are provided from the energy in the biomass, through the methods described. In this way, the apparatus is free to operate in remote locations, where no power or auxiliary fuel sources are available.
US09878294B2 Apparatus, system, and methods for blending crude oils
This application includes mixing devices, methods, and systems in which a second fluid can be introduced through a second flow channel to a dispersion member for extrusion through a perforated portion of a dispersion member into a first flow channel for mixing with a first fluid. In some of the present mixing devices, methods, and systems, the second flow channel is substantially perpendicular to the first flow channel, and/or the perforated portion is disposed on a downstream portion of the dispersion member.
US09878293B2 Mixing device
The invention generally relates to a mixing device. In certain embodiments, devices of the invention include a fluidic inlet, a fluidic outlet, and a chamber, the chamber being configured to produce a plurality of fluidic vortexes within the chamber.
US09878291B2 CO2 adsorption and recovery system and method
A CO2 adsorption and recovery system including an intake unit, a first purification/adsorption/regeneration unit, a second purification/adsorption/regeneration unit, a three-way valve switching unit, a vacuum drawing unit and an exhaust unit is provided. The first and second purification/adsorption/regeneration units have a hollow fiber bundle impurity adsorption column, a hollow fiber bundle CO2 adsorption column and two heating devices. One set of adsorption columns performs purification and adsorption procedures to the inlet gas in a normal or high pressure condition, and the other set of adsorption columns performs desorption and regeneration procedures in a high temperature condition when the adsorption columns are heated by the heating devices. The three-way valve switching unit exchanges the purification and adsorption procedures with the regeneration procedure to the first and second units. The vacuum drawing unit draws CO2 desorbed from the CO2 adsorption columns alternatively. The exhaust unit drains a purified product gas out.
US09878290B2 Submerged membrane separator and membrane cartridge
A submerged membrane separator includes: a plurality of membrane cartridges arranged at predetermined spaces; a flow generating device for generating flows in one direction along the membrane surfaces of the membrane cartridges; and wall members on both sides of a channel of the flow in the one direction formed between the membrane cartridges adjacent to each other. The membrane cartridges can be attached and detached from another direction substantially orthogonal to the flows in the one direction and substantially orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the membrane cartridges.
US09878288B2 Ammonia gas generator, method for producing ammonia and use of the same for reducing nitrogen oxides in exhaust gases
An ammonia gas generator for producing ammonia from a solution of an ammonia precursor substance, comprising a catalyst unit that comprises a catalyst for the decomposition and/or hydrolysis of ammonia precursor substances into ammonia and a mixing chamber provided upstream of the catalyst; an injection device for injecting the solution of the ammonia precursor substance into the mixing chamber; at least one inlet for the carrier gas; and an outlet for the formed ammonia gas, said ammonia gas generator also comprising a perforated disc.
US09878287B2 NH3 overdosing-tolerant SCR catalyst
Catalysts having a blend of platinum on a support with low ammonia storage with a Cu-SCR catalyst or an Fe-SCR catalyst are disclosed. The catalysts can also contain one or two additional SCR catalysts. The catalysts can be present in one of various configurations. Catalytic articles containing these catalysts are disclosed. The catalytic articles are useful for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx in exhaust gases and in reducing the amount of ammonia slip. Methods for producing such articles are described. Methods of using the catalytic articles in an SCR process, where the amount of ammonia slip is reduced, are also described.
US09878285B2 Method and absorption medium for absorbing CO2 from a gas mixture
The absorption of CO2 from a gas mixture by contacting the gas mixture with an absorption medium that comprises water and 5 to 50 wt % of amino acid salts of formula R1R2CHNHCH2COOK, in which R1 and R2 are n-alkyl radicals and the radicals R1 and R2 together have 2 to 4 carbon atoms, affords a high CO2 absorption capacity per unit weight in the cyclical operation of absorption and desorption.
US09878282B2 Partial gas separation technique for oxygen and nitrogen enrichment of atmospheric air
The specification and drawings present a new apparatus and method for a partial gas separation technique which can be used, e.g., for continuously providing, using a predefined atmospheric air (normally atmospheric air comprises 78% of nitrogen N2 and 21% of oxygen O2), oxygen-enriched gas/air and/or nitrogen-enriched gas/air in fossil-fueled combustion devices/systems to a combustion area/chamber and the like for improving combustion, exhaust and related properties of the apparatus. The partial gas separation technique can be based on forming a predefined directional pattern of a gas mixture of a plurality of gases, using a direction forming element, subsequently moving an output gas from the direction forming element at least along/against one surface of a gas separation element to spatially separate in part the plurality of gases having different molecular weights.
US09878279B2 System for purifying hydrogen from a metal hydride storage system
Entrained metal hydride particle are removed from a flow of hydrogen from a Mg-based hydride storage unit using not only a particle filter but improvements for reducing or eliminating drastic changes in flow. In addition to or alternative to removal of entrained metal hydride particles, methane produced by reaction of hydrogen with steel in a metal hydride system preferably operated above 350° C. is removed downstream of the Mg-based hydride storage unit using an adsorption cartridge, preferably containing activated carbon.
US09878276B2 Misting apparatus and dust suppression system employing the same
The present invention relates to a dust suppression system for use in a container, and a misting apparatus therefor. In one form, the dust suppression, system comprises at least one misting apparatus for contributing to the creation of a mist layer for preventing the escape of the dust from the container, the misting: apparatus comprising a means for generating an airflow, and a means for producing a mist in the airflow so that the mist is carried by the airflow.
US09878274B2 High flow V-bank filter
A V-bank air filter having a high air flow rate with low pressure drop is provided. In one embodiment, a V-bank filter includes a first side panel and a second side panel having parallel first edges oriented perpendicular to a flow direction through the filter. A plurality of filter elements are arranged in at least two pairs of vees extending between the first and second housings. The side panels and the filter elements comprise a unitary disposable filter, wherein at least three filter elements have a unique orientation relative to the flow direction.
US09878272B2 Porous inorganic membranes and method of manufacture
A method is provided for making a porous inorganic membrane by using a mixture of an inorganic material, organic polymer particles and a solvent to form a slurry, the particles being non-spherical, distributing the slurry onto a surface, drying the slurry to remove the solvent and firing the dried slurry to produce the porous inorganic membrane. Examples of organic polymer particles include particles of acrylic. A substrate with a porous inorganic membrane disposed on the substrate is also provided, the inorganic membrane having an average thickness of from about 0.5 micron to about 30 microns, a porosity of from about 30% to about 65%, a median pore size (d50) of from about 0.01 micron to about 1 micron, and a value of (d90−d10)/d50 less than about 2, as measured by mercury porosimetry. An example of a substrate includes an inorganic porous support.
US09878268B2 Phase separation tank
A separation tank for separating a contaminant from a contaminated fluid. A series of juxtaposed interconnected chambers having a series of baffles therein provide a revolving flow of fluid in each chamber to maximize distance for which contaminants travel to separate from the fluid. The interconnected chambers may be juxtaposed in end-to-end relation or in side-by-each configuration.
US09878267B2 Solution treatment apparatus and solution treatment method
A solution treatment apparatus connected to a supply nozzle that supplies a treatment solution to a substrate, includes: a supply pipeline connecting a treatment solution storage container and the supply nozzle; a filter apparatus provided in the supply pipeline; a pump on a secondary side of the filter apparatus; a circulation pipeline connecting a discharge side of the pump and an intake side of the filter apparatus; a supply control valve provided in the supply pipeline on a secondary side of the pump; a circulation control valve provided in the circulation pipeline; and a control unit, wherein the control unit opens the circulation control valve and drives the pump when supply of the treatment solution from the supply nozzle to the substrate is stopped by closing the supply control valve, to thereby circulate the treatment solution between the supply pipeline having the filter apparatus and the circulation pipeline.
US09878266B2 Chromatography ligand
The present invention relates to a chromatography ligand defined by the following formula R1—R2—N(R3)—R4—R5 wherein R1 is a substituted or non-substituted phenyl group; R2 is a hydrocarbon chain comprising 0-4 carbon atoms; R3 is a hydrocarbon chain comprising 1-3 carbon atoms; R4 is a hydrocarbon chain comprising 1-5 carbon atoms; and R5 is OH or H. The invention also comprises a separation matrix, comprising the described ligands coupled to a porous support, such as particles or a membrane. The ligand and matrix according to the invention is useful for purification of biomolecules or organic compounds, such as proteins, polypeptides, DNA etc. An advantageous use according to the invention is the purification of antibodies.
US09878265B2 System for producing fresh water and electricity using cold ocean water in combination with wind power
A system for producing potable water and electrical power utilizing the difference in temperature between ambient air and deep, cold ocean water is disclosed. Cold water from depths of 2000 feet (610 meters) or more is pumped to a liquid/gas heat exchanger in the upper portion of a hollow cylinder. Ambient air currents are concentrated and diverted into the exchanger, becoming cooler and denser. Moisture condensing from the ambient air onto the cool surface of the heat exchanger is collected and channeled to storage or piped to shore. The air gains velocity before reaching a wind turbine near the bottom of the cylinder. This turbine is connected to a generator to extract the wind energy. This extracted energy is converted to electricity by the generator and sent to shore.
US09878260B1 Interlinking assembly device
An interlinking assembly device for generating three-dimensional objects. The device includes a unit having a pair of wings and at least one loop. The wings have slots that can accept a wing from another unit. The at least one loop can also accept a wing from another device, allowing multiple rows to be linked and extend in three dimensions. A kit includes more than one unit and can include more than one embodiment of the unit.
US09878251B2 Relocation between virtual environments based upon promotional and alert conditions
Awards of value are awarded to residents of a virtual universe for consenting to be teleported in response to invitations for teleportation. The consent can be made conditional upon any of a variety of circumstances which can be specified by a resident of the virtual universe for a corresponding avatar and which form rules for auto-teleportation. These conditions can be stored and searched and avatar and location status monitored and compared to the conditions to control issuance of invitations to increase the likelihood that an invitation will be automatically accepted. A delay before acceptance is also preferably provided to provide for graceful conclusion or termination of current avatar activity.
US09878243B2 Methodology for equalizing systemic latencies in television reception in connection with games of skill played in connection with live television programming
A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.
US09878242B2 Generation of gameplay video based on social network sharing
A method for generating a gameplay video of a video game is provided. The method initiates with recording a user's gameplay of the video game. The user's recorded gameplay is analyzed to determine a region of interest, the region of interest being a region of the video game having social network sharing levels that exceed a predefined threshold. Boundaries are defined within a gameplay context of the video game based on the determined region of interest that define options for selection of a beginning and an end for the gameplay video. The gameplay video of the video game is generated based on the selection defined from the boundaries. The gameplay video of the video game is shared over the social network to one or more additional client devices for viewing by one or more additional users.
US09878239B2 Systems and methods for performing haptic conversion
Systems and methods for haptic conversion are described. One disclosed method includes the steps of: determining a characteristic of a target user interface device having a target haptic output device, determining a source haptic effect associated with a source user interface device having a source haptic output device; converting the source haptic effect to a target haptic effect, the conversion based at least in part on the characteristic of the target haptic output device, and generating a haptic signal associated with the target haptic effect, the haptic signal configured to cause the target haptic output device to output the target haptic effect.
US09878236B2 Game apparatus having general-purpose remote control function
A game apparatus is capable of controlling infrared radiation emitters for radiating infrared light. The game apparatus executes game processing using imaging information on the infrared light obtained from an input device. The input device takes an image of the infrared light radiated by the infrared radiation emitters, and also receives an input from a user. The game apparatus comprises pattern storage means; selection means; and radiation control means. The pattern storage means stores at least one signal pattern of an infrared signal usable by a control target device. The selection means selects at least one of the at least one signal pattern stored by the pattern storage means, using the input received by the input device. The radiation control means causes the infrared radiation emitters to output an infrared signal of the signal pattern selected by the selection means.
US09878231B2 Military-based gaming system
A deck of cards includes eighty four playing cards. Each playing card has a front surface and a back surface. The front surface of all of the playing cards has the same design. The eighty four playing cards include four sets of twenty one playing cards. Each of the four sets corresponds to a branch of military service and each playing card within each of the four sets of twenty one playing cards corresponding to a rank within a respective branch of the military service.
US09878227B2 Kozac cut goalie hockey stick
A goalie hockey stick including a shaft with two bends in it, a vertical paddle and a blade with an added bend that allows goaltenders to play their position with the goal of stopping the puck from scoring by blocking the puck or deflecting the puck away from the opening of the goal. It also allows the goalie to play, control, pass and shoot the puck both standing and on their knees.
US09878225B2 Golf club shaft and golf club using the same
A golf club shaft formed by winding prepregs, made of reinforced fibers impregnated with a thermosetting resin, into layers and thermally curing the prepregs. The golf club shaft includes a 90-degree prepreg, a fiber direction of which is orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the golf club shaft and which is provided on each of an inner layer side and an outer layer side, and the golf club shaft satisfies the following condition: 2.0≦D2/D1≦4.0, wherein D1 designates a thickness of the inner-layer-side 90-degree prepreg, and D2 designates a thickness of the outer-layer-side 90-degree prepreg.
US09878224B2 Rod-like object for ball games and method for using the same
A rod-like object for ball games 1 usable for a ball games or practice thereof, the rod-like object 1 comprising a grip 20 on a proximal end side of an elongated main body 10, the main body 10 comprising a first flexible part 12 in which primary deflective deformation occurs along a first imaginary plane, a second flexible part 14 that is provided more toward the proximal end side than the first flexible part 12 is and in which principal deflective deformation occurs along a second imaginary plane, and a highly rigid part 19 interposed between the first flexible part 12 and the second flexible part 14, the first imaginary plane and the second imaginary plane intersecting each other, and the highly rigid part 19 having a flexural rigidity in a direction of the first imaginary plane that is equal to or greater than a flexural rigidity of the second flexible part 14 in the same direction and a flexural rigidity in a direction of the second imaginary plane that is equal to or greater than a flexural rigidity of the first flexible part 12 in the same direction.
US09878222B2 Golf club weight attachment mechanisms and related methods
Embodiments of golf club weight attachment mechanisms are described herein. In some embodiments, a golf club head comprises a head body with an interior cavity, a shell portion, and a bracket with a weight member coupled to the bracket. In one embodiment, the bracket and the weight member can be configured to be fully contained within the interior cavity. Other examples and related methods are also described herein.
US09878221B2 Putter face insert
A face insert comprising a planar member composed of a rigid material such as plastic or metal and a polymeric backing is disclosed herein. The planar member, which makes contact with a golf ball during use, includes a plurality of geometrically-shaped holes, each of which comprises a perimeter edge that has a variable radius to further optimize performance of the face insert. In some embodiments, one or more of the holes extends completely through the planar member, i.e. is a through-hole, and the polymeric backing includes at least one protrusion with an angled upper surface that is sized to extend into a through-hole and further improve performance of the face insert. The face insert described herein can be used with any type of golf club head, including putters, woods, irons, and hybrids, and the holes may take any shape, including oval, hexagonal, and chevron.
US09878220B2 Golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads
Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a body portion with a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, a sole portion, a back portion, and a front portion. The golf club head may include an interior cavity. The interior cavity may be filled with an elastic polymer material. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.
US09878219B2 Golf club and golf club set
A golf club 4 includes a head hd and a sole surface 12. The sole surface 12 includes a ridgeline RL extending from a toe side toward a heel side, a leading surface Si positioned on a face side of the ridgeline RL and inclined upward toward the face side, and a trailing surface S2 positioned on a back side of the ridgeline RL and inclined upward toward the back side. Inclination angles at respective positions of the trailing surface S2 are defined as θ2c at a central position, θ2t at a toe reference position, and θ2h at a heel reference position. Then, the head hd satisfies at least one of the following (a) and (b): (a) The inclination angle θ2t is greater than the inclination angle θ2c (b) The inclination angle θ2h is greater than the inclination angle θ2c.
US09878212B2 Golf ball dimple shape
The present invention is directed to golf balls having improved aesthetics and desirable aerodynamic properties due, at least in part, to the novel shape of the dimples on the surface thereof. In particular, the present invention is directed to a golf ball that includes at least a portion of its dimples having a shape obtained from the intersection of a toroid and a sphere. The resulting curve of intersection represents the dimple perimeter and the intersecting portion of the surface of the toroid represents the dimple surface shape.
US09878210B2 Human powered vehicle with an adjustment assembly
A human powered vehicle includes a frame, a crank assembly disposed on the frame, a wheel rotatably attached to the frame, and a force rotation adjustment assembly in communication with the wheel. The human powered vehicle also includes a processor and memory, where the memory has programmed instructions executable by the processor to determine a calorie goal of the user, determine a user history, and adjust an force applied by the adjustment assembly based at least in part on the calorie goal.
US09878209B2 Facilitating dynamic monitoring of body dimensions over periods of time based on three-dimensional depth and disparity
A mechanism is described for facilitating smart monitoring of body dimensions according to one embodiment. A method of embodiments, as described herein, includes receiving a first request to take a first picture of a user, wherein the first picture is taken at a first point in time using a depth-sensing camera; automatically computing first body dimensions relating to a body of the user based on at least one of a first image of the body and first depth information relating to one or more parts of the body, wherein the first image and the first depth information are obtained from the first picture; generate a first three-dimensional (3D) model of the body based on the first body dimensions; and communicating at least one of the first 3D model and the first body dimensions to a display device, wherein the display device to display at least one of the first 3D model and the first body dimensions.
US09878208B2 Method and device for determining value of consumed energy
A method for determining an amount of consumed energy includes acquiring deformation information of a mat surface of an elastic mat used by a user during one deformation process, determining an amount of energy consumed by the user during the deformation process according to the deformation information, and recording the amount of energy.
US09878206B2 Method for interactive training and analysis
Apparatus and methods are provided that can display selected predetermined postures or predetermined motions on a frame by frame basis or as a continuous motion for imitation or emulation by a system user or subject to, for example, learn the motion or posture, or to be guided in rehabilitation from a trauma, surgery or other injury, or to permit comparison of the users posture or motion to a baseline posture or motion for purposes of analysis or diagnosis.
US09878200B2 Gravity return rowing exercise device
A rowing exercise device in which the return force for the rowing handle is provided by the force of gravity rather than an elastic cable. The rowing exercise device includes a stationary base and a moveable frame, which rotates or slides upwardly relative to the stationary base when a pulling force is applied to the handle, and then rotates or slides back down to the initial position under the force of gravity when the pulling force is removed.
US09878198B2 Weight lifting and strength training platforms and pulling blocks
A weight training tool includes a pair of adjustable platforms or blocks. Each block comprises a support platform and a plurality of legs, the legs configured to allow conversion of the platform to at least two heights, and collapse of the platform to a compact structure having wheels for ease of transport. The legs fit into mating tubes on the underside of the platform. To provide a second height, the legs may be equipped with a perpendicular portion to fit into mating tubes on the underside of the support platform to support the platform at a shorter height. One of each of the pair of platforms is equipped with a projection on its underside which can be detachably associated with a projection on the underside of the other platform with a space formed therebetween for storing legs. Attachable wheels and a handle complete the transportable platform pair.
US09878196B2 Bathtub exercise auxiliary apparatus
A bathtub exercise auxiliary apparatus includes: a first support, a bathtub, a second support, a traction unit and an exercise rack. The first support includes a plurality of base rods, traverse rods, longitudinal support rods, and longitudinal assembling rods. The bathtub is disposed in the first support and includes a trough and a plurality of housing portions. The second support is removably fixed to the first support, located above the bathtub, and includes a plurality of longitudinal connecting rods fixed to the longitudinal assembling rods, two parallel traverse connecting rods connected to the longitudinal connecting rods, two traverse rods connected between the longitudinal connecting rods, and two longitudinal rods connected to the traverse rods. The traction unit is disposed at the connections of the longitudinal rods and the traverse rods. The exercise rack is disposed between the traverse connecting rods, bridges over the trough, and includes a griping portion.
US09878195B2 Resistance training device
A resistance training device for hands-free exercising of the back and shoulders includes a frame. A bench is coupled to the frame and is configured to seat a user. A backrest is coupled to the frame proximate to a rear edge of the bench. A pair of arms is pivotally coupled singly to opposing side supports of the frame. A resistor is operationally coupled to the pair of arms. The arms are positioned on the frame such that the arms are configured to abut elbows of the user seated on the bench. The resistor is positioned to resist the user's effort to pivot the arms relative to the frame, thus exercising the back and shoulders of the user without use of the user's hands.
US09878191B2 System for treating contaminated soil
Disclosed are a process and a system for treating contaminated soil. The process includes introducing a contaminated soil to an agitation unit. Ozone is supplied to the agitation unit thereby forming a soil-gas mixture, and the soil-gas mixture is agitated for sufficient time for the ozone to contact the contaminants thereby forming an ozone-treated soil and a residual gas-particulates mixture. The ozone-treated soil and the residual gas-particulates mixture are removed from the agitation unit. If necessary, remaining ozone is then flushed from the soil. The process occurs under negative pressure to prevent ozone from being released to the atmosphere.
US09878187B2 Joist anchor
A system for mounting a stanchion on a structure includes a base plate, a stanchion coupled to the base plate, and a number of base plate flanges coupled to the base plate. The base plate flanges to couple the base plate to at least one joist of the structure. The stanchion protrudes through the surface of the structure to a first side of the structure while the base plate and the base plate flanges remain on a second side of the surface of the structure.
US09878185B2 Flame resistant fabric and garments made therefrom
Protective garments include a flame resistant fabric that is strong and yet has a soft hand. The fabric is made from a combination of filament yarns and spun yarns. The filament yarns and spun yarns are woven together such that the filament yarns are separated by from about 2 to about 5 spun yarns in both the warp direction and the fill direction. The spun yarns may contain polybenzimidazole fibers in combination with other fibers, such as aramid fibers. The filament yarns may comprise para-aramid fibers. In one embodiment, the filament yarns may have a size larger than the spun yarns.
US09878181B2 Method and device for computing physical and/or radiobiological quantities induced by an ion beam in a volume
The method of the invention comprises the steps of: providing a reference ion beamlet; determining in a phantom (60) a distribution of a linearly-superposable quantity representing a linearly-superposable effect induced by said reference ion beamlet; approximating an ion beam (10) as a weighted superposition of ion beamlets (15), said weighted superposition comprising weight coefficients, at least one ion beamlet (15) being obtained by applying a roto-translation operation to said reference ion beamlet; determining a roto-translated distribution of a linearly-superposable quantity by roto-translating said distribution of a linearly-superposable quantity with said roto-translation operation; determining said physical and/or radiobiological quantities by performing a weighted superposition comprising said weight coefficients, and said roto-translated distribution of a linearly-superposable quantity.
US09878180B2 Proton scattering analysis system
Disclosed are systems and methods for characterizing interactions or proton beams in tissues. In certain embodiments, charged particles emitted during passage of protons, such as those used for therapeutic and/or imaging purposes, can be detected at relatively large angles. In situations where beam intensity is relatively low, such as in certain imaging applications, characterization of the proton beam with charged particles can provide sufficient statistics for meaningful results while avoiding the beam itself. In situations where beam intensity is relatively high, such as in certain therapeutic applications, characterization of the proton beam with scattered primary protons and secondary protons can provide information such as differences in densities encountered by the beam as it traverses the tissue and dose deposited along the beam path. In certain situations, such beam characterizations can facilitate more accurate planning and monitoring of proton-based therapy.
US09878174B2 High frequency cancer thermotherapy apparatus
A high frequency cancer thermotherapy apparatus treats by generating a high frequency electric field between a pair of electrode parts which sandwich a patient and are disposed so as to be opposite to each other and perform a dielectric heating with respect to an affected part. The apparatus includes a bed having a bed part and a bed supporting part for liftably/lowerably and horizontally movably supporting the bed part, a gantry on which the electrode parts are mounted, and a high frequency generation and control part. A maximum-sized electrode part which can be mounted on the gantry includes an electrode plate having a diameter exceeding 300 mm and a pad attached on the electrode plate. The bed part includes an opening part formed such that the maximum-sized electrode part can pass from a vertical direction, a shutter which opens/closes the opening part, and a bed surface flatization device.
US09878172B2 Methods and devices for accurately classifying cardiac activity
Methods, systems, and devices for signal analysis in an implanted cardiac monitoring and treatment device such as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. In illustrative examples, captured data including detected events is analyzed to identify likely overdetection of cardiac events. In some illustrative examples, when overdetection is identified, data may be modified to correct for overdetection, to reduce the impact of overdetection, or to ignore overdetected data. New methods for organizing the use of morphology and rate analysis in an overall architecture for rhythm classification and cardiac signal analysis are also discussed.
US09878167B1 Medical implant selection protocol
Techniques provided herein are directed toward providing a selection protocol that can be used in such biological measurement and stimulation systems to select only a portion of the medical implants for reporting during a particular system cycle. In particular, the interrogator device can send the first message that defines a group to the medical implants, then send a second message with the identifier of the group to trigger communications with the medical implants of that group.
US09878166B2 System and method for converting tissue stimulation programs in a format usable by an electrical current steering navigator
A method, computer medium, and system for programming a controller is provided. The controller controls electrical stimulation energy output to electrodes, and stores a set of programmed stimulation parameters associated with the electrodes. The programmed stimulation parameter set is compared with sets of reference stimulation parameters, each of the reference sets of stimulation parameters being associated with the electrodes. If an identical match is determined between the programmed stimulation parameter set and any one of the reference stimulation parameter sets exists based on the comparison, the identically matched stimulation parameter set is selected as an initial stimulation parameter set. If an identical match does not exist, a best between the programmed stimulation parameter set and the reference stimulation parameter sets is determined and selected as the initial stimulation parameter set. The controller is then programmed with a new set of programmable stimulation parameters based on the initial stimulation parameter set.
US09878162B2 Methods and systems for controlling blood pressure by controlling atrial pressure
Systems and methods for controlling blood pressure by controlling atrial pressure and atrial stretch are disclosed. In some embodiments, a stimulation circuit may be configured to deliver a stimulation pulse to at least one cardiac chamber of a heart of a patient, and at least one controller may be configured to execute delivery of one or more stimulation patterns of stimulation pulses to the at least one cardiac chamber, wherein at least one of the stimulation pulses stimulates the heart such that an atrial pressure resulting from atrial contraction of an atrium overlaps in time a passive pressure build-up of the atrium, such that an atrial pressure of the atrium resulting from the stimulation is a combination of the atrial pressure resulting from atrial contraction and the passive pressure build-up and is higher than an atrial pressure of the atrium would be without the stimulation, and such that the blood pressure of the patient is reduced.
US09878160B2 Differential neurostimulation therapy driven by physiological therapy
An implantable neurostimulator system adapted to provide therapy for various neurological disorders is capable of varying therapy delivery strategies based on the context, physiological or otherwise, into which the therapy is to be delivered. Responsive and scheduled therapies can be varied depending on various sensor measurements, calculations, inferences, and device states (including elapsed times and times of day) to deliver an appropriate course of therapy under the circumstances.
US09878159B2 Hypertension therapy implant apparatus
An implant unit according to some embodiments may include a flexible carrier, at least one pair of modulation electrodes on the flexible carrier, and at least one implantable circuit in electrical communication with the at least one pair of modulation electrodes. The at least one pair of modulation electrodes and the at least one circuit may be configured for implantation through derma on an underside of a subject's chin and for location proximate to terminal fibers of the medial branch of the subject's hypoglossal nerve, such that an electric field extending from the at least one pair of modulation electrodes can modulate one or more of the terminal fibers of the medial branch of the hypoglossal nerve.
US09878157B2 Patient specific frequency modulation adaption
An input sound signal is processed to generate band pass signals that each represent an associated band of audio frequencies. Stimulation timing signals are generated for each band pass signal, including for one or more selected band pass signals using a timing function defined to determine a mapped instantaneous frequency by adjusting instantaneous frequency based on a frequency relation factor representing a relationship between: (1) the range of audio frequencies for the band pass channel, and (2) a patient-specific, channel-specific range of stimulation rates defined based on patient-specific pitch perception measurements to enhance patient pitch perception within the range of audio frequencies for the band pass channel, and iii. generate the stimulation timing signal for the selected band pass signal at the mapped instantaneous frequency of the selected band pass signal.
US09878156B2 Methods and systems for fitting an electro-acoustic stimulation system to a patient
An exemplary system includes 1) a stimulation management facility configured to direct an electro-acoustic stimulation (“EAS”) system to concurrently apply acoustic stimulation to a patient by way of a loudspeaker and electrical stimulation to the patient by way of an electrode, and 2) a fitting facility communicatively coupled to the stimulation management facility and configured to detect an interaction between the acoustic stimulation and the electrical stimulation, and set one or more control parameters governing an operation of the EAS system based on the detected interaction. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.
US09878153B2 Apparatus for external activation of paralyzed body parts by stimulation of peripheral nerves
Apparatus for external activation of paralyzed body parts by stimulation of peripheral nerves which comprises a soft apparel provided with multi-pad electrodes on one side and activating means on the other side, wherein the activating means are adapted to allow activation and control of a delivered electrical pulse to each multi-pad electrode separately.
US09878149B2 Multiple tunable central cathodes on a paddle for increased medial-lateral and rostral-caudal flexibility via current steering
A neurostimulation paddle lead, method of neurostimulation, and neurostimulation system are provided. The neurostimulation paddle lead carries a plurality of electrodes comprising at least four columns of electrodes having a spacing between two inner electrode columns less than a spacing between the inner electrode columns and adjacent outer electrode columns. The inner electrode columns may also be longitudinally offset from the outer electrode columns. The methods and neurostimulation systems steer current between the electrodes to modify a medial-lateral electrical field created adjacent spinal cord tissue.
US09878145B2 Apparatus including a conduit clamping device
An apparatus comprising a conduit clamping device with a closing mechanism for closing and opening passage of fluid or air in a flexible conduit is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a movable arm or disk that is connected to a manipulation arm or a knob; a conduit in form of a tube, that is laid flat against an abutment or protrusion; and a guide structure that constrains the movable arm or disk between the guide structure and the tube and being designed such that movement of the arm or disk will control the compression of the tube.
US09878141B2 Method and devices for implantation of biologic constructs
Seal systems and devices for delivering a biologic construct repair for shoulder and joint surgery into an arthroscopic workspace, including a pinch to open seal that uses fluid pressure to self-seal against a curved surface when closed.
US09878138B2 Drug device configured for wireless communication
This invention relates to an ingestible drug delivery device configured for wireless communication with other ingestible drug delivery devices.
US09878133B2 Inflatable imbibed polymer devices
The present invention provides a stretchable material suitable for use in an inflatable medical device. The stretchable material has at least one reinforcing polymer layer with a top and bottom side forming a porous matrix which is imbibed with a sealing material to infiltrate and substantially seal spaces of the porous matrix and extend beyond the reinforcing polymer layer to form a surface coating.
US09878129B2 Infusion site retainer for maintaining infusion tubing
An infusion site retainer configured to maintain tubing coupled to an infusion port includes a base configured to be secured to a patient and comprises a patient surface opposite a first surface. At least one trench is formed in the base to couple the tubing to the base.
US09878128B2 Systems, apparatus and methods for treating blood vessels
A system and method for treating a blood vessel that is at least partially obstructed by an occlusion which divides the lumen into a proximal lumen segment and a distal lumen segment. The system includes an orienting catheter having an orientation element positionable in an intrawall space of the vessel and an occlusion catheter having an occlusion balloon inflatable in the proximal lumen segment so as to isolate a target volume including the intrawall space. The pressure inside the target volume is reduced to a pressure below the pressure of the distal lumen segment so that the intima presses against the orienting element of the orienting catheter. A distal end of a reentry device may be advanced from the orienting catheter through the intima and into the distal lumen segment.
US09878127B2 Catheter delivery system for heart valve prosthesis
The invention relates to an operating handle (10-1, 10-2) for manipulating a catheter tip (80-1, 80-2) of a catheter delivery system. The operating handle (10-1, 10-2) comprises a hand grip (11) designed to be held by a user, and a manipulating part (12) axially aligned with the hand grip (11). The manipulating part (12) is rotatable relatively to the hand grip (11) about a longitudinal axis (L) defined by the operating handle (10-1, 10-2). The operating handle (10-1, 10-2) comprises at least one sliding member (30, 40) operatively linked with the manipulating part (12) by means of a cam mechanism (50) such that, upon rotation of the manipulating part (12) relative to the hand grip (11), the at least one sliding member (30, 40) moves axially in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L).
US09878126B2 Nozzle for the supply of biological material, in particular cells, medical device with such a nozzle, use of a nozzle, method for mixing fluids and apparatus
A nozzle for the supply of biological material, in particular tissue cells, having a mixing chamber (11) which is delimited by a proximal end surface (21) and a distal end surface (22) spaced apart from the proximal end surface (21), at least one nozzle opening (23) which is formed in the distal end surface (22), and at least two supply ducts (30, 40, 50) which discharge into the mixing chamber (11). A first supply duct (30) is arranged in the proximal end surface (21) and discharges into the mixing chamber (11) coaxially to the nozzle opening (23) and a second supply duct (40) has an inlet opening (42) which discharges into the mixing chamber (11) laterally, in particular tangentially at the distal end surface (22).
US09878124B2 Stretch valve balloon catheter and methods for producing and using same
A safety catheter for draining a given fluid includes a hollow stretch valve and a flexible, multi-lumen, balloon drainage catheter having a proximal catheter end, a balloon defining a balloon interior to be inflated with an inflation fluid, a drain lumen. and a balloon drainage port fluidically connecting the balloon interior to the drain lumen. The hollow stretch valve is shaped to permit the given fluid to pass therethrough and is positioned in the drain lumen to at least partially slide therein such that, in a steady state, the stretch valve prevents the inflation fluid from passing through the drainage port, and, in a stretched state when the proximal catheter end is stretched, the distal sliding portion slides within the drain lumen to permit the inflation fluid to pass through the drainage port and into the drain lumen.
US09878121B2 Ventilation mask with heat and moisture exchange device
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a mask, such as a nasal pillows mask, for achieving positive pressure mechanical ventilation (inclusive of CPAP, ventilator support, critical care ventilation, emergency applications). The mask of the present invention includes a piloted exhalation valve that is used to achieve the target pressures/flows to the patient. The pilot for the valve may be pneumatic and driven from the gas supply tubing from the ventilator. The mask of the present invention further includes a heat and moisture exchange (HME) device which is directly integrated into the housing or cushion thereof (thus residing in extremely close proximity to the patient's nostrils), and is further uniquely configured to induce a flow pattern between it and the cushion which maximizes the transmission of heat and moisture to air which is inhaled by and exhaled from the patient through the mask.
US09878120B2 Breathing assistance apparatus
A nasal cannula assembly is disclosed having a face mount part, in use resting against a user's face, which includes at least one nasal prong capable of being fitted into a person's nares. The cannula assembly also includes a manifold part, in fluid communication with the face mount part, having a single horizontal side gases entry. In particular, this cannula assembly is for supplying heated, humidified gases to a patient suffering from COPD. A tie or lanyard is disclosed for use with a breathing assistance apparatus such as a nasal cannula, face or nasal mask or tracheostomy connector. The tie or lanyard transfers the weight of the conduits supplying gases to the breathing assistance apparatus from the breathing assistance apparatus and distributes it onto the neck of the patient.
US09878118B2 Headgear for masks
A headgear for use with a mask includes a first strap being configured to engage a back of a patient's head and extend on either side of the patient's parietal bone behind the patient's ears and assume, in use, a substantially circular or oval shape. At least a portion of the first strap is substantially inextensible. The headgear also includes at least one second strap configured to removably connect the first strap to the mask. The second strap may be more extensible than the first strap. At least a portion of the first strap is self-supporting such that the headgear maintains a three dimensional shape when not in use. The substantially inextensible portion of the first strap is constructed to resiliently return to a predetermined shape when not in use. The arcuate region includes a first portion that may be arranged to align substantially parallel with a top of the patient's head and a second portion being arranged to align substantially to a rear surface of the patient's head.
US09878116B2 Laryngeal mask
A laryngeal mask is provided with an outer tube and a connector, having a base end in which is formed a first connecting portion capable of being connected to an artificial respirator and a leading end in which is formed a ventilation opening, the outer tube and the connector having a communication passage formed therein that communicates between the first connecting portion and the ventilation opening, a ring-shaped cuff capable of tightly adhering to a tracheal opening of a patient trachea as a result of inflating in a state where the ring-shaped cuff is inserted to a predetermined insertion position, and hyoid bone-contacting portions and protruding laterally from the outer tube so as to contact from above a site in a pharyngeal portion of the patient corresponding to a hyoid bone of the patient in a state where the ring-shaped cuff is inserted to the insertion position.
US09878115B2 System and method for circuits to allow CPAP to provide zero pressure
A system comprises a respiratory delivery arrangement adapted to cover at least one respiratory orifice of a patient. The system also comprises a first conduit having a first end and a second end, the second end connected to the respiratory delivery arrangement. A positive pressure is provided to the respiratory orifice via the first conduit and a second conduit having a third end and a fourth end, the fourth end connected to the respiratory delivery arrangement. An exhaled gas is extracted from the respiratory orifice by one or both of a valve configured to redirect flow through the respiratory delivery arrangement and a venturi opening.
US09878114B2 Method and system for controlling breathing
The present invention relates to a method and a system for controlling breathing of a patient. A mixing device extends from a patient interface to control a volume of exhaled gasses. The mixing device has a first orifice connected to and in fluid communication with a first control tube and terminating in a first variable flow control valve and a second orifice connected to and in fluid communication with a second control tube and terminating in a second variable flow control valve. Further a first volume extends between the first and second orifices. A controller then controls the volume of exhaled gasses from the patient using the first and second variable flow control valves.
US09878110B2 Insulin pump dermal infusion set having partially integrated mechanized cannula insertion with disposable activation portion
An infusion set has a partially integrated ballistic inserter that can insert a needle at a controlled rate of speed to a depth to deliver content to the upper 3 mm of skin surface, and a skin-securing adhesive layer to secure the skin surface at the insertion site such that the inserter that can insert a needle with a reduced risk of tenting of the skin surface. A removable turnkey or pushable handle can be provided to release a driving spring of the ballistic inserter to insert a needle at a controlled rate of speed, of 3.3 ft/sec. (1.0 m/sec.) up to and including those greater than 10 ft/sec. (3.0 m/sec.), then release from the set for disposal. The infusion set can further include an extendable interface ring that retracts when the inserter is removed from the infusion set.
US09878105B2 Dispense interface
The invention provides a dispense interface for an ejection device comprising a first part and a second part, at least a first opening, a second opening and a third opening, a fluidic channel and a connection element for each of the openings, wherein the first part is joined to said second part to form at least a part of said fluidic channel connecting said openings with each other and wherein each connection element is configured to accept a needle assembly for a fluid tight connection with said corresponding opening in order to reduce the complexity and provide an easy usage of the dispense interface and at the same time overcome the problems of material compatibility and cross contamination. The invention also relates to a system comprising a dispense interface according to the invention and a needle assembly for each opening. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for preparing a dispense interface according to the invention.
US09878103B2 Delivery device
The present invention relates to a delivery device for delivering predetermined amounts of fluid, comprising a body (10), a container (16) filled with fluid to be delivered arranged inside said body, said container comprising an opening for expelling said fluid and a wall (18) movable inside said container (16), a threaded plunger rod (46) arranged movable inside said body (10) in the longitudinal direction and in contact with said movable wall (18), a manually operated push means (14, 60) movable in the longitudinal direction capable of, upon operation, move said plunger rod (46) towards said movable wall (18), thereby expelling fluid, and means for transforming a generally linear movement of said push means (14, 60) to a rotational movement of said plunger rod (46).
US09878102B2 Automatic injection devices having overmolded gripping surfaces
Exemplary embodiments provide automatic injection devices, housing components for automatic injection devices and methods for fabricating the same. An exemplary housing of an automatic injection device may be overmolded with one or more gripping surfaces to facilitate gripping and manipulation of the automatic injection device by a user when performing an injection. In an exemplary embodiment, an overmolded left gripping surface may extend along a left side of the housing and an overmolded right gripping surface may extend along a right side of the housing opposite to the left side.
US09878101B2 Cyclic olefin polymer vessels and vessel coating methods
A package including a vessel made of cyclic olefin polymer (COP) resin, a CVD coating on a vessel, and a medicament comprising at least one protein, peptide, and/or DNA sequence is disclosed. Methods for processing a vessel, for example to provide lubricity or hydrophobicity, are also disclosed. The interior surface of the seated vessel can be processed via the vessel port by PECVD. Vessel barrier, lubricity and hydrophobic coatings and coated vessels, for example syringes and medical sample collection tubes are disclosed.
US09878099B2 Arrangement for detecting a position of a plunger
The invention relates to an arrangement for detecting a position of a plunger relative to a bung in a drug cartridge, comprising a proximity sensor located close to a distal end of the plunger facing the bung and aligned to receive light reflected by the bung.
US09878098B1 Vial holder
The vial holder is a device that is used to support a vial or injectable bottle in a partially inverted position so as to enable a hypodermic needle of a syringe to be inserted without fear of an unintended prick to an end user. The vial holder is further defined with a weighted base that is adapted to lie on a support surface. The weighted base includes a vertical member that rises vertically. A pair of holding armatures extend upwardly and away from the vertical member. The pair of holding armatures radiate away from one another and form “V”. The pair of holding armatures is adapted to support the injectable bottle at a partially inverted position.
US09878097B2 Operating an infusion pump system
Some embodiments an infusion pump system can be configured to control dispensation of medicine according to a closed-loop delivery mode that is responsive to feedback information provided from a monitoring device, and the infusion pump system permits a user to interrupt the closed-loop delivery mode for purposes of dispensing a user-selected manual bolus dosage.
US09878095B2 Occlusion detection techniques for a fluid infusion device having a rotary pump mechanism and multiple sensor contact elements
A fluid infusion device includes a pump having a rotor and a stator. A rotor cam element rises from a reference surface of the rotor. The stator includes a cam element having a stator cam surface. The cam elements axially displace the rotor as the rotor revolves. Inlet and outlet valves open and close as a function of angular and axial position of the rotor. A motor actuates the rotor to pump fluid to a body, via a subcutaneous conduit. First and second contact elements are located on the rotor. A sensing element on the stator cooperates with a detection circuit to detect when the sensing element makes contact with the first sensor contact element and the second sensor contact element. The detection circuit monitors a detection signal obtained from the sensing element to determine an operating condition of the fluid pump mechanism.
US09878094B2 Medicament delivery device, capsule and in vivo medicine delivery or diagnostic system
A medicament delivery device, which comprises a driving mechanism and a housing (1) having a reservoir (2), which is at least partly filled with a substance and which is sealed at least on one side with a flexible wall (21). The driving mechanism is adapted to press a piston (23) against the flexible wall (21) thereby releasing the substance from the reservoir (2) through an opening (25) in the reservoir (2). This provides for a safe and reliable medicament delivery device.
US09878088B2 Apparatus for support of patients and medical fluid lines
The invention provides a medical intravenous support apparatus that facilitates patient mobility while reducing the likelihood of an accidental fall. The design incorporates improved features for bag support, tube management, cord management, patient steadiness, user-friendly braking, and electric power supply.
US09878087B2 Pump-inflow-cannula, a pump-outflow-cannula and a blood managing system
The invention relates to a pump-inflow-cannula (1) providing a blood conduit from a heart (2) and/or from an associated vessel to an external blood handling system. The pump-inflow-cannula comprises a body (3), encompassing an essentially axially extending inflow-lumen (4), having a distal-end (5) for an attachment of the inflow-lumen (4) to the blood handling system, and having a proximal-end (6) for an introduction of blood from the heart (2) and/or from the associated vessel into the inflow-lumen (4), wherein at least one projection (7) is provided at the proximal-end (6) to deflect a heart muscle from intruding into the inflow-lumen (4), wherein the body (3) of the pump-inflow-cannula comprises a reinforcement-means (8). The invention is also related to a pump-outflow-cannula (19) and to a blood managing system comprising a pump-inflow-cannula and a pump-outflow-cannula in accordance with the present invention.
US09878086B2 Method and device for monitoring an extracorporeal blood circuit
To monitor an extracorporeal blood circuit during extracorporeal blood treatment, the arterial pressure and venous pressure in the arterial branch and venous branch of the extracorporeal circuit are measured by pressure sensors, and the sum Ps and the difference ΔP of the arterial pressure and/or venous pressure measured at the same time are calculated. A possible error state is indicated when the sum Ps and/or difference ΔP lie outside predetermined limit value windows A and B. To reduce the susceptibility to error, a check is preferably also made to ascertain whether the two above conditions are satisfied for n successive measurements.
US09878085B2 Method for the elimination of leukocytes from blood
The invention relates to a method for reducing the number of leukocytes in blood through treating the blood in an arrangement of a plurality of fibers based on organic polymers, whereby the blood is channeled along the fibers and whereby the reduction in leukocytes from the blood occurs essentially through adsorption on the fibers, characterized in that the plurality of fibers based on organic polymers is fixed in a housing with an inlet arrangement and an outlet arrangement, and that the blood is channeled via the inlet arrangement into the housing, flows through the housing with the plurality of fibers made from organic polymers, and exits the housing via the outlet arrangement, that the arrangement of the fibers shows a high degree of order, that the blood flows along the external surface of the fibers, and that the fibers cause a generation of the complement activation product C5a in a concentration of at least 10 μg per m2 of fiber surface.
US09878084B2 Redox controlled electrosorption and decomposition device for the purification of blood and other fluids
Device for removing substances from blood and other fluids such as water, wastewater, chemicals and other biofluids, includes i) an electrocatalytic decomposition filter including a DC power source, a set of electrodes with a catalytic surface or in direct contact with sorbents offering catalytic activity, ii) an electrosorption filter including a DC power source, a set of electrodes, nanostructured sorption material and/or a porous polymer matrix, iii) an inlet for entry of blood or blood plasma or dialysate fluid into the device, iv) an outlet for the removal of purified blood, blood plasma, ultrafiltrate or dialysate fluid from the device, and v) a conduit connecting the inlet with the outlet and holding the electrosorption filter such that the blood, blood plasma, ultrafiltrate or dialysate fluid is forced through the electrosorption and electrocatalytic decomposition filter, and vi) a sensor and control system to safeguard the device from producing oxidative stress.
US09878082B2 Method and apparatus for optimizing an extracorporeal blood treatment
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for optimizing an extracorporeal blood treatment using an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus, an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus with a device for optimizing the extracorporeal blood treatment, and a computer program to be executed on a processor for carrying out a method for optimizing the extracorporeal blood treatment. The method and apparatus are characterized in that at least one machine-specific treatment parameter for carrying out the treatment using the respective dialyzer or filter is determined with a computing unit for different types of dialyzers or filters. The computing unit determines the costs resulting from the determined machine-specific treatment parameters when using the respective dialyzer or filter. The determined costs for different types of dialyzers or filters are then displayed on a display unit. The doctor can then select the dialyzer or filter to keep the costs as low as possible.
US09878081B2 Arrangement comprising medical treatment units and peripheral devices as well as a peripheral device and treatment unit for use in such an arrangement
An assembly includes at least two medical treatment units, each of which can be allocated to a patient and at least two peripheral devices, each of which can be allocated to a patient. The peripheral devices and the treatment units have means for allocating a peripheral device to a treatment unit and means for verifying the allocation of a peripheral device to a patient. To allocate a peripheral device to a treatment unit, the peripheral device is placed by operators in a receiving unit belonging to the treatment unit. Said receiving unit is preferably designed as a charging station for the battery of the peripheral device. In the event of a successful allocation of peripheral device and patient, confirmed by the receipt of physiological data of the patient, the operators verify the correct allocation of a peripheral device to the patient and must confirm the correct allocation by confirmation means. The peripheral device is only released if the operator has confirmed the correct allocation, preferably within a predefined time period.
US09878080B2 Apparatus and methods for optimizing intra cardiac filling pressures, heart rate, and cardiac output
Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for optimizing intracardiac filling pressures and cardiac output in patients with heart failure, conduction disease, and atrial fibrillation. The system is able to adjust and optimize intracardiac filling pressures and cardiac output by adjusting heart rate and the effective amount of total body blood volume. The device includes an adjustable member that may create a mean pressure differential in order to manifest an effective “mechanical diuresis” by sequestering extraneous blood volume to the high-capacitance of the venous vasculature. The system is therefore designed to reduce intracardiac filling pressures while maintaining or even increasing cardiac output.
US09878079B2 Catheter device
The catheter device comprises a motor located at the proximal end of the catheter device and a drive shaft, extending from the proximal end section to the distal end section of the catheter device, for driving a rotating element located at the distal end of the catheter device. The catheter device also comprises a hose-like catheter body which encompasses the drive shaft and extends from the proximal end section to the distal end section of the catheter device. At the proximal end of the catheter device, the drive shaft is connected to a motor by a clutch. The clutch is a magnetic clutch with a proximal and a distal magnet unit. The proximal magnet unit is connected to the motor and the distal magnet unit to the drive shaft. The distal magnet unit is mounted fluid-tight in a clutch housing. The proximal end of the catheter body makes a fluid-tight connection with the clutch housing.
US09878078B1 Disposable breast pump shield
Embodiments of a breast pump shield are disclosed herein. According to various embodiments, the breast pump shield can include a body portion that has a breast engagement portion and a neck portion. The breast engagement portion can include a ring. The breast engagement portion can receive at least a portion of a breast of a user, and the neck portion can be configured to receive at least a portion of a nipple of the user and to receive milk from the breast. The breast pump shield also can include a suction chamber located in proximity to the neck portion, and a cover located at the ring of the body portion. The cover can include a support layer and a lubricant layer. The cover can provide at least part of a hermetic seal for the breast pump shield prior to use.
US09878076B2 Aspiration catheter
The invention relates to an aspiration catheter for the extraction of thrombotic maternal from blood vessels. The catheter has a first and a second lumen, the first lumen being distally provided with an aspiration opening and the second lumen having a smaller cross section than the first lumen and extending coaxially in the distal region of the first lumen. The second lumen is provided with a lateral as well as a distally located opening, the lateral opening reaching through the wall of the catheter. Within the first lumen a stabilization wire is movably arranged which terminates distally of the lateral opening of the second lumen but proximally of the aspiration opening of the first lumen.
US09878071B2 Collagen compositions and methods of use
The present disclosure provides an engineered collagen composition comprising collagen, wherein the collagen composition is compressed to form a gradient of at least one physical property. Methods of using and of manufacturing the engineered collagen compositions of the present disclosure are also provided.
US09878069B2 Mineralized collagen-based femoral head support device
A femoral head support device, in particular a mineralized collagen-based femoral head support device applicable to the treatment of early osteonecrosis of femoral head. The device is made from a dense, homogeneous organic/inorganic composite, wherein the organic phase includes collagen and inorganic phase includes nano calcium phosphate salt, and the device is of a cylinder having an upright through hole and also has a support strength of up to 4000-6000N. By implementing a method for manufacturing such mineralized collagen-based femoral head support device, the mineralized collagen-based femoral head support device with mechanical properties equivalent to human cortical bone can be manufactured; and the mineralized collagen-based femoral head support device can meet the demand for clinical treatment of early osteonecrosis of femoral head to avoid the continuous collapse of necrotic femoral head.
US09878068B2 Bioprosthetic tissue having a reduced propensity for in vivo calcification
A bioprosthetic tissue having a reduced propensity to calcify in vivo, the bioprosthetic tissue. The bioprosthetic tissue comprises an aldehyde cross-linked and stressed bioprosthetic tissue comprising exposed calcium, phosphate or immunogenic binding sites that have been reacted with a calcification mitigant. The bioprosthetic tissue has a reduced propensity to calcify in vivo as compared to aldehyde cross-linked bioprosthetic tissue that has not been stressed and reacted with the calcification mitigant.
US09878067B2 Histo-equivalent bioplastic material
The invention relates to medicine and specifically to combustiology, to surgery, and to cosmetology and can be used as a bioplastic material for replacing defects in epithelial tissues (protecting against evaporation and infection) and for stimulating regeneration. The technical result is increased efficacy in healing wounds. The goal is achieved in that a histo-equivalent bioplastic material is used which includes a substrate in the form of a matrix, the material for which is a native form of hyaluronic acid, distinguished in that the histo-equivalent bioplastic material contains a 1.5% solution of hyaluronic acid and a 5% solution of a peptide complex which are mixed until a viscous elastic gel is formed, situated in the foundation and subjected to ultraviolet photopolymerization in a biosafety cabinet over the course of 5-7 hours at the following quantitative ratio in ml: 1.5% solution of hyaluronic acid solution: 80-90%; 5% solution of peptide complex: 10-20%; the finished material has perforations and notches.
US09878065B2 Stiff nanocomposite film for use in an absorbent article
A thin nanocomposite film for use in an absorbent article (e.g., sanitary napkin) is provided. The film contains a first ethylene polymer having a density of about 0.94 g/cm3 or less, second ethylene polymer having a density of greater than 0.94 g/cm3, and nanoclay having an organic surface treatment. The present inventors have discovered that through selective control over the particular type and concentration of the components used to form the film, as well as the manner in which it is formed, the properties of the film can be significantly improved.
US09878062B2 Aseptic manipulation system
A decontamination operation chamber is partitioned into a first operation chamber and a second operation chamber. A connecting portion that connects the first operation chamber and the second operation chamber can be closed. The pressure of the first operation chamber and the second operation chamber is adjusted by a pressure-adjusting mechanism. When the connecting portion is opened and the first operation chamber and the second operation chamber are connected, an inlet portion for the first operation chamber and an outlet portion for the second operation chamber are closed and air flow is generated from the second operation chamber to the first operation chamber by the pressure-adjusting mechanism. When carrying an object into an aseptic manipulation chamber, the object is housed in the first operation chamber and a first decontamination operation is performed, then the object is transferred to the second operation chamber and a second decontamination operation is performed.
US09878053B2 Methods of delivering DLL3 antibody drug conjugates
Novel modulators, including antibodies and derivatives thereof, and methods of using such modulators to treat proliferative disorders are provided.
US09878051B2 Bordetella pertussis LOS-derived oligosaccharide with pertussis toxin glycoconjugate and its application in the prophylaxis and treatment of infections caused by Bordetella pertussis
The present invention relates to an immunogenic and a non-toxic glycoconjugate comprising Bordetella pertussis LOS-derived oligosaccharide and pertussis toxin, a method of preparing such glycoconjugate, the pharmaceutical composition, a vaccine composition containing such glycoconjugate, and an application of the glycoconjugate. The glycoconjugate is prepared as a vaccine component for protection against infections caused by Bordetella pertussis.
US09878050B2 Delivery of agents using interfering nanoparticles
Provided are compositions and methods for delivery of therapeutic agents, such as chemically stabilized antisense oligonucleotides useful in RNA silencing. The compositions include interfering nanoparticles (iNOPs) associated with one or more agents. Several functional iNOP derivatives are provided which allow for targeted delivery of agents to specific cell types as well as exhibiting reduced cellular toxicity.
US09878048B2 Compositions for generating immune tolerance by targeting erythrocytes
Peptides that specifically bind erythrocytes are described. These are provided as peptidic ligands having sequences that specifically bind, or as antibodies or fragments thereof that provide specific binding, to erythrocytes. The peptides may be prepared as molecular fusions with therapeutic agents, tolerizing antigens, or targeting peptides. Immunotolerance may be created by use of the fusions and choice of an antigen on a substance for which tolerance is desired.
US09878044B2 Targeting aminoacid lipids
The present invention is directed to carrier systems comprising ether-lipids conjugated to one or more bioactive ligands and exposed on the surface of the carrier system for use in targeted delivery and/or antigen display systems. Optionally one or more further bioactive agents may be encapsulated or embedded within or attached to or adsorbed onto the carrier system. The present invention is further directed to methods of their preparation and their uses in medical applications, such as targeted delivery of bioactive agents to specific tissues or cells and antigen display systems for the study, diagnosis, and treatment of traits, diseases and conditions that respond to said bioactive agents.
US09878040B2 Composition to enhance the bioavailability of curcumin
A composition for enhanced bioavailability of curcumin including purified curcuminoid and purified essential oil of turmeric. A method to prepare a composition for enhanced bioavailability of curcumin having purified curcuminoid and purified essential oil of turmeric.
US09878039B1 Microcapsule having a microcapsule shell material that is rupturable via a retro-dimerization reaction
A microcapsule encapsulates a payload agent, the microcapsule having a microcapsule shell material that is rupturable (e.g., to release the encapsulated payload agent) via a retro-dimerization reaction.
US09878034B2 Adjuvanted vaccine formulations
The invention relates to adjuvanted vaccine formulations, in particular influenza vaccines for intranasal delivery. Provided is an adjuvanted influenza vaccine formulation, comprising (i) peptidoglycan microparticles obtained from a Gram-positive bacterium and (ii) at least one influenza virus antigen or antigenic preparation thereof, which antigen or antigenic preparation is not fused or otherwise covalently attached to a proteinaceous peptidoglycan binding moiety.
US09878029B2 Process for preparation of polysaccharides
A novel alcohol and CTAB free process for purification of capsular polysaccharides, wherein the C-polysaccharide, protein, nucleic acid content of the purified polysaccharide is substantially reduced The said process is cost efficient and less laborious.
US09878027B2 Immunogenic composition comprising mycoplasma antigens
The present invention relates to an immunogenic composition comprising: a) one or more antigen of M. hyorhinis and one or more antigens of M. hyosynoviae; and b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an immunogenic composition that comprises a) one or more mycoplasma antigens of mycoplasma bacteria selected from the group consisting of M. hyorhinis, M. hyopneumoniae and M. hyosynoviae; and b) one or more components of a eukaryotic cell system. Moreover, the present invention also provides an immunogenic composition obtained by a method comprising a) cultivation of a mycoplasma bacteria selected from the group consisting of M. hyorhinis, M. hyopneumoniae and M. hyosynoviae in a serum-reduced, eukaryotic cell system; b) obtaining an antigen of such mycoplasma bacteria; and c) addition of a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
US09878026B2 Infectious plasmodium sporozoites grown in vitro
The application is directed to in-vitro-reared Plasmodium sporozoites of human host range wherein sporogony from gametocyte stage to sporozoite stage is external to mosquitoes, and methods of producing the same. Provided herein are in vitro-reared infectious Plasmodium sporozoites (SPZ) of human host range, particularly P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi, wherein sporogony from gametocyte stage to sporozoite stage is external to mosquitoes, and methods of producing the same.
US09878025B2 Malaria vaccine
The present invention provides an antigenically restricted subset of the highly variant PfEMP1 rosetting antigen which possess epitopes which may be exploited to raise immune responses effective against many diverse strains and isolates of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. In this regard, the invention provides one or more P. falciparum Erythrocyte Membrane Protein-1 (PfEMP1) antigen(s) or a fragment or fragments thereof, for use in raising immune responses in humans.
US09878023B1 Protease inhibitor: protease sensitive expression system composition and methods improving the therapeutic activity and specificity of proteins delivered by bacteria
Bacteria which co-express protease inhibitors and protease sensitive therapeutic agents, which are surface displayed, secreted and/or released and result in their localized production and maintenance within a target tissue and inactivation outside of the target tissue, thereby increasing therapeutic activity and reducing the systemic toxicity. The bacteria may be attenuated, non-pathogenic, low pathogenic or a probiotic. Protease sensitivity may be further accomplished by engineering protease degradation sites within the therapeutic agents, further enhancing the inactivation outside of the target tissue while retaining activity within the target tissue through co-expression of a protease inhibitor. Novel chimeric proteins secreted by bacteria, including chimeric toxins targeted to neoplastic cells, tumor matrix cells and cells of the immune system, and combination therapies of these protease inhibitor:chimeric toxin-expressing bacteria together with small-molecule and biologic agents are also described. Non-conjugative bacteria limiting exchange of genetic material, and antibody resistant bacteria are also provided.
US09878019B2 Hyaluronic acid containing compositions for prevention of the formation of post-surgical scars and post-surgical adhesions
The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions enhancing the therapeutic effect of biologically active peptides, especially peptides derived from human lactoferrin. The compositions are useful for the treatment and/or prevention of wounds, scars, and post surgical adhesions.
US09878015B2 Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the treatment of metastatic cancer
The invention provides isolated peptides, fragments and derivatives thereof and pharmaceutical compositions comprising same that are useful for the prevention or treatment of cancer metastasis.
US09878001B2 Immunosuppressive Tat derivative polypeptides
The present specification provides immunosuppressive Tat derivative polypeptides, compositions, and methods of using such polypeptides and compositions to treat an autoimmune disease, an inflammation-associated disease and/or a neurodegenerative disease.
US09877999B2 Methods for treating metastatic stage prostate cancer
The invention provides methods and dosing regimens for eating metastatic stage prostate cancer in a subject using degarelix, as well as related methods of using degarelix in a subject identified as having metastatic stage prostate cancer, and methods of using degarelix to prevent or delay the progression of locally advanced prostate cancer.
US09877998B2 Uses of hypoxia-inducible factor inhibitors
The present invention relates to treating a hematologic cancer using a Hypoxia-Inducible Factor (HIF inhibitor). The invention also relates to inducing acute myeloid leukemia remission using the HIF inhibitor. The invention further relates to inhibiting a maintenance or survival function of a cancer stem cell (CSC) using the HIF inhibitor.
US09877996B2 Biotechnological production of cyanophycin dipeptides
The present invention relates to a process for the enzymatic production of a dipeptide composition from a cyanophycin (CGP) or CGP-like polymer preparation by degrading the polymer preparation with an CGPase, a CGPase particularly adapted for said process, and the use of cyanophycin (CGP) or CGP-like polymers or fragments thereof, notably a dipeptide composition obtained by the process as defined above, as pharmaceutical composition, medicament, or as food or feed substitute.
US09877995B2 Fractions of whey permeate and use thereof for the prevention and therapy of type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome
Fractions of whey permeate, preferably made of sweet whey permeate and more preferably of hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed sweet whey permeate are provided, particularly for use in the production of pharmaceutical compositions, or of food, for the treatment, prophylaxis, or alleviation of glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, and thus of symptoms of the metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and complications in humans.
US09877994B2 Methods and compositions for treatment of ADD/ADHD, depression, memory problems and other conditions
Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for treating a variety of mood and behavioral disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, memory loss, as well as other conditions. Also disclosed herein are methods for diagnosing certain conditions, such as ADHD, using these compositions.
US09877988B2 Method of treating lysosomal storage diseases using nucleases and a transgene
Nucleases and methods of using these nucleases for inserting a sequence encoding a therapeutic protein such as an enzyme into a cell, thereby providing proteins or cell therapeutics for treatment and/or prevention of a lysosomal storage disease.
US09877985B2 Application of maltotriose-coated 4th generation polypropyleneimine dendrimer PPI-G4-OS-MAL-III
The application of maltotriose-coated 4th generation polypropyleneimine dendrimer PPI-G4-OS-Mal-III containing 25-45% of peripheral amines groups coated with maltotriose particles to make a drug for treating neoplastic proliferation diseases, particularly chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
US09877982B2 Immunoassay of S-adenosylmethionine using analogs thereof and personalized therapeutics
A method of detecting the presence or absence of a disease in a patient wherein said disease is accompanied by deficient levels of S-adenosylmethionine comprising: identifying a patient that is suspected of having said disease or is at risk of having said disease; obtaining a biological sample from said patient; determining the level of S-adenosylmethionine in said biological sample using an antibody derived from a hapten analog of S-adenosylmethionine; and correlating the level of S-adenosylmethionine in said biological sample with the presence or absence of said disease. The invention also provides methods for measuring SAH which is used to determine the methylation index (ratio of SAM/SAH) in biological fluids which is indicative of the health status of an individual.
US09877972B2 Treatment methods using pharmaceutical solid state forms
The invention provides and describes solid state 17α-ethynyl-androst-5-ene-3β, 7β,17β-triol including amorphous and crystalline forms and specific polymorphic forms thereof. Anhydrates and solvates of 17α-ethynyl-androst-5-ene-3β, 7β,17β-triol include Form I anhydrate and Form IV and Form V solvates. The invention further relates to solid and suspension formulations containing 17α-ethynyl-androst-5-ene-3β,7β,17β-triol in a described solid state form and use of the formulations to treat hyperglycemic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, and autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis and type 1 diabetes, among other inflammation related conditions in subjects or human patients. The invention also relates to methods to make liquid formulations from solid state forms of 17α-ethynyl-androst-5-ene-3β, 7β,17β-triol and uses of such formulations in treating the described conditions.
US09877971B2 Soft lozenges comprising corticosteroids
Described herein are oral pharmaceutical compositions suitable for chewing, sucking, or buccal dissolution comprising non-systemic corticosteroid soft lozenges, methods for making the same, and methods for treating subjects in need thereof with such lozenges. In particular, the oral composition provides topical, non-systemic administration of one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients to the oral cavity and upper gastrointestinal track, including the esophagus. In one embodiment, the oral pharmaceutical compositions comprise chewable, suckable, or buccally-dissolvable soft lozenges for the treatment of esophageal lesions. The soft lozenges provide topical, non-systemic delivery of corticosteroids to the esophagus and oral cavity.
US09877964B2 Methods and compositions for treating dry eye disease and other eye disorders
The present invention relates to a method for treating a dry eye syndrome using an alpha 2 adrenergic agonist, pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a mixture thereof. In particular, the alpha 2 adrenergic agonist of the invention has a higher alpha 2A agonist activity compared to alpha 2B agonist activity. This invention also relates to an ophthalmic composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an alpha 2 adrenergic agonist, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a combination thereof as an active ingredient for treating a dry eye syndrome.
US09877960B2 Learning and memory improver
The present invention aims to provide antidementia agents which are free from the problem of side effects and are excellent in safety. The present invention also aims to provide agents for improving learning and memory which are useful for improvement of learning and memory and can be ingested continuously. The present invention provides antidementia agents and agents for improving learning and memory, each comprising a cyclic dipeptide with the 2,5-diketopiperazine structure as an active ingredient.
US09877952B2 Methods for dosing an orally active 1,2,4-oxadiazole for nonsense mutation suppression therapy
The present invention relates to specific doses of and dosing regimens for using a 1,2,4-oxadiazole benzoic acid compound in treating or preventing diseases associated with nonsense mutations. In particular, the invention relates to specific doses and dosing regimens for the use of 3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]-benzoic acid in mammals having diseases associated with nonsense mutations.
US09877949B2 Anticancer treatment methods involving analogs and derivatives of 3-(2-substituted-ethyl) indole compounds
Methods for inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and killing cancer cells are disclosed. Such methods comprise treating cancer cells with an indole compound having the structure of formula (I): wherein R is defined herein.
US09877947B2 C-terminal HSP90 inhibitors to treat pituitary adenomas
The present invention relates to C-terminal HSP90 inhibitors, like silibinin, novobiocin and derivatives thereof, stereoisomeric forms, prodrugs, solvates, hydrates and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salts of these compounds as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing at least one of these compounds together with pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient and/or diluents. Said compounds and its compositions have been identified as useful for the treatment of pituitary adenomas such as corticotroph adenomas, lactotroph adenomas, somatotroph adenomas and thyrotroph adenomas.
US09877943B2 Compositions and methods comprising C16:1n7-palmitoleate
One embodiment described herein is related to methods and compositions, such as nutraceutical formulations and dietary supplements, comprising C16:1n7-palmitoleate or derivatives thereof. The methods and compositions comprising C16:1n7-palmitoleate, or derivatives thereof, safely and effectively prevent or mitigate manifestations of cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease and the accumulation of cholesterol or lipid deposits in the blood vessels of a subject.
US09877939B2 Composition and methods for the production of S-adenosylmethionine within the body
Described herein is a method for increasing levels of S-adenosylmethionine within the human body without administering S-adenosylmethionine directly. The method of the invention may be achieved by administering one or more of L-methionine, methylcobalamin, 5-Methyl tetrahydrofolate, betaine, and malic acid, together. with at least one compound selected from the group consisting of folic acid, vitamin B12, magnesium, calcium, and other cofactors.
US09877936B2 Quinone compounds for treating Ape1 mediated diseases
The invention described herein pertains to compounds and compositions for treating Ape1 mediated diseases. In particular, the invention described herein pertains to quinone compounds and pharmaceutical compositions containing them for treating mediated diseases.
US09877930B2 Topical ubiquinol oral supplement compositions with amorphous calcium phosphate
Topical, UBIQUINOL, adjunctive, supplement compositions, containing amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride (ACPF), useful in: reducing oxidative stress, relieving oral discomfort and dry mouth, and remineralizing hydroxyapatite; comprising: UBIQUINOL in an aqueous-free emulsion that also contains: a stabilizing composition for UBIQUINOL, spilanthes extract, a trans-oral mucosal, absorption facilitator and ACPF; wherein: the emulsion forms a mucoadhesive gel in the presence of saliva that undergoes gradual saliva dissolution effecting passive diffusion of the UBIQUINOL supplement and the spilanthes extract into the oral mucosa, and remineralizing of tooth surfaces with ACPF; resulting in: adjunctively increasing UBIQUINOL levels, reducing oxidative stress, regulating immune response, relieving oral discomfort and dry mouth, and remineralizing tooth surfaces.
US09877926B2 Formulations and kits for forming bioadhesive matrices
A bioadhesive formulation, comprising gelatin, alginate and a coupling agent, capable of forming a bioadhesive matrix, which is characterized by rapid curing, optimal viscosity, high bonding strength, flexibility, biocompatibility and biodegradability, is disclosed. Further disclosed is such a bioadhesive formulation which further comprises a bioactive agent, and a drug-eluting bioadhesive matrix formed therefrom, the bioadhesive matrix being capable of delivering the bioactive agent to a bodily site. Methods utilizing the bioadhesive formulations and matrices in various biological and medical procedures are also disclosed.
US09877925B2 Alcohol-resistant oral pharmaceutical form
A sustained release oral pharmaceutical form suitable for single daily dose administration has a neutral microgranule coated with a mounting layer of active ingredient and pharmaceutically acceptable binder; and a coating layer of a hydrophobic coating polymer of a non-water soluble cellulose derivative, and at least 20% of inert load in relation to dry weight of hydrophobic coating polymer. The pharmaceutical form has improved resistance to rapid release of active ingredient, particularly in the presence of alcohol.
US09877922B2 Process of preparing microspheres for sustained release having improved dispersibility and syringeability
Disclosed is a process of preparing sustained release microspheres, containing a biodegradable polymer as a carrier and a drug, using spray drying. The process comprises preparing a solution, suspension or emulsion containing a biodegradable polymer, a drug and a solvent; spray drying the solution, suspension or emulsion; and suspending spray-dried microspheres in an aqueous solution containing polyvinyl alcohol to remove the residual solvent and increase the hydrophilicity of the microsphere surface. The process enables the preparation of microspheres having high drug encapsulation efficiency, almost not having a toxicity problem due to the residual solvent, and having good syringeability. The microspheres prepared according to the present invention release an effective concentration of a drug in a sustained manner for a predetermined period when administered to the body, and are thus useful in the treatment of diseases.
US09877921B2 Epinephrine nanoparticles, methods of fabrication thereof, and methods for use thereof for treatment of conditions responsive to epinephrine
The invention provides compositions including epinephrine nanoparticles and methods for therapeutic use of the compositions in the treatment of conditions responsive to epinephrine such as a cardiac event or an allergic reaction, particularly anaphylaxis. The epinephrine nanoparticles can be incorporated into orally-disintegrating and fast-disintegrating tablet pharmaceutical formulations and can significantly increase the sublingual bioavailability of epinephrine, and thereby reduce the epinephrine dose required. Additionally, the invention provides methods for fabrication of stabilized epinephrine nanoparticles for use in the described compositions.
US09877919B2 Lipid-derived neutral nanoparticles
Disclosed herein are novel lipids and liposomal compositions prepared using such compounds and related methods of neutralizing or otherwise modifying such liposomal compositions. The lipids described herein are useful for example, as liposomal vehicles to facilitate the delivery of encapsulated polynucleotides to target cells and the subsequent transfection of such target cells. In certain embodiments, one or more of the compounds that comprise the liposomal delivery vehicle may be neutralized or further modified such that the properties of the liposomal delivery vehicle are modified.
US09877917B2 Liposome formulation suitable for treating or preventing tuberculosis
The invention provides liposome formulations comprising fragments from a Mycobacterium tuberculosis-complex strain. It also provides a Mycobacterium tuberculosis-complex strain, fragments of which may be incorporated into selected embodiments of the liposome formulation. The invention further provides suspensions and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the liposome formulations. Furthermore, it discloses the use of the liposome formulations for use in a method of treatment of the human or animal body by therapy, in particular for use in a method of treating or preventing tuberculosis, such as in preventing latent tuberculosis or in tuberculosis prophylaxis, optionally in combination therapy. The formulation of this invention contains sucrose and/or has a lower average particle size than conventional liposome-based agents of tuberculosis therapy, resulting in higher bioavailability and efficiency.
US09877915B2 Skin external composition for skin moisturization containing red yeast rice extract
Disclosed herein is a skin external composition containing a red yeast rice extract. More particularly, disclosed is a skin external composition containing a red yeast rice extract which can increase the production of loricrin in keratinocytes and to strengthen the skin barrier function, thereby exhibiting an excellent effect of improving skin moisturization.
US09877913B2 Alkalizing delivery system for promoting an optimal oral salivary pH
An alkalizing delivery system for promoting healthier saliva is provided. The alkalizing delivery system may take many portable forms that include a saliva buffering agent and a saliva alkali agent adapted to transiently change the pH balance of a user's saliva without the use of self-foaming agents.
US09877905B2 Personal care composition and method of use thereof
A solid personal care composition comprising at least 60 wt % of one or more solid surfactants of which at least 10 wt % comprises one or more compounds of formula (I) wherein R1 represents a C4-36 substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl group; each of R2, R3, R4 and R5 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-4 alkyl group and wherein at least one of R2, R3, R4 and R5 is not hydrogen; and M+ represents a cation.
US09877903B2 Dentifrice containing zinc ions and polyphosphate ions
The invention includes a dentifrice composition that comprises a zinc ion source, a polvphosphate ion source, an anethole, and a silica. The silica has a mean particle size of about 5 to about 12 microns, an Einlehner hardness of about 1 to about 20, and an oil absorption of about 40 to less than about 100 cc/100 g. The composition contains zinc ions and polyphosphate ions in a weight ratio of about 0.71:1 to about 10:1 and has a RDA value of about 100 to about 200 and a PCR value of about 75 to about 110. Related methods are also included.
US09877899B2 Consumer product comprising a fibrous web structure with a silicone conditioning agent coating
A consumer product comprises: (a) a porous dissolvable solid structure, and (b) a hydrophobic coating comprising a benefit agent. The hydrophobic coating is applied to the porous dissolvable solid structure and the hydrophobic coating has an average thickness and/or maximum thickness of less than about 1000 microns. A method of forming an aqueous treatment liquor comprises the steps of: (a) providing a consumer product, (b) providing an aqueous solution, and (c) dissolving the consumer product in the aqueous solution to form an aqueous treatment liquor comprising a hydrophobic portion and an aqueous portion.
US09877894B2 Storage systems and methods for medicines
People can damage their medicines by taking them outside in hot or cold weather. On the other hand, some people need to carry their medicines with them wherever they go (even if the weather is extremely hot or cold). Specially constructed storage systems can protect medicines from damage due to hot and cold weather without requiring bulky structures or expensive components that consume electricity to regulate temperature.
US09877887B2 Compression therapy apparatus, systems, and methods
A compression therapy apparatus for applying therapeutic compression to a limb includes a bandage having a trunk, a first end, a second end, and a compression line between the first end and the second end. The apparatus also includes a plurality of compression control members disposed on the trunk along the compression line. Each compression control member defines a compression zone and is adapted to independently control a therapeutic compression associated with the compression zone. The plurality of compression control members are configured to provide a substantially continuous compression profile along the compression line.
US09877883B2 Fail-safe release mechanism for use with patient positioning support apparati
A fail-safe release mechanism for use with patient positioning support apparati having a base structure and a patient support structure, to prevent collapse of the patient support during disconnection of the patient support structure from the base structure.
US09877881B2 Fasteners having improved comfort
A fastening member has inboard and outboard ends, a panel region, an end region, and a stiffening element. The panel region is disposed adjacent to the inboard end and has first and second layers. The first and second layers are joined in a face-to-face orientation. The end region is disposed adjacent to the outboard end and has a fastening element zone and an intermediate zone. The intermediate zone is disposed between the fastening element zone and the panel region adjacent an interface between the panel and end regions. The stiffening element is disposed in the end region and has a stiffness of greater than about 200 N/m. A portion of the stiffening element is disposed between the first layer and the second layer and is joined to the first layer and the second layer. The portion is disposed adjacent to the interface between the panel region and the end region.
US09877880B2 Fastening member having bonded reinforcing layer
A fastening member having a reinforced region is disclosed. The fastening member may have a first layer formed of a nonwoven and a second layer at its reinforced region formed of either a polymeric film or another nonwoven, bonded to the first layer by a plurality of bond sites arranged in a pattern. The polymer(s) forming the fibers of the first layer and the polymer(s) forming the film or fibers of the second layer may be of like chemistry to enhance thermal bonding between the layers at the bond sites. The fastening member may be imparted with enhanced appearance and tear resistance attributes and may be suitable for use as a fastening member of a wearable article such as a disposable diaper.
US09877878B2 Reusable shield and liner for use during menstruation
A reusable shield and liner for use by a woman during menstruation is disclosed. The liner is octagonal in shape and comprises two or more layers. The shield contains one water-resistant layer.
US09877875B2 Antimicrobial hydrogel formulation
A hydrogel formulation is provided for use with a film. The hydrogel formulation includes a medical-grade hydrogel and an antimicrobial substance. This hydrogel formulation may be coated onto one or more surfaces of a medical-grade transparent film suitable for a wound dressing. The antimicrobial material may be a silane quaternary ammonium salt. The silane quaternary ammonium salt may comprise 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride. The 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride may constitute about 72% by weight of the silane quaternary ammonium salt. The medical-grade hydrogel may comprise a colloidal gel in which the particles are dispersed in water. Further, the hydrogel formulation may include about 0.01% to about 60% by weight of the antimicrobial substance. The transparent film may further include a release liner applied over the coated side(s) of the transparent film. The transparent film may comprise polyurethane.
US09877874B2 Adhesive dressing
An adhesive dressing for application to the skin or a wound, the dressing comprising a backing layer having a skin facing surface and a non-skin facing surface, the skin facing surface being provided with substantially parallel adhesive lanes arranged with a distance in between such that the adhesive lanes are spaced from each other's by a portion of uncoated backing layer. The configuration of the dressing provides improved flexibility and permeability of the dressing.
US09877872B2 Wound dressing and method of treatment
A wound dressing, a method of manufacturing a wound dressing, and a method of treating a patient are disclosed. The wound dressing may include an absorbent layer for absorbing wound exudate; and an obscuring element for at least partially obscuring a view of wound exudate absorbed by the absorbent layer in use.
US09877870B2 Device and method for controlling a laser system
A device and a method for controlling a laser system for the treatment of the eye lens by means of laser-induced disruptions. The laser system includes a femtosecond laser and a deflection unit for directing the laser beam and a detection device for detecting a value characteristic of the occurrence of disruptions being provided. The detection device is connected to the control device and the control device is adapted to determine a pulse energy for the laser system from the characteristic value and to actuate the laser accordingly.
US09877869B2 Device and process for machining the cornea of a human eye with focused pulsed laser radiation
A device for generating at least one continuous slit-like incision (42) from the posterior surface (48) as far as the anterior surface (46) of the cornea (44) of an eye, comprising a laser device for generating at least one part of the incision with focused pulsed laser radiation, the laser device including controllable components for setting the location of the focus, a control computer for controlling these components, and also a control program for the control computer. The control program contains instructions that are designed to bring about, upon execution by the control computer, the generation of at least one part of the incision (42) originating from the posterior surface (48) of the cornea, the cross-sectional contour of the incision—when observed in the direction from the anterior surface to the posterior surface—deviating from a straight line (60) perpendicular to the surface of the eye.
US09877868B2 Apparatus for dissecting an eye for the introduction of a photosensitizer
An apparatus for dissecting an eye for the introduction of a photosensitizer into tissue of an eye, a cannula device for introducing the photosensitizer, a system comprising the apparatus and the cannula device, and a method for dissecting an eye for the introduction of a photosensitizer are provided. The apparatus comprises a source for laser radiation, a system for guiding and focusing the laser radiation with respect to the tissue of an eye, and a computer for controlling said system.
US09877867B2 Steerable laser probe
A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, a plurality of actuation controls of the handle, a housing tube having a housing tube distal end and a housing tube proximal end, and an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and the housing tube. An actuation of an actuation control of the plurality of actuation controls may gradually curve the housing tube. A gradual curving of the housing tube may gradually curve the optic fiber. An actuation of an actuation control of the plurality of actuation controls may gradually straighten the housing tube. A gradual straightening of the housing tube may gradually straighten the optic fiber.
US09877863B2 Agitator for surgical slush machine
Apparatus for connecting a sterile drape to an actuator of a surgical slush machine. The apparatus is an agitator that includes a support member and a latch. The sterile drape is attached to one surface of the support member and the latch extends from the opposite surface of the support member. The support member is configured to flex and bend when the agitator is operated by the actuator and the drape contains a solution to be made into slush. In one embodiment the support member has paddles extending from a central position. In another embodiment the support member is a disk that has an area of weakness that allows the support member to flex and bend. In one such embodiment the area of weakness is an annular section of reduced thickness.
US09877861B2 Shoulder and arm orthosis
A shoulder and arm orthosis assembly for supporting at least one of a shoulder, arm, wrist and hand of a user. The orthosis assembly provides a sling with a shoulder strap, a wrist/hand orthosis, and a pillow support to hold the arm of the user away from the body. The sling has attached inner and outer portions that are configured to be detached and reattached with one another. The wrist/hand orthosis may be supported by the sling when the sling is closed and may be permitted to exit the sling when the sling is opened.
US09877860B2 Bariatric device and method for weight loss
A bariatric device for use in inducing weight loss, comprising a cardiac element and a fixation element wherein the fixation element attaches the cardiac element to the upper stomach to allow the cardiac element to apply at least intermittent pressure to the upper stomach which produces a satiety signal to the user, giving the recipient a feeling of fullness and reducing his or her hunger feelings. The device may also contain an esophageal element which is connected to the cardiac element by a connecting element.
US09877853B2 Stent having added feature for strain relief and mitigation of crack propagation
A bioabsorbable stent comprises a plurality of struts interconnected by a plurality of curved intersections. Each of the plurality of curved intersections defines a crescent shaped opening therethrough. The stent has a manufactured state, a crimped state and an expanded state. The crescent shaped openings each have a width and a length such that in the crimped state the width of the crescent shaped opening is less than the width of the crescent shaped opening in the manufactured state or the expanded state.
US09877849B2 Method for controlling an orthopedic joint
The invention relates to a method for controlling an orthopedic joint of a lower extremity in at least one degree of freedom by means of an adjustable actuator for adjusting an orthopedic apparatus to walking situations that differ from walking on a plane. Said orthopedic apparatus comprises top connecting means to a limb and an orthopedic element that is hingedly arranged distal to the connecting means. The method encompasses the following steps: —several parameters of the orthopedic apparatus are sensed by means of sensors; —the sensed parameters are compared with criteria that have been established based on several parameters and/or parameter curves and are stored in a computer unit; —a criterion is selected that is suitable on the basis of the determined parameters and/or parameter curves; and —resistances to movements, extents of movements, driving forces, and/or the progresses thereof are adjusted in accordance with the selected criterion in order to control special functions that differ from walking on a plane.
US09877847B2 Determining anatomical orientations
Methods, systems, and apparatus for determining anatomical orientations are described. Data is received that indicates a position of a reference device configured to move with a pelvis of a subject. Data is received that indicates locations corresponding to a reference surface. Data is received that indicates locations on the pelvis. One or more anatomical orientations are determined based on the locations corresponding to the reference surface and the locations on the pelvis. The anatomical orientations are registered to the reference device.
US09877846B2 Spinal implant system and method
A method for treating a spine is provided. The method includes the steps of: disposing an interbody implant adjacent a posterior portion of an intervertebral disc space; connecting a surgical instrument with at least one fixation element fastened with tissue adjacent the posterior portion; and manipulating the surgical instrument such that tissue adjacent the posterior portion engages the interbody implant and one or more vertebra rotate about the interbody implant. Spinal implants, surgical instruments and systems are disclosed.
US09877844B2 Inter-body implant
A system for implanting an inter-body device between adjacent vertebrae comprises an inter-body device having a plurality of cans secured to a flexible bridge and having a relief portion therebetween. An inserter tube and complementary bullnoses are advantageously secured to the vertebrae by an extension arm for securing the assembly precisely in place. A plurality of articulating trial implants are provided to test fit a disc space for the proper sized inter-body device.
US09877836B2 Compression resistant implants including an oxysterol and methods of use
Provided is a compression resistant implant configured to fit at or near a bone defect to promote bone growth, the compression resistant implant comprising porous ceramic particles in a biodegradable polymer, and an oxysterol disposed in or on the compression resistant implant. Methods of making and use are further provided.
US09877835B1 Flaccid penile insert
A penile insert device effective to prevent retraction of the penis and to increase the length of a penis in its flaccid or erect state. An elongated body of the penile insert device can have a proximal end, a distal end, a first side edge, a second side edge, a top surface, and a bottom surface. Each of the first and second side edges is formed by a plurality of alternating lateral plateaus and lateral valleys. The lateral plateaus are smoothly connected to adjacent lateral plateaus by the lateral valleys. The lateral valleys of the first side edge is staggered with respect to the lateral valleys of the second side edge such that the lateral plateaus and valleys of the first lateral side and the lateral plateaus and valleys of the second side edge form a zigzag pattern in the body.
US09877834B2 Inflatable medical implant system
A medical implant system for implantation in a patient to treat erectile dysfunction includes a first fluid path, an inflatable penile prosthesis cylinder, an electric pump, and implant controller, and an implantable power supply. The inflatable penile prosthesis cylinder is in fluid communication with the first fluid path and is configured for implantation in a corpus cavernosum of a patient. The electric pump is in fluid communication with the first fluid path. The implant controller is electrically coupled to the pump and is configured to activate the pump to drive a flow of fluid through the first fluid path and into the cylinder. The implantable power supply provides electrical power to the pump.
US09877833B1 Method and apparatus for transvascular implantation of neo chordae tendinae
Methods and devices for transvascular prosthetic chordae tendinea implantation are disclosed. A catheter is advanced into the left atrium, through the mitral valve, and into the left ventricle. A ventricular anchor is deployed from the catheter and into a wall of the left ventricle, leaving a ventricular suture attached to the ventricular anchor and extending proximally through the catheter. A leaflet anchor is deployed to secure a mitral valve leaflet to a leaflet suture, with the leaflet suture extending proximally through the catheter. The leaflet suture is secured to the ventricular suture to limit a range of travel of the leaflet in the direction of the left atrium. Also disclosed is an assembled in situ mitral valve leaflet restraint, having a neo papillary muscle and a neo chordae tendinea.
US09877830B2 Heart valve assembly comprising twofold sealing
The present invention relates to a heart valve assembly (1000), comprising a frame (1) and a heart valve (100), wherein the frame (1) supports the heart valve (100) or is interconnected thereto, preferably by sewing or sewing alone, the frame (1) comprising at least a first guiding structure (2a) for guiding at least one tension thread (5) for folding and/or unfolding the frame (1) around or along the frame (1), preferably at an outside or an outer circumference of the guiding structure (2a), wherein the heart valve (100), comprises at least two leaflets (101, 101′, 101″); an interconnecting tissue (301) interconnecting the leaflets (101, 101′, 101″) with the frame; wherein the interconnecting tissue (301) or parts thereof, respectively, is interconnected to at least one of the guiding structures (2a, 2b) such that it covers the guiding structure (2a, 2b) or parts thereof at an inner circumference of the guiding structure (2a, 2b) and such that it also covers at least both an upper part (2c) and a lower part (2d) of the outer circumference of the guiding structure (2a, 2b).
US09877821B2 Introducer sheath with embolic protection
The embolic protection device comprises an embolic filter attached to an inner sheath. The embolic filter includes at least a first catheter access port and a second catheter port. At least the first catheter port will typically be radially expandable to receive catheters of different diameters and will be located at an atypical end of an aero conical structure at a downstream end of the filter.
US09877810B2 Method for conducting a guided sinus lift procedure
A method of conducting a sinus lift procedure is provided. A secure and physical interaction is formed between a fiducial device and a site within a patient's mouth to form a fiducial marker. A virtual incising plan is formed for incising the patient's maxilla, with respect to the fiducial marker, for providing access to a sinus membrane. Movement of an incising device is physically regulated with respect to the fiducial marker with a guidance device. The incising device is in physical communication with the fiducial marker via the fiducial device. The guidance device physically regulates movement of the incising device, according to the virtual incising plan and corresponding with physical manipulation of the incising device by a user, to incise the maxilla. Tactile feedback is provided to the user, via the incising device, if the physical manipulation of the incising device by the user deviates from the virtual incising plan.
US09877803B2 Orthodontic device
An orthodontic/orthognathic device for correcting and changing tooth placements and bone structure, and a method of using orthodontic/orthognathic device for tooth movement, correcting syndromic conditions of the mouth and osteogenetic correction. The device may be used for maxillary distraction and expansion as well as mandibular separation and expansion. The device can be controlled by computer to direct tooth and bone placement.
US09877795B2 Optical targeting and visualization of trajectories
Enhanced targeting systems and methods may be used to visualize trajectories for surgical instruments. Such a targeting system may have a fixture that can be secured at a predetermined location relative to a patient, a first light source attached to the fixture, and a second light source attached to the fixture. The first light source may project first light along a first plane, and the second light source may project second light along a second plane nonparallel to the first plane. At an intersection of the first and second planes, the first light and the second light may cooperate to produce a targeting line that indicates the desired trajectory. A controller may be connected to first and second sets of motors to orient the first and second light sources, respectively. The targeting line may be projected on a visualization aid that guides the surgical instrument along the trajectory.
US09877793B2 Robotic arthroplasty system
A robotic surgical system is provided. The robotic surgical system includes a robotic mechanism having a force transmitting member and a computer connected with the robotic mechanism. The robotic surgical system also includes an optical sensing system connected with the computer, at least one navigation member configured to couple to one or more tissues of a patient, and a tool suitable for use in resecting at least a portion of a first bone of a joint in a patient and at least a portion of a second bone of the joint in the patient.
US09877792B2 Compact counter balanced arms
In one embodiment of the invention, a counter balanced arm is disclosed including, a first link having a first rotating transmission device, a second link having a first rotating transmission device and a compression spring, a third rotating transmission device coupled between the first and second links, and a cable routed over the rotating transmission devices coupled between the second link and the compression spring. The compression spring forms a tension in the cable to counter balance a load applied to an end of the second link of the counter balanced arm.
US09877784B2 Light transmitting cable and laser system including the same
Provided herein is a light transmitting cable for laser treatment, the cable including a first optical fiber configured to generate a high energy particle by a laser beam transmitted from a light source and to transmit the high energy particle to a target; and an image transmitting cable configured to transmit an image surrounding the target, thereby being capable of treating a tumor with relatively low power output while identifying a location of the tumor.
US09877782B2 Electrosurgical instrument end effector with compliant electrode
An end effector for operating on tissue comprises an upper jaw, a lower jaw, a flexible member, and a pair of conductive members. The upper jaw and the lower jaw are configured to receive tissue when in an open position and the upper jaw is movable toward the lower jaw. The flexible member is coupled to either the upper jaw or the lower jaw, and is configured to deform in response to compression of tissue between the jaws. One of the conductive members is associated with the flexible member and is configured to move with the flexible member in response to compression of tissue between the jaws. The end effector may be configured to manipulate the position of muscle within tissue in response to compression of tissue between the jaws.
US09877775B2 Electrosurgical instrument with a knife blade stop
An electrosurgical forceps is provided with a shaft that extends from a housing of the electrosurgical forceps. An end effector assembly operably coupled to a distal end of the shaft includes a pair of first and second jaw members having proximal and distal ends. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable from an open configuration for positioning tissue therebetween, to a clamping configuration for grasping tissue therebetween. A knife blade assembly includes a knife blade that is translatable within the first and second jaw members when the first and second jaw members are in the clamping configuration. The knife blade assembly includes a knife blade stop configured to contact at least a portion of the proximal end of the second jaw member when the first and second jaw members are in the open configuration to limit translation of the knife blade assembly.
US09877774B2 Apparatus and method for electrosurgical suction with finger actuated suction control
The invention pertains to techniques or processes for managing surgical smoke. In one embodiment a suction apparatus evacuates the surgical smoke. For example, the suction apparatus may be arranged adjacent to an electrocautery electrode, which may generate smoke during operation, for evacuating smoke from a surgical site.
US09877773B2 Apparatus and method for electrosurgical suction with separate flow channels
The invention pertains to techniques or processes for managing surgical smoke. In one embodiment a suction apparatus evacuates the surgical smoke. For example, the suction apparatus may be arranged adjacent to an electrocautery electrode, which may generate smoke during operation, for evacuating smoke from a surgical site.
US09877766B2 Split hexalobe driver device for use in surgical procedures
A driver device (hexalobe or otherwise) that includes a handle portion, an elongate shaft portion, and an end portion that includes a screw engagement portion and a split manufactured offset from the central axis of the end portion and/or the screw engagement portion, forming two asymmetric halves of the end portion and/or screw engagement portion. This screw engagement portion is slightly oversized relative to the corresponding tool engagement recess of the locking cap, set screw, or bone screw. Thus, when the screw engagement portion is pressed into the corresponding tool engagement recess of the locking cap, set screw, or bone screw, the split manufactured offset from the central axis of the end portion and/or the screw engagement portion allows the screw engagement portion to compress slightly, creating a friction fit between the screw engagement portion and the corresponding tool engagement recess of the locking cap, set screw, or bone screw.
US09877760B2 Implant for pelvic ring fractures
Implant for stabilization of pelvic ring fractures, comprising a nail for intraosseous implantation, a fixing agent and at least one locking element for relative fixation of the pelvic bone to the nail.
US09877758B2 Carbon fiber reinforced PEEK bone plate with titanium fixation screws
A bone plate configured to accommodate fixation devices (such as screws, for example) inserted at various angles. The bone plate is formed of a material softer than the material of the fixation devices, and is provided with fixation holes with rounded, curved interior walls (i.e., non-threaded holes) that allow the fixation devices to be inserted at various angles. The fixation holes have a diameter smaller than that of the fixation devices. As a result of the difference between the materials of the plate and of fixation devices, and of the difference between the diameters of the fixation holes and of the fixation devices, the fixation devices deform the interior walls of the fixation holes, therefore self-threading the holes at an advantageous angle.
US09877754B2 Medial-plantar plate for medial column arthrodesis
An article comprises a unitary plate configured to conform to a foot of a patient. The plate has a dorsal portion shaped to conform to a dorsal surface of a medial column of the foot and a plantar-medial portion shaped to conform to a medial surface of a first metatarsal of the foot and extend to a plantar surface of the first metatarsal. The plantar-medial portion is integrally attached to the dorsal portion. The plate has a plurality of apertures for receiving screws. The apertures include: a plurality of first apertures through the dorsal portion, adapted to receive a respective one or more first screws to be inserted into a dorsal surface of a talus of the foot, and at least one second aperture adapted to receive a second screw inserted through a plantar end of the plantar-medial portion into a first metatarsal of the foot.
US09877753B2 Orthopedic implant kit
An implant kit has an adapter having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the first and to the second end, wherein the first end is configured for removably receiving and engaging an implant and the second end is configured for removably coupling to a driver shaft of an implant driving tool, and an implant preloaded into the first end of the adapter, the implant having an elongated threaded portion; and a blade portion extending from the elongated threaded portion, and having two serrated edges, wherein the blade portion is received in the first end of the adapter and the elongated threaded portion of the implant is coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the adapter.
US09877750B2 Percutaneous vertebral stabilization system
Systems and methods for percutaneously installing a vertebral stabilization system. A first anchor is positionable within a body of a patient through a first percutaneous opening and a second anchor is positionable within a body of a patient through a second percutaneous opening. A stabilization member is positionable within the body of a patient through the first percutaneous opening to engage and connect the first and second anchors.
US09877748B2 System and method for multiple level facet joint arthroplasty and fusion
Facet joint replacement implants may be designed for use on multiple adjacent vertebral levels. Each superior implant may have a substantially semispherical concave surface, and each inferior implant may have a cooperating semispherical convex surface that is deformable to enable it to be pressed into the superior implant concave surface to fix the relative orientations of the superior and inferior implants. Thus, the inferior implant may be attached to the same pedicle as the superior implant, but may also be oriented independently of the superior implant and then fixed in position. Similar mounting structures may be used to attach one or more fusion implants to a level adjacent to that of a facet joint replacement implant.
US09877741B2 Hand held dermaplaning device and dermaplaning process
A method and a hand-held device for dermaplaning is disclosed that includes a blade with a safety cage forming an assembly removably mounted to a housing. The dermaplaning device is configured to limit the depth that the blade can penetrate the skin which makes the device safe for use by non-professionals. The dermaplaning device is electrically powered to cause the blade to vibrate at a predetermined frequency. Various embodiments of the hand-held dermaplaning device are disclosed for vibrating the blade. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the blade includes a safety guard for limiting the amount of penetration of the blade into the facial skin to enable the device to be safely used by non-professionals.
US09877730B2 Nephroureterectomy apparatus
The apparatus includes a ureter occlusion apparatus, which comprises, in combination: at least one longitudinally extending plug body (26) of flexible, physiologically acceptable material which obstructs the passage of all particulate matter great than 5 microns in diameter, is laterally compressible to a compressed diameter of not more that 2 millimeters and is laterally expandable in the presence of liquid to an external diameter of at least 1.0 centimeter, a physiologically acceptable flexible guide sheath (21) dimensioned for removable insertion into the ureter, the guide sheath having an internal diameter for receiving the plug body in compressed dry form and being retractable around the plug body so as to leave the plug body in position in the ureter; and a removable physiologically acceptable stylet (22) and guide wire (20) which together allow positioning of the guide sheath within the ureter with both the guide wire and stylet being subsequently removable from the guide sheath to allow the plug body to be installed in the ureter via the guide sheath.
US09877729B2 Catheter system
A catheter with one or more heated or detachable sections is described. The catheter may be useful for liquid embolic delivery, where the heated or detachable sections may help free the catheter when stuck to liquid embolic during delivery. An instrumented catheter is also described.
US09877727B2 Diverticulum treating device
A system for treating a diverticulum in a body lumen includes a tubular member including a lumen and an elongate member in an elongated state within the lumen of the tubular member. The elongate member is configured to form a coiled state when removed from the tubular member.
US09877715B2 Medical suturing instrument
A medical suturing instrument in which the movement of an operation part is transmitted with a time lag to a loop forming part and a suture thread by means of a loop feed/return mechanism and a suture thread feed mechanism, and once a loop has been fed out from the tip end of a loop introduction needle, the suture thread is fed out from the tip end of a suture thread introduction needle.
US09877712B2 Method and apparatus for placing a cannula over a standard switching stick
Cannula assemblies and methods of conducting surgeries. The cannula assembly comprises a cannula that is sized for the common 4 mm arthroscopy switching stick, which is put in a one-step fashion with the use of a unique switching stick inserter. All steps for placement of the cannula are performed in a single forward motion, i.e., no backing up of components are necessary for placement. The method of conducting surgery includes the steps of: providing a cannula/switching stick assembly comprising a cannula sized to accommodate a corresponding switching stick, and a switching stick inserter (modular handle) designed to fit on the switching stick, and to help insert and control the switching stick; and inserting the cannula/switching stick assembly through an arthroscopic portal during a surgical procedure, in a single forward motion.
US09877709B2 Applicators for storing, sterilizing, and dispensing an adhesive
Applicators for storing, sterilizing, and dispensing adhesives. The applicators comprise a porous tip, a body, and a container containing a polymerizable cyanoacrylate monomer adhesive. The applicators are sterilized by radiation, and following sterilization, the adhesive remains substantially unpolymerized for about twenty four months.
US09877708B2 Exchangeable core biopsy needle
The present disclosure provides biopsy needles configured to maximize tissue sampling yield and further ensure collection of a cohesive unit of sampled tissue. The biopsy needles of the present disclosure provide a distinct tissue collection distal end configured to collect a full core of tissue sample and keep the full core intact. The distal end may include a distinct helical slot extending from an open distal end or a distinct cutting tip forming a coring feature.
US09877704B2 Phantom used for acoustic diagnostic apparatus
An acoustic phantom of an embodiment is mainly made of a urethane gel produced by a reaction of a polyether polyol and an isocyanate compound. The urethane gel has a cross-linking index (CI) in the range of 1600 to 5000.
US09877701B2 Methods and systems for automatic setting of color flow steering angle
Systems and methods for automatically controlling a color flow steering angle during ultrasonic color flow imaging are provided. In one embodiment, a method for ultrasound imaging comprises automatically adjusting a color flow steering angle responsive to an adjustment of a focal depth setting. In this way, a sensitivity to color flow data may be increased by maintaining a constant overlap between a color flow image and a B-mode image, thereby increasing the accuracy of color flow imaging.
US09877697B2 Systems, methods and computer readable storage media storing instructions for generating planning images based on HDR applicators
Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media relate to generate an integrated image based on one or more applicators inserted into a target of a patient. The method may include receiving ultrasound image data and planning image data of the target. The ultrasound image data including a pre-operative and post-operative image data and the planning image data may include post-operative image data (e.g., CT and/or MRI image data). The method may include processing the ultrasound image data and the planning image data to determine a location of each channel and/or needle. The method may include generating an integrated image including the ultrasound image data and the planning image data based on the location of each channel and/or needle of the applicator. The methods, systems, and computer readable media according to embodiments can improve target (e.g., prostate) delineation, enable accurate dose planning and delivery, and potentially enhance HDR treatment outcome.
US09877696B2 Radiographic image processing apparatus and method and recording medium storing therein radiographic image processing program
An image obtainment unit obtains a radiographic image radiographed by irradiating a subject with radiation. A first information obtainment unit obtains information about at least one of a radiography condition during radiography of the subject, a subject condition and detector characteristics, which are characteristics of the radiation detector. A second information obtainment unit obtains body thickness information representing the body thickness of the subject. A target S/N setting unit sets a target S/N of the radiographic image based on the body thickness information and the information about at least one of the radiography condition, the subject condition and the detector characteristics. An image processing unit corrects the S/N of the radiographic image to the target S/N by performing, on the radiographic image, noise removal processing.
US09877693B2 X-ray imaging apparatus and X-ray imaging method
An X-ray imaging apparatus has an X-ray tube that irradiates an X-ray to a subject, an flat panel detector (FPD) that takes an X-ray image on the basis of the X-ray transmitted through the subject, a real-time image synthesis element that synthesizes an image by connecting in turn an image of a plurality of strip-shape X-ray images concurrently taken while letting the X-ray tube and the FPD move relative with respect to the subject, and a real-time image monitor that displays an intermediate image taken by the FPD and is synthesized in turn by the real-time image synthesis element.
US09877692B2 Method and system of measuring anatomical features in subcutaneous images to assess risk of injury
The present disclosure provides a method and system using software and associated equipment to automatically identify two or more preselected anatomical features by examining pixels within images, such as computerized tomography (CT) scanned images, determining appropriate measurements between such identified features based on dimensions and scaling available within the image file, comparing these measurements to normative data, and providing output of the results to a user, such as medical personnel. In at least one embodiment, the system can measure an interval between a first anatomical feature and a second anatomical feature that may be useful for medical analysis.
US09877690B2 C-arm of medical imaging system
A C-arm of a medical imaging system, comprising a C-shaped structure, a radiation detector support and a connection linking said support to said C-shaped structure so that said support can move toward and away from an end of said C-shaped structure, wherein said connection is structured so as to be bendable to reduce its bulk.
US09877686B2 System for determining confidence in respiratory rate measurements
This disclosure describes, among other features, systems and methods for using multiple physiological parameter inputs to determine multiparameter confidence in respiratory rate measurements. For example, a patient monitoring system can programmatically determine multiparameter confidence in respiratory rate measurements obtained from an acoustic sensor based at least partly on inputs obtained from other non-acoustic sensors or monitors. The patient monitoring system can output a multiparameter confidence indication reflective of the programmatically-determined multiparameter confidence. The multiparameter confidence indication can assist a clinician in determining whether or how to treat a patient based on the patient's respiratory rate.
US09877682B2 Gesture recognition biofeedback
A gesture recognition biofeedback device is provided for improving fine motor function in persons with brain injury. The system detects a physical characteristic of the patient and provides feedback based on the detected characteristic. For instance, the system may detect surface muscle pressures of the forearm to provide real-time visual biofeedback to the patient based on a comparison of the detected muscle pressure and predefined values indicative of appropriate motor function.
US09877681B2 “Micro-patch” for assessment of the local microvasculature and microcirculatory vasoreactivity
A method is disclosed for assessing local microvasculature and local microcirculatory vasoreactivity of a patient or research subject by selective noninvasive and nondisturbing monitoring of local microvasculature and local microcirculatory vasoreactivity at an accessible site to noninvasive and nondisturbing trans-surface delivery of a study agent with a known microvascular effect in normal subjects. The method includes noninvasively delivering a vasoactive study agent to skin of the subject for trans-surface delivery to the microvasculature. The microvasculature consists of arteriolar-capillary-venule components of an arterial to venous network and the delivery is performed in a non-iontophoretic manner to exclusively affect local microvascular vasoreactivity without systemic effects or changes, wherein the step of delivering includes application of a micro-patch containing the study agent to the skin of the subject. The method also includes determining the subject's microvascular responsiveness by measuring changes in microvascular perfusion in the area of the skin of the subject beneath the micro-patch (including blood flow, blood volume, and/or transfer of blood and tissue components), ensuring that drug delivery does not induce alterations in measurements by delivery to remote sites or by systemic effects and assessing local microvasculature and local microcirculatory vasoreactivity based upon the steps of delivering, determining, and ensuring.
US09877679B1 Parkinson's disease drug or medication titration, delivery system, and method
The present invention relates to a movement disorder monitor, and a method of measuring the severity of a subject's movement disorder. The present invention additionally relates to a drug delivery system for dosing a subject in response to the increased severity of a subject's symptoms. The present invention provides for a system and method, which can accurately quantify symptoms of movements disorders, accurately quantifies symptoms utilizing both kinetic information and electromyography (EMG) data, that can be worn continuously to provide continuous information to be analyzed as needed by the clinician, that can provide analysis in real-time, that allows for home monitoring of symptoms in subject's with these movement disorders to capture the complex fluctuation patterns of the disease over the course of days, weeks or months, that maximizes subject safety, and that provides remote access to the clinician or physician.
US09877676B2 Optimized lancet tape
A method for producing an analytical tape, in particular a lancet tape, is proposed. The analytical tape is designed for being used in an analytical testing device with at least a sample-taking function. In the method, at least one supporting tape is provided in a continuous process. A plurality of lancet elements are successively applied directly to the supporting tape at at least one application point.
US09877673B2 Transdermal sampling and analysis device
Transdermal sampling and analysis device, method and system are provided for non-invasively and transdermally obtaining biological samples from a subject and determining levels of analytes of the obtained biological samples. The transdermal sampling and analysis device, method and system may cause disruption to the skin cells to create capillary-like channels from which biological samples may flow to the transdermal sampling and analysis device. The transdermal sampling and analysis device, method and system may collect the biological samples in a reservoir where the biological sample may chemically react with a biologically reactive element. A sensor may convert the produced electrons (ions) into measured electrical signals. The converted signals may be measured and the levels of an analyte may be determined based on the measured signals.
US09877672B2 Sampling and testing device for the human or animal body
A device (1) is provided that is configured to indicate the presence or absence of one or more biological entities in a biological sample. The device comprises a sampling portion (11), the sampling portion comprising flexible material adjustably conformable to a part of a human or animal body, at least a portion of the sampling portion being absorbent and configured to receive a biological sample directly from the body; and a test portion (12) in fluid engagement with the sampling portion, the test portion comprising one or more test zones (14). The sampling portion and test portion are configured such that at least a portion of the sample received by the sampling portion is transferable to the test portion such as to contact one or more of the test zones, and wherein each test zone is configured to indicate the presence or absence of one or more biological entities in the sample.
US09877670B2 Method and system for non-invasive optical blood glucose detection utilizing spectral data analysis
Systems and methods are disclosed for non-invasively measuring blood glucose levels in a biological sample based on spectral data. This includes at least one light source configured to strike a target area of a sample, at least one light detector positioned to receive light from the at least one light source and to generate an output signal, having a time dependent current, which is indicative of the power of light detected, a processor configured to receive the output signal from the at least one light detector based on the received output signal, calculate the attenuance attributable to blood in a sample present in the target area with a ratio factor, eliminate effect of uncertainty caused by temperature dependent detector response of the at least one light detector, and then determine a blood glucose level associated with a sample present in the target area based on the calculated attenuance with the processor.
US09877669B2 Method and device for monitoring body movement by detecting pattern changes in the distance variations between proximity sensors and their respective sensor zone
A method and device (10) are provided for monitoring regular movement of the body (20) of a human subject, such as an infant. The device (10) includes electronic circuitry, an alarm and attachment means (14) for attaching to the subject's body (18), a first non-contact proximity sensor (22), and a second proximity sensor. When the device (10) is attached to the subject's body, the two proximity sensors (22,24) monitor movement of the subject's body in two sensor zones a first sensor zone (23) and a second sensor zone (25) that is father from the device than the first sensor zone (23). If a pattern in the distances monitored in either sensor (22,24) changes by a predetermined extent, that alarm is activated.
US09877667B2 Method for quantifying the risk of falling of an elderly adult using an instrumented version of the FTSS test
Methods and systems may provide for estimating falls risk based on inertial sensor data collected during a Five Times Sit-to-Stand (FTSS) test. In an embodiment, a classifier model may be trained with inertial sensor data collected from a sample of people performing the FTSS test and their self-reported falls history. In an embodiment, one or more features related to steadiness or smoothness of the person's movement may be calculated. In an embodiment, one or more features related to timing of the FTSS test, such as a total time taken to complete the FTSS test or to complete individual sit-stand-sit (SSS) phases of the test, may be calculated. In an embodiment, supervised pattern recognition techniques may train the classifier model to classify a person as being likely to fall or not being likely to fall based on FTSS-related feature values collected from that person.
US09877664B2 Electrode array and method of placement
A headset for detecting brain electrical activity may include a flexible substrate having first and second ends each configured to engage an ear of a subject and dimensioned to fit across the forehead of a subject. The headset may also include a plurality of electrodes disposed on the substrate and configured to contact the subject when the headset is positioned on the subject. First and second electrodes may contact top center and lower center regions of the forehead, respectively, third and fourth electrodes may contact front right and front left regions of the forehead, respectively, fifth and sixth electrodes may contact right side and left side regions of the forehead, respectively, and electrodes included within the securing devices may contact the ear regions. The third and fourth electrodes may be moveable in at least a vertical direction relative to the other electrodes.
US09877661B2 Aural heart monitoring apparatus and method
A heart monitoring method is disclosed including an electroacoustic transducer such as an earphone coupled to a controller. The method proceeds with positioning a transducer in a person's ear in acoustic communication with the tympanum. Signals from the transducer are processed to determine the presence of pulsatile blood flow. The heart monitor may be incorporated into a portable media playback device alternating between playback and monitoring mode or performing both simultaneously using one earphone for each function. The heart monitor may be incorporated into a defibrillator to sense the presence of blood flow for use in a shock delivery decision.
US09877658B2 Passive method and system for contact and/or non-contact with or without intervening materials for detection and identification of the incidence, traverse and physiological condition of a living human at any instant
A low input current amplifier has a voltage spectral density curve to operate at 50 Hz or less and is connected to dielectric materials to receive a signal irrespective of ground reference. The amplifier outputs a first output. A multi-stage amplifier includes a stage connected in series with the low input current amplifier to amplify the first signal to distinguish the incidence, traverse and physiological condition of a living human. The resulting signal is then processed by an algorithm and displayed as human specific motion, heart rate and respiratory rate.
US09877654B2 Near infrared imaging
Endoscopes and wands, useful for near infrared imaging, particularly for medical purposes, have transmitting members that transmit between about 95% and 99.5% of the energy at a wavelength within the infrared spectrum. The wands and endoscopes have at least one channel for transmitting and receiving light in the visible spectrum and at least one channel for transmitting and receiving light in the infrared spectrum.
US09877652B2 Medical measurement device and measurement system
A measurement device includes: a measurement portion that acquires measurement data; a setting portion that specifies an external device as a transmission destination of the measurement data based on a signal transmitted from the external device, and allows communication with the external device without receiving input of authentication information; and a transmission and reception portion that transmits measurement data to the external device. The setting portion causes the transmission and reception portion to transmit identification information of the measurement device to the external device, and further to transmit confirmation information thereto in addition to the identification information. The confirmation information is used by the external device to decide whether or not the external device can handle the measurement data transmitted from the measurement device.
US09877651B2 Intermittent operating battery-less wireless sensor and pulse oximeter
Systems and method for utilizing energy harvesting techniques to power a battery-less wireless medical sensor to perform intermittent operations are disclosed. The systems may include one or more sensing components configured to generate data related to one or more physiological parameters by performing intermittent measurements on a patient. The systems and method may include wireless communication circuitry configured to wirelessly transmit the data to a monitor. The monitor may be configured to operate with the battery-less wireless medical sensor or may download required operational algorithms if needed. The intermittent measurement and transmission may be asynchronously executed. The systems and method may include a processing device configured to determine when to perform the intermittent measurement and transmit data based at least upon a power source energy level, a rate at which to perform the intermittent measurement and transmit data, a prioritization, or a triggering event.
US09877649B2 Photorefraction method and product
Systems and methods are provided for performing a photorefractive assessment. The system comprises a computing device including an image-capturing device, a display device, and a computer application that is executable on the computing device and operable to perform a method including receiving input specifying subject information, capturing an image using the image-capturing device containing eye pupils of a subject, and analyzing the image captured to determine a distance between the subject and the image-capturing device using the subject information and predetermined interpupilary distance information. A remediation action may be performed if the distance determined is not within an appropriate distance range for the photorefractive assessment. An illuminance level of the environment may be analyzed using the image captured to determine whether lighting conditions are appropriate for performing the photorefractive assessment. Various aspects of the image captured may be analyzed to determine whether to perform a remediation action.
US09877642B2 Device for viewing an interior of a mouth
The viewing device for the interior of a mouth of a patient includes a penetrating ray emitter adapted to take a view of an inner portion located under an outer surface of an organ arranged in the mouth. There is a pair of augmented-reality glasses having an optical glass through which a user of the pair of glasses can see the interior of the mouth and a viewing camera adapted to take an image of what the user sees through the optical glass. A central unit correlates first images corresponding to those taken by the viewing camera with second images corresponding to those taken by the penetrating-ray emitter.
US09877637B2 Endoscope
An endoscope includes a partition wall to shield an inner side space and an outer side space, a cylindrical body including an internal wall surface coupled to the partition wall to be capable of being water tight, and forming a communication hole communicating with the inner side space, and including a through-hole piercing through the internal wall surface to an outer circumference, a valve body fixed to the communication hole keeping watertightness and including a check valve section opening and closing according to a pressure difference between the inner side space and the outer side space, a first frame body provided on an outer circumference side of the cylindrical body and is capable of operating in an axial direction of the cylindrical body, a second frame body sheathed over the cylindrical body and the first frame body keeping watertightness, and forming a first space communicating with the through-hole.
US09877636B2 Insertion apparatus
An insertion apparatus includes an insertion section, a motor that rotates a rotational housing, a drive control unit that supplies a driving current to the motor to control driving of the motor, a driving current detector that detects the driving current flowing through the motor, a torque limit value storage unit that stores a torque limit value, a temperature detector detects a temperature of the rotational housing, a temperature measurement unit that measures a temperature in a vicinity of the rotational housing based on a detection result obtained from the temperature detector, and a torque limit value correction unit that corrects the torque limit value in accordance with the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit.
US09877634B2 Image processing system and image processing apparatus
An image processing system includes: a light source portion configured to emit illuminating light to be radiated to an object; a light receiving optical member for guiding return light from the object: a light detecting portion configured to receive the return light caused to be incident through the light receiving optical member to generate an electric signal, amplify the generated electric signal, convert the amplified electric signal to a digital signal and output the digital signal; an image processing portion configured to generate an image based on the digital signal outputted from the light detecting portion and perform gain adjustment for the generated image; and a parameter adjusting portion configured to adjust a predetermined parameter based on a variable range of an output value of the light source portion and a variable range of a gain value in the gain adjustment.
US09877633B2 Efficient and interactive bleeding detection in a surgical system
A bleeding detection unit in a surgical system processes information in an acquired scene before that scene is presented on a display unit in the operating room. For example, the bleeding detection unit analyzes the pixel data in the acquired scene and determines whether there are one or more initial sites of blood in the scene. Upon detection of an initial site of blood, the region is identified by an initial site icon in the scene displayed on the display unit. In one aspect, the processing is done in real-time which means that there is no substantial delay in presenting the acquired scene to the surgeon.
US09877630B2 Wall following robot
An example robot includes a body that is movable relative to a surface, a bumper mounted on the body to enable movement of the bumper relative to the body, a sensor to produce a signal in response to the movement of the bumper relative to the body caused by contact between the bumper and the surface, and a controller to control movement of the body to cause the body to track the surface based on a value. The bumper is movable between an uncompressed position relative to the body and a compressed position relative to the body. The signal varies linearly with the movement of the bumper relative to the body. The value is based on the signal and indicates that the bumper in a partially compressed position has a compression range between the uncompressed position and the compressed position.
US09877629B2 Battery-powered cordless cleaning system
A cleaning system comprising a rotor; an agitator; a rechargeable battery having a housing and at least two cells within the housing; a suction motor receiving power from the rechargeable battery, the suction motor coupled to the rotor; a brush motor receiving power from the rechargeable battery, the brush motor coupled to the agitator; a user-controlled switch configured to generate a user-activated signal in response to user manipulation; and a controller. The controller configured to output a first pulse-width modulated signal at a first duty cycle to control the suction motor, output a second pulse-width modulated signal at a second duty cycle to control the brush motor at a first speed, receive the user-activated signal, and upon receiving the user-activated signal, output the second pulse-width modulated signal at a third duty cycle to control the brush motor at a second speed.
US09877626B2 Horizontal agitator for robotic vacuum
A horizontally vibrating brush for an automated robotic vacuum to agitate carpet fibers and like materials in a horizontal rather than vertical plane to loosen debris during vacuuming without causing debris to become more deeply embedded.
US09877623B2 Air filtration system for toilet seat ventilation, kitty litter boxes and other containers
A filtration system to filter air from a waste vessel includes: a fan assembly having a fan and an air flow channel in fluid communication with the waste vessel to draw air from the waste vessel; a housing interposing the waste vessel and the fan assembly, the housing having a filter receptacle to receive a filter unit therein, the received filter unit being in fluid communication with the air flow channel wherein the fan assembly draws air through the filter unit to exhaust the air out of the air flow channel; an activator to activate the fan assembly; and, a decimator for killing or eliminating particulate matter in the air flow.