| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09932092B1 |
Rollout protective boat cover assembly and method for removably and temporarily covering a boat
A rollout protective cover assembly is configured for removably and temporarily covering a boat. The cover assembly includes a reel, and a flexible cover attached to the reel and having opposing sides and opposing ends. The flexible cover is adapted for being rolled onto the reel in a stowed condition and substantially unrolled from the reel in a deployed condition over the boat. The opposing sides of the flexible cover define symmetrically formed scalloped edges. Each scalloped edge includes a series of longitudinally spaced tie-down projections and a corresponding series of concave ventilation curves formed between adjacent projections. |
| US09932089B2 |
Single-wheel electric balancing scooter
The present invention discloses a single-wheel electric balancing scooter, comprising a wheel, a driving motor located within the wheel, a battery pack serving as a power supply of the driving motor, a self-balancing control system, and a balance signal sensor. A saddle is provided above the wheel; the saddle is mounted on a rack which is connected and fixed to a fixed shaft of the wheel; a handle is provided on a front side of the wheel, with a lower end of the handle being connected to the rack; and a front end of the rack is connected with an auxiliary wheel rack and an auxiliary wheel is provided at a lower end of the auxiliary wheel rack. The present invention has the following advantages that it is easier for driving and better to control the balance of the scooter body; the scooter body may be dragged on the ground; and the scooter body may be kept upright when not in use. |
| US09932088B2 |
Method for controlling an electric drive of a vehicle which is operable by muscular energy and/or motor power, and vehicle of this kind
A method for controlling an electric drive of a vehicle is provided, e.g., an electric bicycle, which is able to be operated by muscular energy and/or motor power, the vehicle including a crank gear and the electric drive being disposed at the crank gear. The method includes: ascertaining a driving situation, for which the electric drive is to be used, and in this situation, initially running up the electric drive at a first gradient, and then at a second gradient, the first gradient being greater than the second gradient. |
| US09932086B2 |
Motorcycle front brake master cylinder assembly
A brake assembly has a lever configured to press a knee against a pushrod of a piston of a master cylinder assembly. The knee is configured to receive removable inserts that allow a user to modify the angle at which the lever activates the master cylinder assembly. The master cylinder assembly can include protrusions on the outer surface of the cylinder to protect the cylinder from impact damage. |
| US09932084B2 |
Diaphragm unit and suspension
A diaphragm unit detachably attached to a damper body, includes: a cylinder in which a liquid is sealed; a piston rod having a piston sliding inside the cylinder on one end side of the piston rod, in which other end side of the piston rod is extended to an outside of the cylinder; and a rod guide having a bottomed cylindrical shape wherein an insertion opening into which the piston rod is inserted is provided at a bottom portion of the rod guide, the rod guide being fixed to a side of an opening of the cylinder into which the piston is inserted to thereby make the piston rod be slidably inserted in a liquid tight manner, the diaphragm unit further comprising: an end member; an air seal; a rod side member; an annular bump rubber; and a tubular diaphragm, as defined herein. |
| US09932082B2 |
Bicycle handlebar
A bicycle handlebar includes a base portion that can be coupled to a bicycle, a gripping portion that is rotatably coupled to the base portion, and a mounting portion to which an operating member that operates a component of the bicycle is mounted. The mounting portion is rotatable together with the gripping portion. |
| US09932081B2 |
Composite fiber saddlebag, saddle bag liner, and method
A saddlebag container has a tub made of a plurality of composite fiber panels three dimensionally thermally molded or thermoformed in a chill forming process to form at least a plurality of structurally supporting tub walls and can have a lid of such construction. A preferred tub is formed of a plurality of panels with one panel three dimensionally shaped to form one sidewall and at least one of an endwall and bottom wall and another panel three dimensionally shaped to form the other sidewall that serves as a base to which the one panel is attached which can also provide a vehicle attachment mount. A preferred lid is formed of a panel that can have an outwardly extending mounting flap used to attach the lid to the base which can also serve as a hinge of the lid. A preferred tub and lid construction has at least two layers with one layer of a fibrous material and another layer of a different material that can provide a cover. |
| US09932076B2 |
Track cleaning system
A track cleaning system includes a vehicle that has at least one track. A collection unit is coupled to the at least one track. The collection unit collects debris that collects on the at least one track. The collection unit is electrically coupled to the vehicle. The collection unit is actuated to vibrate. Thus, the collection unit may dislodge the debris from the at least one track thereby inhibiting the debris from impeding performance of the at least one track. |
| US09932073B2 |
Off-road wheeled side-by-side vehicle
A vehicle includes a frame, a left and right front wheel, and a left and right rear wheel. A left front suspension operatively and a right front suspension operatively respectively operatively connect the left and right front wheels to the frame. A left and right rear suspension, respectively operatively connect the left and right rear wheels to the frame. At least one seat, connected to the frame and having a seat base, is disposed longitudinally rearward of the left and right front suspensions. An engine is operatively connected to at least one of the wheels. An air induction system fluidly, which includes an airbox, and a fuel tank fluidly communicate with the engine. The engine, the airbox and the fuel tank are disposed longitudinally forward of the rear suspensions and longitudinally rearward of the seat base of the at least one seat. |
| US09932069B2 |
Vehicle steering system
When a vehicle is quickly steered while the vehicle is travelling at an extremely low speed, a load on an in-vehicle power supply is reduced without deteriorating a steering feeling by reducing a motor driving current. A steering speed is compared with a threshold. When the steering speed is lower than the threshold, the process proceeds to step S6. In step S6, a voltage value of a battery power supply, which is used as a prescribed value, is set as a limit voltage in order to reduce a motor consumption current. When the steering speed is higher than the threshold, a value “V0/n” lower than the prescribed value is set as the limit voltage to reduce a consumption current when the steering wheel is steered without driving. “n” is “delay adjustment parameter”, and is a real number that exceeds 1. |
| US09932066B2 |
Plastic element for lash-free support
A worm gearbox having a worm wheel is arranged, in a torsionally resistant manner, on a steering shaft and rotates around a steering axis. A worm shaft is supported to rotate around a rotational axis, with the worm shaft having an end on the engine side and an end away from the engine. Worm toothing engages the teeth of the worm wheel and when the worm shaft rotates around the rotational axis, the worm wheel and the steering shaft rotate around the steering axis. A gearbox housing supports the worm wheel and the worm shaft and allows them to rotate. A compensating element has a middle section, a rear end section connected to the gearbox housing and a front end section retaining the end away from the engine of the worm shaft or a holder accommodating the end away from the engine of the worm shaft. |
| US09932058B2 |
Scaffolding transport cart
Scaffolding transport carts for transporting scaffolding components from a jobsite delivery location to the location of scaffolding erection. Exemplary scaffolding transport cart embodiments may be moved and guided manually, or moved under the power of a motive device but under user control. A fully remote-controlled embodiment may also be provided. In any case, a scaffolding transport cart embodiment may dimensioned such that the scaffolding transport cart can fit through a standard doorway, even when loaded with scaffolding components. |
| US09932057B2 |
Pallet jack mounting system
Apparatuses and methods for mounting an object to a pallet jack are disclosed. One apparatus includes a base, a hook, and a clamping element. The base is sized to be positioned on a head of the pallet jack. The hook is sized to engage an underside of the pallet jack. The hook is movably coupled to a front of the base such that a distance between the base and the hook is adjustable. The clamping element is coupled to a rear of the base. At least a portion of the clamping element is positioned to extend underneath the head of the pallet jack when the base is positioned on the head of the pallet jack. |
| US09932046B2 |
Zip track system
Zip track systems and systems for extending zip track systems are provided. An extension mechanism for a zip track system illustratively comprises a crossover unit, configured to attach to a zip track. The crossover unit illustratively comprises a crossover arch and two crossover support poles, wherein each of the support poles connects to an end portion of the crossover arch such that the support poles are configured to stand perpendicular to the zip track. The extension system further illustratively comprises a connection mechanism configured to connect the crossover arch to the zip track system such that the crossover unit distributes the weight of the track through the crossover arch and the crossover support poles. |
| US09932041B2 |
Personalized medical emergency autopilot system based on portable medical device data
The disclosure includes implementations for providing a personalized medical emergency autopilot system based on data from a portable medical device. A method may include receiving, by a communication unit of a vehicle, a wireless message from a wireless network. The wireless message includes sensor data describing one or more current physiological signals of a driver of the vehicle that are recorded by a portable medical device worn by the driver. The method may include analyzing the one or more current physiological signals of the driver to identify a medical emergency for the driver. The method may include overriding, by a personalized medical emergency autopilot system, one or more vehicle control inputs provided by the driver subsequent to identifying the medical emergency so that the driver cannot control the operation of the vehicle during the medical emergency. |
| US09932039B2 |
Control device for vehicle
A control device is configured to: (i) control rotation speed of internal combustion engine such that the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine is increased with an increase in a traveling speed of a vehicle, (ii) execute a pseudo gear shift to control the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine such that the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine is decreased to a first rotation speed, (iii) execute a mechanical gear shift to change a second gear ratio according to a gear shift line determined by the traveling speed and a value according to the acceleration request, and (iv) execute adjustment control to adjust the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine in advance in a period before executing the mechanical gear shift such that the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine matches the pseudo gear shift threshold value when the mechanical gear shift is performed. |
| US09932035B1 |
Modifying speed of an autonomous vehicle based on traffic conditions
Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to speed control in an autonomous vehicle. For example, an autonomous vehicle may include a user interface which allows the driver to input speed preferences. These preferences may include the maximum speed above the speed limit the user would like the autonomous vehicle to drive when other vehicles are present and driving above or below certain speeds. The other vehicles may be in adjacent or the same lane the vehicle, and need not be in front of the vehicle. |
| US09932034B2 |
Control system and method
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system comprising: a first, controller operable to assume one of a plurality of respective states, in a first state the first controller being configured to generate a first controller powertrain signal in order to cause a powertrain to develop drive torque, and a first controller brake signal in order to cause application of a brake to one or more wheels, the first controller being configured to generate the first controller powertrain signal and first controller brake signal to cause a vehicle to operate in accordance with the target speed value, wherein when the first controller is in a predetermined one or more states the first controller is configured automatically to perform a brake wipe operation in which the first controller generates the first controller brake signal in dependence on one or more predetermined conditions while continuing to cause a vehicle to operate in accordance with the target speed value. |
| US09932033B2 |
Route risk mitigation
A method is disclosed for analyzing historical accident information to adjust driving actions of an autonomous vehicle over a travel route in order to avoid accidents which have occurred over the travel route. Historical accident information for the travel route can be analyzed to, for example, determine accident types which occurred over the travel route and determine causes and/or probable causes of the accident types. In response to determining accident types and causes/probable causes of the accident types over the travel route, adjustments can be made to the driving actions planned for the autonomous vehicle over the travel route. In addition, in an embodiment, historical accident information can be used to analyze available travel routes and select a route which presents less risk of accident than others. |
| US09932030B2 |
Hybrid drive system
A hybrid drive system for a motor vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and at least one electric motor, each driving wheels of the motor vehicle. The internal combustion engine is coupled to the corresponding wheels via a first multispeed transmission. The electric motor is coupled to the corresponding wheels via a second multispeed transmission. |
| US09932029B2 |
System and method for balancing states of charge of energy storage modules in hybrid vehicles
A system and method for balancing the states of charge between a plurality of energy storage modules in a hybrid vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises determining states of charge of individual energy storage modules in said plurality of energy storage modules operatively connected to a power source in the hybrid electric vehicle. The vehicle is operated using a subset of the plurality of energy storage modules when the states of charge of said subset the plurality of energy storage modules is outside of a tolerances relative to the remaining energy storage modules of said plurality of said energy storage modules. The energy storage modules may be charged or discharged using the method in order to equalize the states of charge of the energy storage modules. |
| US09932028B2 |
Controller for a series hydraulic hybrid transmission
A series hydraulic hybrid system for a vehicle and a method of operating the same is described. The series hydraulic hybrid system has a hydraulic circuit, high and low pressure hydraulic accumulators, and a control unit. The hydraulic circuit has first and second hydraulic displacement units in fluid communication. The first hydraulic displacement unit is drivingly engaged with an internal combustion engine. The high pressure hydraulic accumulator and the low pressure hydraulic accumulator are fluidly connected to the hydraulic circuit through at least one accumulator valve. The control unit is adapted to receive an input from an operator, compute a requested torque and a target system pressure based on the input, compare an accumulator pressure to the target system pressure, and control at least one of a speed of the internal combustion engine and a valve state of the accumulator valve based on the outcome of the comparison. |
| US09932026B2 |
Shift control method and apparatus for vehicle
A shift control method and apparatus for a vehicle is described. The shift control method for a vehicle having an oil pump includes determining whether the vehicle satisfies an Idle Stop and Go (ISG) learning condition, measuring, when the vehicle satisfies the ISG learning condition, a shift time of a transmission when a driving state of the vehicle is changed from an idling state to a restart state, comparing the measured shift time with a predetermined reference shift time, and adjusting a pressure of oil supplied to a solenoid of the transmission from the oil pump according to the compared result. Thus, it is possible to reduce a variation in shift time required when the ISG vehicle using a mechanical oil pump in place of an electrical oil pump is restarted. |
| US09932022B2 |
Contact patch measurements during hydroplaning events
Systems and methods for determining the contact patch parameters of a tire while rolling on deformable surfaces, such as during a hydroplaning event, are provided. More particularly, a piezoelectric sensor configured to provide a piezoelectric sensor output signal indicative of the time-varying curvature of a rolling tire can be mounted in a tire. The piezoelectric sensor output signal can be analyzed to detect a signal perturbation corresponding to the hydroplaning event. One or more characteristics of the contact patch during the hydroplaning event can be analyzed based on the signal perturbation. For instance, a parameter indicative of the shape of the contact patch during the hydroplaning event can be assessed based on the signal perturbation. |
| US09932017B2 |
Vehicle wiper
A vehicle wiper comprises a retainer that is formed in an elongated shape open at the lower side facing toward a windshield, and that is provided so as to be capable of swinging about a shaft axis of a pivot shaft that is swung to-and-fro; a first nozzle member that is housed inside the retainer, and that is capable of ejecting washer fluid from an ejection portion; and 1 a retainer cover member that closes off an opening of the retainer, and that is formed with a window through which the ejection portion of the first nozzle member is externally exposed. |
| US09932012B1 |
Inner carrier and back panel having alternating trim and side airbag attachments
A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback. A seatback panel is operably coupled with a back side of the seatback. The seatback panel includes a front side and a rear side. Multiple laterally-extending mounting features are disposed proximate edges of the front side of the seatback panel. An inner carrier includes multiple clip embossments extending laterally and releasably coupled with the mounting features. Multiple forwardly-extending clip towers are spaced vertically between the mounting features. A cushion assembly includes attachment features releasably coupled with the clip towers. After deployment of an airbag module, the mounting features of the seatback panel and the clip embossments can be recoupled for continued use of the vehicle seating assembly. |
| US09932010B2 |
Electronic airbag ignition circuit having a variable ignition current duration
An electronic airbag ignition circuit includes a first and second output for the electrically conductive connection to a first and second terminal of a magnetic actuator. The electronic airbag ignition circuit also includes a first switching element, whose contact-break path is connected in an electrically conductive manner to the first output, and a second switching element, whose contact-break path is connected in an electrically conductive manner to the second output. The electronic airbag ignition circuit includes a second control circuit connected in an electrically conductive manner to a control terminal of the second switching element. The second control circuit is configured to close the second switching element in a first triggering mode for a first predetermined duration and in a second triggering mode for a second predetermined duration that differs from the first duration. |
| US09932009B2 |
Bracket for front crash sensor
A front end structure is provided for a vehicle that includes a bracket for attaching front crash sensors to the vehicle. The front end structure includes an engine compartment and a hood connected to the engine compartment by a hood latch and a pair of hinges. The bracket is connected to the hood latch and the front crash sensors to maintain palpability with the vehicle through the hood in a collision. |
| US09932008B1 |
Integrated bumper spacers for vehicle with suspension modifications
A system of bumper spacers that provide for relocation of a vehicle's bumper forward of the body. Single and multiple points of attachment define spacers are provided with varying dimensional aspects to accommodate different vehicle applications. Stabilization and positioning installation engagement tab extensions extend from the respective spacers in both the axial and trans-axial opening alignment extending at right angles from the spacer's body member exterior surface. |
| US09932007B2 |
Energy absorbing structure of vehicle
An energy absorbing structure of a vehicle of the present invention has: a bumper reinforcement positioned at a vehicle front end portion or a vehicle rear end portion, the bumper reinforcement extending in a vehicle transverse direction; and a crash box made of a fiber-reinforced resin, the crash box being disposed at a side opposite a side of input of collision load to the bumper reinforcement, and the crash box being structured to include a crash box main body having a closed cross-sectional structure. An upper portion and a lower portion of the crash box main body do not overlap the bumper reinforcement as seen from a vehicle longitudinal direction. |
| US09932006B2 |
Vehicular energy absorption structure
A vehicular energy absorption structure includes a hollow tubular energy absorption body made from a fiber reinforced resin, an opposing face (e.g., an attachment plate) that is provided facing an axial direction end portion of the energy absorption body, and against which the energy absorption body is crushed from the axial direction end portion during a vehicle collision, and a guide section (e.g., peripheral wall, ribs) that projects from the opposing face and that is disposed in an interior of the energy absorption body. The guide section includes an abutting section (e.g., abutting walls) that contacts a wall of the energy absorption body from the inner side of the wall during the vehicle collision, the abutting section being separated from the opposing face by an opening in the axial direction of the energy absorption body. |
| US09932004B1 |
Vehicle energy absorption system
A sensor bracket assembly is configured to extend between a sensor beam and a bumper beam of a vehicle. The sensor bracket assembly can include a bracket first section that is configured to be directly or indirectly connected to the bumper beam. The sensor bracket assembly can also include a bracket second section that is configured to be directly or indirectly connected to the sensor beam. The sensor bracket assembly can further include a spacer section that projects from the bracket first section and is configured to extend towards but be spaced from one of the bracket second section and the bumper beam. |
| US09932001B2 |
Vehicular power source controller
A vehicular power source controller is designed so that when there is abnormal action in a microprocessor and an abnormal fuse state cannot be determined from the current of a load detected by a current sensor circuit, power supply to the load cannot be turned on and off by the operation of a combination switch corresponding to the load, but can be turned on and off by the operation of an ignition switch. It is thereby possible to prevent continuing power supply to the load when the combination switch is turned on during the abnormal action of the microprocessor, and battery exhaustion can be suppressed. Power supply to the load cannot be turned on and off by the operation of the combination switch during the abnormal action of the microprocessor, and an operator is easily made aware of the abnormal action of the microprocessor. |
| US09931998B2 |
Selectable window switch controller
A vehicle window control panel for controlling a plurality of vehicle window assemblies comprises a common window control switch and a plurality of selector interfaces. The common window control switch is configured for controlling operation of a window assembly when the window assembly occupies an active state. The plurality of selector interfaces is electrically coupled to the common window control switch, and each of the plurality of selector interfaces is associated with an associated window assembly and configured for selectively coupling the associated window assembly to the common window control switch so as to cause the associated window assembly to occupy an active state. Each of the plurality of selector interfaces is also configured for selectively decoupling the associated window assembly from the common window control switch so as to cause the associated window assembly to occupy an inactive state. |
| US09931996B2 |
Headrest-mounted entertainment systems
In certain embodiments, a mobile entertainment system includes a screen assembly with a display and a signal generating device. A housing pivotally coupled to the screen assembly can have a lower portion, an upper portion, and a housing cavity sized and shaped to receive the screen assembly. The upper portion can receive at least a portion of the signal generating device. At least a portion of the screen assembly can rotate through an opening in the lower portion. A shell can receive the housing. |
| US09931994B2 |
Deployable interference mechanism for variably positionable bicycle wheel anchor
A variably positionable bicycle wheel anchor for fixing a bicycle wheel at a desired location along an elongate support rail. The bicycle wheel anchor includes a body configured to be slidingly coupled to an elongate support rail for variable, fixed positioning of the body along a length of the elongate support rail. The underside of the body has a support rail engagement surface and the upper side of the body has a bicycle wheel receiver. The wheel anchor has a deployable interference mechanism coupled to the body and having a deployed configuration in which at least a portion of the interference mechanism protrudes beyond the underside of the body for releasable engagement with the elongate support rail. |
| US09931986B2 |
Mobile refueling vessel
A mobile vessel for refueling engines at remote refueling sites. The vessel has a tank with side walls and a rectangular bottom portion. The bottom portion is configured to rest on the ground and it includes an inner wall and a lower plate. The bottom portion further includes spacer elements between the inner wall and lower plate that defines a gap there between for collecting fuel that may leak from the tank. |
| US09931985B1 |
Blind-spot monitoring using machine vision and precise FOV information
An apparatus comprising a first sensor, an interface, a second sensor and a processor. The first sensor may be configured to generate a video signal based on a targeted view of a driver. The interface may be configured to receive status information about one or more components of a vehicle. The second sensor may be configured to detect an object within a predetermined radius of the second sensor. The processor may be configured to determine a field of view of the driver based on the status information. The processor may be configured to generate a control signal in response to a cross reference between (i) a field of view of the driver and (ii) the detected object. The control signal may be used to alert the driver if the detected object is not in the field of view of the driver. |
| US09931978B1 |
Warning sign structure for vehicle
A warning sign structure includes an activating mechanism and a stretching-retracting mechanism movably joined to the activating mechanism. The stretching-retracting mechanism includes a retractable unit connected to the activating mechanism and a light emitting unit movably disposed on a top of the retractable unit. When the vehicle breaks down, the activating mechanism drives a stretching-retracting mechanism to stretch its retractable unit to an appropriate height manually or automatically and turns on a light emitting unit. The light emitting unit emits light in a high position to warn the rear-coming vehicles. The driver can also detach the stretching-retracting mechanism and use the stretching-retracting mechanism as a hand-held warning sign or a traffic baton. |
| US09931977B2 |
Vehicle lamp
A vehicle lamp which enables vehicles or pedestrians around a vehicle to easily recognize a driving direction of the vehicle is provided. The vehicle lamp includes a driving direction sensing unit configured to sense a driving direction of a vehicle, a driving direction indicating unit configured to form a first pattern indicating the driving direction and forms a second pattern indicating the driving direction on a road surface around the vehicle and a control unit configured to adjust the driving direction indicating unit based on to the sensed driving direction. The driving direction indicating unit includes at least one lamp unit. The lamp unit includes a light source and a reflection unit having a plurality of reflectors which form the first pattern and the second pattern, respectively. |
| US09931976B1 |
Truck safety zone using a vehicle gateway
Electronic components may be integrated in objects used by the trucking industry, such as truck, tractor trailer, cargo, and loading bay. These objects may then communicate with each other and with a gateway device to transmit or receive data or commands. The gateway may be configured to attach to the truck, such as by securing to the truck frame or securing to an interior of the truck cab. The gateway may couple to one or more input devices, and receive sensor data through the one or more input devices. The gateway may execute steps that allow the gateway to determine safety margins for operating a vehicle and communicating that information to other nearby vehicles. |
| US09931968B2 |
Mat structure for vehicle and sewing device therefor
A mat structure for a vehicle, in which an edging member capable of preventing impurities such as soil from falling down to an indoor floor of the vehicle is sewed on an upper surface of an edge of a mat, and a sewing device capable of easily sewing the edging member and a magic tape on the mat. The mat prevents impurities remaining on the upper mat from falling down to the indoor floor of the vehicle and contaminating inside the vehicle by using the protrusion portion, and passengers may scrape the impurities off bottoms of the passenger's shoes on the protrusion portion so that the impurities remain on the upper mat. Also, the protrusion portion protects a sewing line of the female magic tape against frictions with the bottoms of the shoes, and prevents the sewing line from being torn off. |
| US09931967B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat includes: a first member; a second member; an insertion fastening structure configured to apply an axial tension to an opposed surface portion of the first member and an opposed surface portions of the second member so as to be pressed against each other; and an adjustment member. The opposed surface portion of the second member includes different surface shape portions facing respective surfaces toward directions different from an application direction of the axial tension, and the adjustment member plastically deforms the opposed surface portion of the second member such that the opposed surface portion of the second member, including the different surface shape portions, is pressed and sandwiched between the adjustment member and the opposed surface portion of the first member by the application of the axial tension. |
| US09931966B2 |
Device for rapid removal/reinstallation of a vehicle seat back, and seat assembly comprising the same
A device for rapid removal/reinstallation of a back of a seat of a vehicle, the back being attached, by at least one first strap, to a ceiling. The device includes a hanging intermediary structure and a fixed structure integral with the ceiling and retaining the structure in the use position of the seat, in which it has been brought with an upward movement, and locking the structure in the use position or unlocking it such that it is moved away from the ceiling to release the tension exerted by the first strap and allow the structure to be disengaged from the retaining unit. The back can thus be removed or reinstalled without any action on the tension setting of the strap. |
| US09931959B2 |
Battery control system and vehicle control system
A battery control system connected to a battery, which controls charge/discharge at the battery, includes: a current detection unit that measures a current value by detecting a charge/discharge current flowing through the battery; a voltage detection unit that detects a voltage at the battery; a temperature detection unit that detects a temperature at the battery; an effective current value calculation unit that calculates, based upon the current value measured by the current detection unit, an effective current value in a predetermined time window; and a charge/discharge restriction unit that imposes a first charge/discharge restriction so as to restrict the charge/discharge current based upon the effective current value calculated by the effective current value calculation unit. |
| US09931956B2 |
Battery management system
Vehicle battery management systems (BMS) and methods are described, in which the output of a vehicle battery is reduced by activating a shutdown mode. A BMS may be configured to start a timer when the vehicle is turned off, e.g. based on when the main power between the vehicle and the battery is interrupted or based on a signal from the vehicle control system. The BMS may further be configured to store BMS data (e.g. variable data related to operation and/or status of the battery) to an electronic storage device, and to switch the battery to a shutdown mode, when the timer reaches a predetermined value. The BMS may be further configured to load the BMS data from the electronic storage device and/or to deactivate the shutdown mode when the vehicle is turned back on. |
| US09931951B2 |
Integrated dual-output grid-to-vehicle (G2V) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) onboard charger for plug-in electric vehicles
An integrated and isolated onboard charger for plug-in electric vehicles, includes an ac-dc converter and a dual-output dc-dc resonant converter, for both HV traction batteries and LV loads. In addition, the integrated and isolated onboard charger may be configured as unidirectional or bidirectional, and is capable of delivering power from HV traction batteries to the grid for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications. To increase the power density of the converter, the dual-output DC-DC resonant converter may combine magnetic components of resonant networks into a single three-winding electromagnetically integrated transformer (EMIT). The resonant converter may be configured as a half-bridge topology with split capacitors as the resonant network components to further reduce the size of converter. The integrated charger may be configured for various operating modes, including grid to vehicle (G2V), vehicle to grid (V2G) and high voltage to low voltage, HV-to-LV (H2L) charging. |
| US09931950B2 |
Method for recovering electrical energy with voltage smoothing on an onboard electrical network
During a method for recovering electrical energy, for example during a deceleration phase of a motor vehicle including at least one electric accumulator battery, a low alternator voltage is applied during a first type of vehicle driving phase, and a high alternator voltage higher than the low alternator voltage is applied for a second type of vehicle driving phase. The transition from the low alternator voltage to the high alternator voltage is carried out by applying a first voltage step of a predefined amplitude, followed by a knee in the voltage curve, the voltage curve then continuing into at least a second voltage ramp phase of which the average slope is strictly lower than the voltage ramp of the first step. |
| US09931948B2 |
Electrical pulse generator of high current, power and energy
An electrical pulse generator for ohmic-inductive loads with a capacitive module in which a primary capacitor is charged by a first generator for generating voltage pulses, with high capacity and high voltage, on an ohmic-inductive load. In the capacitive module there is also a secondary capacitor or supercapacitor with a very high capacity, charged by a second generator designed to continuously supply voltage to the load. An electronic splitter, or Chopper is interposed between the capacitive module and the load which splits the voltage supplied by the capacitive module according to modulated high frequency pulses, in such a way that the value of the voltage supplied to the load is constant. |
| US09931945B2 |
Power supply device
A control circuit 6 determines whether a difference between an input/output potential difference V11 and an input/output potential difference V13 when bypass switches SW1 and SW2 are again turned on is equal to or smaller than a threshold value Vth2 in a case where the control circuit 6 determines, at normal times other than an engine restart after being idle-stopped, that a difference between the input/output potential difference V11 of a bypass circuit when the bypass switches SW1 and SW2 are turned on and an input/output potential difference V12 when the bypass switch SW1 is turned on and the bypass switch SW2 is turned off is equal to or larger than a threshold value Vth1 and that the bypass switch SW1 has an open fault, and validates the determination of the open fault of the bypass switch SW1 in a case where the control circuit 6 determines that the difference between the input/output potential differences V11 and V13 is equal to or smaller than a the threshold value Vth2. |
| US09931941B2 |
Current transmission device
The invention relates to a current transmission device for stationary charging of electrical energy stores of devices and/or for mobile supplying of electrical drive units of devices having a current transmitter which is embodied as an articulated arm system, and which can swivel between a current-transmitting extended position and a current flow interrupting retracted position, an adjusting drive interacting with the current transmitter as well as a spring system interacting with the current transmitter, wherein the adjusting drive is self-locking-free and has a switchable electromagnetic brake device. |
| US09931938B2 |
Vehicle battery relay assembly
In a vehicle battery relay assembly for disconnecting or isolating a vehicle battery from a connection line, a housing is provided having a solenoid and a switch activated by the solenoid. The switch electrically connects and disconnects a first contact terminal for connection to the vehicle battery and a second contact terminal for connection to the connection line. The solenoid has a solenoid coil. A rotatable ratchet gear rotates by engagement with a pawl, the pawl being connected to a plunger of the solenoid. The switch comprises a contact element coupled to the ratchet gear, the contact element having at least first and second projecting contact points. The contact element is positioned relative to a contact surface of the first and second contact terminals such that given a first rotation of the contact element the first and second contact terminals are electrically connected and given a subsequent second rotation the first and second contact terminals are electrically disconnected. |
| US09931934B2 |
Vehicular pointer-type residual quantity meter
A vehicular pointer-type residual quantity meter comprises: a display panel that has a scale part which allows a driver to recognize a residual quantity, and a non-scale part that differs from the scale part; a pointer unit that is disposed behind the display panel; a pointer driver body unit that carries out a movement of the pointer unit in a real space; and a control unit that controls the pointer driver body unit in so that the pointer unit indicates one of metering regions in the scale part in replay to a current residual quantity. The control part controls the pointer driver body unit so that when the residual quantity decreases to zero, the pointer unit moves from a metering region corresponding to a zero residual quantity in a direction opposite to a metering region corresponding to a residual quantity value greater than zero to the non-scale part of the display panel. |
| US09931933B2 |
Input device and steering input device
The input device includes a press switch configured to be pressed in a direction of a predetermined axis, a first operation member configured to be moved along the predetermined axis to press the press switch, a second operation member disposed circularly around the first operation member and configured to be tilted relative to the predetermined axis to press the press switch, a first touch sensor disposed on the first operation member and configured to detect contact of a finger of a right hand with the first operation member, and a second touch sensor disposed on the second operation member and configured to detect contact of the finger of the right hand with the second operation member. |
| US09931932B2 |
System, method, and device for wireless control of a vehicle's power supply
The present invention provides a wireless power-supply control assembly 100 for wirelessly controlling a boat's main power supply. The assembly 100 comprises an enclosure assembly 110, wherein a latching relay 600 and a wireless-receiver relay 300 are mounted. The wireless receiver relay 300 is controlled by commands from a wireless transmitter and causes the latching relay 600 to connect or disconnect the boat's main power. In other embodiments, an ignition-sense relay 400 is also mounted within the enclosure and disconnects power to the wireless-receiver relay 300 when the boats ignition is on. In yet another embodiment, a manual override switch 200 is provided within the enclosure for bypassing the latching relay 600 and manually connecting the boat's power. |
| US09931931B2 |
Driving force distribution apparatus and method for distributing driving force
A driving force distribution apparatus includes a basic distribution ratio calculator, a servo controller, and an adjuster. The basic distribution ratio calculator is configured to calculate a basic distribution ratio between a front driving force for front wheels and a rear driving force for rear wheels based on loads exerted on the front and rear wheels of a vehicle. The servo controller is configured to correct the basic distribution ratio so as to increase or decrease the basic distribution ratio based on a deviation between a target value of a rotation difference between the front and rear wheels and a measured value of the rotation difference between the front and rear wheels. The adjuster is configured to perform adjustment so that the rear driving force calculated based on the basic distribution ratio corrected by the servo controller does not exceed a total driving force. |
| US09931927B2 |
Containment systems
Containment systems are provided. In one example embodiment, a containment system is provided, the containment system comprising: a container; and a skeletal reinforcement comprised of flexible fibers. |
| US09931926B2 |
Active grille multi part modular frame
An active grille shutter arrangement having a modular frame. The active grille shutter arrangement includes a primary frame piece defining a width and height of an aperture of the modular frame, wherein in the primary frame piece has a motor housing, and upper frame portion having a first end and a second end, a lower frame portion having a first end and a second end and the motor housing extends between the upper frame portion and the lower frame portion. There is a plurality of secondary frame pieces that are adjustably connected to the primary frame pieces, thereby allowing the width of the modular frame to be adjusted. |
| US09931923B2 |
Bracket-equipped vibration-damping device
A bracket-equipped vibration-damping device including: a vibration-damping device main body including vertically-separated, elastically-connected first and second mounting members; a bracket receiving the device main body inserted laterally thereinto; a connection-insert section provided for the second mounting member; a connection groove provided for the bracket extending in an insertion direction of the device main body; at least one up-down urging rubber fixed on an outer surface of the connection-insert section on an upper-lower first side; and a lock protrusion formed on an inner surface of the connection groove on an upper-lower second side, with a smaller protrusion dimension than an up-down thickness of the up-down urging rubber such that the connection-insert section is laterally inserted into the connection groove beyond the lock protrusion before being urged to the second side by the up-down urging rubber to be positioned to the connection groove. |
| US09931920B1 |
Vehicle roof assembly
A roof assembly includes a vehicle body defining an opening and having a track extending along the opening. The track is elongated along a track axis. The roof assembly includes a panel removably disposed in the opening, a latch attached to the panel and releasably engageable with the vehicle body, and a block attached to the panel and removably engageable with the track. The block is rotatable relative to the panel about a block axis perpendicular to the track axis. |
| US09931918B2 |
Vehicle roof structure
A vehicle roof structure including roof glass that includes an opaque coating section formed so as to shield a structural object disposed at a vehicle lower side from view from the vehicle cabin outer side, a shielding body, and an extension. The shielding body is provided at the vehicle lower side of the roof glass at a coating width direction inner end of the opaque coating section, includes an upper end on a vehicle upper side attached to the roof glass, and shields a location of the structural object facing the opaque coating section. The extension includes an extension direction leading end positioned further inward with respect to the glass surface than the coating width direction inner end, and shields a location of the structural object jutting out further inward with respect to the glass surface than the shielding body. |
| US09931910B2 |
Adsorption heat pump-equipped vehicle air conditioning device
An adsorption heat pump-equipped vehicle air conditioning device comprising: an adsorption heat pump that includes a plurality of vessels, each of which includes an adsorption section housing an adsorbent and an evaporation and condensation section inside which a refrigerant is sealed, an adsorption process and a desorption process being performed repeatedly inside the vessels; first heat exchangers respectively disposed inside each of the adsorption sections; second heat exchangers respectively disposed inside each of the evaporation and condensation sections; a first circulation route for circulating refrigerant between a high temperature heat source and a heater core; a second circulation route for circulating refrigerant between the adsorption heat pump and an interior heat exchanger, wherein the second circulation route is connected to the adsorption heat pump through a switching valve; and a controller that controls switching of the switching valve. |
| US09931908B2 |
HVAC air inlet with blend mode and fresh-restricted mode
An air inlet system for an automotive HVAC system has a housing comprising a first cylindrical segment enclosing an interior space and having a first radial surface with a first angular divergence. The first radial surface has a fresh air aperture and a recirculation aperture for radially receiving fresh air and recirculated air, respectively. The housing further comprises an outlet body with an exit aperture. A pivoting door element is mounted in the interior space and shaped as a second cylindrical segment with a second radial surface with a second angular divergence which is less than the first angular divergence. The door element has a pivot axis that allows the second radial surface to slide along the first radial surface. The door element pivots to selectably align the opening with the fresh air aperture or the recirculation aperture in order to 1) block the fresh air aperture without blocking the recirculation aperture, 2) simultaneously block portions of the fresh air aperture and the recirculation aperture, 3) block the recirculation aperture without blocking any of the fresh air aperture, or 4) block the recirculation aperture while blocking only a portion of the fresh air aperture. |
| US09931905B2 |
Air conditioning device for vehicle
A vehicle air conditioner includes a duct in which a partition member forming a first flow path and a second flow path is provided, and a heat pump circuit. In the heat pump circuit, a first indoor heat exchanger that contributes to heating is located in the first flow path or faces an outlet of the first flow path, and a second indoor heat exchanger that contributes to cooling is located in the second flow path. The duct is provided with at least one heating exhaust port for discharging air cooled in the second indoor heat exchanger to the outside of the vehicle interior in heating operation, and a cooling exhaust port for discharging air heated in the first indoor heat exchanger to the outside of the vehicle interior in cooling operation. |
| US09931902B2 |
Stabilizer bushing and stabilizer-bar mounting device
A stabilizer bushing has a holding hole for holding a stabilizer bar and is to be mounted on a mounting surface of a vehicle-body-side component. A normal line to the mounting surface extends in a direction intersecting an up and down direction of a vehicle. The stabilizer bushing has at least one separation surface, one end portion of which is located on an inner circumferential surface opposed to the holding hole, and the other end portion of which is located on an outer surface of the stabilizer bushing at a position different from a rigid-component opposed portion opposed to the vehicle-body-side component. The at least one separation surface has a first separation surface located nearer to the rigid-component opposed portion than a plane extending through a central axis of the holding hole and parallel with the rigid-component opposed portion. |
| US09931901B2 |
Machine suspension and height adjustment
An assembly for supporting a vehicle chassis on a wheel of the vehicle includes a wheel attachment component for attaching the assembly to the wheel, a chassis attachment component for attaching the assembly to the vehicle chassis, and a suspension component. At least one adjustment element is coupled with the chassis attachment component and with a first portion of the suspension component, and is configured to shift the first portion of the suspension element between a plurality of operating positions relative to the chassis attachment component. A single strut bar is rigidly coupled with the wheel attachment component and with a second portion of the suspension component, and is configured to pivot relative to the chassis attachment component. The suspension component is configured to regulate motion transfer between the wheel attachment component and the chassis attachment component. |
| US09931897B2 |
Self-pressure regulator tire mechanism
An apparatus for regulating air pressure level in a tire is provided. The apparatus includes a housing attached to the tire; a piston located inside the housing, coupled to the housing via a spring; a one-way valve; and locking elements located at a specified location along the housing, wherein the piston is configured to move towards a first end of the housing responsive to an imbalance between centrifugal force applied to the piston due to angular speed of the tire and force applied to it by the spring, wherein the locking elements are configured to lock the piston at the specified location whenever the tire reaches a predefined angular speed, and release the piston once the angular speed of the tire crosses a predefined threshold, so that the piston moves towards a second end of the sleeve producing an air pulse, conveyed by the one-way valve into the tire. |
| US09931896B2 |
Run flat tire
A run flat tire having a side reinforcing rubber part is disclosed. The side reinforcing rubber part is formed by a rubber composition having a ratio (M50H/M50N) of tensile stress (M50H) in 50% elongation at a measurement temperature of 100° C. to tensile stress (M50N) in 50% elongation at a measurement temperature of 23° C. of from 1.0 to 1.3. A ratio (M50H/M50F) of tensile stress (M50H) in 50% elongation at a measurement temperature of 100° C. of the rubber composition forming the side reinforcing rubber part to tensile stress (M50F) in 50% elongation at a measurement temperature of 100° C. of a rubber composition forming a bead filler is from 0.5 to 1.3. |
| US09931895B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire includes a tread, sidewalls, clinches, beads, a carcass, and strips. Each bead includes a core, a first apex and a second apex, the carcass includes a carcass ply which is turned up around the core from the axially inner side toward outer side such that the carcass ply is divided into a main portion and a turn-up portion, each strip has radially inner edge positioned between the main and turn-up portions, the second apex is positioned between the turn-up portion and each clinch, each strip has outer edge positioned to correspond to or on inner side of a point of maximum width of the tire in radial direction, the second apex has outer edge positioned on radially inner side of the outer edge of each strip, and the second apex includes crosslinked rubber and has complex elastic modulus in range of from 60 MPa to 70 MPa. |
| US09931889B2 |
Width-adjustable heavy-goods vehicle
A heavy goods vehicle (10) having a vehicle frame (12) and at least one driving axis (A), which has on either longitudinal side (10a) of the vehicle (10) a bogie (22) comprising a wheel assembly (14), each wheel assembly (14) comprising at least two wheels arranged symmetrically in relation to a central axis (S), and a wheel suspension (18) by means of which said wheel assembly is fastened to a rotary plate (28) of the bogie (22), this rotary plate (28) being mounted on a rotary bearing (24) of the bogie (22) which is engaged with the vehicle frame (12) so as to be rotatable about a steering swivel axis (X). According to the invention, the rotary bearing (24) of the bogie (22) can be adjusted in the width direction (B) of the vehicle relative to the vehicle frame (12) and can be detachably connected to the vehicle frame (12) in an operationally stable manner. |
| US09931888B2 |
Wheel bearing apparatus
A wheel bearing apparatus has a double row rolling bearing detachably united with a constant velocity universal joint. The double row rolling bearing has an outer member, an inner member, and double row rolling elements rollably disposed between the double row raceway surfaces of the outer member and inner member. The constant velocity universal joint has an outer joint member, a shoulder portion, and a shaft portion. A female thread is formed on the shaft portion. End faces of the shoulder portion and the caulked portion are formed with face splines, respectively. The face spline of the caulked portion has a portion where a tooth height of a tooth space of a portion radially outside the pitch circle diameter is set lower than that of other portions of the tooth space. |
| US09931881B2 |
Apparatus for turning pages of a book and method for same
An arm motor control section controls the operation of an arm motor that drives an arm section for turning a page of a book by pressing an adhesion roller against the page, and a current detection section outputs a current limit notice upon detecting an overcurrent in the arm motor which is limited by a limiter. When a current limit notice is outputted in a page turning operation, a CPU drives and controls the arm motor to perform reverse rotation by the arm motor control section, and thereby controls a pressing period that is a locking period during which the adhesion roller is pressing the page. |
| US09931875B2 |
Craftwork tools and kits
A craftwork accessory may provide a portable and/or easy-to-use tool to help users' accurately and repeatedly apply stamp impressions and the like to items such as cardstock. The accessory may include a base portion, one or more elevated side portions and cover portion. The side portions may define a workspace for arranging the item. The cover portion may be movably attached to the base portion or a side portion, for example, by one or more hinges. In operation, the item and stamp may be aligned in the workspace and the cover portion may be pressed onto the stamp to stick the stamp to the cover portion. The cover may then be opened, the stamp may be inked, and the cover portion may be closed and pressed onto the item to stamp the item. The accessory may include alignment indicia on the base portion, side portions and/or cover portion to facilitate placement of the item and/or stamp. The accessory may also include fastening mechanisms, such as magnetic elements, to facilitate placement of the item and/or stamp. |
| US09931874B2 |
Ribbon supply mounting
A mounting of a ribbon supply on a re-useable cartridge is described where the mounting is designed so that the supply friction, supply and control of the ribbon supply are substantially independent of the cartridge. When the supply rolls are initially mounted on the cartridge, the supply rolls are frictionally engaged with the cartridge to reduce the tendency for the supply rolls to rotate or move prior to being loaded into the printer, which would loosen the ribbon material by unwinding, thereby reducing slack in the ribbon material. When the cartridge is loaded into a card personalization machine, features on the card personalization machine automatically reduce the frictional engagement between the supply rolls and the cartridge, permitting the supply rolls to rotate substantially freely relative to the cartridge so that the supply friction, supply and control are substantially independent of the cartridge. |
| US09931866B2 |
Media crash prevention surface to contact and guide media
An interleave member including a media control conforming surface and a media, crash prevention surface. The media crash prevention surface to periodically contact and guide the media to the media control conforming surface. The media control conforming surface conforming to a surface of the media control member. |
| US09931861B2 |
Printing control apparatus and printing control method
A printing control apparatus includes a defective nozzle detecting section that detects a defective nozzle included in the plurality of nozzles; and a complementing section that forms a complementary dot which complements dots of a first raster to be recorded using the defective nozzle on at least one of a second raster and the first raster using a complementary nozzle included in the plurality of nozzles. The complementing section includes an adjusting section which sets main scanning being performed after the defective nozzle is detected as a first main scanning, sets main scanning being performed M times after the defective nozzle is detected as a M-th main scanning, and allows a usage rate of ink in the first main scanning to be greater than a usage rate of ink in the M-th main scanning, regarding the usage rate of ink discharged using the same complementary nozzle. |
| US09931860B2 |
Inkjet printing apparatus
An inkjet printing apparatus includes an ink tank, a print head, an ink flow passage, a degassing device, a circulation flow passage and a circulation pump. The print head discharges ink supplied from the ink tank through the ink flow passage. The degassing device is disposed midway in the ink flow passage and removes air from the ink. The circulation flow passage has two ends respectively connected to two sides of the degassing device. The circulation pump is disposed midway in the circulation flow passage and returns the ink flowing out of the degassing device to a position to flow in the degassing device. The ink flow passage between an outflow port from the circulation flow passage and an inflow port thereto and the circulation flow passage are formed such that the ink is movable at approximately a constant speed. |
| US09931859B2 |
Removing air from a printing fluid channel
In one example, a processor readable medium has instructions thereon that when executed cause a printer to: introduce an unsaturated printing fluid into a channel through which fluid may pass to a printhead; dispense unsaturated printing fluid with the printhead to remove air from the channel; and then introduce regular printing fluid into the channel; and dispense printing fluid with the printhead until regular printing fluid is dispensed from the printhead. |
| US09931858B2 |
Self-weight pressure control valve, liquid supply system including the same, and inkjet recording device
A self-weight pressure control valve includes a hollow case main body with an opening, a partitioning wall dividing the case main body into first and second pressure chambers in communication with the opening, a communication opening in the partitioning wall and communicating the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber to each other, a valve rod including a rod portion inserted through the communication opening to pass the partitioning wall, and a valve portion located in the first pressure chamber, and a pressure sensitive film covering the opening of the case main body, coupled with a tip of the rod portion of the valve rod, and flexibly deformable toward the rod portion. When the pressure sensitive film is not flexibly deformed toward the rod portion, the communication opening is maintained in a closed state by the valve portion by use of a self-weight of the valve rod. |
| US09931845B2 |
Liquid ejection module and liquid ejection head
A liquid ejection module and a liquid ejection head capable of suppressing unevenness in printing are provided. Accordingly, openings are disposed so that a center position of at least one of openings in a plurality of ejection opening rows is not disposed on the same line extending in a print medium movement direction in a relative movement with respect to center positions of the other openings. |
| US09931842B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting head includes: a substrate having pressure generating chambers; drive units configured to apply pressure vibration to the pressure generating chambers; and a head casing having first and second areas mutually exclusively disposed as viewed from the substrate, the first areas being disposed in a staggered arrangement as viewed from the substrate, the head casing storing the drive units in the first areas as viewed from the substrate, the head casing having recesses disposed in the second areas as viewed from the substrate. |
| US09931840B2 |
Systems and methods for heating and measuring temperature of print head jet stacks
Print head jet stack heating and temperature measurement systems and methods are disclosed that both heat the jet stack and determine a temperature of the jet stack. The heating and temperature determination are performed by a flex circuit that includes multiple layers. One of the layers heats the jet stack and another one of the layers provides data that determines the temperature of the jet stack. The heating layer and the temperature sensing layer are separated by an insulative material in the flex circuit. The temperature of the jet stack can be sent to a print head controller that then determines whether to increase or decrease the temperature of the jet stack. |
| US09931839B1 |
Beam angles of drop detectors
In some examples, a printhead drop detector comprises a plurality of drop detection units to detect any drops passing through a sampling volume between the radiation source and the radiation detector. A radiation detector of a first drop detection unit and a radiation source of a second drop detection unit is arranged on a first side of the sampling volume and a radiation source of the first drop detection unit and a radiation detector of the second drop detection unit is arranged on the second side of the sampling volume. The distance between the first drop detection unit and the second drop detection unit is based on an angle of a beam producible by the first radiation source such that the beam is wide enough to cross into a portion of the sampling volume corresponding with the second drop detection unit. |
| US09931836B2 |
Ink jet recording apparatus
Provided is an ink jet recording apparatus including: a base metal pigment ink composition; and a first nozzle that ejects the base metal pigment ink composition, in which the base metal pigment ink composition contains a flat base metal pigment of which a 50% average particle diameter D50 is in a range of 100 nm to 1 μm, and an organic compound of which a surface tension at 20° C. is 35 mN/m or greater, and an ejection interval T1 after the base metal pigment ink composition is ejected from the first nozzle and before the base metal pigment ink composition is ejected again from the first nozzle is within 100 μs. |
| US09931834B2 |
Printing apparatus, printing control method and memory medium
A printing control method for a printing apparatus that includes a controller, such that the controller: sets a plurality of first regions along a first direction on a print medium that is conveyed, and a plurality of second regions between two first regions of the plurality of first regions, on the basis of print data; and causes ink to be discharged from a print head to the plurality of first regions so as to print on the basis of the print data and also causes ink to be discharged from the print head to the second region determined on the basis of an indicator value for predicting poor discharging of ink in the print head. |
| US09931833B2 |
Alignment module used in printing
A printing system includes an identification module to identify a number of the encoder pulses generated by an encoder at a rate corresponding to a speed of a media during a time interval. The printing system also includes an alignment module to at least one of change the number of encoder pulses or scale the encoder pulses generated by the encoder based on an amount of variation between the number of encoder pulses detected and the number of encoder pulses to maintain the number of encoder pulses constant. |
| US09931830B2 |
Polymeric gravure printing form and process for preparing the same with curable composition having a multifunctional urethane
The invention pertains to a printing form and a process for preparing a polymeric printing form from a curable composition that includes a multifunctional urethane in a specified reactive group equivalent weight range, and an initiator. The process includes coating the curable composition onto a supporting substrate, such as a print cylinder, to form a layer, curing the layer with heat or by exposure to actinic radiation, and engraving the resulting cured layer to form at least one printing cell in the cured layer. The process prepares novel polymeric printing forms, particularly novel polymeric gravure printing forms, having a cured polymer-based composition layer that is engravable, resistant to solvent inks, and capable of printing gravure-quality images. The present invention shortens the time to prepare gravure printing cylinders and removes the need for and disposal of toxic heavy metals such as copper and chrome associated with conventional gravure print cylinder preparation. |
| US09931827B2 |
Structural repair having optical witness and method of monitoring repair performance
A structural repair includes a tell-tale optical witness that allows the health of the repair to be visually monitored. The optical witness includes a stress sensitive fluorescent dye that shows changes in local strain/stress patterns when the repair is subjected to electromagnetic energy of a particular wavelength. The dyes fluoresce more or less strongly as a function of the local stress/strain. |
| US09931820B2 |
Mold material for direct metallization
This document discusses, among other things, a microelectronic system including a mold compound having a base layer and a surface layer on the base layer, and a seed layer deposited on the surface layer of the mold compound. The mold compound includes a monomer epoxy resin, a hardener, a filler material, and a polymer interphase material, wherein the polymer interphase material forms the surface layer of the mold compound having an adhesion strength to the seed layer greater than the monomer epoxy resin and hardener alone. |
| US09931808B1 |
Carrier devices having silicone-free thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) materials
The invention relates generally to carrier materials. More specifically, the present invention relates to silicon-free thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) materials for use in carrier devices. In some embodiments, a textured film to temporarily immobilize a device is provided, characterized in that a surface of the film in contact with the one or more objects is comprised of textured topology. |
| US09931807B2 |
Flexible compactor with reinforcing spine
A device for compacting a contoured elongate composite layup includes flexible first and second fiber reinforced resin flexible sections flexible along their lengths. The first section is flexible within a first plane and the second section is flexible within the first plane as well as within a second plane. The second section includes flexible joints reinforced by a spine. |
| US09931806B2 |
System and method for embossing/debossing impressionable material
An embossing/debossing system and method for embossing or debossing an impressionable material, such as paper. The system may comprise a laser cutting apparatus and a stamping apparatus. The laser cutting apparatus may comprise a laser configured for cutting and/or ablating one or more patterns into a stencil material. The stamping apparatus may be configured to receive the stencil material from the laser cutting apparatus and may have an actuatable elastomeric press pad configured to press the impressionable material into the patterns formed in the stencil material by the laser cutting apparatus. The system may also comprise various feeding devices configured to feed the stencil material from the laser cutting apparatus to the stamping apparatus and/or configured to feed the impressionable material through the stamping apparatus. |
| US09931804B2 |
Decorated sole elements for articles of footwear and processes for making thereof
A method of forming a decorated midsole element for articles of footwear includes obtaining a decorated film having one or more graphic elements applied to a first surface of the film and placing the decorated film in a mold. A midsole element is obtained and placed in the mold, and pressure is applied to the mold to form a midsole element having a decorated surface. The decorated film may include a layer of polyether-block co-polyamide polymer and the midsole element may be formed of ethylvinylacetate. A midsole assembly and an article of footwear having decorated midsole top layers are also described. |
| US09931803B2 |
Method of manufacturing sole assembly with camouflage appearance
A method of manufacturing a sole assembly includes using a jig with a first mold assembly to distribute pellets a first material into a recess of a first mold member of the first mold assembly. A second material is injected into the first mold assembly, and the first mold assembly is heated to form a first preform. The first preform and a second preform are heated in a second mold assembly to form a sole assembly with a camouflage appearance around only a periphery of the sole assembly. |
| US09931796B2 |
Interior paneling part comprising a planar heating element and method for the production thereof
In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided a method for producing an interior trim part. The method includes introducing a planar heating element into a cavity of a mold tool. The planar heating element has a first planar side facing away from a visible side of the interior trim part and a second planar side opposite to the first planar side, the mold tool has a plurality of protrusions protruding into the cavity, and the first planar side is seated on at least a portion of the plurality of protrusions. The method further includes adding a foam material into the cavity to cover the planar heating element, such that a foam layer is formed on both the first and second planar sides. |
| US09931795B2 |
Method of liquid resin infusion of a composite preform
An assembly and method for infusing composite material with liquid resin to form a composite part with a smooth outer mold line (OML) surface and a complex inner mold line (IML) surface. The method may include placing a flow media into a deepest tier of a two-tiered recess in a rigid tool, placing a perforated caul sheet into a shallowest tier of the two-tiered recess, and placing uninfused composite material over the perforated caul sheet. Next, the method may include placing an impermeable membrane over the composite material and sealing the impermeable membrane to the rigid tool. Finally, the method may include vacuuming air from a vacuum port of the impermeable membrane to compress the impermeable membrane toward the composite material and the rigid tool, thus pull liquid resin from a resin reservoir, through the flow media, through the perforations of the caul sheet, and throughout the composite material. |
| US09931794B2 |
Fabrication of composite structures
Yarns for use in manufacture of composite structures are intermittently coated with adhesive, and may be twisted as well. These yarns are then woven into fabric, and heat and pressure applied to the intermittently-coated yarns to provide dimensional stability and to prevent unravelling of the fabric during cutting and handling. The fabric is then disposed in a mold or over a mandrel, and a curable resin applied and caused to cure. Provision of the adhesive in intermittent fashion limits propagation of cracks that may form at the location of the adhesive, which does not bond well to the curable resin. |
| US09931793B2 |
Process of producing heating element
An endless-belt shaped heating element is produced by: dispersing annealed stainless-steel fibers in the heat-resistant resin or a precursor thereof; and, producing a molded article of the heat-resistant resin in which the annealed stainless-steel fibers are dispersed. |
| US09931792B2 |
Powder recycling machine
A powder recycling machine includes a casing, a powder collector, a dust-sucking system and a dust-removing system. An accommodation space within the casing is divided into a first space and a second space by a partition plate. The powder collector is disposed within the first space for collecting excess powder from the first space. The dust-sucking system includes a connector, a cyclone separator and a first suction device. The connector, the cyclone separator, the first suction device and the powder collector are sequentially in communication with each other through plural transmission ducts. The dust-removing system includes a second suction device. The first space, the second suction device and the powder collector are sequentially in communication with each other through plural guiding ducts. After the excess powder suspended in the first space is introduced into the dust-removing system, the excess powder is transferred to the powder collector. |
| US09931787B2 |
Crimping polymer scaffolds
A polymer scaffold is crimped to a balloon while the polymer material is in a thermodynamically unstable state, or a transient state including crimping shortly after a tube or scaffold processing step that imparts memory to the material, or shortly after rejuvenation of the scaffold. |
| US09931786B2 |
Method for producing a transverse sealing seam and transverse sealing device
The invention relates to a method for producing a transverse sealing seam in a tubular bag (6) having a longitudinal sealing seam (5), wherein the tubular bag (6) is passed through between a sonotrode (1) and an anvil (2) and, in order to produce the transverse sealing seam, the sonotrode (1) and the anvil (2) are moved toward each other so that a welding force is applied to the tubular bag (6). In order to provide a method and transverse sealing device with which the stated disadvantages can be overcome at least reduced, the longitudinal sealing seam (5) is moved through a gap (8, 7′) formed in the sonotrode (1) or the counter tool (2) at least during the application of the welding force. |
| US09931783B2 |
Vacuum forming apparatus and vacuum forming method
A vacuum forming apparatus includes a die set including an upper die and a lower die. The upper die is configured to move in a horizontal direction from a normal position at which the upper die is initially set. The lower die includes a suction channel through which a vacuum is applied to a cover. The lower die is opposite the upper die that is at the normal position. The upper die is configured to move from the normal position to a space lateral to the lower die so as not to face the lower die after the die set is opened, and return to the normal position before the die set is closed. The lower die is configured to move downward during opening of the die set and upward during closing thereof. The die set is configured to form the base member with the cover into a predetermined shape. |
| US09931782B2 |
Thermoforming device, mold assembly, mold, and method
A thermoforming device is described. It relates to a mold assembly including a first and second mold, and to a mold that can be used in a thermoforming device. It also relates to a method for thermoforming a product. The thermoforming device is characterized in that the thermoforming device comprises a second pre-stretcher, in addition to a first pre-stretcher and a calibration element, and that the second pre-stretcher is at least partially and moveably arranged in a second mold body. A movement relative to the second mold body and towards the same forming cavity of the first pre-stretcher, the second pre-stretcher, and the calibration element, can be individually controlled, and the second pre-stretcher at least partially surrounds the first pre-stretcher and the calibration element. |
| US09931771B2 |
Softening materials based on thiol-ene copolymers
Embodiments of the invention are directed to softening amorphous polymeric materials based on a combination of thiol, acrylate, ene and epoxy monomers. These materials can soften to the modulus of tissue, have a sharp transition and are highly tunable. The materials have a glassy modulus of 1-7 GPa and exhibit a rubbery plateau in modulus that can range from 100 MPa down to as low as 0.03 MPa, which is at or below the modulus of tissue. They have potential uses as materials for near net shape processing such as casting, stereolithography, reaction injection molding, fused deposition molding and various other forms of 3D printing. |
| US09931765B1 |
Mixing machine
The mixing machine is a motorized cement mixer that designed to mix cement in batches of less than 1 cubic foot. The mixing machine comprises a mixing bucket, a paddle insert, a motor, a drive system, a housing, and a control system. The mixing bucket is used to contain the cement or concrete mixture. The paddle insert is an insert designed to go into the mixing bucket. The paddle insert further comprises a plurality of paddles that are used to agitate the concrete mixture to insure efficient mixing. The motor and drive system are used to rotate the mixing bucket to efficiently mix the concrete mixture, and to prevent the concrete mixture from setting in the mixing bucket. The mixing machine comprises a mixing bucket, a paddle insert, a motor, a drive system, a housing, and a control system. |
| US09931762B2 |
Method and device for switching a particulate material flow in the construction of models in layers
The invention relates to a method for switching a particulate material flow in the construction of models in layers, wherein particulate materials (4) are fed to a subsequent method step from a container (1) having an opening in the direction of a workpiece platform. The particles (14) in the container (1) are exposed to a vacuum and to overpressure. |
| US09931761B2 |
Steam pressing apparatuses, systems, and methods
According to one embodiment, the steam pressing apparatus generally comprises a substantially rectangular or square-shaped inner chamber (such as an autoclave) and an outer, generally rectangular or square-shaped structure. In one embodiment, the steam pressing apparatus comprises a hydraulic system used to compress and treat a working material with high efficiency, timing and precision. In one aspect, the steam pressing apparatus comprises a structure and system that allows modularity and scalability for manufacturing final products of varying dimensions. Further, the steam pressing apparatus can be designed to respond to computerized instructions relating to the pressure to be applied, steam to be applied, vacuum parameters, timing of the press operation, thickness of the resultant working material, and other informational inputs. |
| US09931759B2 |
Rotary cutting die for cutting corrugated board having product ejectors configured to separate die cut product without crushing flutes in the corrugated board
A rotary cutting die for cutting corrugated board to form a die cut product including one or more product ejectors that are specifically configured to avoid crushing the flutes of the die cut product. |
| US09931758B2 |
Plastic film punching apparatus
A plastic film punching apparatus is improved to make a waste removed reliably. In the apparatus, a plastic film is sandwiched between and punched by male and female blades. The female blade has opposite surfaces which are first and second surfaces. The plastic film generates a waste which is pushed by the male blade to protrude from the second surface. A vacuum source and an opening cooperate with each other to suck air through the opening and generate airflow within the tubular cover, the waste being removed by the airflow. |
| US09931752B2 |
Force detector and robot
A force detector includes a first base part, a second base part, and a pressure detection unit provided between the first base part and the second base part and including a piezoelectric element that outputs a signal in response to an external force, wherein the pressure detection unit has a first member having a portion in contact with the first base part, a second member having a portion in contact with the second base part, and a third member connecting the first member and the second member, a first longitudinal elastic modulus of at least a part of the first member is lower than a third longitudinal elastic modulus of the third member, and a second longitudinal elastic modulus of at least a part of the second member is lower than the third longitudinal elastic modulus of the third member. |
| US09931751B2 |
Programming method for a path to be traveled by an end effector
A programming device receives a number of local coordinate systems from a user. Each local coordinate system is referenced directly or via at least one other local coordinate system to a global machine coordinate system of a motion-controlled machine. The programming device receives from the user, in each case with reference to one of the local coordinate systems, a number of positions to be approached by the end effector and/or a number of obstacles to be bypassed by the end effector. The programming device determines, with reference to the positions to be approached received from the user and the obstacles received from the user in the global machine coordinate system, the path to be traveled by the end effector The programming device stores the path to be traveled by the end effector as a first file so that it can be retrieved again at a later time. |
| US09931750B2 |
Autonomous robot auto-docking and energy management systems and methods
A method for energy management in a robotic device includes providing a base station for mating with the robotic device, determining a quantity of energy stored in an energy storage unit of the robotic device, and performing a predetermined task based at least in part on the quantity of energy stored. Also disclosed are systems for emitting avoidance signals to prevent inadvertent contact between the robot and the base station, and systems for emitting homing signals to allow the robotic device to accurately dock with the base station. |
| US09931749B2 |
Remote presence robotic system
A remote presence system includes a robot, a headset, and a computer system. The robot includes a camera mounted on a motorized manipulator and a control system. The headset includes a head position sensor and a display. The computer system configured to perform operations including: receiving head movement data indicative of head movements of a user wearing the headset from the head position sensor; causing, using the head movement data, the control system of the robot to move the motorized manipulator so that the camera mimics the head movements of the user; and establishing a video feed from the camera to the display. |
| US09931744B2 |
Carrying unit for blower assembly
A carrying unit for a source of pressurized air having a frame and at least one wheel on the frame through which the frame can be supported upon and moved over a subj support surface. A conduit assembly is part of a pressurized air handling system on the frame and has an inlet for receiving pressurized air from a source and first and second spaced outlets for discharging pressurized air directed through the inlet. The pressurized air handling system further has an air control system that is changeable selectively into different states. By reason of changing states, the air control system causes at least one of: a) a different volume of air from the inlet to be directed to the first and second outlets; and b) a change in a direction of air discharging from one of the outlets. |
| US09931742B2 |
Jig for detaching display assembly
An embodiment of the present invention provides a jig for detaching a display assembly. The display assembly comprises: a fixing module configured to fix a backlight module in the display assembly; and an absorbing module configured to absorb a display panel in the display assembly such that the display panel and the backlight module are separated from each other by an external force. |
| US09931741B2 |
In-line disposable torque limiting device suitable for power drive
A power driven in-line disposable torque-limiting device having a tool shaft extending axially through upper and lower shanks, and a spring to connect to a nut and a drive shaft, the tool shaft extending from the distal end of the device and a drive shaft extending from the proximal end of the device which mates with a power supply to provide rotational force, is disclosed. The face-to-floor gears within the device provide superior heat management capabilities, thereby reducing ablation and melting as compared to traditional gear arrangements. A fortified connector mount supports a power driven shaft. |
| US09931736B2 |
Cutting elements for earth-boring tools, earth-boring tools including such cutting elements, and methods of forming cutting elements for earth-boring tools
Cutting elements for use with earth-boring tools include a cutting table having a base surface and a substrate having a support surface. An intermediate structure and an adhesion layer extend between the base surface of the cutting table and the support surface of the substrate. Earth-boring tools include such cutting elements. Methods for fabricating cutting elements for use with earth-boring tools include forming an intermediate structure on and extending from a support surface of a substrate and adhering a cutting table comprising a superabrasive material to the support surface of the substrate. |
| US09931720B2 |
Method of using a pierce nut insertion tool
A pierce nut insertion tool is provided. In another aspect, a pierce nut feeding mechanism has a mechanically independent driver actuator from that of a punch. A further aspect of the present tool employs a member, moveable with a punch, that retains a pierce nut prior to fastening of the nut to a workpiece. An additional aspect uses a fluid actuated nut feeder including a piston. |
| US09931717B2 |
Assembly having at least two ceramic bodies joined with one another, especially a pressure measuring cell, and method for joining ceramic bodies by means of an active hard solder, or braze
An assembly comprising: two ceramic bodies, which are joined by means of a joint of an active hard solder, or braze, wherein the active hard solder, or braze, has a continuous core volume, which is spaced, in each case, from the ceramic bodies by at least 1 μm, and an average composition CK with a liquidus temperature Tl(CK), wherein the composition CK has a coefficient of thermal expansion α(CK), wherein α(CK)=m·α(K), wherein m≤1.5, especially m≤1.3 and preferably m≤1.2, wherein α(K) is the average coefficient of thermal expansion of the ceramic material of the ceramic bodies, wherein the joint has boundary layers, which border on the ceramic body, wherein at least one of the boundary layers, which lies outside of the core volume, has an average composition CB with a liquidus temperature Tl(CB), which lies not less than 50 K, preferably not less than 100 K, and especially preferably not less than 200 K, under the liquidus temperature Tl(CK) of the average composition CK of the core volume. |
| US09931715B2 |
Method for determining characteristic stress of welding structure, method for designing welded structure, and method for manufacturing welded structure
A test piece preparation step of preparing a test piece (50) including a welding structure in which a welding material formed of an austenitic alloy is welded to a member formed of low-alloy steel or low-carbon steel, a hydrogen supply step of supplying hydrogen to the test piece (50), and a characteristic stress acquisition step of applying a load (F) to the test piece (50) to which hydrogen was supplied and acquiring a characteristic stress showing material mechanical properties of the test piece (50) are executed. |
| US09931713B2 |
Laser systems and methods for AOD rout processing
Laser systems and methods improve the processing velocity of the routs or other features to avoid exceeding the laser system's dynamic limits. A laser processing system divides laser processing commands corresponding to a plurality of features to be processed on or in the workpiece into process segments. Laser processing parameters and beam trajectories are simulated to determine a maximum processing velocity for each of the process segments. The laser processing system selects one or more of the maximum processing velocities for processing the plurality of features on or within the workpiece. A slowest processing velocity of the maximum processing velocities may be used to process each of the plurality of features. Alternatively, each continuous rout sequence may be processed using a different processing velocity. In other embodiments, each process segment is processed using its corresponding maximum processing velocity. |
| US09931712B2 |
Laser drilling and trepanning device
Laser drilling devices are disclosed which include a laser beam source and a laser drilling head. The laser drilling head includes a beam manipulator system in which the only dynamically moving optical element is a mirror. The mirror is dynamically and reciprocally translatable along the direction of the incoming laser beam and is also dynamically and reciprocally tiltable about an axis that is perpendicular to the nominal optical axis of the drilling head. The drilling head also includes a spinnable laser beam rotating system, a simplified compensation system, and a focusing system. The compensation system includes as its only laser beam path shifting optical elements one or two wedge plates which, if two, are fixably rotatable relative to one another in planes which are perpendicular to the nominal optical axis of the laser drilling device. |
| US09931710B2 |
Mounting tool system
A mounting tool (1) for mounting a friction-welding boss (9), wherein the mounting tool (1) includes a drive shaft (2) with a first end section (3) adapted to create a detachable force coupling with the friction-welding boss (9) or an adapter and a holder is arranged spring-loaded at the first end section (3) and at least one cutting means (6) is arranged at the holder (5). A milling adapter (10) includes a first end section (11) adapted to create a detachable force coupling with a mounting tool (1), and a second end section (12) including at least one cutting means (13). |
| US09931707B2 |
Portable arc welder
In embodiments, a welding apparatus includes an automated wire feed mechanism to output wire at a wire feed rate, where the wire is to provide a welding arc to a weld site. The wire feed rate is based at least in part on selected power to be provided to the weld site. Additional embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09931706B2 |
Adjustable drive shaft assembly
A welding system includes a welding wire feeder, and the welding wire feeder includes a motor and an adjustable drive shaft assembly. The motor is and configured to rotate a feed roll with respect to the wire drive assembly housing. The adjustable drive shaft assembly is coupled to the motor and configured to couple with the feed roll. The adjustable drive shaft assembly includes a drive mechanism configured to urge rotation of the feed roll and to adjust a position of the feed roll relative to the wire drive assembly housing. |
| US09931702B2 |
Locking drill bushing
A drill bushing for a drill unit. In one embodiment, the drill bushing includes a base member having an upper surface, a lower surface configured to rest on a workpiece having a pilot hole, and a retaining member that projects from the lower surface of the base member. The retaining member has a cylindrical outer diameter that fits within the pilot hole. The drill bushing further includes a drill hole that passes from the upper surface of the base member through the retaining member to provide a passage for a drill bit. The drill bushing further includes an expandable slit that passes through the base member and the retaining member to the drill hole, and an adjustment member configured to expand the expandable slit to increase the cylindrical outer diameter of the retaining member within the pilot hole. |
| US09931699B2 |
Cutting tool holder and cutting tool
A recess surface portion 123 is formed in a predetermined range L1 from a front end 103 toward a rear end, of a lateral flank 120 of a front end portion 102 of a holder 100, so as to be recessed relative to a lateral flank 120b of a rear portion 122, a circular arc surface portion (frontward-facing surface) 125 formed in a circular arc shape as seen from a rake face 105 side is provided on the rear of the recess surface portion 123, and an ejection port 150 is opened in the frontward-facing surface. Accordingly, supply of the coolant at the lateral flank side is ensured, and cutting can be performed at a position closer to a chuck Ck due to no protruding portion being present at the lateral flank side of the holder as in the conventional art. |
| US09931698B2 |
Cutting insert for threading, tool body and cutting tool
A cutting insert for threading of the present invention includes two opposing end surfaces and a peripheral side surface extending therebetween. The peripheral side surface has a first side surface portion and a second side surface portion arranged at different positions in a circumferential direction. A cutting edge is formed at an intersecting ridgeline portion between the first end surface and the first side surface portion and at least a portion of this cutting edge has a shape corresponding to a thread groove. The second side surface portion has an inclined portion which enlarges outward from the side of the first end surface toward the side of the second end surface. This inclined portion is configured to engage with a side wall surface of a tool body so as to prevent floating of the cutting insert. |
| US09931697B2 |
Accurate three-dimensional printing
The present disclosure provides three-dimensional (3D) printing methods, apparatuses, and systems using, inter alia, a controller that regulates formation of at least one 3D object (e.g., in real time during the 3D printing); and a non-transitory computer-readable medium facilitating the same. For example, a controller that regulates a deformation of at least a portion of the 3D object. The control may be in situ control. The control may be real-time control during the 3D printing process. For example, the control may be during a physical-attribute pulse. The present disclosure provides various methods, apparatuses, systems and software for estimating the fundamental length scale of a melt pool, and for various tools that increase the accuracy of the 3D printing. |
| US09931695B2 |
Article and method for making an article
An article and a method for making shaped cooling holes in an article are provided. The method includes the steps of depositing a metal alloy powder to form an initial layer including at least one aperture, melting the metal alloy powder with a focused energy source to transform the powder layer to a sheet of metal alloy, sequentially depositing an additional layer of the metal alloy powder to form a layer including at least one aperture corresponding to the at least one aperture in the initial layer, melting the additional layer of the metal alloy powder with the focused energy source to increase the sheet thickness, and repeating the steps of sequentially depositing and melting the additional layers of metal alloy powder until a structure including at least one aperture having a predetermined profile is obtained. The structure is attached to a substrate to make the article. |
| US09931691B2 |
Molding method of sand mold using foamed sand, molding die, and sand mold
A molding method of a sand mold including a hardened layer in a predetermined thickness range from an outer layer part, includes: forming a cavity and a filling opening of a die so that a dimension, which is a largest dimension between two intersections of straight lines passing through a section of a boundary portion between the cavity and the filling opening of the die, with respect to an outside line of the section, is less than a predetermined ratio with respect to a thickness dimension of that part of a product portion of the sand mold from which a blowing opening molded in the filling opening projects, the product portion being formed by the cavity of the die; and filling foamed sand into the cavity from the filling opening of the die. |
| US09931685B2 |
Tube bending machine with an automatic loading system and method for automatic loading of tubes on the bending head of a tube bending machine
The machine includes: a bending head movable with at least two degrees of freedom in a transverse vertical plane; a first drive is arranged to move the bending head in the plane and to move a tool of the bending head between an open position, in which it defines with a die of the bending head a free space adapted to receive a tube to be bent, and a closed position, in which it clamps the tube against the die. A tube-carrying structure is rotatable about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the plane; a second drive is arranged to cause the tube-carrying structure to rotate about its own axis of rotation; and an electronic control unit is arranged to control the first and second drives so as to move the bending head and the tube-carrying structure in a position such that the tube is received with a desired orientation in the free space between the die and the tool. |
| US09931684B2 |
Forming die and method of using the same
A draw die for use in a draw stage configured to process a work piece in a forming operation is provided. The draw die includes a first segment, a second segment positioned adjacent to the first segment, and an isolation material positioned between the first segment and the second segment and configured to substantially isolate the second segment from ultrasonic vibrations of the first segment. |
| US09931683B2 |
Method of assembly using magnetic crimping
A method of assembling a first part (1) with a second part (2) having at least one crimping lip (4), a crimping anvil (3) and a crimping groove (9) designed to accept an edge (10) that is to be crimped belonging to the first part, in which method the edge that is to be crimped is introduced into the crimping groove and magnetic crimping is performed by applying to the crimping lip a magnetic field that is designed to bend the crimping lip over and close the crimping groove onto the edge that is to be crimped, characterized in that the crimping anvil has at least one inclined portion. |
| US09931680B2 |
Method for operating a steckel mill
A Steckel mill has a reversing unit for rolling a rolled product and winding furnaces arranged on the entrance side and exit side of the reversing unit. When rolling the rolled product in a region of a head of the rolled product, a target thickness of the rolled product is ignored, while measuring a current thickness and/or a hardness of the rolled product and comparing this with a setpoint value. One the measured variable reaches or is below the setpoint value, the reversing unit is operated with a view to achieving the target thickness of the rolled product. The Steckel mill is operated to allow for rolling of a cold, non-rollable piece of the rolled product, so that malfunctions are avoided and the usable part of the rolled product is as large as possible. |
| US09931679B2 |
Method for cleaning hard surfaces
An antibacterial cleaning composition for hard surfaces is made from a flexible superabsorbent material and an antibacterial agent. The composition can be applied to various liquid and solid surface contaminants, including blood, vomit, fecal matter, urine, glass, food, etc. The composition may be applied to the contaminated hard surface by several methods including pouring, rolling, spraying or foaming. Once cured, the antimicrobial cleaning composition is removed from the surface, taking the contaminant along with it and leaving behind a clean surface. |
| US09931668B2 |
Centrifugal casting concrete pipe method
A method of lining an interior wall of a pipe is provided. Casting equipment such as a spin caster is used to centrifugally cast material onto the interior wall while the pipe is partially filled with liquid so as to form a coating on the wall above the liquid. In some embodiments the method further comprises diverting liquid from the pipe after the casting step, and then lining the wall of the pipe below the coating with material to form a continuous lining on the wall. |
| US09931664B2 |
Roll-to-roll printing systems and methods for fabricating print roller
A multiple degrees of freedom control apparatus for a roll-to-roll printing system. |
| US09931656B2 |
Dual chamber spray dispenser
The present invention relates to fluid dispensing devices for use in dispensing different liquids (e.g., bleach and bleach activator) from a bottle having first and second compartments. To minimize the presence of mixed composition residually present within the fluid dispensing device, it may be helpful to delay mixing. Separate dip tubes may be provided to pull liquid from the separate compartments, each with its own separate pump. Each pump may deliver the separate compositions to a spray nozzle of the device through separate delivery tubes (e.g., from the pumps to the nozzle). In other embodiments, a single delivery tube, and/or a single pump may be provided, e.g., where the volume of mixed composition that may be present in such pump and/or delivery tube may be sufficiently small so as to still provide overall desired efficacy characteristics. Dual delivery tube configurations may eliminate any need to prime the device by spraying out old, residual mixed composition. |
| US09931653B2 |
Method and system for preheating epoxy coatings for spray application
A method and system for the spray application of epoxy materials is provided. The system includes a dual walled tank structure as a reservoir for containing and preheating the epoxy materials in preparation for mixing and spray application. Each component of the epoxy material is preheated before the components are mixed. After preheating, the components are then mixed together and spray applied. The method and system of the present invention provides a high quality spray applied epoxy coating while reducing equipment down time and cleaning. |
| US09931651B2 |
Immersive showerhead
One variation of a showerhead includes: a body defining a fluid circuit, a first region on a ventral side of the body, and a second region adjacent the first region on the ventral side of the body; a set of hollow cone nozzles distributed within the first region, fluidly coupled to the fluid circuit, and discharging sprays of fluid droplets within a first size range; a set of flat fan nozzles arranged within the second region, fluidly coupled to the fluid circuit, and discharging sprays of fluid droplets within a second size range; and a set of orifices fluidly coupled to the fluid circuit and discharging fluid drops between sprays discharged from the set of hollow cone nozzles and sprays discharged from the flat fan nozzles, fluid drops discharged from the set of orifices within a third size range exceeding the first size range and the second size range. |
| US09931648B2 |
Mist generating apparatus and method
Apparati for generating a mist are disclosed. One apparatus is disclosed, which has an elongate hollow body (12) and an elongate member (14) located within the body (12). A transport fluid passage (16) and a nozzle (32) are defined between the body (12) and the elongate member (14). The transport fluid passage (16) has a throat portion of reduced cross-sectional area and is in fluid communication with the nozzle (32). The elongate member (14) includes a working fluid passage (26) and one or more communicating openings, such as for example, bores, annuli, and combinations thereof, (30) extending radially outward from the working fluid passage (26). The openings (30) permit a working fluid (e.g. water) to be passed into the transport fluid passage (16), whereupon the working fluid is subjected to shear forces by a high velocity transport fluid (e.g. steam). The shearing of the working fluid results in the generation of a mist formed from droplets of substantially uniform size. Methods of generating a mist using such apparati are also disclosed. Also provided are mists for fire suppression produced using an apparatus disclosed herein, as well as fire suppression systems that include any of the apparati disclosed herein. Further provided are devices, methods, and mists for various other applications including turbine cooling and decontamination. |
| US09931646B2 |
Centrifugal separator having a forcing device to create a radial leak flow
A centrifugal separator includes a frame and a rotating part including a spindle and a centrifuge rotor enclosing a separation space. An inlet channel provides fluid communication into the separation space and includes a rotary channel part, a frame channel part, and a first seal at the interface between the rotary and frame channel parts. An outlet channel provides fluid communication out from the separation space and includes a rotary channel part, a frame channel part, and a second seal at the interface between the rotary and frame channel parts. The inlet and outlet channels are arranged concentrically with each other. A forcing device is provided to generate a leak flow through one of the first and second seals in a first direction from the outlet channel to the inlet channel and to counteract leakage in the opposite direction. |
| US09931644B2 |
System and method for automated sample preparation
A system for automatically processing a biological specimen is provided that includes an elevator comprising a plurality of shelves configured to receive a plurality of sample trays. The trays may comprise a plurality of sample containers containing a sample and having a plurality of respective caps engaged therewith. The trays may further include a plurality of centrifuge tube racks each containing a plurality of centrifuge tubes. The system may include a first transport mechanism, a second transport mechanism and a third transport mechanism. The system may include a chain-of-custody device configured to read identifiers on each of the containers. The system may also include a pipetting device configured to remove a portion from the sample containers and dispense the sample into the centrifuge tubes. |
| US09931637B2 |
Support apparatus for a filter membrane and disc-shaped porous support member for a filter membrane
A support apparatus for a filter membrane comprises a base support and a disc-shaped porous support member. The member is removably received in a seat portion of the base support in fluid communication with a drain. A bottom side of the disc-shaped porous support member is supported in a support plane. The bottom side of the member is unsupported in an area and the unsupported area is adjacent to a space in the seat portion of the base support that is located and dimensioned such that application of a force, onto the top side of the member at a location substantially within the boundaries of the unsupported area at the bottom side will cause the member to pivot/tilt into the space and lift above the support plane at a diagonally opposite side from the location where the force is applied so that it can be easily grasped and removed. |
| US09931631B2 |
Disposable, fluid actuated, mechanically driven point-of-care invitro-diagnostic apparatus and method of performing a point-of-care invitro-diagnostic test
A portable, disposable in-vitro diagnostic apparatus and method of performing a point-of-care invitro-diagnostic test is provided. The method includes disposing a specimen to be analyzed in a disposable diagnostic apparatus. Then, channeling a first fluid through a first channel into a first chamber and causing an actuator member to expand upon contact with the fluid from a compressed, deactivated state to an expanded, activated state, thereby causing a second fluid to be pumped outwardly from the first chamber under bias of the actuator to a second chamber for analysis. |
| US09931629B2 |
Substance exposure apparatus
An apparatus including an array of wells including a number of well channels, each well channel including a plurality of wells in the well channel, the wells containing a substance in use, one or more inlets for receiving respective fluids and channels coupled to the one or more inlets for selectively supplying one or more fluids to each well channel to thereby expose the substance to different conditions allowing a response of the substance to the conditions to be determined. |
| US09931627B2 |
Sampling pipette having an improved device for adjusting and displaying a volume to be sampled
A top part for a sampling pipette including a hollow outer body forming a handle, a pipetting control stem, a device for adjusting and displaying a volume to be sampled, including a first threaded member for adjusting the volume to be sampled crossed by the control stem, the device also comprising a set of first volume graduations angularly spaced from one another around the longitudinal axis and cooperating with a first mark so as to inform about the volume to be sampled. The first threaded member is rotatably integral with one of both elements formed by the set of first volume graduations and the first mark, the mark being axially arranged between the hollow outer body forming a handle and the control knob. |
| US09931625B2 |
Ejection function for a positive-displacement pipetting system
A bottom part of a positive-displacement pipetting system), including a body slideably housing a device for gripping a piston belonging to a capillary-piston assembly the capillary of which is adapted to be fitted onto an end-fitting of the body. The system also comprises means for ejecting the capillary-piston assembly arranged externally with respect to the body. The system is constructed so that a relative rotation between the ejection means and the gripping device causes it to pass from an open configuration enabling the piston to be released to a closed configuration enabling said piston to be retained, and/or the reverse. |
| US09931624B2 |
Anion exchange resin, electrolyte membrane for fuel cell, binder for forming electrode catalyst layer, battery electrode catalyst layer and fuel cell
An anion exchange resin having a hydrophobic unit with divalent hydrophobic groups bonded to each other via an ether bond, the divalent hydrophobic groups being composed of one aromatic ring, or being composed of a plurality of aromatic rings which are bonded to each other via a divalent hydrocarbon group, carbon-carbon bond or the like; and a hydrophilic unit having divalent hydrophilic groups bonded to each other via carbon-carbon bond, the divalent hydrophilic groups being composed of one aromatic ring, or being composed of a plurality of aromatic rings which are bonded to each other via a divalent hydrocarbon group or carbon-carbon bond, the aromatic ring or at least one of the aromatic rings having an anion exchange group are bonded via carbon-carbon bond. |
| US09931619B2 |
Ethanol dehydration catalyst for energy saving and method of manufacturing ethylene using same
Provided are an ethanol dehydration catalyst having a high ethylene yield even at a low temperature region, as an ethanol dehydration catalyst for converting a feedstock including anhydrous ethanol or hydrous ethanol to ethylene, and a method of preparing ethylene by using the same. In the ethanol dehydration catalyst for converting a feedstock including anhydrous ethanol or hydrous ethanol to ethylene of the present invention, the catalyst includes 0.1 wt % to 0.5 wt % of lanthanum (La) or 0.05 wt % to 1 wt % of gallium (Ga) in ZSM-5. |
| US09931613B2 |
Process for the regeneration of a copper, zinc and zirconium oxide-comprising adsorption composition
The invention relates to a process for the regeneration of a copper-, zinc- and zirconium oxide-comprising adsorption composition after use thereof for the adsorptive removal of carbon monoxide from substance streams comprising carbon monoxide and at least one olefin, in which the adsorption composition is heated to a temperature in the range from 160 to 400° C. and a regeneration gas is passed through the adsorption composition, wherein the regeneration gas comprises 1000 to 3000 ppm of oxygen in an inert carrier gas. |
| US09931609B1 |
Antibacterial activity of silver-graphene quantum dots nanocomposites against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
The invention provides a composite of silver nanoparticles decorated with graphene quantum dots (Ag-GQDs) using pulsed laser synthesis. The nanocomposites were functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEG). A concentration of 150 μg/mL of Ag-GQDs, a non-toxic level for human cells, exhibits strong antibacterial activity against both Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria. |
| US09931604B2 |
Apparatus for performing sonication
An apparatus for performing sonication on liquid samples comprises a rack for holding an array of sample vials, an ultrasonic probe with an arrangement of recesses corresponding to the array of sample vials and adapted to respectively receive and contact an outer surface of a bottom portion of a respective one of the sample vials, and a counter-holder with an arrangement of pushing members corresponding to the array of sample vials and adapted to respectively apply a force to a respective one of the sample vials so as to push the bottom portion of each vial into contact with the associated recess of the probe. The apparatus can be used in a method of preparing a sample for detection of cell components (e.g. cell analyte, proteins, nucleid acids etc.) and applying sonication within certain parameter ranges which can provide a universal lysis method that can be applied to a large variety of cells or organisms like all bacteria, viruses, spores, yeast and mold within the same apparatus and process. |
| US09931601B2 |
Venturi bypass system and associated methods
Exemplary embodiments are directed to venturi bypass systems that generally include a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The systems can include a venturi path disposed between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The venturi path can include a venturi defining a venturi inlet and a venturi outlet. The systems can include a bypass loop connected to the venturi path at a joint upstream of the venturi outlet. The systems can include a separation tube connected to the venturi outlet. The separation tube can extend fluid flowing through the venturi path downstream of the joint at which the bypass loop connects to the venturi path. Exemplary embodiments are also directed to methods of regulating fluid flow through a venturi bypass system. |
| US09931596B2 |
Emissions treatment systems with TWC catalysts and SCR-HCT catalysts
An emissions treatment system for an exhaust stream of an internal combustion engine including hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides is provided. The disclosed system can include an exhaust conduit in fluid communication with the internal combustion engine via an exhaust manifold; a first three-way conversion catalyst (TWC-1) located downstream of the internal combustion engine in the exhaust conduit; an SCR-HCT catalyst comprising a selective catalytic reduction catalyst and a hydrocarbon trap downstream of the TWC-1 in the exhaust conduit; and a third catalyst downstream of the SCR-HCT combination in the exhaust conduit, the third catalyst comprising a platinum group metal (PGM) e.g., in an amount effective to oxidize hydrocarbons. Methods of making and using such systems and components thereof are also provided. |
| US09931591B2 |
Method and system for detecting dust accumulation in a HVAC filtering system
A capacitive sensor system for detecting accumulation of dust in a filter of a HVAC system includes a first conductive mesh, a second conductive mesh, a first filter media disposed between the first conductive mesh and the second conductive mesh, and a circuit configured to measure a capacitance of a first capacitive sensor formed by the first conductive mesh, second conductive mesh, and the first filter media. The circuit further is configured to translate a measured capacitance to a dust level indicator frequency that is used to determine a frequency corresponding to level of dust. |
| US09931588B2 |
Underdrain assembly and method of manufacturing the same
An underdrain apparatus and a method for manufacturing such apparatus are provided. The underdrain apparatus can be extruded in long sections as a unitary part. The underdrain apparatus may be extruded in various sizes, shapes, and materials. Further, the underdrain apparatus may include a passageway for transporting water to and from the filter media and/or air to the filter media. In some embodiments, apertures are formed in the underdrain apparatus during an extrusion process to provide a path between the passageway and the filter media. |
| US09931587B2 |
Enhanced vortex fluid treatment apparatus, system, and method for separating solids from solids-containing liquids
A settling tank apparatus for removing solids from a solids-containing fluid, having a vertical cylindrical portion and a bottom portion having a downwardly-extending substantially torispherical, ellipsoidal, hemispherical or frusto-conical shaped curved interior surface. A jetting fluid source is provided in a lower region of the tank, preferably in the bottom of the tank, which directs a jetting fluid in a tangential direction in a plane substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of the tank, to enhance rotational swirling of a created vortex in the bottom of tank when solids are drained therefrom, to thereby reduce deposition and build up of settled solids on the curved interior of the bottom of the tank. A system incorporating a plurality of tanks of such design and a method for removing solids from a solids-containing fluid using a tank of such design, is further disclosed. |
| US09931580B2 |
Toy vehicle with rollover stunt movements
An illustrative toy vehicle is provided having a two-section chassis and a pivot mechanism rotatably attaching the two sections. The vehicle has the ability to move in multiple orientations and execute movements including a side rollover movement where the pivot mechanism assists in directing the vehicle to roll over from a first orientation to a second orientation about a central axis. A modified wheel design further assists in facilitating movements including the rollover movement. The vehicle may perform movements without user control where the vehicle responds to external factors, such as objects or terrain or the vehicle may use control systems such as radio or remote control with a transmitter/receiver pair, on vehicle switches or sensors utilizing interactive preprogrammed content. |
| US09931572B2 |
Systems and methods for interactive communication between an object and a smart device
Methods for interactive communication between an object and a smart device are provided. Signals can be transmitted from the smart device to the object to control movement of a movable part at the object. Signals can also be transmitted from the smart device to the object to broadcast words and/or songs at a speaker at the object. In addition, in response to a user's touching the object, the object's speaker can broadcast words and/or songs. The signals transmitted from the smart device to the object transceiver can be audio signals so as to create a two-way interactive and live communication. In addition, voice instructions can be spoken into the microphone of the object, and then transmitted from the object to the smart device to initiate an activity at the smart device. |
| US09931565B2 |
System and method for offline configuring of a gaming accessory
A device for online gaming includes a gaming accessory provisioned with a configuration that includes a group of settings of operating parameters for the gaming accessory. The group of settings corresponds to selections from first equipment of a user via an accessory management application. Upon initiation of a gaming session, the gaming accessory is in communication with second equipment of the user. The gaming accessory is not in communication with the first equipment of the user and is not in communication with the second equipment of the user prior to the initiation of the gaming session. The accessory management application can be a client application of a server remote from the first equipment of the user and the second equipment of the user. The group of settings can be received from the first equipment of the user via a graphical user interface presented by the accessory management application. |
| US09931564B2 |
Tile game apparatus and method
A game apparatus may include a plurality of polygonal tiles. Each tile may include a set of indicia positioned adjacent each side of the tile, and each set of indicia may include at least one pip, and at least one non-pip. Each side of a tile may include an identical number of indicia. |
| US09931563B2 |
Devices, systems, and methods for a touchscreen gameboard
Digital gameboard systems and devices for providing games and interactive content to two or more co-located users are described, as well as methods of using the same. A gameboard device of the present disclosure comprises a housing with a screen extending across the top thereof, and a mobile computer positioned within the housing. At least a portion of the device's screen comprises a touchscreen technology. Additionally, at least a portion of the gameboard device is foldable about at least one axis. Methods of using the devices and systems hereof are also provided, an exemplary method including the steps of downloading content to the aforementioned device, receiving input from at least two co-located users via the screen of the digital gameboard device, and displaying output via the screen of the digital gameboard device to the two or more co-located users in connection with the gaming program. |
| US09931561B2 |
Athletic garment with protective cup pouch
An athletic garment is provided that has a plurality of fabric panels sewn together to form pants. The pants have a continuous interior cavity with a pair of leg portions each terminating at a leg opening. The pants have a front face and a rear face. A waistband is sewn to an upper edge of the pants. A fabric pouch is provided for containing an athletic support cup, and this pouch is disposed within the interior cavity of the pants proximate to the front face. The pouch is attached to the waistband by a top attachment panel, and it is attached to the front face of the pants on right and left sides of the pouch by side wing attachment panels. The side wing attachment panels are spaced apart from each other so as to leave a tip portion of the pouch unattached. |
| US09931558B2 |
Thoracic isolation and training system
A thoracic isolation and training system is provided to stabilize radial deviation of the wrist and horizontal abduction of the humerus. As such, use of the system effectively rotates the thoracic spine so that horizontal abduction and radial deviation are locked in a proper and desirable position. The system can include one or more extension portions, one or more bracing portions, and one or more connection portions. One or more adjustment portions can be operably connected to the extension and bracing portions. |
| US09931554B2 |
Golf bag base assembly
A golf bag base assembly with snap features is disclosed herein. The assembly preferably comprises a base with pin holes extending through a bottom surface, a retaining ring with locking pin receptacles at locations designed to line up with the pin holes, and a plurality of locking pins with compressible slotted ends that engage corresponding pin holes and locking pin receptacles to securely attach the base to the retaining ring. The retaining ring may be attached to other golf bag parts, including a body, a top collar, and dividers. |
| US09931552B2 |
Tubular carbon fiber reinforced composite material and golf club shaft
Provided are tubular carbon fiber reinforced composite material and having excellent cylindrical bending strength and a golf club shaft using the same. This tubular carbon fiber reinforced composite material is formed by laminating and curing a straight layer and a bias layer. The straight layer comprises carbon fibers S coated with a sizing agent S and arranged in parallel in a direction of −20° to +20° with respect to the axis of the tubular body, and contains a thermosetting resin S. The bias layer comprises carbon fibers B coated with a sizing agent B and arranged in parallel in a direction of +25° to +65° with respect to the axis of the tubular body, and contains a thermosetting resin B. The carbon fiber reinforced composite material constituting the bias layer has an interlaminar shear strength of not less than 110 MPa. A cured product of the thermosetting resin S has an elastic modulus of not less than 4.0 GPa. |
| US09931551B2 |
Golf club head
The golf club head includes a crown portion, a face portion, a sole portion, at least one recessed portion formed in one of the crown portion and the sole portion, at least one weight member configured to be attached to the recessed portion. The weight member has an upper surface, a lower surface and a side surface. The recessed portion is provided with a bottom surface correspond to the lower surface of the weight member, a first side wall surface that is continuous with the bottom surface and corresponds to the side surface of the weight member, and a second side wall surface that is continuous with the first side wall surface and constitutes an opening periphery of the recessed portion, and the second side wall surface is formed along the first side wall surface at a larger outer diameter than the first side wall surface. |
| US09931545B1 |
Tennis ball retaining and dispensing apparel
A sports apparel top is adapted with an integral generally tubular, flexible sleeve affixed for holding and dispensing tennis balls. The sleeve defines first end forming a ball-receiving inlet disposed at the shoulder portion of the apparel, and a second end forming a ball-dispensing outlet disposed at the side of the apparel proximal the wearer's waistline. This configuration allows a tennis player to insert tennis balls into the sleeve inlet, and to retrieve tennis balls from the sleeve outlet using his/her free left hand. The sleeve may further be adapted with external loops that may be employed to hold a tennis racket by insertion of the handle end therein. |
| US09931544B2 |
Ball bag stand and ball bag engagement structure
A ball bag stand and ball bag engagement structure includes a ball bag stand structure, a ball bag structure, protrudingly engaging structures, and cords. The protrudingly engaging structures each have a vertically smooth action force-free surface and an action force-applied surface with a protruding flange. A user can lift the ball bag by lifting the cords between the ball bag and the ball bag stand with one finger of the user single-handedly to thereby not only allow the action force-free surfaces of the fastening holes to press against the vertical smooth surface while sliding relative thereto, but also allow the action force-applied surfaces of the fastening holes to move away from the protruding flanges. Hence, the cords can be moved away from the protrudingly engaging structures with one finger of the user single-handedly, so that the user can remove the ball bag from the ball bag stand easily. |
| US09931541B2 |
Hand paddle
In a hand paddle (1) comprising a plastic element (10) and at least one attachment element (16) used to attach the hand paddle (1) to swimmer's hand, the flat element (10) is fabric (11) padded along a periphery or rim (12) at least at the front (17) and along the sides (18) by a stiffening element (20). In particular, the stiffening element, around the swimmer's hand, is horseshoe-shaped or flattened-arch-shaped. |
| US09931540B1 |
Balancing exercise devices
A balancing exercise device has a central balancing member having a center of balance. A first foot pad is coupled to the central balancing member on a first side of the center of balance. The first foot pad is pivotable with respect to the central balancing member. A second foot pad is coupled to the central balancing member on an opposite, second side of the center of balance. The second foot pad is pivotable with respect to the central balancing member. An application of equal forces on the first and second foot pads balances the central balancing member with respect to the center of balance. An application of unequal forces on the first and second foot pads causes the central balancing member to pivot about the center of balance until one of the first and second foot pads engages with a support surface on which the central balancing member is supported. |
| US09931538B2 |
Kick boxing training device
A kick boxing training device with a pair of D shaped handle members, a flexible cable and a ball member. The excess cable is capable of wrapping within the U shaped cross section portion of the D shaped handle. Each handle also includes a spring biased cable retaining assembly to hold the adjusted cable length in a fixed position. The ball shaped member includes a slidable cable retaining portion so that the cable is capable of being slid within the cable retaining portion. A person can trap the ball member between his or her chin and clavicle and then perform a punching action as he or she cycles between a left and a right hand punch motion. The cable can be extended and fixed in place so that the kick box training device can be used as a jump rope. |
| US09931535B2 |
Multipurpose exercise apparatus
An exercise apparatus is provided. The exercise apparatus includes a housing. The housing includes a substantially planar upper surface, a lower surface and a sidewall disposed about a perimeter of the housing and joining the upper surface and the lower surface together. The present invention may further include a first axle and a second axle secured to the housing and disposed substantially parallel to one another. At least one wheel is rotatably secured to each of the axles and at least a portion of each wheel protrudes beyond the lower surface of the housing. At least a first strap is secured to the housing. A first end of the strap is secured to the housing and a second end of the strap is secured to the housing. |
| US09931533B2 |
Lifting strap with enhanced gripping properties
Weight lifting strap which is looped around the wrist and wrapped in helical fashion about a weight lifting bar or the like and gripped by the hand with opposite sides of the strap facing the bar and the hand, and the strap being fabricated of a woven material with rubberized strands on the side of the strap which faces the bar. |
| US09931532B2 |
Weightlifting belt and system
A weightlifting belt includes a band of padding configured to be banded about a waist of a user and a continuous chain extending in spaced relation to the padding. The chain is coupled to the band of padding at a plurality of spaced locations along the padding. The chain is fixed to the padding at at least one of the plurality of locations and is moveably coupled to the padding at at least one of the spaced locations. In one embodiment, the center of the chain is fixed to the center of the band of padding. Also, the chain may be configured to extend about an outer surface of the padding when the padding and the chain are banded about the waist of the user. The chain may be radially spaced with respect to the outer surface of the padding. |
| US09931531B2 |
Weighted exercise vest
A weighted vest includes weight attachment points that allow the user to customize the weight distribution when attaching resistance across a body surface. The vest is secured with shoulder straps, side support straps and a chest buckle and can be comfortably worn during any form of physical exercise, freeing the user's hands for other purposes. The vest is reinforced to withstand the stress of the added resistance with the interior of the vest being padded for comfort. Exchangeable rubber disks are removeably fastened to a back panel to modify the resistance in order to achieve the desired exercise intensity. The disks are shaped to fit together to form a continuous, tessellated layer, if desired, and are secured to attachment points on the weight panel with fasteners. The rubber disks are weighted to provide added mass with sufficient flexibility to conform to contours of the user's body. |
| US09931525B2 |
Fall protection harness assembly
Apparatus and associated methods relate to a fall-protection safety harness having padding structures located at harness pressure points, including dorsal and shoulder regions, the lumbar region, and leg regions. The padding structures may be constructed to provide air-flow parallel to a wearer's skin. Air may flow through wearer-webbing channels created by displacing a webbing via comfort pads. For example, the padding structures may be made by sandwiching foam pads between mesh fabric materials. The foam pads may be captured by the two mesh fabrics using circumferential stitching, for example. Circumferential stitching may permit the foam to retain its uncompressed form which may facilitate webbing displacement. Separate and symmetric pads may be located on both sides of a wearer's spine, both at the lumbar region and at the dorsal region of the back, permitting airflow between pads and along the wearer's spine. |
| US09931521B2 |
Multi level multileaf collimator leaf tip shape effects and penumbra optimization
A multi level multileaf collimator employs leaves with leaf tips having a non-square shape in a beam's eye view to improve beam shaping effect and penumbra performance. The multi level multileaf collimator includes a first multileaf collimator in a first level comprising beam blocking leaves longitudinally movable in a first direction, and a second multileaf collimator in a second level comprising beam blocking leaves longitudinally movable in a second direction. The first direction may be generally parallel with the second direction and the leaves of the first multileaf collimator may laterally offset the leaves of the second multileaf collimator. The beam blocking leaves of the first multileaf collimator may comprise an end portion having a non-square shape in a beam's eye view. |
| US09931520B2 |
Disinfection using light therapy
Disinfection using light therapy is described herein where a support platform which is configured to support a region of a patient's body may integrate or incorporate one or more light elements positioned within, upon, or in proximity to the support platform for exposing the patient's body to the light therapy. Additionally, light sources and/or heating elements may also be incorporated with mattresses and/or covers for disinfection prior to patient use. |
| US09931517B2 |
Magnetic pain relief array
A device used for relieving pain is disclosed herein. The device can include a base comprising a number of mounting surfaces. The device can also include a number of magnets disposed on the mounting surfaces, where each magnet includes a first end and a second end, where the first end has a first polarity, where the second end has a second polarity, and where the first polarity attracts the second polarity to create a magnetic field, and where the magnets create a number of magnetic fields that intersect at a target area. |
| US09931516B2 |
Noninvasive therapies in the presence of exogenous particulate agents
Methods are disclosed for treating cell components, cells, organelles, organs, and/or tissues with acoustic energy, electromagnetic energy, static or alternating electric fields, and/or static or alternating magnetic fields in the presence or absence of exogenous particulate agents for therapeutic applications. |
| US09931514B2 |
Low impedance oxide resistant grounded capacitor for an AIMD
A hermetically sealed filtered feedthrough assembly for an active implantable medical device includes an electrically conductive ferrule hermetically sealed by a first braze to an insulator. A conductor is hermetically sealed to and disposed through the insulator. A filter capacitor has an active electrode plate and a ground electrode plate which are disposed within and supported by a capacitor dielectric in an interleaved, partially overlapping relationship. A first passageway is disposed through the capacitor dielectric having a capacitor internal metallization which is connected to the active electrode plate. A capacitor external metallization electrically connects to the ground electrode plate. An oxide-resistant metal addition includes a conductive core with a conductive cladding of a different material. A first electrical connection is between the oxide-resistant metal addition and the capacitor external metallization. A second electrical connection is between the oxide-resistant metal addition and the ferrule. |
| US09931509B2 |
Fully inhibited dual chamber pacing mode
A pacing mode is provided, in one embodiment, that permits missed or skipped ventricular beats. The mode monitors a full cardiac cycle (A-A interval) for the presence of intrinsic ventricular activity. If ventricular activity is present, a flag is set that is valid for the next cardiac cycle. At the beginning of the next cardiac cycle, the device determines if the flag is present. So long as the flag is present, the device will not deliver a ventricular pacing pulse in that cycle, even if there is no intrinsic ventricular activity. If there is no flag present at the start of a given cardiac cycle, a ventricular pacing pulse is delivered and this ventricular activity sets a flag for the subsequent cardiac cycle. |
| US09931498B2 |
Injection site information cap
A injection site information cap includes a housing, a cover portion, an engagement portion configured to couple to and cover an injection port of an injection site, and at least one information element on the cover portion that is positioned to be automatically sensed by at least one sensor of the injection site when the engagement portion is coupled to or is being coupled to the medication injection port. Related apparatus, systems, and techniques are also described. |
| US09931497B2 |
Medical connector
A male luer medical connector includes a needle having a distal portion with a hole opening and contained in the cavity of a resilient seal. The needle has, apart from its distal portion, an additional hole. The seal and needle are shaped so that when the connector is connected, the compressed seal forms with the needle, immediately upstream of the upper level of the additional hole, a sealed cavity for receiving by way of passage in the additional hole a part of the fluid contained in the needle; and when the seal is released the cavity contains fluid when the lateral hole opening into the needle is sealed, and the portions of the seal, downstream and upstream of the cavity respectively, as well as the additional hole, are shaped so the downstream portion closes a lateral hole while the same cavity continues to discharge the fluid into the needle. |
| US09931496B2 |
Microneedle array and microneedle array device
A microneedle array includes a microneedle unit that includes microneedles; and a microneedle unit support member that includes an opening, guides both ends of the microneedle unit through inclined grooves, and arranges tips of the microneedles so as to project through the opening in an inclined manner. |
| US09931495B2 |
Devices and methods for vascular recanalization
In some embodiments, a medical device for recanalizing a vessel having a blockage and restoring blood flow through an obstructed blood vessel includes an expandable member coupled to a core wire and a hypotube that are movable relative to each other to manipulate the expandable member between various configurations. The expandable member having a capture structure in an expanded configuration. The expandable member can include multiple interstices formed by woven mesh filaments or braided strands through which the material blocking the vessel can pass. The capture structure can include a shape on its external surface that facilitates dislodgement and capture of the material within capture spaces created by the expandable member. Some embodiments include a capture sack or cap for capturing material and preventing material from migrating down stream of the blockage. Superoxygenated blood can be infused distal to the blockage to minimize loss of function during an ischemic event. |
| US09931494B2 |
Stoma-creating device
The invention provides a stoma-creating apparatus for creating a stoma in a subject. The apparatus comprises first and second members, and one or more dilation means provided on the first and/or second member. In use, upon respective movement of the first and second members, the stoma-creating apparatus is arranged to move between a first closed configuration in which the one or more dilation means is substantially closed, and a second open configuration in which the one or more dilation means is substantially dilated, thereby creating a stoma in the subject. The invention is particularly concerned with creating stomas which hold a tracheostomy tube in position on the trachea of a patient undergoing a tracheostomy, or for securing a valve or other medical device in position adjacent a patient's pneumothorax. |
| US09931493B2 |
Corrosion-resistant magnetic article
A magnetic article with a corrosion resistant barrier formed from a poly (tetrafluoro-p-xylene) conformal coating or from a parylene conformal coating having a melting point of at least about 430° C. and a moisture vapor transmission less than about 0.5 g-mm/m2/day at 90% RH and 37° C., the conformal coating being covered with a polysulfone thermoplastic overlayer. |
| US09931490B2 |
Control system for arterial catheter
A control system for an arterial catheter operable to selectively impede blood flow includes a processor and a storage medium accessible to the processor that bears instructions which when executed by the processor cause the processor to execute logic including receiving a first signal representing a physical parameter associated with a patient in whom the catheter is disposed, receiving a second signal representative of time, and causing inflation of a first balloon on the catheter to impede blood flow in the first artery. Based at least in part on the first signal satisfying a first condition, the instructions include causing deflation of the first balloon. Based at least in part on the second signal indicating elapse of a predetermined time period, the instructions include causing deflation of the first balloon regardless of whether the first signal satisfies the first condition. |
| US09931484B2 |
Interface appliance carrying one or more sensors detecting parameters related to a flow of fluid delivered through the appliance
An interface appliance is configured to deliver a flow of fluid to the airway of a subject. The generation of the flow of fluid may be controlled to provide a therapeutic benefit to the subject. The interface appliance is configured to carry one or more sensors (24) configured to detect one or more parameters related to the flow of fluid on the subject. The one or more parameters may then be used to control the generation and/or delivery of the flow of fluid. |
| US09931479B2 |
Peripheral systems and methods for medical devices
A system for use in filling one or more reservoirs. The system includes a fill station including a fill station base, a fill station cover hingably attached to the fill station base, and a filling aperture attached to the fill station cover, wherein the fill station may be opened to accommodate the one or more reservoirs. The system also includes a vial having an interior volume for containing a fluidic medium, the vial configured to removably attach to the filling aperture, and a plunger located within the vial, the plunger advancable within the vial to reduce the interior volume. |
| US09931478B2 |
Needles system
A needle system for penetrating to or passing thought an object or an organ comprising a semiconductor die, one or more needles, wherein the needles slide over the plane of the die, one or more actuators that move the needles relative to the die plane, and one or more actuator drivers controlled by a controller wherein the controller instruct the needle to penetrate into or to pass through and/or retract from the object or organ. The needle system is used for drug delivery or blood extraction or blood analysis or glucose measurements or blood measurements or nerve system stimulus treatment or hair removal or skin lesions removal. |
| US09931474B2 |
Device for removing delivery member shields
The present invention relates to a device for removing delivery member shields which are intended to cover and protect delivery members, said device comprising a remover body arranged to accommodate a delivery member in its interior. The invention is characterized in that the remover body comprises at least two sets of gripping members extending into its interior and wherein each set of gripping members is configured for gripping a certain type of delivery member shield. |
| US09931466B2 |
Systems and methods for delivering a fluid to a patient with reduced contamination
An apparatus includes a cannula assembly, a housing, a fluid reservoir, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. The housing includes an inlet port removably coupled to the cannula assembly and defines an inner volume. The fluid reservoir is fluidically coupled to the housing and configured to receive and isolate a volume of bodily fluid from a patient. The flow control mechanism is at least partially disposed in the inner volume. The actuator is operably coupled to the flow control mechanism and is configured to move the flow control mechanism between a first configuration, in which bodily fluid can flow, via a fluid flow path defined by the flow control mechanism, from the cannula assembly, through the inlet port and into the fluid reservoir, to a second configuration, in which the fluid reservoir is fluidically isolated from the cannula assembly. |
| US09931461B2 |
Pump assembly with switch
A wearable infusion pump assembly includes a reusable housing assembly, and a disposable housing assembly including a reservoir for receiving an infusible fluid. The wearable infusion pump assembly also includes a releasable engagement assembly configured to allow the reusable housing assembly to releasably engage the disposable housing assembly. A switch assembly of the wearable infusion pump assembly is configured to effectuate a functionality of the infusion pump assembly. |
| US09931459B2 |
Smart connection interface
A method and apparatus for a connection interface between a reservoir or syringe, infusion set tubing, and an infusion pump is provided. The reservoir, a base and a cap are connected to form an integrated unit that is capable of being inserted and secured in an infusion pump housing. The cap and the infusion pump are each provided with at least one sensor or at least one detectable feature, arranged to interact with at least one corresponding detectable feature or sensor on the other of the cap and infusion pump device, to detect one or more of the presence, position or other characteristic of the cap when the cap is aligned or coupled with the infusion pump housing. The detectable feature and sensor may be magnetic, RF, mechanical, optical or any combination. |
| US09931457B2 |
Compositions and methods useful in selectively modifying the internal and external surfaces of porous polymer beads
The invention concerns polymer systems comprising at least one polymer with a plurality of pores where the polymer is initially functionalized on substantially all surfaces followed by a stepwise surface specific functionalization such that a different functional group resides on the external or internal pore surface of the bead. The invention also concerns use of such polymer systems in blood, blood product, or physiologic fluid purification. |
| US09931451B2 |
Multifunctional handle of a blood treatment machine for moving the blood treatment machine by hand and for coiling cables and a blood treatment machine with such a handle
A multifunctional handle for a blood treatment machine for moving the blood treatment machine by hand and also for the coiling of cables, with a placement segment and a slip prevention segment which protrudes from a first end of the first flat section at an angle from the first flat section and which is designed ergonomically to be grasped by a hand. |
| US09931448B2 |
System and method for multiple direction flexible inline canister
A system and apparatus for treating a tissue site with reduced pressure and collecting fluids from the tissue site is disclosed. The system may include a reduced-pressure source, a pouch in fluid communication with the reduced pressure source, and a dressing in fluid communication with the pouch. The pouch may include a first wall, a second wall having a periphery coupled to the first wall to form an interior, and a third wall extending through the interior to form a first chamber in fluid communication with the dressing and a second chamber in fluid communication with the reduced pressure source. A plurality of filters are positioned in the third wall. The filters permit fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber. |
| US09931447B2 |
Quick-opening vent valve for phaco fluidics aspiration system
Apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided for rapid venting of vacuum to mitigate occlusion break surge within a phaco fluidics aspiration system. The aspiration system may utilize a positive displacement pump to generate flow and a vent valve to vent or moderate the pressure or vacuum level based on pressure sensor feedback detected within the eye and at the pump. Embodiments described herein provide a quick-opening vent valve that produces a quick-opening flow response upon angular rotation of the quick-opening vent valve. The flow performance at the quick-opening vent valve is improved by increasing the effective cross-sectional area of the valve at near-closed valve positions. In particular, the increase in the cross-sectional area is achieved by forming a concaving edge portion to complement a circular edge of and opening of a flow channel formed through the vent valve. |
| US09931445B2 |
System and methods for preparation of adipose-derived stem cells
A system for extracting and processing adipose tissue to generate a therapeutically effective amount of adipose-derived stem cells, comprising an adipose tissue extraction device and a modified centrifuge tube comprising a plurality of lipoaspirate inlet fittings, a plurality of processing fluid inlet fittings, and a plurality of pellet extraction tubes. The adipose tissue extraction device is used to extract a quantity of adipose tissue from a human being, the lipoaspirate is moved into the first modified centrifuge tube via a sterile transfer, a plurality of processing steps are performed to clean and dissociate the lipoaspirate, and a pellet containing an enhanced fraction of stem cells is obtained by centrifuging the modified centrifugal tube. The pellet is resuspended in a fluid and administered to a human patient for a therapeutic or cosmetic purpose. |
| US09931444B2 |
Polymeric composite materials with antimicrobial and biodegradable properties and uses thereof
A composite material for the production of a medical device having an antiseptic action includes a matrix of alginate in which the complex of iodopovidone is dispersed. The composite material is used particularly for the production of films, micro-capsules, and suture threads with iodine controlled release. |
| US09931433B2 |
Time-controlled glucose releasing hydrogels and applications thereof
The present invention relates generally to a hydrogel releasing glucose in a time-controlled manner, to medical applications thereof, and to a method for preparing said hydrogel. |
| US09931431B2 |
Implantable medical devices fabricated from branched polymers
Implantable medical devices fabricated from branched polymers are disclosed. |
| US09931427B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting moisture in a vacuum chamber
A method of operating a sterilization system having a vacuum chamber for sterilizing instruments, the chamber connected to a reservoir of sterilant by a valve in a closed state, is disclosed. The method comprises placing the instruments in a non-sterile state in a sterilization pack, opening the chamber, placing the pack into the chamber, closing the chamber, withdrawing a first volume of air from the chamber, changing a volume of liquid water into vapor, opening the valve, introducing the sterilant into the chamber, withdrawing the sterilant from the chamber, introducing a second volume of air into the chamber, opening the chamber, removing the pack from the chamber, and removing the instruments in a sterile-state from the pack. The method may also include taking a baseline humidity measurement while the pressure within the chamber is a first pressure, lowering the pressure within the chamber to a conditioning pressure, maintaining the conditioning pressure for a dwell time, increasing the pressure within the chamber, acquiring a second humidity measurement from within the chamber, and comparing the baseline humidity measurement to the second humidity measurement. |
| US09931424B2 |
Positionable air freshener
Technologies are generally described for positionable air freshener devices. The devices may comprise an insertion section. The insertion section may include electrodes effective to receive and conduct an electric current and secure the device to an electric source. The insertion section may include a ball. The devices may comprise a base. The base may include a socket. The socket may attach to the ball. The socket and ball may form a ball joint. The base may include a port effective to receive electric current from the electrodes. The base may include a collar effective to apply heat sufficient to release a fragrance from a material when electrical current is supplied to the collar from the electrodes. The device may include a cap with a ring shaped cross-section, sized and shaped so as to be connectable to the base such that the port is accessible when the cap is connected. |
| US09931422B2 |
Treatment system for cleaning a component, in particular an implant part, contaminated with a biofilm
A treatment system (1) for cleaning a component part contaminated with a biofilm, in particular for cleaning bacterially contaminated surfaces of bone implants or dental implants (20), shall enable a particularly effective, locally focused and flexible treatment. For this purpose, the treatment system (1) according to the invention has a conduction element (10), which can be put into electric contact with the component needing treatment and which can be connected to a first pole of an electric supply unit (16), and a media cannula (2) which is provided for supplying a treatment liquid and whose interior is connected in an electrically conductive manner with the second pole of the electric supply unit (16). |
| US09931419B2 |
Methods and compositions for liposomal formulation of antigens and uses thereof
The present invention relates to liposomal vaccine compositions, methods for the manufacture thereof, and methods for the use thereof to stimulate an immune response in an animal. These compositions comprise dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (“DMPC”); either dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol (“DMPG”) or dimyristoyltrimethylammonium propane (“DMTAP”) or both DMPC and DMTAP; and at least one sterol derivative providing a covalent anchor for one or more immunogenic polypeptide(s) or carbohydrate(s). |
| US09931416B2 |
Anti-claudin 1 antibodies for use in the treatment of colorectal cancer
The present invention relates to anti-claudin 1 antibodies for use in the treatment of colorectal cancer. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of treating a colorectal cancer in a subject in need thereof comprising administering the subject with a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-claudin 1 (CLDN1) antibody. |
| US09931412B2 |
Targeted theranostics
Provided herein is technology relating to theranostic agents and particularly, but not exclusively, to compositions comprising cell-specific theranostic agents and associated methods and systems for using the cell-specific theranostic agents to treat subjects. |
| US09931409B2 |
Methods and materials for therapeutic delivery
Method for preparing a supramolecular therapeutic agent delivery assembly are provided. A carbonate-containing precursor, a functionalized aliphatic precursor, and an aromatic diamine precursor may be combined to form an amphiphilic block co-polymer. The block co-polymer undergo a cross-linking polymerization process and a therapeutic agent may be incorporated into the resulting supramolecular assembly. The supramolecular assembly may comprise HT, PHT, HA, and/or PHA materials. |
| US09931407B2 |
Silicon based drug conjugates and methods of using same
Described herein are silicon based conjugates capable of delivering one or more payload moieties to a target cell or tissue. Contemplated conjugates may include a silicon-heteroatom core, one or more optional catalytic moieties, a targeting moiety that permits accumulation of the conjugate within a target cell or tissue, one or more payload moieties (e.g., a therapeutic agent or imaging agent), and two or more non-interfering moieties covalently bound to the silicon-heteroatom core. |
| US09931404B2 |
Glycosaminoglycans for chemokine drug delivery
A pharmaceutical composition for sustained release of a chemokine is described that includes a polymer bonded to a sulfated glycosaminoglycan and loaded with a chemokine having affinity for the sulfated glycosaminoglycan. The pharmaceutical composition can be used in a method for providing sustained release of a chemokine to subject by contacting the subject with the pharmaceutical composition. |
| US09931400B2 |
Method of combination therapy for prevention or treatment of c-Met or angiogenesis factor induced diseases
Provided is a method of combination therapy for prevention or treatment of c-Met-induced or angiogenesis factor-induced diseases including co-administering an angiogenesis inhibitor and an anti-c-Met antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof to a patient. |
| US09931399B2 |
Adjuvanted formulations of booster vaccines
The invention improves TdaP vaccines by including a TLR agonist in them. This agonist can provide stronger protection, longer-lasting protection, and/or can reduce the amount of antigen which is required to achieve a particular immune response. |
| US09931393B2 |
Immunogenic JC polyomavirus compositions and methods of use
Methods of eliciting an immune response to a JC polyomavirus (JCV) by administering an effective amount of an immunogenic composition including an isolated JCV VP1 polypeptide or a nucleic acid encoding the VP1 polypeptide to a subject are provided. VP1 polypeptides and immunogenic compositions suitable for use in the methods are provided, including JCV genotype 2 VP1 polypeptides and/or JCV genotype 3 polypeptides. Methods of identifying a subject at risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) are also provided. In some embodiments, the methods include obtaining a biological sample from a subject, detecting presence or absence of JCV neutralizing antibodies in the sample from the subject, and identifying that the subject is at risk of developing PML if there is an absence of detectable JCV neutralizing antibodies in the sample from the subject. |
| US09931391B2 |
Prevention and treatment of mycobacterium infection
The invention relates to the identification of antigens, including Mycobacterium sulphate assimilation pathway components such as CysD, for preventing and treating Mycobacterium infection, especially but not exclusively Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection; to expression systems including live Mycobacterium for expression of said antigens for prevention and treatment of said infection; and to use of said antigens and expression systems for prevention and treatment of said infection. |
| US09931385B2 |
Methods of inhibiting gonad maturation
The present invention provides a method of inhibiting maturation of the gonads of a juvenile animal which comprises administering to said juvenile animal an immunologically active molecule (IAM) or a vector comprising nucleic acid encoding an immunologically active molecule, said IAM being specific for a target protein within the gonads and binding thereto or causing an immune response against that target protein, and thereby inhibiting maturation of the gonads, as well as molecules of use in such methods. |
| US09931376B2 |
Cytokine receptor peptides, compositions thereof and methods thereof
The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition including a peptide comprising at least a portion of a chemokine receptor or a G-protein coupled receptor and optionally a cytokine. The pharmaceutical composition of the invention may be used for altering immune system functioning, for example, to treat an immune system disorder, such as an autoimmune disease, multiple sclerosis, transplant rejection, psoriasis and asthma. The invention also provides peptides that may be used in the pharmaceutical composition and a method for preparing the pharmaceutical composition of the invention. The invention further provides a method for to treating an immune system disorder, such as an autoimmune disease, multiple sclerosis, transplant rejection, and psoriasis asthma. |
| US09931375B2 |
Prevention of myocardial infarction induced ventricular expansion and remodeling
A method for direct therapeutic treatment of myocardial tissue in a localized region of a heart having a pathological condition. The method includes identifying a target region of the myocardium and applying material directly and substantially only to at least a portion of the myocardial tissue of the target region. The material applied results in a physically modification the mechanical properties, including stiffness, of said tissue. Various devices and modes of practicing the method are disclosed for stiffening, restraining and constraining myocardial tissue for the treatment of conditions including myocardial infarction or mitral valve regurgitation. |
| US09931374B2 |
SorCS1-like agent for use in the treatment of insulin resistance and diseases related thereto
The present invention relates to Sor CS1-like agents, including Sor CS1, nucleic acid molecule encoding expression of Sor CS1 and fragments thereof, as well as vectors containing said nucleic acid and to cells expressing Sor CS1 and said fragments, for use in the treatment of insulin resistance. |
| US09931370B2 |
Peptide systems and methods for metabolic conditions
The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for topical or transdermal delivery, and treatment of metabolic conditions. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide and/or peptides. The nitric oxide and/or peptide may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other vesicles containing nitric oxide, peptides, or both. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such compositions, methods of promoting such compositions, kits including such compositions, or the like. |
| US09931369B2 |
Carbohydrate-based peritoneal dialysis fluid comprising glutamine residue
The present invention relates to a carbohydrate-based peritoneal dialysis fluid, containing a compound selected from the group consisting of glutamine, preferably L-glutamine; a dipeptide capable of releasing glutamine, L-glutamine in free form, preferably selected from the group consisting of glutaminyl-glycine, glycinyl-glutamine, glutaminyl-alanine, alanyl-glutamine; an oligopeptide consisting of two to seven glutamine, preferably L-glutamine residues; and mixtures thereof. The peritoneal dialysis fluids of the present invention are useful for inhibition of technical failure in a person undergoing peritoneal dialysis treatment. |
| US09931368B2 |
Anti-obesity and anti-dyslipidemic effects of oil palm phenolics in treating atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease
A composition comprising extracts containing oil palm phenolics in an amount effective for use in a method of reducing cholesterol biosynthesis and thus preventing obesity. The composition up regulates fatty acid beta oxidation and down regulates cholesterol biosynthesis in livers. The composition is useful for prevention of obesity associated diseases. The composition delays the onset of obesity and attenuates the inflammatory response of atherogenic diet, whereby the composition aids to suppress the inflammatory response thereby ameliorating artherosclerosis. The composition delays weight gain or obesity thereby preventing the effects of dyslipidemia. |
| US09931366B2 |
Topical pharmaceutical bases for wound and scar treatment
The present disclosure refers to topical pharmaceutical bases that include a synergistic combination of pracaxi oil, andiroba oil, copaiba balsam, and ucuuba butter. Further, these topical pharmaceutical bases are proposed for treating skin conditions in mammals, such as, for example wounds and scars. The topical pharmaceutical bases provide healing, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal effect. Additionally, the topical pharmaceutical bases enable an effective administration of specific active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), thereby improving treatment outcomes. Topical pharmaceutical compositions including the topical pharmaceutical bases increase the residence time of APIs within a wound or scar, thereby improving the penetration of APIs into the affected area. Also, the topical pharmaceutical bases provide relatively uniform distribution of the APIs within the topical pharmaceutical compositions. Further, the topical pharmaceutical compositions release APIs slowly, thereby enhancing treatment effectiveness. |
| US09931363B2 |
Composition comprising probiotic bacteria for use in the treatment of immune disorders
The present invention relates to a composition comprising probiotic bacteria for the treatment of pathologies associated with alterations of the immune system. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of selected probiotic bacteria for the preparation of a composition for the treatment of allergies, such as atopic dermatitis. |
| US09931362B2 |
Composition for controlling fish
The present invention relates to a composition for controlling fish. In particular, the composition may be an incitant, functioning as either a fish attractant or a fish repellent. The composition may be prepared by extracting bacteria from a source fish, culturing the bacteria in an appropriate media, and subsequently combining the cultured bacteria with a substrate to form the composition. |
| US09931357B2 |
Use of gastrointestinally administered porous enteron sorbent polymers to prevent or treat radiation induced mucositis, esophagitis, enteritis, colitis, and gastrointestinal acute radiation syndrome
Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for preventing or treating acute or chronic oral mucositis, esophagitis, enteritis, colitis, or gastrointestinal acute radiation syndrome (GI-ARS) caused by radiation exposure, using one or more enteron sorbent polymers administered gastrointestinally (e.g. orally, via feeding or gastric tube, via ostomy, or rectally). |
| US09931353B2 |
Method for treating cerebral amyloid angiopathy using pharmacological chaperones to increase the activity of gangliosidases
The present invention relates to a method for treating an individual having Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy by using pharmacological chaperones to increase the activity of gangliosidase and/or sialidase enzymes involved in ganglioside catabolism. |
| US09931352B2 |
Neridronic acid for treating complex regional pain syndrome
Oral dosage forms of osteoclast inhibitors, such as neridronic acid, in an acid or a salt form can be used to treat or alleviate pain or related conditions, such as complex regional pain syndrome. |
| US09931351B2 |
Method for improving leptin resistance
The present invention provides a compound of formula (I) which improves leptin resistance, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound, a method for manufacturing a pharmaceutical for improving leptin resistance comprising using the compound, use of the compound for manufacturing a pharmaceutical for improving leptin resistance, and a method for improving leptin resistance comprising administering the compound or the pharmaceutical composition. The improvement of leptin resistance can lead treatment and/or prevention of a disorder associated with leptin resistance, including, particularly, metabolic disorder, obesity, hyperphagia, steatosis, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. |
| US09931343B2 |
Deuterated baricitinib
The present invention in one embodiment provides a compound of Formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the variables shown in Formula I are as defined in the specification. |
| US09931341B2 |
Antagonist of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) for use in the treatment or the prevention of skeletal disorders linked with abnormal activation of FGFR3
The present invention relates to the treatment or prevention of skeletal disorders, in particular skeletal diseases, developed by patients that display abnormal increased activation of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3), in particular by expression of a constitutively activated mutant of FGFR3. |
| US09931340B2 |
Pyridazinone compounds and their use as DAAO inhibitors
The present invention provides compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1 and R2 are as defined in the specification, processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in therapy: |
| US09931336B2 |
Combination therapy
Described herein are compounds and compositions for treating glaucoma and/or reducing intraocular pressure. Compositions may comprise an isoquinoline compound and a prostaglandin or a prostaglandin analog. Compounds described herein include those in which an isoquinoline compound is covalently linked to a prostaglandin or a prostaglandin analog, and those in which an isoquinoline compound and a prostaglandin free acid together form a salt. |
| US09931334B2 |
Solid forms of N[2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-5-hydroxyphenyl]-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide
The present invention relates to solid state forms of N-[2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-5-hydroxyphenyl]-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide (Compound 1), pharmaceutical compositions thereof and methods therewith. |
| US09931329B2 |
Phenyl triazole derivative and its use for modulating the GABAA receptor complex
Phenyl triazole derivative (specifically, 1-[6-[[5-(2-fluorophenyl)-3-methyl-triazol-4-yl]methoxy]-3-pyridyl]imidazole-4-carbonitrile or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof), pharmaceutical compositions containing this compound, and methods of treatment therewith. The compound is in particular considered useful for the treatment of central nervous system diseases and disorders which are responsive to modulation of GABAA receptors containing the α5 subunit. |
| US09931326B2 |
Composition comprising torasemide and baclofen for treating neurological disorders
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the treatment of neurological disorders related to glutamate excitotoxicity and Amyloid β toxicity. More specifically, the present invention relates to novel combinatorial therapies of multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's disease-related disorders, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, neuropathic pain, alcoholic neuropathy, alcoholism or alcohol withdrawal, or spinal cord injury. |
| US09931320B2 |
Parasiticidal oral veterinary compositions comprising systemically-acting active agents, methods and uses thereof
This invention relates to oral veterinary compositions for combating ectoparasites and endoparasites in animals, comprising at least one systemically-acting active agent in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. This invention also provides for improved methods for eradicating, controlling, and preventing parasite infections and infestations in an animal comprising administering the compositions of the invention to the animal in need thereof. |
| US09931311B2 |
Treating critically ill patients with intravenous ibuprofen
Methods of treating at least one condition chosen from pain, inflammation, and fever in a critically ill patient in need thereof, comprising administering to the critically ill patient an intravenous pharmaceutical composition comprising ibuprofen using a first dosage regimen, wherein the first dosage regimen produces a first pharmacokinetic profile in critically ill patients that is about equivalent to a second pharmacokinetic profile produced by administration of the intravenous pharmaceutical composition using a second dosage regimen of ibuprofen to non-critically ill patients, wherein the at least one condition of the critically ill patient is thereby treated. |
| US09931310B2 |
Materials and methods for controlling infections
The subject invention provides materials methods for reducing infections in subjects. The materials methods utilize chlorhexidine, which has been found to be surprisingly non-toxic. The lack of toxicity facilitates the use of chlorhexidine in contexts that were not previously thought to be possible. |
| US09931308B2 |
Compositions and methods using P-anisaldehyde
Compositions contain a therapeutically effective amount of p-anisaldehyde for at least one of provoking the swallowing reflex of dysphagic patients, decreasing appetite by delaying gastric emptying, reducing body weight gain, or reducing gylcemia by improving insulin sensitivity, or improving mood, memory or cognition. Methods are provided that include administering such compositions. |
| US09931305B2 |
Uniform films for rapid dissolve dosage form incorporating taste-masking compositions
The present invention relates to rapid dissolve thin film drug delivery compositions for the oral administration of active components. The active components are provided as taste-masked or controlled-release coated particles uniformly distributed throughout the film composition. The compositions may be formed by wet casting methods, where the film is cast and controllably dried, or alternatively by an extrusion method. |
| US09931300B2 |
Methods for superdisintegrant-based composite particles for dispersion and dissolution of active pharmaceutical agents
The present disclosure provides improved systems and methods utilizing colloidal/ultrafine superdisintegrant-based composite particles for dispersion and/or dissolution of active pharmaceutical agents. In general, the present disclosure utilizes a surfactant-free or near surfactant-free formulation by incorporating a wet milled SDI as a dispersant in the formulation. As such, the present disclosure provides for the preparation of surfactant-free or substantially surfactant-free formulations (e.g., nano-composite micro-particle formulations) by incorporating a wet-milled superdisintegrant (SDI) as the dispersant in the formulations. The advantageous SDI particles (e.g., colloidal/ultrafine SDI particles) of the present disclosure can be used to break-up the aggregates (e.g., nanoparticle aggregates) of the active agents (e.g. poorly water-soluble drugs) in the formulations (e.g., micro-particle formulations) and enhance the recovery of the nanoparticles of active agents during aqueous re-dispersion and their dissolution rate in vitro and in vivo. |
| US09931299B2 |
Biomass hetero-colloidal systems, production and uses thereof
Disclosed herein are inventive stable homogenized biomass hetero-colloids, their production and uses. Such biomass hetero-colloids comprise biomass derived solid particle colloid matter and at least 15% (w/w) biomass derived soluble colloid matter. The novel biomass hetero-colloids provide an inventive approach for the application of biologically active compounds. Bio-actives are made available in an innovative form involving low intervention processing and enhancing the biological availability. |
| US09931293B2 |
Cosmetic compositions for minimizing skin imperfections
The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition comprising (a) about 10% to about 20% by weight, based upon the total weight of the composition of a film forming agent; (b) about 1% to about 25% by weight, based upon the total weight of the composition of a particulate material; (c) two or more thickening agents; and (d) water. When applied to the skin, the composition allows for immediate tightening of the skin while decreasing the visibility of fine lines and deep wrinkles. |
| US09931291B2 |
Oral care compositions and methods
Provided is an oral care composition comprising a phosphate/acrylate co-polymer, zinc and an orally acceptable carrier and methods of using the same. |
| US09931286B2 |
Cosmetic composition comprising ester of levulinic acid with a fatty alcohol
The present invention relates to a composition comprising water, at least one surfactant, at least one ester of levulinic acid with a fatty alcohol and a water-soluble salt. Furthermore the present invention relates to the use of at least one ester of levulinic acid with a fatty alcohol for increasing the viscosity of a composition comprising water and at least one surfactant. |
| US09931281B2 |
Multi-functional self-healing dental composites, methods of synthesis and methods of use
A multi-functional self-healing dental composite may intrinsically repair the micro-crack and prevent the crack from propagating to catastrophic failure, thus significantly extending the service life of the restorative material. The self-healing dental composite includes a dental resin matrix, fillers, healing powder, and healing liquid containing micro-capsules distributed throughout the matrix. Each of the micro-capsules have a silica she formed by the hydrolysis condensation of TEOS in the presence of an aqueous solution of a healing liquid. The healing liquid includes a homo-polymers(s) and/or copolymer(s) of carboxylic acid(s). The healing powder particles distributed throughout the resin matrix, and include alumina, silica and other elements. The self-healing may be triggered automatically as a result of micro-cracking, induced by thereto/mechanical fatigue. During the self-healing process, antibacterial agents may be released to provide protection of the composites against cariogenic bacteria. The self-healing dental composites also may improve tooth remineralization, and caries prevention though fluoride release. |
| US09931279B2 |
Neonatal fluid tubing heater
A heating system for heating neonate nutritional liquid, including a heater and a control module. The heater includes a heating portion having serpentine shaped grooves for receiving a tube. The tube may be a serpentine feeding tube module, having a serpentine tube portion, or a serpentine feeding tube cassette, having a serpentine tube portion covered by a rigidly attached polymeric sheet. The serpentine feeding tube cassette may include a thermocouple to measure the temperature of the warmed nutritional liquid as it exits the cassette. |
| US09931278B2 |
Device for detecting the removal of drugs
A device detects the removal of drugs from a drug blister pack. The device contains a base for receiving the drug blister pack which has a base surface which is configured for contact with the electrically conducting, metal foil that closes the pockets. In the region of the pockets, the base has holes that are configured for the passage of the drugs present in the pocket. In the region of the holes one transmitting coil and at least two receiving coils are each arranged and extend around the respective hole. The receiving coils are associated with each other with respect to the transmitting coil and are arranged such that when the foil resting against the base in the region of the respective hole is undamaged the difference of the voltages induced in the receiving coils by an electric current in the transmitting coil lies below a predetermined threshold value. |
| US09931273B2 |
Packaging
A package includes a container having an open end and a closed end, and a slider slidably mounted within the container. The slider has sidewalls a facing panel and an end wall. The slider has a first end that is closest to the end wall of the container and opposite second end defined by the end wall of the slider. The end wall of the slider is connected to the facing panel of the slider at a first edge thereof, and is connected to a panel of a blister pack carrier at an opposite second edge thereof, the first and second edges of the end wall being connected by side edges of the end wall. The sidewalls of the slider terminate at a position spaced from the end wall of the slider, and a pair of flaps are connected to respective side edges of the end wall of the slider along respective foldlines, each flap being folded toward an end of the sidewall on its respective side of the slider and extending over at least a portion of the distance between the end of the sidewall and the end wall of the slider. |
| US09931272B2 |
Method for reducing a person's weight through hunger control
A method for reducing an individual's weight through hunger control is provided, wherein predetermined biologically active hunger control points and/or areas on the skin are stimulated utilizing removably attached point stimulation elements (PSEs) (e.g., spherules, etc.), in accordance with a predefined configurable cyclical treatment schedule. Maintenance procedures are also performed by the individual, after a predetermined amount of treatment cycles, to maintain weight reduction benefits gained during the treatments. Additional optional features of the inventive hunger control method include application of at least one of: a dietary plan, a vitamin and chronologically selected herb plan, behavioral modification, and an physical activity protocol. |
| US09931271B2 |
System, an apparatus, and a method for treating a sexual dysfunctional female patient
There is disclosed an apparatus for treating a sexual dysfunctional female patient, comprising a stimulation device adapted to stimulate an erectile blood passageway to increase the amount of blood in the female erectile tissue and thereby obtaining engorgement with blood of the female erectile tissue by affecting said erectile blood flow passageway. Moreover there is disclosed a system and an operation method for treating a sexual dysfunctional female patient. |
| US09931270B2 |
Electromagnetic valve system
An electromagnetic valve system for carrying out a compressed air supply to and evacuation from a plurality of air chambers of massage instruments of a pneumatic massage device includes a plurality of first electromagnetic valves each to be connected to a corresponding one of the air chambers; a second electromagnetic valve including a first aperture which communicates with external air; and a plurality of first check valves each within a header in an intermediate location between the second electromagnetic valve and a corresponding one of the air chambers with a connection tube therebetween, the first check valves allowing air to pass from the air chambers toward the second electromagnetic valve only when air pressure on a second electromagnetic valve side is lower than air pressure on an air chamber side. |
| US09931262B2 |
Method of securing a patient onto an operating table when the patient is in the trendelenburg position and apparatus therefor including a kit
A method of securing a patient onto an operating table when the patient is in the Trendelenburg position and apparatus therefor including a kit. A viscoelastic pad is used to support and hold a patient on a medical procedure table during a medical procedure performed while the table, and thus the patient lying thereon, is in an inclined position, such as the Trendelenburg position. The viscoelastic pad has characteristics which promote a minimization of pressure forces on the patient's body, as well as promote a secure cushioning and holding of the patient in a desired position on the table, in order to minimize injury to the patient. |
| US09931260B2 |
Physical transfer electric assist device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care
A physical transfer device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care. It starts with a long plank that bridges between the start and finish point and then the plank has a movable, rotating disk with an optional back and leg rest. The disk slides from Point A start to Point B finish and is actuated by an electric motor powered with a battery or electricity from a plug-in receptacle. The whole device is portable with a foldable leg structure to securely and safely support the patient. The use and method of the device anticipates transfers such as a patient in a bed or wheel chair transfer to a tub, shower, toilet or other place for some personal or medical need. |
| US09931257B2 |
Standing frame with multi-angle positioning while maintaining user orientation
An apparatus is disclosed as having, for example, a frame, a support assembly, and a pivot joint pivotably connected to the frame and the support assembly for positioning in a plurality of modes including, for example, a user in supine, standing, and/or prone positions. The apparatus may be positioned within various ranges that include supine and prone modes without re-configuring the apparatus. |
| US09931252B2 |
Method and computer program for monitoring use of an absorbent product
A method for monitoring use of an absorbent product, such as an incontinence pad or a diaper, worn by a wearer is provided. The method includes obtaining, by way of a mobile device, intake information indicative of intake of fluid and/or solid material by the wearer, obtaining, by way of the mobile device, voiding information indicative of urinary and/or faecal voiding by the wearer, predicting, based on the intake and voiding information, future voiding by the wearer, and providing, by way of the mobile device, product-related information based on the prediction. In this way, the product-wearer or his caregiver can be provided with valuable information related to the use of the product, for example recommendations on when to change the product. |
| US09931251B2 |
Wetness sensors, wetness monitoring system, and related methods
An aspect of the invention is a liquid sensor having a galvanically energizable power source capable of activating a remotely detectable signal in response to liquid. In a preferred embodiment, a liquid sensor includes a plurality of electrodes, a circuit, and a transmitter thereon. The electrodes are coupled to generate electrical power when in contact with liquid. The circuit is electrically connected to the electrodes so as to be activated by the electrical power, detect an electrical parameter of the electrical power, and generate a plurality of data packets indicating a degree of wetness corresponding to the detected electrical parameter. The transmitter is electrically coupled to the circuit to receive the plurality of data packets and transmit representations of the plurality of data packets as electromagnetic signals. Other aspects include a liquid absorbent wetness sensor and a computer-based wetness monitoring system, and method of detecting liquid. |
| US09931247B2 |
Interworking controlling method of an electronic eye protection apparatus for welding and a smartphone
The present invention relates to the interworking controlling method of an electronic eye protection apparatus for welding and a smartphone, or more specifically, it relates to the interworking controlling method of an electronic eye protection apparatus for welding and a smartphone, which enables remote management from a smartphone by interworking history state data on utilization, operation, settings, failure of the electronic eye protection apparatus for welding, and which enables location searching and anti-theft function such as password setting of electronic eye protection apparatus for welding with a smartphone. |
| US09931244B2 |
Small gauge surgical instrument with support device
A small gauge surgical instrument assembly is shown with advantages such as diminished “play” at the tip. A surgical instrument assembly is also shown with support along a length of the instrument that can be selected by the surgeon. In particular, very small and flexible instruments for vitreous surgery are shown with selectable stiffness, thus providing control as well as access to all parts of the vitreous cavity. Embodiments as shown are safer, and increase the variety of cases for which these instruments can be used. |
| US09931239B2 |
Asymmetric multilayer film for ostomy application
An asymmetric multilayer film for an ostomy pouch includes a barrier layer including a first side and a second side. At least one layer is arranged on the first side of the barrier layer, and at least one layer arranged on the second side of the barrier layer, in which the combined thickness of the at least one layer arranged on the first side of the barrier layer is at least two times greater than the combined thickness of the at least one layer arranged on the second side of the barrier layer. The asymmetric multilayer film has a thickness of about 25 μm to about 50 μm. |
| US09931237B2 |
Portable resetting device
The portable resetting device (100) has a portable pedestal (126) with telescoping sections (172/170). An underarm support (102) of adjustable height is mounted to a lower support (114) that is mounted to the pedestal (126). A traction structure (112) for transmitting forces to an injured arm is mounted to the lower support (114). A computer controllable motor (124) is operatively connected between the lower support (114) and the pedestal (108) so that an angle of tilt (116) may be placed thereon. An arm-holding plate (136) is attached to the lower support (114) and moves in a longitudinal direction by means of another computer controllable motor (118) operatively connected therebetween. An auxiliary arm support (122) is operatively connected by a computer controllable motor (120) on the lower support (114) and provides an additional force to the humerus head. A computer (302) controls the resetting device (100) and may communicate to a support computer (210) for treatment advice. |
| US09931235B2 |
Passive locking hand exoskeleton
Systems (100) and methods (600) for operating an exoskeleton disposed at least partially on a joint of a wearer's limb (118). The methods involve respectively aligning first apertures (310 or 312) of a first planar flexible element (304 or 306) of the exoskeleton with second apertures (310 or 312) of a second planar flexible element (304 or 306) of the exoskeleton. The first and second planar flexible elements abut each other. A toothed flexible element (302) is then caused to ratchetedly engage the first and second planar flexible elements by bending the joint. |
| US09931230B2 |
Artificial body part control system using ultrasonic imaging
The artificial body part control system using ultrasonic imaging includes of an ultrasonic transducer coupled with an ultrasonic image analyzer which may be adapted to transmit a control signal to an artificial body part. |
| US09931225B2 |
Acetabular excise device
An acetabular cup excise device includes a cup excising portion, an elongated handle shaft extending along a longitudinal axis from the cup excising portion, and a positioning assembly operably coupled to the handle shaft. The positioning assembly is configured to allow rotation of a handle lever, about the longitudinal axis, to position the handle lever along at least a first radial axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a second radial axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. |
| US09931223B2 |
Expandable intervertebral implant
An expandable intervertebral implant is provided for insertion into an intervertebral space defined by adjacent vertebrae. The expandable intervertebral implant includes a pair of outer sleeve portions and an inner core disposed between the outer sleeve portions. Movement of the inner core relative to the outer sleeve portions causes the outers sleeve portions to deflect away from each other, thereby engaging the expandable intervertebral implant with the vertebrae and adjusting the height of the intervertebral space. |
| US09931222B2 |
Spinal implant with expandable fixation
A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one fixation element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to engage a surface of an adjacent vertebral body and secure the implant between two vertebral bodies. Preferably, the implant is expandable and has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it must pass to be deployed within the intervertebral space. Once within the space between vertebral bodies, the implant can be expanded so as to engage the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae to effectively distract the anterior disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Angular deformities can be corrected, and natural curvatures restored and maintained. |
| US09931221B2 |
Cannulated screw with balloon
A cannulated screw having a resilient balloon structure capable of supporting compressive and cyclic loads. The balloon provides an artificial disc prosthesis by use of the balloon that mimics the porperties of the natural disc by maintaining the intervertebral disc space through a full range of natural motion, absorbing shocks and permitting a natural range of motion. |
| US09931219B2 |
Implant and anchor assembly
An implant assembly comprising an implant having a load bearing surface with a contour corresponding to a patient's articular surface, and a bone facing surface including a fixation element, an anchor configured to be secured to bone beneath said patient's articular surface, said anchor including a second fixation element, and wherein said first fixation element is configured to be secured to said second fixation element. |
| US09931218B2 |
Method of implanting a knee prosthesis based on bone density
A method of implanting a prosthesis based on bone density of a bone is provided. A first bone density of the bone may be determined at a first portion of the bone. A second bone density of the bone may be determined at a second portion of the bone. A first desired amount of bone removal may be determined at the first portion of the bone based on the first bone density. A second desired amount of bone removal may be determined at the second portion of the bone based on the second bone density. The desired amounts of bone may be removed from the first and second portions of the bone. A prosthesis may be selected and implanted. |
| US09931217B2 |
Two-part articulating joint spacer and method for producing said joint spacer
The invention relates to an articulating joint spacer for temporary replacement of a joint, whereby the joint spacer comprises two spacer parts which each comprise one sliding surface on which the spacer parts, in the patient-inserted state, touch against each other in mobile manner and roll off on each other, and the remaining spacer parts are made, at least in part, of a second bone cement that contains at least one water-soluble antibiotic. The invention also relates to a method for producing a two-part articulating joint spacer, in which a sliding surface is formed in both spacer parts from a low-abrasion first bone cement and at least the surfaces of the remaining spacer parts, at least 50% thereof, are formed with a second bone cement that contains at least one water-soluble antibiotic. |
| US09931216B2 |
Orthopaedic femoral component having controlled condylar curvature
An orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a femoral component having a condyle surface. The condyle surface is defined by one or more radii of curvatures, which are controlled to reduce or delay the onset of anterior translation of the femoral component relative to a tibial bearing. |
| US09931215B2 |
Total knee replacement implant based on normal anatomy and kinematics
A total knee replacement prosthesis is presented whose bearing surfaces are derived from an anatomically representative femur and a modified baseline tibial surface. The contacting femoral and tibial bearing surfaces include the inter-condylar as well as condylar regions. The modified baseline tibial surface is generated by modifying a baseline tibial surface. For example, the baseline tibial surface can be flattened mathematically to generate the modified baseline tibial surface. |
| US09931207B2 |
Methods of implanting a heart valve at an aortic annulus
An exemplary two-stage prosthetic heart valve system has a radially expandable base stent implanted within a native valve annulus. The two-stage heart valve system also has a valve component that is delivered to and mounted within the base stent in a separate or sequential operation after the base stent has been anchored within the annulus. The valve component in certain embodiments comprises a hybrid valve component that includes a conventional, non-expandable surgical valve that is modified to include an expandable coupling stent that can be expanded to engage the inner surface of the base stent, thereby anchoring the valve component to the base stent. In its expanded configuration, the outflow end portion base stent has tri-lobular shape that closely conforms to the shape of the aortic root and a support ring of the prosthetic valve that is mounted within the base stent. |
| US09931206B2 |
Transcatheter atrio-ventricular valve prosthesis
A transcatheter atrio-ventricular valve prosthesis for functional replacement of an atrio-ventricular valve in a connection channel, having a circumferential connection channel wall structure, between atrial and ventricular chambers of a heart, including an inner device to be disposed in the interior of the connection channel, the inner device having a circumferential support structure which is radially expandable and having a valve attached to the circumferential support structure, and an outer device to be disposed on the exterior of the connection channel, wherein the outer device at least partly extends around the inner device at a radial distance to the inner device, wherein the inner and outer devices form a securing mechanism for securing the circumferential connection channel wall structure therebetween. |
| US09931203B2 |
Presbyopia correcting wireless optical system
An optical accommodating system for an eye includes a sensor assembly and an adjustable optic assembly. The sensor assembly includes a sensor configured to sense a movement of the ciliary muscle and produce a signal, an electronic processor, a transmitter and a power source. The adjustable optic assembly is configured to be either implanted within or on the eye, or configured to be disposed adjacent to or near the eye. The adjustable optic assembly includes a switchable optical lens assembly configured to change its optical power between a first state and a second state, a receiver configured to receive the transferable signal from the transmitter of the sensor assembly, a second electronic processor connected to the receiver which directs the switchable optical lens assembly to change its optical power between the first state and second state, and a second power source connected to the second electronic processor. |
| US09931199B2 |
Methods and apparatus for treating keratoconus
A method of treating keratoconus in an eye of a patient includes measuring a surface of a cornea of the eye to acquire eye topography data. The method includes, based on the eye topography data, selecting a topographic pattern from topographic patterns displayed in a graphical user interface. The method includes entering vision corrective parameters for the eye of the patient into the graphical user interface. The method includes actuating a processing module to obtain a surgical plan based on the selected topographic pattern and the entered vision corrective parameters. The method includes reviewing intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation surgery parameters specified by the surgical plan and displayed in the user interface. The ICRS implantation surgery parameters include specification of at least one ICRS. The method includes performing implantation surgery of the at least one ICRS into the eye of the patient according to the surgical plan. |
| US09931198B2 |
Prosthesis for supporting a breast structure
The invention relates to a prosthesis for supporting a breast implant comprising: a reinforcement part configured to receive a curved lower portion of a breast implant, the reinforcement part having an elongation under 50N in the vertical direction of E1, a fixation part intended to be fixed to the pectoral muscle, the fixation part having an elongation under 50N in the vertical direction of E2, and a transition part connecting together the reinforcement part and the fixation part, said transition part having an elongation under 50N in the vertical direction of E3, wherein E3 is greater than E1 and greater than E2. |
| US09931195B2 |
Composite interference screws and drivers
The present disclosure relates to an anchor. The anchor includes a suture bridge having a proximal end and distal end. The distal end of the suture bridge has a thickness greater than a thickness of the proximal end of the suture bridge. At least two ribs extend from the proximal end of the suture bridge to a proximal end of the anchor. At least one open helical coil wraps around the at least two ribs and extends, substantially, from the proximal end of the suture bridge to the proximal end of the anchor. The at least one open helical coil defines an internal volume communicating with a region exterior to the anchor through apertures between turns of the at least one open helical coil. The at least two ribs are engagable with a grooved shaft of a driver. |
| US09931193B2 |
Elastic stent graft
A stent graft including (1) a stent having a wall having at least one opening, an outer surface, and an inner surface and (2) a covering of a composite material having a least one expanded fluoropolymer membrane and an elastomer is provided. The cover can be used to cover the outer and/or the inner surface of the stent. The expanded fluoropolymer membrane contains serpentine fibrils. In exemplary embodiments, the fluoropolymer is polytetrafluoroethylene. The composite material may be axially and/or circumferentially wrapped around the stent. The composite material is fold-free throughout its operating diameter range and exhibits a sharp increase in stiffness at a predetermined diameter. The stent graft can be designed to have a stop point in either a radial or axial direction. The stent graft can advantageously be implanted undersized with respect to a nominal diameter without having material infolding. |
| US09931191B2 |
Device, especially tube or catheter, for at least partially introducing into a body passage
The invention relates to a device (1), especially a tube or a catheter, for at least partially introducing into a body passage, said device comprising a long outer envelope body (10), a long inner body (11) that is partially peripherally surrounded by the envelope body (10), and a device (12) by which means the possibility of a relative movement between the envelope body (10) and the inner body (11) is enabled or impeded in a targeted, controllable manner. According to the invention, the control device (12) is formed by the arrangement and embodiment of the envelope body (10) and the inner body (11) and comprises no additional mechanical means in the annular intermediate region (13) between said two bodies (10, 11). Preferably, the control device is embodied in such a way that it acts on the friction between the envelope body and the inner body (10, 11). |
| US09931187B2 |
Photon induced acoustic streaming device and method
A device and method of using a device for photon-induced endodontic and periodontic applications includes a power source, a trigger coupled to the power source and circuit elements initiated by the trigger. The circuit elements include a timing circuit and a driver. A light source is coupled to the circuitry elements wherein and driver controls the period, cycle, and pulse generation of the light source to create photon induced acoustic waves. The optical assembly includes a fiber optic cable and an output tip and is coupled to the light source. This optical assembly refracts light from the light source and photon induced acoustic waves exit the output tip in a pre-determined pattern. |
| US09931186B2 |
Oral care appliance using a jet-type fluid flow and mechanical action
An oral care appliance using a jet-type fluid flow And mechanical action An oral care appliance comprises: a gas-liquid cleaning assembly which includes a fluid flow pump assembly (46); a source of liquid (50); and a source of gas (12). The pump assembly is in operative communication with the sources of fluid and gas to produce a jet pattern of gas-injected fluid slugs, directed to a nozzle assembly (80) from which the resulting slugs are directed to the teeth, wherein the individual fluid slugs in the jet flow have a volume in the range of 0.05-0.5 ml per orifice, a diameter in the range of 0.1-2 mm and a repetition rate within the range of 2 Hz to 20 Hz. The appliance further includes a mechanical teeth cleaning assembly, in combination with the gas-liquid assembly, which includes a drive system (160) and a brush assembly in operative contact with the drive system, the brush assembly having a set of bristles (152) at the distal end thereof, wherein in operation, the nozzle assembly is positioned within the brush assembly. |
| US09931184B2 |
Arrangement with an implant and/or a unit belonging to said implant, and method for production of the implant and/or unit
An implant (5, 13) and/or a unit (9), e.g. spacer sleeve, belonging to said implant is/are intended to extend through a hole (4′) formed in a jaw bone (2) and through soft tissue (3) belonging to the jaw bone and to comprise one or more outer layers of principally titanium dioxide. Each layer consists of crystalline titanium dioxide which largely or completely assumes the anatase phase. The invention also relates to a method for production of such a dental implant (5, 13) and/or of a unit (9) belonging to it, which has one or more outer layers of titanium dioxide. The method is an anodic oxidation method in which the part or parts bearing the outer layer(s) is/are applied to electrolyte under voltage, e.g. comprising sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid, and the voltage (U) and the dwell time of the part or parts in the electrolyte are chosen such that titanium dioxide, largely or completely assuming the crystalline anatase phase, is formed. Excellent bone guidance and soft tissue integration can be achieved in this way. |
| US09931183B2 |
Orthodontic correction device
An orthodontic correction device set up within an oral cavity of a patient. It includes a bone screw member that has a plate, the plate includes at least a positioning portion, and a surface of the plate includes at least a fixing member; at least a bone screw is in connection with at least a positioning portion of the bone screw member, and that is fixed by implanting into the oral cavity; at least a base body is assembled on a surface of the teeth and including a connecting portion; and at least an elastic member, a fixing end of the elastic member is assembled and fixed on the fixing member of the bone screw member, a functioning end of the elastic member is in mutual connection with the connecting portion of the base body, and an orthodontic correction force is formed between the fixing end and the functioning end. |
| US09931181B2 |
Fixed hybrid dental attachment assembly and methods of use
A frictionally-retained detachable dental attachment assembly or anchor device is designed to attach a dental appliance with a tooth root or implant. The assembly includes a denture attachment housing for securing in the dental appliance, an abutment attached with a tooth root or implant, and a compressible retention member with a first end in fixed attachment with the cap and a second end in snap engagement with the abutment via a frictionally-retained ball secured within a cavity of the abutment. The retention member is formed using a compressible material to allow the ball to compress and the retention member to flex while inserting the ball into the cavity. Additional friction-retained and fixed attachment configurations of the dental anchor device are provided, along with methods of securing a dental appliance in a subject's mouth by means of the friction-retained and fixed attachment dental anchor devices. |
| US09931178B2 |
Cutting instrument, in particular dental instrument
The present invention relates to a rotary cutting instrument, in particular of the bur type, intended for chirurgical or dental use and comprising an active cutting part and a handle. Said active part is made of a metal carbide and the handle is made of a nickel-titanium alloy. The instrument further comprises an intermediate part made of stainless steel placed between the active part and the handle and metallurgically connected to said active part and to said handle. |
| US09931175B2 |
Container with cover
A container includes a base, and a jacket adjoining the base and having a peripheral flange which defines an opening cross section which can be closed by a cover. The cover includes first snap-fit hooks distributed about a periphery of the cover for engagement in complementing first latching openings in the peripheral flange to thereby establish a form fit that prevents a movement away from the base and parallel to a vertical axis of the container in perpendicular relation to the base. The peripheral flange has four corner regions, each provided with a second latching opening for engagement of a second snap-fit hook of the cover. The second latching opening has at least one portion configured curved or inclined in relation to both a transverse axis and a longitudinal axis of the container, or has at least two straight portions extending at an inclination in relation to one another. |
| US09931173B2 |
Curved cannula surgical system
A method may include coupling a proximal end of a first cannula to a first manipulator of a surgical system, the first manipulator being configured to remotely actuate movement of the first cannula, wherein the first cannula comprises a rigid portion disposed between the proximal end and a distal end of the first cannula, the rigid portion having a curved longitudinal axis, and coupling a proximal end of a second cannula to a second manipulator of a surgical system, the second manipulator being configured to remotely actuate movement of the second cannula, wherein the second cannula comprises a rigid portion disposed between the proximal end and a distal end of the second cannula, the rigid portion having a curved longitudinal axis. The coupling of the first and second cannulas to the respective first and second manipulators can further include positioning respective first and second centers of motion of the first and second cannulas proximate to each other, and positioning respective longitudinal axes of the first and second cannulas at the first and second centers of motion across one another. |
| US09931172B2 |
Systems and methods for using the null space to emphasize manipulator joint motion anisotropically
Devices, systems, and methods for providing commanded movement of an end effector of a manipulator while providing a desired movement of one or more joints of the manipulator. Methods include calculating weighted joint velocities using a weighting matrix within the joint space to anisotropically emphasize joint movement within a null-space to provide the desired movement of a first set of joints. Methods may include calculating joint velocities that achieve the desired end effector movement using a pseudo-inverse solution and adjusting the calculated joint velocities using a potential function gradient within the joint space corresponding to the desired movement of the first set of joints. Methods may include use of a weighted pseudo-inverse solution and also an augmented Jacobian solution. One or more auxiliary movements may also be provided using joint velocities calculated from the pseudo-inverse solution. Various configurations for systems utilizing such methods are provided herein. |
| US09931165B2 |
Light diffuser and process for producing the same
A light diffuser, which is particularly suitable for introducing diffuse light into a tissue, is produced by interpenetration of a diffuser material in a liquid state into a boundary layer of a porous shaping material, by which process a diffuser surface is formed having a surface structure which represents essentially a negative of the pore structure of the shaping material and includes undercut structures induced by a surface tension. The light diffuser is e.g. produced by introducing a diffuser blank including material that is liquefiable through mechanical vibration into the shaping material and simultaneously stimulating it with mechanical vibrations, such that the liquefiable material liquefies at least there where it is in contact with the shaping material and is pressed into the shaping material. An in situ production of the diffuser is particularly advantageous for photodynamic therapy in bone tissue. |
| US09931164B2 |
Intravascular arterial to venous anastomosis and tissue welding catheter
Systems and methods for creating an arteriovenous (AV) fistula comprise an elongate member, a distal member connected to the elongate member and movable relative to the elongate member, and a heating member disposed on at least one of the movable distal member and the elongate member. The distal member comprises structure for capturing tissue to be cut to create the fistula, and the heating member is adapted to cut through the tissue to create the fistula. The elongate member comprises an elongate outer tube. A shaft connects the distal member to the elongate member, and is extendable and retractable to extend and retract the distal member relative to the elongate member. |
| US09931163B2 |
Energy delivery devices
An energy delivery device may include an elongate member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a lumen extending therebetween. The device may include a deployment member extending through the lumen toward a distal tip of the energy delivery device, and an expandable basket having a plurality of curved electrode legs. Each of the curved electrode legs may have a first end coupled to the distal portion of the elongate member and a second end coupled to the deployment member, and each of the plurality of curved electrode legs may have at least one energy insulated region and one energy active region. The device also may include at least one temperature sensing element coupled to said expandable basket. |
| US09931161B2 |
Coaxial dual function probe and method of use
An energy delivery probe for use in tissue ablation and method of use is presented. The energy delivery device has at least a first energy delivery member and a second energy delivery member that have handle members positioned along a longitudinal axis, each handle member having a proximal and distal end. The distal end of the first handle member is releasably coupled to the proximal end of the second handle member and a portion of each member is defined in a coaxially surrounding relationship to each other along the longitudinal axis. The method of using the probe involves identifying a tissue to be ablated, providing the energy delivery probe, inserting at least a portion of the energy delivery probe into the identified tissue, delivering electrical energy through the energy delivery probe to the identified tissue, and ablating the identified tissue such that at least a first ablation zone is formed. |
| US09931160B2 |
Surgical instrument
A device for morcellating tissue within a body cavity of a patient comprises a stationary tube (8) having a distal end portion, and a bipolar electrosurgical electrode assembly (13) located at the distal end of the tube. The electrosurgical electrode assembly (13) comprises first and second electrodes (14, 16) separated by an insulation member (15). When an electrosurgical cutting voltage is applied to the electrode assembly (13), and relative movement is initiated between the tube (8) and the tissue, a slug of severed tissue is formed within the tube such that it can be removed from the body cavity of the patient. The bipolar electrosurgical assembly (13) has a first circumferential region (A) and a second circumferential region (B), the first circumferential region (A) being longer than the second circumferential region (B). In the first circumferential region (A), the first electrode (14) is disposed further forwardly as compared with the second electrode (16); and, in the second circumferential region (B), the second electrode (16) is disposed at least as far forwardly as compared with the first electrode (14). |
| US09931157B2 |
Methods and devices for creating thermal zones within an electrosurgical instrument
Surgical instruments and methods for controlling temperature are described herein and can have particular utility when sealing tissue. In one embodiment, an end effector can include first and second jaw members configured to clamp tissue therebetween, and an electrode having a single continuous conductive surface that is coupled to the first jaw member. The end effector can also include a plurality of electrical insulators of varying thermal conductivity disposed between the electrode and the first jaw member coupled thereto. The electrode can be divided into a plurality of thermal zones by at least one opening formed therein and the plurality of electrical insulators can be arranged such that at least a first thermal zone contacts an electrical insulator having a first thermal conductivity and at least a second thermal zone contacts an electrical insulator having a second thermal conductivity that is higher than the first thermal conductivity. |
| US09931155B2 |
Surgical multi-tool and method of use
Surgical tools and methods are disclosed. The surgical tool has a first tip comprising a first tip longitudinal axis and a second tip. The surgical tool has a first configuration wherein the first and second tips operate as forceps. The surgical tool has a second configuration wherein the first and second tips operate as scissors, wherein the surgical tool is configured to transition between the first configuration and the second configuration, at least in part, by rotation of the first tip about the first tip longitudinal axis. |
| US09931154B2 |
Touch free operation of ablator workstation by use of depth sensors
An inventive system and method for touch free operation of an ablation workstation is presented. The system can comprise a depth sensor for detecting a movement, motion software to receive the detected movement from the depth sensor, deduce a gesture based on the detected movement, and filter the gesture to accept an applicable gesture, and client software to receive the applicable gesture at a client computer in an ablation workstation for performing a task in accordance with client logic based on the applicable gesture. The system can also comprise hardware for making the detected movement an applicable gesture. The system can also comprise voice recognition providing voice input for enabling the client to perform the task based on the voice input in conjunction with the applicable gesture. The applicable gesture can be a movement authorized using facial recognition. |
| US09931153B2 |
Thermochemical reaction ablation catheter
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to devices, methods, and systems for the treatment of tissue using energy delivery. Specifically, certain embodiments may utilize a thermochemical reaction between at least two reagents where a first reagent has been preloaded into a catheter while a limiting reagent is circulated through the catheter to react with the first reagent. The resulting chemical reaction may be exothermic or endothermic, and a heat transfer fluid may be used to exchange energy between the chemical reaction and surrounding tissue. |
| US09931152B2 |
Dual injection tube cryocatheter and method for using same
A medical device includes a catheter body having a first injection lumen, a second injection lumen, and an exhaust lumen, where the first injection lumen provides a fluid flow rate greater than a fluid flow rate provided by the second injection lumen; an expandable element coupled to the catheter body in fluid communication with the first and second injection lumens; a cryogenic fluid source in fluid communication with the first and second injection lumens; a valve in fluid communication with the first and second injection lumens to selectively allow fluid flow to at least one of the first and second injection lumens; a pressure sensor in fluid communication with an interior defined by the expandable element; and a controller in communication with the pressure sensor programmed to regulate fluid flow through the first injection lumen based at least in part on a signal from the pressure sensor. |
| US09931151B2 |
Impactor and remover devices
An impactor having a housing including an upper portion and a lower portion at least a part of which extends perpendicularly from the upper portion, a ram having a first end positioned in the upper portion and positioned in axial alignment with the lower portion, an opposite end of the ram extending from the lower portion of the housing, at least one drive assembly including a first drive shaft operably coupled to a cam shaft, a cam operably coupled to the cam shaft, a cam operably coupled to the cam shaft, the drive shaft operably connectable to motor, wherein the cam is operable to rotate and positioned to contact the proximal end of the ram upon rotation of the cam, a circuit board comprising circuitry operable to receive instructions from a plurality of switches electrically coupled to the circuit board to operate the impactor, wherein the impactor is operable to deliver low amplitude pulsed strikes to a workpiece at variable frequencies. |
| US09931149B2 |
Self-retaining driver for a bone screw
A driver instrument for engaging and transferring rotational torque to a bone anchor already screwed into a bony structure. The driver instrument may be advanced through an incision while disengaged from the bone anchor and thereafter engaged in a driver socket of the bone anchor. The driver instrument includes an elongate shaft extending distally from a handle, a tapered distal tip, and a driver engagement feature located proximally of the tapered distal tip. The tapered distal tip and the driver engagement feature are configured such that the longitudinal rotational axis of the driver instrument automatically moves into parallel alignment with the longitudinal rotational axis of the bone anchor as the driver engagement feature of the driver instrument is advanced into the driver socket of the bone anchor. |
| US09931143B2 |
Bone stabilization device and methods of use
Technologies are generally provided for devices and methods for use in bone fixation, bone fusion and/or bone stabilization. In various embodiments, the devices and methods relate to a bone stabilization having a first end, second end and a bridge connecting the first and second ends. The first end has a bone engagement feature and may be fused to bone over time without the use of osteogenic materials. |
| US09931142B2 |
Implant and method for facet immobilization
Devices and methods are provided for immobilizing facet joints of the vertebral column. Embodiments of the invention provide an implant that is inserted in a facet joint from which cartilage has been removed, and which retains the approximate original spacing of the facets in the joint. A retaining arrangement, such as an adhesive, a threaded fastener, or a screw is then used to secure the implant in the joint. |
| US09931136B2 |
Method and apparatus for altering biomechanics of articular joints
Pathology of the human knee can arise from excessive and/or uneven loading of regions within the joint. Methods and apparatus are disclosed that enable displacement of soft tissue around the knee, without displacing or severing bone thereby altering the mechanical load distribution within the joint in a less invasive manner than previous techniques. |
| US09931135B2 |
Method of penetrating an intravascular occlusion
A method of penetrating an intravascular occlusion including the steps of: obtaining an apparatus with a sleeve assembly defining an elongate passageway having a lengthwise axis, a stabilizing assembly, and a blade assembly; directing the sleeve assembly into an operative position within a vessel passage wherein an outlet from the elongate passageway is adjacent an occlusion within the vessel passage; through the stabilizing assembly, stabilizing the sleeve assembly in the operative position; and with the sleeve assembly stabilized in its operative position advancing the blade assembly in a first lengthwise direction relative to the sleeve assembly to penetrate the occlusion. |
| US09931132B2 |
Dissecting cannula and methods of use thereof
Methods and devices described herein facilitate improved access of locations within the body by providing a variety of dissection modes on a single access device. |
| US09931131B2 |
In vivo attachable and detachable end effector assembly and laparoscopic surgical instrument and methods therefor
A method of performing surgery includes the steps of providing a forceps having a housing including a shaft that extends therefrom and at least one handle moveable relative to the housing and providing an end effector assembly configured to selectively engage a distal end of the shaft. The method also includes the steps of inserting the forceps through a first opening formed in a body; inserting the end effector assembly through a second opening formed in the body; engaging the end effector assembly with the distal end of the shaft in vivo; and actuating the end effector assembly by moving the handle relative to the housing. The method may also include the steps of providing a coupling at the distal end of the shaft, and engaging, via the coupling, the distal end of the shaft with the end effector assembly. |
| US09931127B2 |
Adjustable rongeur
An adjustable rongeur includes a first handle portion pivotally connected to a second handle portion. A shank is connected to the first handle portion at a proximal end of the shank, wherein the shank has a footplate at a distal end thereof. A crossbar is slidably engaged with the shank, wherein the crossbar is connected to the second handle portion, wherein a cutting opening is formed between a distal end of the crossbar and the footplate of the shank. An opening selection actuator is positioned within at least one of the first and second handle portion, wherein the opening selection actuator engages between the first and second handle portions to control a length of the cutting opening. |
| US09931126B2 |
Personalized tourniquet methods and apparatus
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for regulating tourniquet cuff pressure based on a personalized tourniquet pressure (PTP) to facilitate safe performance of surgical and medical procedures. The apparatus includes a dual-purpose tourniquet cuff adapted to encircle a region of a patient to provide both a sensor during a first time period and an effector during a second time period. An effector module communicates pneumatically with an inflatable bladder of the cuff for maintaining pressure in the bladder near a PTP during the second time period to safely stop penetration of arterial blood past the cuff. A pulsation sensor that communicates pneumatically with the inflatable bladder during the first time period senses and characterizes pressure pulsations that are indicative of penetration of arterial blood into the region of a patient encircled by the cuff. A PTP estimator is responsive to the pulsation sensor for producing an estimate of the PTP, such that the estimate of the PTP is a function of the sensed pulsations. |
| US09931125B2 |
Device for control of difficult to compress hemorrhage
Bleeding from blood vessels located in difficult-to-compress regions of the body (especially the abdomen, pelvic or groin region) is controlled by the use of a portable, small-footprint belt-like device that contains multiple inflatable bladders. The inflatable bladders are selectively positioned and inflated over exsanguinating blood vessels, thereby exerting pressure to stop the bleeding. The device may also be used to provide perfusion support in low flow disease states such as hemorrhagic shock and cardiac arrest. |
| US09931117B2 |
Surgical stapling instrument having transducer effecting vibrations
A surgical stapling instrument includes a tool assembly configured to eject staples. The tool assembly has a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly movable relative to each other. The cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly are configured to move between open and closed positions. The surgical stapling instrument further includes at least one transducer disposed in at least one of the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly. The transducers are adapted to effect vibrations to enhance stapling. In one embodiment, wires connect the transducers to a power generator. The power generator supplies energy to the transducers. |
| US09931115B2 |
Delivery device to deliver a staple
Apparatus for generating, applying and maintaining compression to a site in a human or animal body, the apparatus comprising: a staple comprising: a bridge configured to be elastically bendable; a first leg connected to the bridge by a first hinge region configured to be elastically bendable; and a second leg connected to the bridge by a second hinge region configured to be elastically bendable; wherein the first hinge region comprises a first hole configured to mate with a first element of a delivery device and the second hinge region comprises a second hole configured to mate with a second element of a delivery device; and wherein the first and second legs are angled toward one another when they are in an unstrained state; whereby, when the staple is mounted to a delivery device so that the first hole of the first hinge region mates with a first element of a delivery device and the second hole of the second hinge region mates with a second element of a delivery device, and when the delivery device applies a force to the bridge of the staple so as to reconfigure the bridge of the staple, the first and second legs are pivoted away from one another toward a parallel disposition. |
| US09931113B2 |
Needle-suture combination
A needle-suture combination includes a surgical needle having two ends and a suture connection location arranged between the two ends; a suture; and a connection part. A first end of the connection part is connected to the needle at the suture connection location and an opposite second end of the connection part is connected to the suture. The connection part includes a connection part cross section area and the suture includes a suture cross section area. The connection part cross section area is smaller than the suture cross section area. The connection part has a length which is larger than a longest distance from the suture connection location to each of the two ends of the needle. |
| US09931110B2 |
Method and apparatus for distracting a joint, including the provision and use of a novel fluid joint spacer
A fluid joint spacer comprising a body having means for receiving a pressurized fluid from an external source and applying that pressurized fluid against a joint element so as to create a flowing fluid bearing within the joint. |
| US09931107B2 |
Minimally invasive implantable neurostimulation system
A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes. |
| US09931103B1 |
Combination urinary funnel and biological indicator test device
A urinary funnel has proximal and distal openings and is preferably made from a resilient web scored to define two side panels foldable at a lower fold line that attach mutually together at a top flap. The funnel is collapsible so as to be carried in a wallet or purse. At least one biological indicator is fixed with the inner surface of the funnel structure proximate the distal opening for detecting the use of illicit drugs, pregnancy, or other biological conditions. The web may further includes a transverse slot proximate the lower fold line that is adapted to receive a biological indicator test strip therethrough. The biological indicator is applied to the biological indicator test strip that is in turn positioned through the transverse slot to rest against the inner surface of the funnel structure within the stream of urine flowing from the proximal opening to the distal opening. |
| US09931099B1 |
Electronic stethoscope lacking an earpiece assembly
An electronic stethoscope lacking an earpiece assembly can include a chestpiece base. The base can include a diaphragm, a transducer, a computer readable storage medium, and a transceiver. The transducer can detect analog auscultatory sounds from an auscultatory source and convert the sounds to a digital encoding. The encoding can be transmitted to a proximate or remote computing device via a secure communication channel. The earpiece assembly can be a cavity for transmitting the analog auscultatory sound from the base to the ear canal of a user. |
| US09931097B2 |
Imaging subject mould manufacturing method, and individualized imaging method
An individualized imaging method, comprising the following steps: scanning an imaging subject mold; conducting calibration, rectification and optimization on the imaging system according to the information obtained after mold imaging: scanning the imaging subject with the calibrated, rectified and optimized imaging system; optimizing information obtained by scanning the imaging subject and the mold thereof to obtain higher quality imaging results and data analysis result; and applying the higher quality imaging results and data analysis results to optimize the mold for use in the next imaging. |
| US09931095B2 |
Method for segmenting small features in an image volume
According to some embodiments, system and methods are provided comprising determining one or more image locations at which motion occurred within an image volume of an object containing movable anatomical features prior to segmenting the movable anatomical features; estimating motion at each of the one or more image locations; correcting one or more motion artifacts in the image volume at each of the one or more image locations, where motion was estimated resulting in the generation of a final motion compensated image; and segmenting one or more features of interest in the final motion compensated image. Numerous other aspects are provided. |
| US09931094B2 |
Method for generating X-ray image data of an examination object with suppressed calcium signal
A method is for generating X-ray image data of an examination object with reduced calcium blooming. The X-ray image data is based on X-ray projection data acquired with an energy-selective X-ray detector and in respect of at least two energy windows. An embodiment of the method includes determining a calcium content in the X-ray projection data by way of a base material analysis, the calcium content describing the calcium-determined part of the X-ray attenuation caused by the examination object; generating a mixed X-ray projection data record with calcium content suppressed by way of a weighting factor of less than one; and reconstructing the X-ray image data from the mixed projection data record by applying a reconstruction algorithm. |
| US09931092B2 |
Radiation imaging system and operation method thereof, and radiation image detecting device and storage medium storing operation program therefor
In an X-ray imaging system, first X-ray irradiation and second X-ray irradiation are performed in performing X-ray imaging once. A preview producing circuit subjects first image data outputted from a sensor panel after the first X-ray irradiation is finished to binning processing or thinning processing to produce a preview image. The produced image is transmitted through a communication I/F to a console while the sensor panel performs an accumulation operation in the second X-ray irradiation. The preview image is displayed on a monitor of the console in the second X-ray irradiation. |
| US09931091B2 |
Dose distribution display apparatus and an X-ray diagnostic apparatus
According to one embodiment, a dose distribution display apparatus includes storage circuitry, processing circuitry, and display circuitry. The storage circuitry stores position information of a support frame which supports an X-ray tube, and X-ray information concerning X-rays generated by the X-ray tube. The processing circuitry edits at least one of the X-ray information and the position information in accordance with an operator instruction, and generates a plurality of simulated dose distributions in time series based on the X-ray information and the position information, at least one of which has been edited, The display circuitry sequentially superimposes and displays the simulated dose distributions on an object model. |
| US09931090B2 |
Image processing apparatus, X-ray diagnosis apparatus, and display method
An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes a determination unit and a display control unit. The determination unit that determines whether an X-ray image serving as a first image is to be displayed as a moving image or a still image and a second image is to be displayed as a moving image or a still image according to display states of the images. The display control unit that controls a display unit to display thereon at least any one of superimposed images of a combination of a moving image and a moving image, a combination of a moving image and a still image, and a combination of a still image and a moving image of the X-ray image and the second image, according to the determination made by the determination unit. |
| US09931088B2 |
Displaying an acquisition field of view
A method is disclosed for displaying a selected acquisition field of view of a medical tomography apparatus in the region of a patient table of the tomography apparatus with the aid of an illumination device including at least one light source. In this regard, the illumination device includes at least one setting device for revealing and/or masking boundary areas of a field of illumination of the illumination device which are revealed or masked as a function of the selected acquisition field of view. An illumination device is also disclosed for this purpose. |
| US09931085B2 |
Device and method of monitoring a position and predicting an exit of a subject on or from a substrate
Methods and devices for monitoring the position of a subject are disclosed. One such method includes sensing pressure waves generated by the subject moving on a divided bladder comprising interleaved portions, generating signals indicative of the pressure waves for each of the interleaved portions, and sending the signals to a processor. The method further includes determining the position of the subject based on the difference between the signals from each of the interleaved portions and generating a pattern for the subject. The pattern includes the presence and/or position of the subject over time. The method further includes predicting an action such as an exit of the subject from the divided bladder based on comparing a current pattern for the subject to previous patterns for the subject. |
| US09931082B2 |
Time optimal phase sensitive inversion recovery reconstruction for magnetic resonance imaging
A system and method for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is disclosed that facilitates the phase sensitive reconstruction of inversion recovery magnetization prepared data with minimal scan time penalty by acquiring the phase reference data with low spatial resolution. The technique can be applied for the investigation of myocardial tissue characterization by acquiring 2D and/or 3D late Gadolinium enhancement (LGE) scans after the injection of a Gadolinium contrast agent. Regional areas of contrast accumulation in scarred myocardial tissue appear bright on these T1-weighted images. As disclosed here the proposed technique for phase sensitive inversion recovery acquisition with low resolution phase reference is robust against changes in inversion time, change in T1 due to Gadolinium contrast washout, high signal-to-noise ratio, and low scan time penalty compared to magnitude LGE. |
| US09931079B2 |
Clamp for securing a terminal end of a wire to a surface electrode
A clamp for securing a terminal end of a wire to a surface electrode formed on a cylindrical tube includes a first semicylindrical element. A second semicylindrical element is configured to be attached to the first semicylindrical element to form a tubular clamp structure that is adapted to be clamped around the cylindrical tube. The tubular clamp structure includes an interior surface configured to securely hold a terminal end of a wire against a surface electrode formed on the cylindrical tube. |
| US09931078B2 |
Near-infrared spectroscopy sensor with light sheet
A sensor includes a sensor pad configured to be disposed on a portion of a patient's body. A light sheet is disposed on the sensor pad and has a first substrate and a second substrate spaced from one another. The light sheet further includes a light source configured to emit near-infrared light and a light detector configured to detect near-infrared light. The light source and the light detector are disposed between the substrates. The sensor pad is configured to allow light generated by the light source to travel through the portion of the patient's body to the light detector. The light received by the light detector is indicative of oxygen saturation of the portion of the patient's body through which the light travelled. |
| US09931075B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing glycemic control
Methods and system to provide glycemic control and therapy management based on monitored glucose data, and current and/or target HbA1C levels are provided. |
| US09931072B2 |
Method for characterizing a sample by measurement of a backscattered optical signal
Determining an optical property of a sample having an illumination of a surface of the sample with the aid of a light beam, so as to form, on the surface of the said sample, an elementary illumination zone, corresponding to the part of the said surface illuminated by the said sample. A detection of N optical signals, backscattered by the sample, each optical signal emanating from the surface of the sample at a distance, termed the backscattering distance, from the said elementary illumination zone, N being an integer greater than or equal to 1, so as to form as many detected signals. A determination of at least one optical property of the sample, by comparison between: a function of each signal thus detected and a plurality of estimations of the said function each estimation being carried out by considering a predetermined value of the said optical property, characterized in that during the said detection step, at least one backscattering distance is less than 200 pm. |
| US09931068B2 |
Drug elution for in vivo protection of bio-sensing analytes
A sensor (e.g., an optical sensor) that may be implanted within a living animal (e.g., a human) and may be used to measure an analyte (e.g., glucose or oxygen) in a medium (e.g., interstitial fluid, blood, or intraperitoneal fluid) within the animal. The sensor may include a sensor housing, an analyte indicator covering at least a portion of the sensor housing, and one or more therapeutic agents. The one or more therapeutic agents may reduce deterioration of the analyte indicator. The one or more therapeutic agents may be incorporated within the analyte indicator, a membrane covering at least a portion of the analyte indicator, and/or one or more drug eluting polymer matrices, which may be external to or within the sensor housing. |
| US09931062B2 |
Wearable device system with driver mode steering detection
A system and method of operation involves collecting acceleration and gyroscope data from a first sensor positioned in a wearable device on a user's wrist and a second sensor located in a mobile device. The mobile device determines a trajectory for the wearable device by filtering the first sensor data using the second sensor data, and determines a probability of the user holding an automobile steering wheel using the trajectory. The method may also include determining a probability of the user holding an automobile steering wheel of a specific automobile selected from an automobile list. The disclosed system includes the wearable device and the mobile device. |
| US09931056B2 |
Spirometer breathing tube with compound membrane
A compound membrane breathing tube for use in spirometric applications is provided. The compound membrane comprises a first sheet and a second sheet of flexible sheeting connected together along the periphery thereof, and each of the sheets has an opening cut therethrough to create a flap. The flap of the first sheet overlaps the flap of the second sheet so as to present a higher relative resistance to airflow through the breathing tube at lower airflows. |
| US09931055B2 |
Mouthpiece for accurate detection of exhaled NO
A low back pressure mouthpiece for accurate detection of exhaled nitric oxide (NO) includes a conduit for receiving the exhaled breath from the subject. An oxidizing filter for sample conditioning, wherein the conduit and oxidizing filter operate to produce a back pressure of less than 4 cm H2O; and a device for measuring the level of one or more components of the received exhaled breath. |
| US09931052B2 |
Catheter with combined position and pressure sensing structures
A catheter is responsive to external and internal magnetic field generators for generating position data of the catheter position and pressure data to determine pressured exerted on a distal end of the catheter when engaged with tissue, with a reduced number of sensing coils and reduced number of sensing coil leads for minimizing lead breakage and failure. The catheter includes a distal section adapted for engagement with patient tissue, where the distal section has a proximal portion, a distal portion and a flexible joint with a resilient member adapted to allow axial displacement and angular deflection between the proximal and distal portions of the distal section. The catheter may have three or less sensing coils with three or less leads, each transmitting signals between a respective sensing coil and the signal processor. |
| US09931049B2 |
Method and apparatus for the detection and control of repolarization alternans
A method and apparatus are disclosed for preventing heart rhythm disturbances by optimally recording cardiac electrical activity, optimally measuring beat-to-beat variability in the morphology of electrocardiographic waveforms, and using the measured beat-to-beat variability to control the delivery of therapy to the heart. |
| US09931045B2 |
Nerve electrode
A nerve electrode cuff includes an electrode and a cuff body. |
| US09931039B2 |
Methods related to real-time cancer diagnostics at endoscopy utilizing fiber-optic Raman spectroscopy
A method of achieving instrument independent measurements for quantitative analysis of fiber-optic Raman spectroscope system, the system comprising a laser source, a spectroscope and a fiber optic probe to transmit light from the laser source to a target and return scattered light to the spectroscope, the method comprising transmitting light from the laser source to a standard target having a known spectrum, recording a calibration spectrum of the scattered light from the standard target, comparing the known spectrum and the calibration system and generating a probe and/or probe-system transfer function, and storing the transfer function. Further provided is a method of performing real-time diagnostic Raman spectroscopy optionally in combination with the other disclosed methods. |
| US09931034B2 |
Optical coherence tomography
An optical coherence tomography includes a light source, a light separator, a light generator configured to generate interference light, a detector configured to detect the interference light, a first optical element, and at least one of second optical elements comprising a pair of surfaces, and performs forming a tomographic image of a subject. The first optical element is arranged on a measurement light path so as to be closest to the subject, and satisfies at least one of following conditional formulas: −(W−S) |
| US09931030B2 |
Endoscope defogging and pre-heating device
An endoscope defogging and pre-heating device includes a bag including a first seal line and first and second chambers defined at an opposite lateral sides relative to the first seal line, a heat storage/release material flowing between the first chamber and the second chamber for storing/releasing heat energy, a fixation device for securing the bag in a folded status to hold the endoscope to be pre-heated between the first and second chambers, and an actuator bendable to generate oscillation waves for causing the heat storage/release material to produce a temperature rise and then to release heat for pre-heating the loaded endoscope to about 98° F.˜138° F. |
| US09931026B2 |
Balloon catheter with image capture and light emission features
A dilation catheter system comprises a guide member, a dilation catheter, and an image sensor. The guide member includes a shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end. The shaft defines a longitudinal axis. The dilation catheter comprises an expandable dilator and is movable relative to the guide member. The expandable dilator is sized to fit within one or both of a Eustachian tube or a passageway associated with a paranasal sinus. The image sensor is configured to provide visualization within anatomy of a patient. The image sensor is integral with the dilation catheter. |
| US09931025B1 |
Automated calibration of endoscopes with pull wires
A surgical robotic system automatically calibrates tubular and flexible surgical tools such as endoscopes. By compensating for unideal behavior of an endoscope, the surgical robotic system can accurately model motions of the endoscope and navigate the endoscope while performing a surgical procedure on a patient. During calibration, the surgical robotic system moves the endoscope to a target position and receives data describing an actual position and/or orientation of the endoscope. The surgical robotic system determines gain values based at least on the discrepancy between the target position and the actual position. The endoscope can include tubular components referred to as a sheath and leader. An instrument device manipulator of the surgical robotic system actuates pull wires coupled to the sheath and/or the leader, which causes the endoscope to articulate. |
| US09931024B2 |
Endoscope
An endoscope includes: an operation portion; an insertion portion pivotable relative to the operation portion; a pivot state switching instruction portion; a sliding member slidable in a longitudinal axis direction of the operation portion along with a switching operation of the pivot state switching instruction portion; a holding ring configured to hold the sliding member; and a pivot restriction switching device provided with a braking member on an end portion on pivot portion side of the sliding member, and configured to switch over a state of a pivot portion from a pivotable state to a pivot restricted state or from the pivot restricted state to the pivotable state, the braking member being pressed against and disposed on the pivot portion to apply braking force. |
| US09931021B2 |
Method for identifying objects in a subject's ear
A method of identifying objects in a subject's ear, comprising the following steps: introducing an optical electronic imaging unit and a light source into an ear canal of a subject's outer ear, wherein the electronic imaging unit exhibits an optical axis directed in a distal direction, especially directed at the eardrum of the subject's ear; using the electronic imaging unit to capture an image from an eccentric observation point positioned on the optical axis and positioned eccentrically within the ear canal; and determining brightness or color information to identify objects shown in the image by electronic means, in order to automatically identify the objects, especially the eardrum. |
| US09931016B2 |
Dishwasher insulation blanket
A dishwasher includes a tub with a sidewall. A vent is attached to the sidewall of the tub. An inlet line is disposed outside the sidewall and is attached to the vent. The inlet line provides water to the tub through the sidewall. An insulation blanket is disposed over the tub sidewall and the vent. A water vapor path extends from the vent to at least an edge of the insulation blanket. |
| US09931015B2 |
Hydraulically-driven dishwasher diverters
Hydraulically-driven dishwasher diverters are disclosed herein. An example hydraulically-driven dishwasher diverter includes a diverter housing having a plurality of wash zone openings defined therethrough corresponding to respective wash zones of a dishwasher, and a rotating cylindrical diverter valve including a valve outlet to fluidly couple a fluid flowing through the cylindrical diverter valve through one of the wash zone openings, a flexible portion adjacent the valve outlet to seal another one of the wash zone openings in response to fluid pressure in the cylindrical diverter valve while the valve outlet is fluidly flowing the fluid through the one of the wash zone openings. |
| US09931010B2 |
Autonomously traveling floor washer, cleaning schedule data structure, storage medium, method for creating cleaning schedule, and program
In an autonomously traveling floor washer, a position estimating unit estimates position data. When a manual operation teaching mode is being executed, a taught data obtaining unit obtains taught position data and a taught cleaning condition at a taught data obtaining time. A cleaning schedule generation unit generates a cleaning schedule. When an autonomous cleaning mode is executed, a cleaning reproduction unit calculates and outputs a reproduced travel control command and a reproduced cleaning condition in an elapsed time based on the cleaning schedule. An elapsed time determining unit determines the taught data obtaining time and the elapsed time. |
| US09931007B2 |
Evacuation station
An evacuation station includes a base and a canister removably attached to the base. The base includes a ramp having an inclined surface for receiving a robotic cleaner having a debris bin. The ramp defines an evacuation intake opening arranged to pneumatically interface with the debris bin. The base also includes a first conduit portion pneumatically connected to the evacuation intake opening, an air mover having an inlet and an exhaust, and a particle filter pneumatically the exhaust of the air mover. The canister includes a second conduit portion arranged to pneumatically interface with the first conduit portion to form a pneumatic debris intake conduit, an exhaust conduit arranged to pneumatically connect to the inlet of the air mover when the canister is attached to the base, and a separator in pneumatic communication with the second conduit portion. |
| US09931005B2 |
Surface cleaning apparatus
A reconfigurable upright vacuum cleaner has a portable surface cleaning unit removably mounted to an upper portion and is securable thereto by a portable surface cleaning unit lock. The portable surface cleaning unit has the operable members of the portable surface cleaning unit lock provided on the portable surface cleaning unit and removable with the portable surface cleaning unit from the upper portion. |
| US09931003B2 |
Beauty device, body of beauty device, and head of beauty device
A first head of a beauty device includes a stirring mechanism stirring bubbles, and a head case provided with an opening for allowing the bubbles stirred by the stirring mechanism to pass through. When the first head is used while being mounted to the body of the beauty device, bubbles are supplied to the stirring mechanism from the body of the beauty device. In a state where bubbles supplied to the stirring mechanism are present between the stirring mechanism and the skin, the bubbles are stirred and moved between the stirring mechanism and the skin by the stirring mechanism, and thus impurities of the skin are removed by the bubbles. |
| US09930986B2 |
Vacuum electric cooker
The present invention has an object to provide a vacuum electric cooker as can be easily worked by an operator and as can minimize a stress to be applied to the container. The vacuum electric cooker of this invention includes a cooker body having a horizontal base and a stand section, a cooker container including a cooking tool, a cover member having a discharge nozzle, a connecting arm having a base end attached to the stand section as to rock in a vertical plane between a horizontal active position and a vertical inactive position. A connecting nozzle is attached to the connecting arm and connected to the discharge nozzle when the connecting arm is at the active position. A vacuum pump is disposed in the cooker body, and a tube is connected to the vacuum pump and the connecting nozzle. |
| US09930985B2 |
Magnetic purse hanger
An article for magnetically attaching a purse to a vertical magnetized surface such as a public restroom stall partition. The article includes enclosed magnet(s) joined to a clasp or ring, which is removably attached to a purse strap or purse hardware. Once attached to the purse, the article may be removably adhered to a magnetized surface. |
| US09930978B2 |
Vacuum packaging
A vacuum sealable container for baked or cooked food including a base section to receive the food in its entirety, the base section having at least one runner where the at least one runner divides the base section into equally sized portions and a lid shaped to fit the base section, the lid having at least one blade where the at least one blade slots into the at least one runner when the lid is placed over the base to close the container and where the at least one blade performs at least one of: cutting the food into the equally sized portions and holding the food in place between the at least one blade and the at least one runner and where the container is at least one of: sealed with a vacuum when used with a vacuum sealing bag and a vacuum machine and self-sealing. |
| US09930971B2 |
Mattress insert
The invention is a mattress insert comprising supporting blocks (10, 12, 14) made of a foam material and arranged on a base body, said supporting blocks (10, 12, 14) are formed integrally with the base body, and said supporting blocks (10, 12, 14) comprise first supporting blocks (10) arranged with spacings from one another, and second supporting blocks (12, 14) arranged in the spacings, wherein a height of the second supporting blocks (12, 14) relative to the base body is lower than that of the first supporting blocks (10). |
| US09930970B2 |
Adjustable bed with outer support perimeter
An adjustable bed is provided. The adjustable bed can include an outer support perimeter that provides structural support to various components of the adjustable bed. The outer support perimeter can include a plurality of panels, where two panels can be coupled together by a panel connecting member which can be received inside a void of both panels. The panel connecting member can be secured to the two panels using one or more fasteners in such a manner that the fasteners are not visible on the outside surface of the outer support perimeter. The adjustable bed can include a storage compartment positioned beneath a foot segment of a mattress support member. The storage compartment can be accessed by pivoting the foot segment of the mattress support member up and away from the adjustable bed. |
| US09930969B2 |
Bed apparatus
To provide a bed apparatus in which the user's posture can be easily adjusted, which can be divided into lightweight and compact sections and is easy to convey, assembly and disassemble, and has improved work efficiency and maintenance performance. The bed apparatus includes: an upper frame including a back-raising mechanism and a knee-raising mechanism; and link type lifting mechanisms for moving up and down the upper frame, and is constructed such that the link type lifting mechanisms are arranged under the upper frame on the head side and on the foot side, respectively, a connection frame that integrally joins the link type lifting mechanisms to one another, is arranged between the head-side link type lifting mechanism and the foot-side link type lifting mechanism, and the operations of the back-raising mechanism and knee-raising mechanism, the head-side link type lifting mechanisms can be controlled individually or in cooperation. |
| US09930967B2 |
Collapsible self-supporting canopy
Collapsible self-supporting canopy are presented including: two U-shaped bows pivotally coupled by a pair of locking hinges, each locking hinge positioned along outward ends of each of the U-shaped bows; a first panel supported by the U-shaped bows, the first panel extending beyond the shaped bows, where the first panel includes a cutout that defines a pivot point; a flexible panel support for supporting a second panel coupled with the first panel; a back edge U-shaped bow for supporting a third panel, the third panel coupled with the second panel and a portion of the first panel; a back panel removably coupled with the third panel, the back panel including at least a circular head support adjustably coupled thereto; and a front panel removably coupled with the first panel, the front panel including a neck cutout defining a substantially circular opening. |
| US09930966B2 |
Compact collapsible chair
A collapsible chair comprises a pair of intermediate frame members, seat support poles, leg poles, and a pliable seat. The intermediate frame members can be oriented in a crossed manner or can be oriented, via a pivot connection between the two, such that they are parallel. Each intermediate frame member comprises pole sockets. The seat support poles are removably securable to the intermediate frame members via the pole sockets. The leg poles are also removably securable to the intermediate frame members via the pole sockets. The pliable seat is removably attachable to all four of the seat support poles in a manner such that the seat support poles can support the seat, with the leg poles supporting the intermediate frame members, and the intermediate frame members supporting the seat support poles. |
| US09930964B2 |
Shelf
Disclosed is a shelf having a slanted base. In example embodiments the base may include a protrusion configured to engage an electronic device, such as, but not limited to, a camera. Example embodiments also relate to a system having the shelf and the electronic device. |
| US09930960B2 |
Rack component and rack system
A rack component having a component body with a front, back, top, base, width between the front and the back, and an aperture extending through the component body near the top, the top of the component body configured to be the negative of a cut-out on the base, such that the cut-out on the base of one component body can receive the configuration on the top of an adjacent component body below it. A rack system using a series of the rack components is also disclosed. |
| US09930953B2 |
Container for cosmetic product, provided with telescopic movement means
A container for cosmetic product has a receptacle provided with an inner space and having a cup designed to receive the product. The container also has means that are intended for moving the cup and are provided with a first part and a second part which are coaxial with the cup along an axis of the receptacle. The cup, the first part, and the second part are interlinked in a telescopic movement along the axis. |
| US09930952B2 |
Compact type of airtight cosmetic container
Disclosed herein is a compact type of airtight cosmetic container. A shoulder cap (40) to which a mesh is coupled and a puff storage cap (50) which stores a puff are successively placed onto and coupled to a medial body (30) which contains a cosmetic therein. The shoulder cap and the puff storage cap can be airtightly coupled to the medial body by a sealing member (51) provided under the puff storage cap and a sealing ring (43) provided in the lower surface of the shoulder cap. A pressurizing means pressurizes the puff storage cap onto the medial body such that the sealing member and the sealing ring are compressed, whereby the sealability of the cosmetic container can be enhanced so that leakage of powder or a cosmetic change attributable to water evaporation can be reliably prevented. |
| US09930951B2 |
Drawing apparatus and drawing method for drawing apparatus
A drawing apparatus is provided by which quality of a predetermined degree or higher can be preserved in cases of drawing a nail design on a nail; and a drawing method for the drawing apparatus.The drawing apparatus includes a reference plane on which a finger or toe having a nail is mounted; a drawing unit (40) that draws a nail design on a drawable area in the nail; a nail height detection portion (814) that detects a distribution of height from the reference plane within a surface of the nail, on the basis of an image obtained by imaging the nail; and a design determination portion (815) that determines the suitability of drawing the nail design on the surface of the nail by the drawing unit (40), on the basis of the drawable area based on the distribution by the nail height detection portion (814). |
| US09930948B2 |
Tangle free protective roll and jewelry organizer
A tangle free protective roll and jewelry organizer including a smaller rectangular piece of pliable decorative materials upon which a longer rectangular piece of pliable rubberized material is attached. Whereupon the longer rectangular piece of rubberized material extends beyond the decorative material so that when the items are rolled the rubberized material contacts the items thus holding them in place securely and preventing the items from rubbing up against each other potentially causing scratches, tangling or other damage. The protective roll improves the packing process and simplifies it to a matter of laying the items perpendicular to the roll direction on the rubberized materials an inch apart in packing and simply unrolling the roll and lifting the item out to wear, use or put away at the arrived upon destination. |
| US09930946B2 |
Sterile case for electronic devices used in medical procedures
A sterile case for an electronic device used during medical procedures includes a rigid housing with at least one transparent face. An opening in the housing permits movement of the device into and out of the housing in, for example, a direction parallel to the length or width of the housing. A door attached to the housing moves between open and closed positions to seal the opening. A sleeve is configured to be received, when the door is in the open position, partially within the housing and to extend outward from the housing through the opening. The sleeve defines a bore aligned with the opening and configured to receive the device and to permit insertion of the device through the sleeve into the housing without contact between the device and a rim of the housing surrounding the opening. |
| US09930942B2 |
Cantilever umbrella with integrated control mechanisms
Umbrella assemblies described herein are configured to retract and extend, tilt side to side, and open and close. In some embodiments, the umbrella assembly can include a cantilevered beam. The umbrella assembly can further include a tilt mechanism operable to rotate the canopy frame. The umbrella assembly can include a clutch mechanism fixed to the cantilevered beam. The umbrella assembly can also include an integrated mechanism to both open and close the canopy frame and raise and lower the cantilevered beam. |
| US09930941B1 |
Walking aid system and method
An illuminated walking assistance apparatus. The illuminated walking assistance apparatus is made in the form of a staff having a light pipe in the lower portion thereof which provides diffused illumination in the immediate vicinity of the apparatus and at the same time, a bright light visible for a substantial distance to alert or signal others. A walking aid that may include an elongated support shaft to be used as a walking support. The length of the support shaft may extend between an upper end and a lower end. At the upper end of the elongated support shaft, the walking aid support may include a handle assembly that includes a hand grip. The walking aid may include a light source having a user interface that may be designed to selectably emit light outward from the elongated support shaft. |
| US09930930B2 |
Shoe having a split welt
A shoe includes a sole, an upper, and a welt. The upper is operatively secured to the sole. The sole and upper define a seam. The seam has a seam toe region, a seam heel region, a seam lateral side region, a seam ball region, and a seam instep region. The welt is secured to at least one of the sole and the upper. The welt covers the seam toe region, the seam lateral side region, the seam heel region, and the seam instep region. The welt does not cover the seam ball region. |
| US09930929B2 |
Sole structure for an article of footwear with abrasion resistant outsole and method of manufacturing same
A sole structure for an article of footwear includes an outsole that has a body with a lateral side and a medial side, and has a plurality of tread elements extending from the body to establish a ground contact surface. At least some of the tread elements extend between the lateral side and the medial side and each include a front face, a rear face, and a bottom face that connects the front face and the rear face. At least some of the bottom faces each have a respective width between the front face and the rear face that varies between the lateral side and the medial side at least partially in correspondence with a predetermined wear pattern. A method of manufacturing a sole structure for an article of footwear includes forming an outsole with such nonlinear tread elements. |
| US09930922B2 |
Article of footwear incorporating braided tensile strands
A branched braid member has a central braid portion and one or more tensile strands or small braids at either end of the central braid portion. The branched braid member may be incorporated into a shoe upper. |
| US09930919B1 |
Hair extension integration system
A hair extension integration system having a plurality of hairpieces, a headband and a plurality of barrettes, the system selectively integrating with the user's natural hair without the need of any other attachment devices. Hook and loop fastener material attaches the hairpieces to the headband and barrettes. The hook and loop fastener material faces away from natural hair and skin of the user, protecting the hair from snags and friction. The hair extensions are not limited to one size or color. The hook material is preferably on the hairpieces and the loop material is preferably on the headband and barrettes. The system has a kit comprising the hairpieces, the headband and at least one barrette. |
| US09930912B2 |
Pipe lighter holder and tool
A standard smoking lighter slides into a hole on top of a plastic sheath so that only the top of the lighter is exposed. The bottom of the sheath has a hammer like protrusion at one end to stuff tobacco or other herb into a pipe. The opposite end of the bottom has a pivot point for a poker which serves to mix the herb and ash within the pipe and/or clean the debris from the pipe. The poker folds up into the sheath when not in use. Thus, a three function pipe tool provides a lighter, a stuffer and a poker. |
| US09930909B2 |
Oral product
An oral product includes a body that is wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a mouth-soluble polymer matrix, cellulosic fibers embedded in the mouth-soluble polymer matrix, and nicotine or a derivative thereof dispersed in the mouth-soluble polymer matrix. The oral product is adapted to release the nicotine or a derivative thereof from the body when the body is received within the oral cavity and exposed to saliva. |
| US09930903B2 |
Frozen confection machine
The present disclosure relates to a flowable edible product dispensing apparatus, which includes: a programmable controller; a touchscreen interface including an indicator of at least one edible item for selection, the operator interface in communication with the programmable controller, a dispensing system in communication the operator interface. The programmable controller, being wirelessly connected to the internet, is operable to associate the at least one edible item with the least one flowable edible and/or inedible product. The dispensing system dispenses an amount of the at least one flowable edible and/or inedible product associated with the selected edible item when the at least one edible and/or inedible item is selected. |
| US09930902B2 |
Frozen alcohol maker machine
At least one thermally conductive receptacle in thermal communication with the heat exchange engine, the thermally conductive receptacle is configured to receive and retain a volume of alcohol. The heat exchange engine is configured to extract heat from the thermally conductive receptacle and freeze solid the volume of alcohol when the volume of alcohol is received within the at least one thermally conductive receptacle. An extraction element is included and disposed within the housing, the extraction element configured to extract the frozen alcohol from the thermally conductive receptacle. |
| US09930901B2 |
Process for the production of a liquid coffee concentrate
The invention relates to a process for the production of a liquid coffee concentrate that has an improved storage stability at ambient temperature. The process comprises treating a coffee concentrate to a heat treatment and a pH increasing step. |
| US09930900B2 |
Low-mycotoxin coffee cherry products
A coffee cherry is harvested, preferably in a sub-ripe state, and quick-dried to provide a basis for numerous nutritional products. Such coffee cherries and portions thereof may be particularly characterized by their extremely low concentration of mycotoxins, including various aflatoxins, fumonisins, ochratoxins, and/or vomitoxin (DON, deoxynivalenol). |
| US09930899B2 |
Variants of chymosin with improved milk-clotting properties
Variants of chymosin with improved milk-clotting properties. |
| US09930896B2 |
Shrimp processing system and methods
Methods and systems using a vision system to process shrimp. The vision system captures images of samples of shrimps. The processor produces a digital image of the shrimps in the samples. Shrimps exiting a peeler are imaged to determine the number of tail segments in each. The shrimps are classified by the number of intact segments, and quality, yield, and throughput computed from the classification results. The processor can control operational settings of the peeler based on the classification results. In a larger system including other shrimp-processing equipment besides the peeler, other points along the processing path can be imaged by camera or sensed by other sensors to determine processing quality and to make automatic operational adjustments to the equipment. |
| US09930895B2 |
Apparatus for preparation of a food product
A twisting apparatus comprising a loading device intended to load a food product into a casing, and a braking device, is described. The loading device comprises two tubular filling bodies, or filling tubes, intended to support the casing and a twisting device intended to rotate each filling tube about its axis, and a movable frame or carriage able to support the loading device. The twisting apparatus includes a rotation unit intended to cause rotation of the loading device and angularly displace the two tubular filling bodies with respect to the braking device. Also provided is a displacement drive member connected to said movable frame or carriage so as to move with an approaching and separating displacement, or to-and-fro movement, the two tubular filling bodies away from and towards the braking device. The rotation unit includes a rotation drive member fixed to said movable frame or carriage and is able to be moved by said displacement drive member together with the loading device. The displacement drive member is also configured to move the loading device with respect to an entry member for supplying the product. |
| US09930892B2 |
Molecules having pesticidal utility, and intermediates, compositions, and processes, related thereto
This disclosure relates to the field of molecules having pesticidal utility against pests in Phyla Arthropoda, Mollusca, and Nematoda, processes to produce such molecules, intermediates used in such processes, compositions containing such molecules, and processes of using such molecules and compositions against such pests. These molecules and compositions may be used, for example, as acaricides, insecticides, miticides, molluscicides, and nematicides. This document discloses molecules having the following formula (“Formula One”). |
| US09930891B2 |
Synergistic herbicidal composition containing penoxsulam and pyroxsulam
A synergistic mixture of penoxsulam and pyroxsulam controls weeds in rice, cereal and grain crops, tree and vine crops, pome, stone and citrus crops, pastures, rangelands, industrial vegetation management (IVM), and turf. |
| US09930890B2 |
Heteroarylpiperidine and -piperazine derivatives as fungicides
Heteroarylpiperidine and -piperazine derivatives of the formula (I) in which the symbols A, X, Y, L1, L2, G, Q, p, R1, R2 and R10 are each as defined in the description, and salts, metal complexes and N-oxides of the compounds of the formula (I), and the use thereof for controlling phytopathogenic harmful fungi and processes for preparing compounds of the formula (I). |
| US09930888B2 |
Composition
Antimicrobial composition comprising a lactam and a hydrotrope. Antimicrobial additive composition containing a lactam and a hydrotrope. |
| US09930887B2 |
Compound for increasing amino acid content in plant, and use thereof
In order to develop a technique for increasing an amino acid content and to provide a technique for easily producing a plant having an increased amino acid content, an amino acid content in a plant is increased by an amino acid content promoting agent, a composition containing the amino acid content promoting agent, a kit including an amino acid content promoting agent, or a kit including a composition containing the amino acid content promoting agent, and a plant having an increased amino acid content is produced. |
| US09930886B2 |
Nematode repellent composition
In one aspect, this invention relates to a nematode repellent composition comprising an effective nematode repellent amount of a fatty acid and an anthranilate ester. In another aspect, this invention relates to a method of repelling nematodes employing such composition. |
| US09930883B2 |
Compositions and methods for preservation of materials in the amorphous state
The present disclosure provides methods and compositions including a sugar and a choline hydrogen phosphate salt for preservation and stabilization of materials in the amorphous state. The compositions and methods suppress the formation of crystals in materials in the amorphous state. |
| US09930880B2 |
Bait station with package retention
A rodent bait station for retention of sachet bait, which is a malleable bait retained within a porous bag or package having sidewardly protruding flaps. The bait station may be a molded plastic structure with a lid hinged to a base. Base walls define a bait compartment sized to receive the sachet bait such that the flaps overlie the opposed bait compartment base walls. The lid has downwardly protruding bait compartment walls which overlie the base bait compartment walls. Undulating or jagged teeth are formed on the lid and base bait compartment walls. When the lid is closed on the base, the teeth projecting from the lid cooperate with the teeth protruding from the base, thereby engaging and clamping a retained sachet bait package flaps to thus retain the package with the bait station even after a rodent has broken into the package to access the poison contained therein. |
| US09930879B2 |
Packaging cue system for consumer products
A visual cue system associated with a plurality of consumer product packages includes a first visual cue with at least a first symbol and first text associated therewith and is further associated with a first consumer product. A second visual cue has at least a second symbol and second text associated therewith and is further associated with a second consumer product. A regimen key is associated with at least one of the first or second consumer products. Further, the first and second consumer product packages are different. |
| US09930875B2 |
Anti-reverse device for fishing spinning reel
An anti-reverse device for a fishing reel according to an embodiment includes an anti-reverse gear provided on a rotator rotated by a handle operation, an anti-reverse pawl to be engaged with the anti-reverse gear, and a cam controlling engagement and disengagement of the anti-reverse pawl with the anti-reverse gear in accordance with a rotational direction of the rotator. The cam includes a friction clip attached to the rotator and rotating together with the rotator with a friction force between the rotator and the friction clip, and a bias member biasing the friction clip in a direction in which a clamping force of the clip member is increased. The friction clip includes two clip members clipping the rotator, a connecting portion connecting the two clip members so as to be openable and closable, and an engaging portion formed in one of the two clip members to engage with the anti-reverse pawl. |
| US09930865B1 |
Pet food bowl
A height adjustable pet food bowl is capable of being secured to a flat surface by means of a suction cup contained within a base portion. The pet food bowl is positioned at a tilted orientation for easier feeding by the pet. The bowl utilizes volumetric graduations displayed on an inner surface. In an exemplary embodiment, measurements are denoted in increments of cups. |
| US09930863B2 |
Safety valve for an automated milker unit backflushing and teat dip applicator system
A system for cleaning a dairy animal milker unit and applying dip to a dairy animal, the system includes a main control, an air supply, a water supply, a backflush fluid supply, a dip supply, a stall control for receiving the air, water, backflush fluid and dip supplies, and a safety valve that is adjacent to a downstream portion of the milker unit to control backflush and dip fluids being fed to the milker unit. |
| US09930857B1 |
Soybean cultivar 61311131
A soybean cultivar designated 61311131 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 61311131, to the plants of soybean cultivar 61311131, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 61311131, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 61311131. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 61311131. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 61311131, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 61311131 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US09930844B1 |
Hybrid corn variety X14604
The invention provides seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated X14604. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety X14604, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety X14604 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety X14604. |
| US09930841B2 |
Vertically oriented collapsible hydroponic plant production apparatus
Described is an apparatus that can be used for the vertically oriented culture of plants using soilless means such as aquaponics or hydroponics. The apparatus can include a plurality of pockets and a backing. Each pocket of the plurality of pockets can be used to house an individual plant. Each pocket of the plurality can have a water reservoir, an outlet hole at a top of the water reservoir and a channel along a front of the pocket configured to direct water from the outlet hole to another pocket or collection container below the pocket. The plurality of pockets can be connected to the backing in a column or other configuration. |
| US09930839B2 |
Arrangement in boom system
An arrangement in a boom system, specifically in a forest machine, includes at least two interlinked boom parts and at least one power transmission connected to the boom parts for moving the boom parts in relation to each other and the environment. The boom part includes an elongated body with a hollow structure and at least one set of joints intersected by turning axles for attaching the boom part to an adjacent structure, and at least one set of attachments for attaching an actuator controlling the boom system to the body, whereby at least one boom part is formed as a uniform, hollow piece made of fluid material. The cross-section of the body is made to cinch toward the midpoint of the body. |
| US09930836B2 |
Strapping system for agricultural implement
A strapping system for an agricultural implement includes a strap feeding assembly positioned on a first side of a baling chamber and a rotating gripper assembly positioned on a second side of the baling chamber, opposite the first side. The strapping system also includes a track assembly configured to direct a strap from the strap feeding assembly to the rotating gripper assembly. The rotating gripper assembly is configured to grip the strap while the rotating gripper assembly is in a first orientation, and while the rotating gripper assembly is in a second orientation that enables crop flow in a rearward direction to draw the strap through the strap feeding assembly. |
| US09930835B2 |
Wrapping device
A wrapping device to wrap an object in foil material including a frame, a wrapping table mounted on the frame and configured to support the object during wrapping, one or more roll support devices to support one or more rolls of foil material to be rotated about the object during wrapping, a carrying structure mounted on the frame and configured to carry the one or more roll support devices, and a clamping and cutting device to clamp the foil material after wrapping of an object, and to cut the clamped foil material, wherein the clamping and cutting device is mounted on the carrying structure, and wherein the carrying structure is pivotable about a substantially horizontal pivot axis with respect to the frame. |
| US09930833B2 |
Tilt cylinder remote attachment apparatus
A header is removably attached to lift arms of an agricultural harvester and by a tilt cylinder pivotable about an axis A between an elevated installation position and a lower operational position. A perch assembly including a perch is positioned adjacent axis A to remotely pivot the tilt cylinder between the installation and operating positions and a downwardly facing hook shaped latching device is mounted on the tilt cylinder to engage and attach to a mounting pin on the header. |
| US09930830B2 |
Selective harvester
The present application relates to selective harvesting of agricultural objects, such as asparagus spears. One described example relates to a harvester that includes at least one set of independently controllable cutter arm assemblies that rotate about a common axis to harvest individual asparagus spears. |
| US09930827B2 |
Systems and methods for aerial seeding
Reforestation capsules composed of biodegradable materials are operable to be used in aerial reforestation operations. Capsules may contain one or more seedlings, compacted fertilizer, soil, and/or nutrients. Capsules include a flight platform component and cone tip component. The capsule structure survives impact and may serve as additional nutrient for the seedling(s). A housing unit sized and configured to contain and dispense capsules can be mounted or otherwise housed in an aircraft to deliver capsules. |
| US09930823B2 |
Reducing wheel forces on a field surface
A system for reducing implement wheel forces on a field surface has an agricultural implement with a frame mounted on frame wheels and ground engaging tools mounted on the frame. When the ground engaging tools move down to penetrate the field surface they exert an upward tool force on the frame. Support arms are movably connected to the implement frame and a support wheel is rotatably mounted to each support arm. A support bias element exerts a support bias force on each support arm to force the support wheel against the field surface and to correspondingly force the implement frame upward, transferring a supported frame weight from the implement frame to the support wheels, such that an unsupported frame weight is carried on the frame wheels. A bias control varies the support bias forces to maintain the unsupported frame weight at a level greater than the upward tool force. |
| US09930822B2 |
Mounting structure for down-pressure system for opener assembly of agricultural implement
A down-pressure system for an agricultural implement has a linear actuator connected between a frame assembly and an opener assembly. A mounting structure for connecting the linear actuator to the opener assembly includes a bushing and an alignment member attached to the linear actuator. The bushing has protrusions extending transversely from opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the linear actuator. Each protrusion has a curved engagement surface for engaging a flat surface on the opener assembly to prevent bending stresses on the linear actuator when the opener assembly is raised and lowered. The alignment member is arranged to lock the bushing into a predetermined rotational position about a longitudinal axis of the linear actuator relative to the opener assembly. The alignment member comprises a first structure that mates with a corresponding structure on the bushing, and a second structure that engages opposite sides of the opener assembly. |
| US09936618B2 |
Board level shields including foil and/or film covers
According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of board level shields that include film and/or foil (e.g., electrically-conductive plastic film, metallized or metal plated film, metal foil, reinforced foil, poly-foil, etc.) covers or lids. Also disclosed are exemplary embodiments of methods relating to making EMI shielding apparatus or assemblies. Additionally, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of methods relating to providing shielding for one or more components on a substrate. |
| US09936617B2 |
Electromagnetic interference splice shield
A splice device for electromagnetically sealing a junction or bond between a plurality of cables is provided. A first and second cable each has a conductive core wire, an inner insulation, a braided sleeve, and an insulating cover. The junction or bond fixes and electrically connects the core wire of the second cable to the core wire of the first cable. A plurality of ferrules overlays the braided sleeve and the insulating cover of the first cable and the braided sleeve and the insulating cover of the second cable. A plurality of ring collars overlays the plurality of ferrules and is fixed to the plurality of ferrules. A splice cover or shield overlays the first cable, second cable, plurality of ferrules, and plurality of ring collars and electromagnetically seals the junction/bond between the core wires of the first cable and the second cable. |
| US09936613B2 |
Technologies for rack architecture
A rack for supporting a sleds includes a pair of elongated support posts and pairs of elongated support arms that extend from the elongated support posts. Each pair of the elongated support arms defines a sled slot to receive a corresponding sled. To do so, each elongated support arm includes a circuit board guide to receive a chassis-less circuit board substrate of the corresponding sled. The rack may include a cross-member arm associated with each sled slot and an optical connector mounted to each cross-member arm. Additional elongated support posts may be used to provide additional sled slots. |
| US09936612B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for configuring a system of electronic chassis
An example apparatus is provided and may comprise a housing, an electronic blade system, and a plurality of airflow management components. The housing may have an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The electronic blade system may be located between the upper chamber and the lower chamber. The plurality of airflow management components may be configured to be removable and to manage airflow in the housing. |
| US09936610B2 |
Multilevel converter
A multilevel converter contains at least two submodules which are connected in a row. Each of the submodules contains at least two switches and a capacitor and two current-carrying outer module terminals. Accordingly, at least one of the submodules has at least one outer cooling member which acts as a current-carrying outer module terminal. |
| US09936608B2 |
Composite heat absorption device and method for obtaining same
Production of a heat absorption device comprising a first face intended to be in contact with a hot source and a second face opposite to the first face, a network of cells filled with a first phase change material being arranged between the first face, a passage between cells being filled with at least one second phase change material different from the first phase change material. |
| US09936607B2 |
Fabricating cooled electronic system with liquid-cooled cold plate and thermal spreader
Methods are provided for facilitating cooling of an electronic component. The methods include providing a liquid-cooled cold plate and a thermal spreader associated with the cold plate. The cold plate includes multiple coolant-carrying channel sections extending within the cold plate, and a thermal conduction surface with a larger surface area than a surface area of the component to be cooled. The thermal spreader includes one or more heat pipes including multiple heat pipe sections. One or more heat pipe sections are partially aligned to a first region of the cold plate, that is, where aligned to the surface to be cooled, and partially aligned to a second region of the cold plate, which is outside the first region. The one or more heat pipes facilitate distribution of heat from the electronic component to coolant-carrying channel sections of the cold plate located in the second region of the cold plate. |
| US09936605B2 |
Controlling air flow in a server rack
A method for controlling air flow in a server rack includes storing, by a switch, a connection table, the connection table comprising information for rack positions corresponding to switch ports of the switch. The switch obtains address information of at least one management controller corresponding to at least one device connected to the switch ports of the switch. The switch determines a rack position for each of the at least one device, based on the table and the address information. The switch receives from a rack management controller (RMC), a request for the rack position for each of the at least one device. The switch sends to the RMC, the rack position for each of the at least one device. The RMC controls fan speed for the at least one device, based on the rack position for each of the at least one device. |
| US09936600B2 |
Motor drive unit
Disclosed herein is a motor drive unit. The motor drive unit includes a base part; a middle base part disposed above the base part; a heat discharging part mounted on the base part and disposed under the middle base part to slide on the middle base part, wherein an area in which the heat discharging part is installed is smaller than an area of the middle base part; and a power PCB part disposed above the middle base part, an EMC PCB part disposed above the power PCB part with a spacing; a control PCB part coupled with a side portion of the power PCB part; and a condenser unit penetrating the middle base part to be fixed to it, wherein a lower end of the condenser unit is disposed on a side of the heat discharging part. |
| US09936594B2 |
Wiring module
A wiring module includes: an insulating protector that has connection member holding portions for holding connection members that electrically connect adjacent electrode terminals; and a temperature detection member that detects the temperature of one of the connection members. The temperature detection member has a temperature detection element, electrical wires that are connected to the temperature detection element, an element accommodating portion that accommodates the temperature detection element and from which the electrical wires extend, and a detection portion that is continuous with the element accommodating portion and is arranged to be in contact with the connection member. The insulating protector has a locking portion that locks the element accommodating portion on the outer side of the connection member holding portions. |
| US09936592B2 |
Rear housing of display apparatus and display apparatus
A rear housing of a display apparatus and the display apparatus are disclosed. The rear housing for the display apparatus includes a first case, a third case and a second case sequentially arranged in a lateral direction; a bottom of the first case includes a first retainer portion extending toward the second case, a bottom of the second case includes a second retainer portion extending toward the first case, and the first and second retainer portions are connected by means of a first connecting member; both sides of the third case are connected to the first case and the second case by means of second connecting members respectively. |
| US09936591B2 |
Printed circuit board and display device having the same
A display device includes a printed circuit board (PCB), two sides of the PCB extending in first and second directions, respectively, the first and second directions crossing each other, pad group areas being defined in the PCB and arranged along the first direction; and a display panel electrically connected to the PCB through the pad group areas, the PCB including: first pads in each of the pad group areas and arranged along a third direction crossing the first and second directions; and second pads in each of the pad group areas, arranged along the third direction, and spaced apart from the first pads, wherein a portion of the first pads is in the first pad area, an other portion of the first pads and a portion of the second pads are in the second pad area, and an other portion of the second pad is in the third pad area. |
| US09936590B2 |
Method for making a biocompatible hermetic housing including hermetic electrical feedthroughs
A method for fabricating a biocompatible hermetic housing including electrical feedthroughs, the method comprises providing a ceramic sheet having an upper surface and a lower surface, forming at least one via hole in said ceramic sheet extending from said upper surface to said lower surface, inserting a conductive thick film paste into said via hole, laminating the ceramic sheet with paste filled via hole between an upper ceramic sheet and a lower ceramic sheet to form a laminated ceramic substrate, firing the laminated ceramic substrate to a temperature to sinter the laminated ceramic substrate and cause the paste filled via hole to form metalized via and cause the laminated ceramic substrate to form a hermetic seal around said metalized via, and removing the upper ceramic sheet and the lower ceramic sheet material from the fired laminated ceramic substrate to expose an upper and a lower surface of the metalized via. |
| US09936589B2 |
Electrical devices and methods for manufacturing same
An electrical device for soldering to a circuit board with a solder includes a capacitor, a lead frame including a solder dam, and a solder joint electrically coupling the capacitor to the lead frame. The solder dam includes one of a physical barrier to flow or an area of reduced wettability to the solder. The solder dam is between the solder joint and the circuit board. The solder dam is on one or both of a lead portion and main portion of the lead frame. In one embodiment, the first solder dam extends substantially the full width of the first lead portion. The solder dam may be a barrier and/or include a metal oxide. A method of manufacturing the device includes soldering a lead frame to a capacitor with a solder and modifying a surface on the lead frame to include a physical barrier and/or an area of reduced wettability. |
| US09936588B2 |
Printed circuit board having a non-plated hole with limited drill depth
A printed circuit board having one or more holes that are controllably drilled to extend into the printed circuit board substrate to a predetermined depth intermediate first and second faces. A mechanical locating pin is received into each of the one or more holes to mechanically align a first component for electronically interfacing with the printed circuit board substrate. A second component is installed on the second face directly opposite of the one or more holes such that the second component is in electronic communication with conductive traces or interconnects formed on the second face directly opposite of the hole. |
| US09936587B2 |
Method of fabricating a multi-channel modulator driver with enclosure
Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a method of fabricating a multi-channel modulator driver with an enclosure. After a substrate is provided, components of a multi-channel modulator driver are attached to the substrate. Herein, the components include first components associated with a first channel and second components associated with a second channel. Next, an enclosure is attached to the substrate to cover the multi-channel modulator driver. The enclosure has a wall disposed between the first components and the second components, and a top region coupled with the wall. The enclosure and the wall are composed of an electrically conductive polymer. The wall includes a first portion that has the electrically conductive polymer covered by a metal film and a second portion that has the electrically conductive polymer not covered by the metal film. |
| US09936584B2 |
Printed circuit board, waterproof microphone and production process thereof
The present invention relates to the field of voice signal collecting device, more specifically, to a PCB, a waterproof microphone and a production process thereof. A waterproof microphone, comprising: a first PCB; a second PCB, stacked along two parallel ends of the first PCB; a third PCB, configured with an acoustics through-hole and located at an upper end of the second PCB; wherein, an acoustics cavity is formed at a space surrounded with the first PCB, the second PCB and the third PCB; the third PCB is formed by a plurality of substrate; each of the substrates is configured with an through-hole at same location and with same shape; an opening is formed on the PCB by interconnecting the through-holes; between every two adjacent ones of the substrate, a waterproof membrane is configured. The waterproof performance of the waterproof membrane is better, and the efficiency of the attachment is higher. |
| US09936583B2 |
Wiring board and mounting structure using the same
A wiring board is provided which includes an insulating layer; and a frame body disposed on the insulating layer. The frame body is provided with a through-hole. The insulating layer has a concave portion in one main surface on a frame body side. In a plan view of the wiring board, the concave portion has a first portion positioned at the through-hole, and a second portion which is positioned at the frame body and is continuous with the first portion. An air gap is formed between the frame body and the insulating layer in the second portion. |
| US09936578B2 |
Redistribution layer system in package
A shielded electronic module is formed on a substrate. The substrate has a component area and one or more electronic components attached to the component area. One set of conductive pads may be attached to the component area and another set of conductive pads may be provided on the electronic component. The conductive pads on the component area are electrically coupled to the conductive pads of the electronic component by a conductive layer. A first insulating layer is provided over the component area and underneath the conductive layer that may insulate the electronic component and the substrate from the conductive layer. A second insulating layer is provided over the first insulating layer that covers at least the conductive layer. In this manner, the conductive layer is isolated from an electromagnetic shield formed over the component area. |
| US09936576B2 |
Multi-stacked electronic device with defect-free solder connection
A method includes forming a multi-stacked electronic device having two or more electronic components, each of the electronic components includes a leadframe, the leadframes of each electronic component are physically joined together using a non-solder metal joining process to form a joint, and the joint is located outside a solder connection region. |
| US09936574B2 |
Waterproof stretchable optoelectronics
Described herein are flexible and stretchable LED arrays and methods utilizing flexible and stretchable LED arrays. Assembly of flexible LED arrays alongside flexible plasmonic crystals is useful for construction of fluid monitors, permitting sensitive detection of fluid refractive index and composition. Co-integration of flexible LED arrays with flexible photodetector arrays is useful for construction of flexible proximity sensors. Application of stretchable LED arrays onto flexible threads as light emitting sutures provides novel means for performing radiation therapy on wounds. |
| US09936571B2 |
Printed circuit board
A PCB includes a PCB body at least including a first metal layer, a second metal layer, and a first ground layer sandwiched therebetween; and a pair of transmission lines including a first transmission line conductor and a second transmission line conductor. The first transmission line conductor is located in the first metal layer which has two straight line sections at its two ends and a curved line section at its middle, the second transmission line conductor has two straight line sections at its two ends which are located in the first metal layer and a cross-via structure at the middle which has a buried trace buried in the second metal layer, and the curved line section and the buried trace are isolated by the first ground layer. Skew effect of the differential transmission circuit is reduced, thereby improving the signal transmission quality and improve signal transmission speed. |
| US09936566B2 |
Resettable lighting system and method
A lighting system, including: light emitting elements; a reset switch operable in a first and second state; non-volatile reset memory configured to record the state of the reset switch when power is provided to the system; a wireless communication system; non-volatile communication memory configured to store default settings and configuration settings; a control system operable, in response to initial power provision to the control system, between: a configured mode when an instantaneous reset switch state matches the recorded state, the configured mode including: connecting the wireless communication system to a remote device based on the configuration settings, receiving instructions from the remote device, and controlling light emitting element operation based on the instructions; and a reset mode when the instantaneous reset switch state differs from the recorded state, the reset mode including: erasing the configuration settings from the communication memory and operating the system based on the default settings. |
| US09936565B2 |
System for integrated lighting control, configuration, and metric tracking from multiple locations
A mechanism for control and configuration of a lighting system from a user interface. For instance, a wall module designed as a user interface for a tenant to control the system may be implemented so as to be used not only to control the lighting system but also to configure it. The lighting system may involve a controller, circuits of lights, relays, motion and ambient detectors, scenes, schedules, and more. An additional user interface such as a wall module may be connected to the lighting system for control and configuration of the system. |
| US09936562B2 |
Multifunction luminous module with segmented OLED diode
An organic light-emitting diode comprising a generally extensive first electrode; a generally extensive second electrode placed facing the first electrode, the second electrode comprising at least two portions that are electrically insulated from each other; at least one emissive organic layer placed between the first and second electrodes; and zones for electrically connecting the first and second electrodes. The zones for electrically connecting the first and second electrodes are located on at least one of the edges of the diode. |
| US09936558B1 |
Lighting selection system and method
A lighting selection system and method obtain characteristic data for plural light emitting devices, determine a difference between a value of the characteristic data and a target value for each of the light emitting devices, and associate the light emitting devices with different groups based on the differences between the characteristic data and the target value. The differences of the light emitting devices in a common group are closer together than the differences of the light emitting devices in other groups. In one embodiment, the light emitting devices are grouped based on the luminous fluxes of the light generated by the light emitting devices, and then the light emitting devices are paired based on differences between colors of the light and a target color. The system and method also may select at least one of the groups of the light emitting devices for inclusion in a light device. |
| US09936556B2 |
Apparatus for controlling lighting parameters based on time of day and/or ambient light conditions and related methods
Disclosed is a lighting unit (10) that utilizes sensor data to select a fade-in or fade-out profile for one or more light sources (12). The lighting unit includes a clock module (20), an ambient light level sensor (18), and a controller (16). The controller receives ambient light level data from the ambient light level sensor and time of day data from the clock module, and utilizes the received information to automatically select a fade-in or fade-out profile. The controller can also use the received ambient light level data to calibrate the clock module. |
| US09936555B2 |
Lighting configuration apparatus and methods utilizing distance sensors
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for lighting configuration, contemplating analysis of a plurality of distance values from a plurality of distance sensors to set one or more light output characteristics of a plurality of LEDs. The light output characteristics of the LEDs are set as a function of the distance values from the distance sensors. |
| US09936553B2 |
Controlling and coding light, using transfer function of light source-driver
A controller for controlling a generator arranged to the generate a frequency signal for controlling a converter in a driver for driving a light circuit, the controller receiving feed-back information from the light circuit, and a processor; the processor configured to produce, in response to the feed-back information from the light circuit, a control signal arranged to control the generator, the feed-back information comprising a value of a feed-back signal that flows through at least a part of the light circuit or that defines a light intensity of at least a part of the light circuit, and the control signal defining a frequency of the frequency signal, adapt, in response to data information, the control signal, wherein the data information comprises a code for coding light produced by the light circuit; determine a static transfer of a combination of the converter and the light circuit defined by values of the feed-back signal and corresponding values of the frequency of the frequency signal; divide the values of the feed-back signal into intervals of a substantially equal size; and adapt the control signal in interval steps. |
| US09936550B2 |
Adapter for a luminaire controller
There are provided an adapter and a method for use with a luminaire. For example, there is provided an adapter for use with a lighting controller of a luminaire. The adapter includes a calibration and maintenance port connected to a metering circuit disposed in the lighting controller. Furthermore, the adapter includes an interface connected to: the lighting controller, at least one lead of a lighting controller receptacle of the luminaire, and to at least one port of a computing device. |
| US09936544B2 |
Half- or quarter-cycle current regulator for non-isolated, line voltage L.E.D. ballast circuits
A current regulator for non-isolated, line voltage LED Driver circuits solves the problem of LED flicker caused by line noise in the visible frequency range. In one aspect of the invention, LED flicker frequency may be increased beyond the line frequency. In another aspect, line voltages in excess of LED voltage ratings may be tolerated. The driver may be implemented using discrete circuit elements or in software and utilizes separate current regulation for different segments of an AC line voltage cycle. |
| US09936535B2 |
Communication apparatus and control method for communication apparatus
In a case where wireless connection to a device fails because the number of terminals in wireless connection with the device has reached a maximum number, a communication apparatus instructs the device to stop operating in a direct wireless communication mode. |
| US09936534B2 |
Method and apparatus for data transmission
The present invention discloses a data transmission method and apparatus. According to the present invention, when transmitting data by using a first radio bearer, a UE receives radio resource control connection reconfiguration information sent by a base station; the UE obtains a second radio bearer according to the radio resource control connection reconfiguration information; the UE sends radio resource control connection reconfiguration completion information to the base station; the UE transmits a part of the data which has not been transmitted by using the second radio bearer. The solutions provided by the embodiments of the present invention are suitable to be adopted during switch between an adaptive streaming mode and a progressive download mode. |
| US09936532B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing communication requests
A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may perform, for example, operations including receiving a request from a communication device to initiate a communication session, obtaining a first name authority pointer (NAPTR) record that replaces a second NAPTR record responsive to an undesirable fault level in a voice over long term evolution (VoLTE) network, obtaining the second NAPTR record responsive to determining that there is no fault or a tolerable level of faults in the VoLTE network, and initiating the communication session according to one of the first NAPTR record or the second NAPTR record obtained by the system. The first NAPTR record can include instructions for initiating the communication session utilizing a circuit-switched communication network, and the second NAPTR record can include instructions for initiating the communication session utilizing the VoLTE network. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09936530B2 |
Systems, methods, and devices for device-to-device relay communication
A user equipment (UE) is configured to receive a request from a first peer UE to communicate with a target user corresponding to a second peer UE. The UE is configured to determine that the second peer UE is within a communication range of the UE. The UE is configured to, in response to receiving the request, relay internet protocol (IP) packets from the first peer UE to the second peer UE and relay IP packets from the second peer UE to the first peer UE. |
| US09936528B2 |
Automatic wireless grid access sharing and monetization from a mobile device app
A device is disclosed which is programmed with an application or “app” to share bandwidth to and from multiple sources. In one embodiment, this uses a mobile device with a computer running a controlling program for operating functions of the mobile device, and an app that controls sharing of bandwidth from the mobile device, and obtaining shared bandwidth from another mobile device. Usage data is accumulated which indicates an amount of data received and shared from the one client. |
| US09936527B2 |
Method and apparatus for configuring cell in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for configuring a cell in a wireless communication system is provided. A user equipment (UE) receives a radio resource control (RRC) message which includes a configuration for a secondary cell (SCell) and an indication of an initial state of the SCell. The initial state of the SCell is set to either one of an activated state and deactivated state. The UE configures the SCell based on the configuration and the initial state of the SCell. |
| US09936525B2 |
Method for transmitting messages in ad hoc networks
A method provides for wireless transmission and reception of messages in an asynchronous ad hoc network having multiple network nodes, of which at least a first network node periodically transmits messages with a predefined period length. A second network node carries out: Defining two consecutive time intervals, each having the length of one period and a first time interval being past and a second time interval being future; subdividing the time intervals into two time slots each; calculating an occupancy for each time slot of the first time interval based on the number of messages of other network node(s) received in this time slot; identifying the time slot having the lowest occupancy; and transmitting a message in a time slot of the second time interval that corresponds to the identified time slot. The exact transmission point is defined on the basis of the time stamp derived from the synchronized TSF. |
| US09936522B2 |
Method, device and computer readable storage medium for processing channel access
A method for processing channel access is disclosed in the present invention, which includes: a wireless station determines a first delay access variable and/or a second delay access variable according to the received wireless frame; the wireless station determines delay time for accessing a channel according to the second delay access variable or according to the first delay access variable and the second delay access variable. A device for processing channel access is also disclosed in the present invention. |
| US09936518B2 |
Method for transport block transmission and blind reception
A method for transport block transmission and blind reception is disclosed. The method is used in an UE and includes: receiving multiple candidate transport blocks, wherein each candidate transport block occupies a set of radio resources; and decoding the candidate transport blocks according to pre-defined encoding information to detect a potential transport block intended for the UE. |
| US09936517B2 |
Application aware scheduling in wireless networks
Systems and methods disclosed in certain implementations relate to identifying, by a processor, user equipments (UEs) associated with a base station, determining applications associated with the UEs; allocating portions of a bandwidth associated with the base station to the applications; and scheduling transmission of data from the base station based on allocating the portions of the bandwidth to the applications. Scheduling transmission of data from the base may include, for example, determining a particular application associated with the data; determining a particular bandwidth associated with the particular application; determining whether the data can be transmitted from the base station based on the particular bandwidth; and scheduling the data for delivery when the data can be transmitted from the base station based on the particular bandwidth. |
| US09936516B2 |
Transmission coordination for collocated radios
Methods, systems, and devices are described for wireless communication at a wireless device having collocated radios employing different radio access technologies (RATs). For example, a second radio of the wireless device may receive a first scheduling message. The first scheduling message may include information relating to timing, priority, transmission power, and radio capabilities. Using this scheduling message, a determination of whether a first radio employing a first RAT and the second radio employing a second RAT can transmit in parallel may be made. A first transmission on the first radio may be coordinated with a second transmission on the second radio based on the determination of whether the first radio and the second radio can transmit in parallel. A number of data units may be aggregated into an aggregate frame to be transmitted by the second radio. The number of data units may be based on the scheduling message. |
| US09936514B2 |
LPI/LPD communication systems
In a wireless communication system, a secure communication link is provided by selecting a decoy data signal vector for transmission, generating a MIMO precoding matrix from a message to be sent; and multiplying the decoy data signal vector by the MIMO precoding matrix to construct a precoded signal vector. The MIMO precoding matrix produces information-bearing synthesized channel distortions in the transmitted signal. An undistorted version of the decoy data may be transmitted to an intended receiver. The receiver distinguishes between the synthesized information-bearing channel distortions and natural channel distortions to decrypt the information, while an eavesdropper would find it difficult to distinguish between natural and synthesized channel distortions in the signals it receives. |
| US09936512B2 |
Wireless network architecture for providing media content
A method includes receiving information associated with a first data request from a base station at a server of a wireless communication network. The first data request is received at the first base station from a first mobile device. The method includes selecting a second base station to transmit data responsive to the first data request to the first mobile device based on a data type of the data and based on a location of the first mobile device. The method further includes transmitting the data from the server to the second base station. |
| US09936508B2 |
Mechanisms for association request signaling between IoE devices
IoE devices signal association requests to relay devices during association slots. An IoE device receives a discovery broadcast from a relay device, listing available tones for association. The IoE device sends a first association request to the relay device using a tone selected from the list. The relay device returns a first response. The IoE device randomly selects a tone from a channel and sends a second request to the relay device with it. A second response is sent to the IoE device after contention. The IoE device creates a list of available tones and sends it to the relay device. An overlapping tone is selected. The relay device sends the selected tone to the IoE device for subsequent data communication. If there is no overlap, the relay device may suggest available tones for use in a subsequent association request. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described. |
| US09936507B2 |
Access request message
A wireless device (e.g., Machine Type Communications (MTC) device), a wireless access node (e.g., Base Station Subsystem (BSS)), and various methods are described herein for utilizing an access request message (e.g., an 11-bit Enhanced General Packet Radio Service (EGPRS) packet channel request message that comprises a three bit Short Access Request code point “100” and eight bits thereafter, where at least a portion of the eight bits is used to indicate at least one capability of the wireless device) within a wireless communication network. |
| US09936494B2 |
Randomization procedure for assigning interference measurement resources in wireless communication
Methods and apparatus are provided for assigning interference measurement resources. A method includes receiving at least one identifier, which determines, at least in part, at least one interference measurement resource that partially overlaps with another at least one interference measurement resource. The at least one interference measurement resource comprises a number of resource elements out of a set of resource elements. The method also includes measuring interference based at least in part on the at least one interference measurement resource. |
| US09936490B2 |
Wireless communication system, low transmission power cell base station, macrocell base station, wireless terminal, and load distribution method
A macrocell base station controls to reduce interference between cells by a downlink signal of the macrocell base station with specific timing, the interference which a downlink signal of a low transmission power cell suffers for a wireless terminal. A low transmission power cell base station decides measurement timing with which the wireless terminal measures reception quality of the low transmission power cell based on information about the specific timing, and sends a setting message including a parameter according to the measurement timing to the wireless terminal. The wireless terminal measures reception quality with the measurement timing indicated by the parameter, and when the wireless terminal satisfies a condition for executing an event based on the measured result, the wireless terminal sends a reception quality measurement message including information indicating that the measurement is made with the measurement timing to the low transmission power cell base station. |
| US09936488B2 |
Sounding procedure including uplink multiple-user transmission in a high efficiency wireless LAN
The present disclosure relates to a sounding procedure including uplink multi-user transmission in a High Efficiency WLAN (HEW). According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for transmitting a response frame by a responding Station (STA) to a transmitting STA in a wireless local area network may be provided. The method may include receiving, from the transmitting STA, a trigger frame including information related to a Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) for the response frame, and transmitting, to the transmitting STA, the response frame according to an MCS determined based on the information related to the MCS for the response frame included in the trigger frame. When a type of the response frame corresponds to a Multiple-User (MU) type, a same MCS may be applied to the response frame by a plurality of STAs including the STA and at least one other STA. |
| US09936485B2 |
Method and apparatus of obtaining scheduling information of a data channel
A method for obtaining scheduling information of a data channel is disclosed. The method includes: receiving a set of radio resources for a set of candidate control channels, wherein a part of the set of candidate control channels constitute the enhanced common search space (ECSS) for an enhanced physical downlink control channel (EPDCCH); attempting to decode each candidate control channel to obtain a physical control channel; and obtaining scheduling information of the data channel from the decoded physical control channel. |
| US09936484B2 |
Control signaling for wireless communication
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, a method comprises allocating a control channel resource in a wireless relay transmission frame on a wireless relay link; generating a control signaling based on at least one of a resource allocation scheme, a status of the wireless relay link and a traffic condition of the wireless relay link; mapping the control signaling to the allocated control channel resource via at least one of a time-first mapping, a frequency-first mapping, and a multiplexing mapping; and transmitting the control signaling in the allocated control channel resource on the wireless relay link to at least one associated relay node. |
| US09936483B2 |
Control information processing method and device
Provided is a control information processing method and device. The method includes: receiving high-layer configuration signalling, wherein the high-layer configuration signalling is used for determining an indication mode of X bits in a control information format, the indication mode of X bits comprises at least one of the following: all of the X bits being used for indicating a first parameter set of at least one enabled transmission block in control information, and the X bits being used for indicating a first parameter set and a second parameter set of at least one enabled transmission block in the control information, where X is a positive integer greater than or equal to 3; and generating a control information format according to the high-layer configuration signalling. The solution solves the problem in the related art that control information cannot support the processing of interference coordination of reference signals, so as to achieve the effect of being capable of supporting the interference coordination of reference signals among cells on the premise of ensuring the data throughput of the cells to improve the spectral efficiency of the system. |
| US09936481B2 |
Mobile communication system, control station, base station, communication method and program
A mobile communication system according to the present invention is a mobile communication system including base stations each of which forms a cell and transmits MBMS data to a mobile station existing in the cell, and control stations each of which controls the base station connected thereto, wherein the control stations include at least a control station and a second control station that determines a frequency and timing for transmitting the MBMS data in the cell and instructs the first control station of the determined frequency and timing, and wherein each of the first and second control stations establishes time synchronization with another control station and instructs the connected base station to set the cell to the frequency determined by the second control station and transmits the MBMS data to the connected base station in accordance with the transmission timing determined by the second control station. |
| US09936480B2 |
Adaptive call notification
A method for adaptive call notification in a user equipment (UE) includes detecting an incoming call indication such as a ring signal. The ambient sound level for the UE is measured in response to the incoming call indication. A UE vibration device is activated in response to the detected incoming call indication and the ambient sound level being greater than a user-selectable threshold. |
| US09936477B2 |
Method for detecting location of mobile computing device and mobile computing device performing the same
Disclosed herein is a technology for detecting the location of a mobile computing device. A method for detecting the location of a mobile computing device includes the steps of (a) obtaining time, (b) storing the time and location information including GPS information and base station information associated with the time, and (c) obtaining base station information at the present time and estimating current GPS information without using a GPS if a correlation between the stored time and base station information is a specific reference or more. |
| US09936476B2 |
System and method for providing social network service and for setting relationship between users
A user terminal connected to a system to provide social network service (SNS) includes a transmission unit configured to send a friend request and location information of the user terminal, and receive user information of at least one other user terminals, and a display control unit configured to control a display of the user terminal to display a current location of a user of the user terminal and the user information of the at least one other user terminal present within a predetermined distance based on received location information of the other user terminal. Within the display control unit, a particular region of the display is set as a current location of the user terminal. |
| US09936474B2 |
Paging over non-cellular and cellular RATs
Mobile devices may be paged via non-cellular or cellular radio access technologies (RATs). Mobile devices may determine that they are capable of receiving a paging message via a non-cellular RAT, and they indicate to a network that they are capable of such paging. Accordingly, in addition to cellular paging, mobile devices may be paged for cellular or non-cellular data via a non-cellular RAT. Non-cellular paging may be facilitated by a non-cellular paging server, which may be an independent network-side entity or may be an aspect of another network entity, such as an mobility management entity (MME). |
| US09936473B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing radio interfaces
In accordance with an example embodiment, there is provided an apparatus, comprising a receiver configured to receive from a second apparatus over a first radio interface a first message comprising a registration request, a transmitter configured to transmit a second message to the second apparatus over the first radio interface, the second message comprising an acknowledgement of the registration request, and a processor configured to reserve an interface identifier for the second apparatus, wherein the processor is configured to not allow the reserved interface identifier to be used by further nodes over at least one further radio interface. |
| US09936471B2 |
Mobile station for performing component carrier-to-timing advance group mapping
Appropriate CC-to-TAG mapping is configured when “UL CA” is performed. A mobile station UE of the invention includes: a management unit 11 configured to manage one or more TAGS; an adjustment unit 12 configured to make adjustment to synchronize transmission timings of uplink signals within CCs which belong to the same TAG; and a transmission unit 13 configured to notify a radio base station eNB of a combination of supported bands, supported CCs, and settable TAGS, and the bands and the CCs grouped in the TAGs included in the combination. |
| US09936466B1 |
Bluetooth low energy collision management
Methods and systems are disclosed for managing the emission of data from RF enabled tags. In an example embodiment, data is emitted from a tag via RF communications. An operation can be implemented to detect one or more non-official applications running on a mobile device (e.g., a nearby mobile device). The emission power level for emitting such data can then be automatically varied until an answer is received from an official application running on another mobile device so as to prevent said mobile device running said non-official application from preventing said official application running on said another mobile device from completing a transaction with respect to said data emitted from said tag via said RF communications. |
| US09936465B2 |
User terminal and radio communication method
The present invention is designed to enable adequate transmission power control when inter-base station CA is employed. The present invention is designed so that, when inter-base station CA is employed and the transmission power of a user terminal reaches the maximum transmission power, the user terminal executes transmission power control by carrying out power scaling autonomously. For example, the user terminal has a transmission section that transmits an uplink physical channel in each component carrier, and a control section that switches, over time, the component carrier to which the uplink physical channel is transmitted preferentially. |
| US09936462B2 |
Rate adaptation using semi-open loop technique
In a semi-open loop rate adaptation scheme for a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system, a transmitter can advantageously use one or more quality metrics of an uplink as well as knowledge of device characteristics of both ends to perform fast and accurate rate adaptation. |
| US09936461B2 |
Communication device and communication method
A communication device, which performs wireless communication according to an adaptive modulation scheme, includes a modulator that modulates data to be transmitted to generate a transmission signal, and a transmission power control unit that controls a transmission power of the transmission signal, wherein, when the modulation level increases according to the adaptive modulation scheme, the transmission power control unit starts control of the transmission power before the modulator increases the modulation level. |
| US09936459B2 |
Data relay between communication devices
While a user utilizes a communication device to communicate with other devices over a network, certain technical issues may cause the interruption or disconnection of the communication. The communication device may be configured to relay the communication to a secondary device to continue the communication without interrupting the communication. |
| US09936454B2 |
Stations, access points, communication systems and methods of controlling the same
In various embodiments, a method of controlling a station may be provided. The method may include receiving a first signal from an access point, the first signal including information indicating a time period. The method may further include deactivating the station after receiving the first signal and before expiry of the time period. The method may also include activating the station upon expiry of the time period. |
| US09936453B1 |
Dynamic timing update techniques for wireless devices
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. The described techniques allow a user equipment (UE) to conserve power after transitioning from one coverage mode to another coverage mode based on power consumption estimates. The UE may make a determination on whether to modify its current extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) values by either triggering an unscheduled timing update or waiting for a scheduled timing update. For instance, the UE may estimate power consumption based on current eDRX values and the time remaining until a scheduled timing update procedure and compare this estimate to power consumption estimate based on modified eDRX values and the amount of power consumed to perform an unscheduled timing update procedure. Based on the comparison, the UE may update its eDRX values through an unscheduled TAU or through the regularly scheduled TAU procedure. |
| US09936452B2 |
Traffic advertisement and scheduling in a neighbor aware network data link
A method includes receiving a service discovery frame at a first electronic device of a data link of a neighbor aware network (NAN). The service discovery frame may include an attribute identifying a subset of electronic devices of the data link as recipients of data from a second electronic device of the data link during a transmission window or identifying a time period of data announcements and timing information of data transmissions corresponding to the data link. The method also includes determining whether to monitor a wireless network corresponding to the data link during the transmission window based on the attribute. |
| US09936451B2 |
Communication system for sensor networks
In one aspect of the present invention, a method for managing communications in a sensor network will be described. A coordinator device receives charging interval data from an energy harvesting sensor device. A sleeping interval for the sensor device is determined. A beacon frame is transmitted from the coordinator device to one more sensor devices in a network. The timing of the transmission is based at least in part on the sleeping interval data. The beacon frame may contain requests, commands or other data designated specifically for the sensor device. Various other aspects of the invention relate to the sensor device, the coordinator device and/or their operations. |
| US09936450B2 |
Communication system
A communication system includes a base station configuring an energy saving cell (ES cell) and a base station configuring a compensation cell (Comp cell). The ES cell is switchable between a switch-on state and a switch-off state. The Comp cell compensates for the coverage of the ES cell when the ES cell is in the switch-off state. Before the Comp cell starts compensating for the coverage, for example, before the ES cell decides to switch itself off in Step ST2101, in Step ST2201 for example, the base station configuring the ES cell notifies the UE being connected with the ES cell of the information about a Comp cell, for example, a Comp cell list. |
| US09936446B2 |
Radio access system and portable terminal device
As a result of ISR being enabled between a portable terminal device and a network which are capable of communicating by using the communication protocols of a plurality of wireless access technologies, the portable terminal device performs position registration processing between the plurality of wireless access technologies and the portable terminal device each time a fixed period of time elapses, and the portable terminal device is able to move between the plurality of wireless access technologies that have already been registered, without conducting new position registration processing. At this time, if there is a possibility of there being a difference in ISR states (activated or not activated) between the portable terminal device and the network, the portable terminal device ignores any instructions issued by the network for ISR to be enabled in the portable terminal device. |
| US09936443B2 |
Controlling discoverability
An apparatus and a method for controlling discoverability are disclosed. The solution includes obtaining information of at least one scan on at least one communication channel and selecting a discovery mode for an access point from at least two different modes on the basis of the information. |
| US09936441B2 |
Infrastructure-assisted client management using synthesized beacon reports
Infrastructure-based client management uses synthesized beacon reports to effect client association with APs in a wireless digital network. Beacon reports are synthesized by having a plurality of APs in the network collect client reports and send those reports to a report process on the network. The report process accumulates client reports from the plurality of APs and selects one or more candidate APs to support a client. Selection may be made on reported SNR, AP loading, channel loading, AP characteristics, or a combination. The report process may produce blacklists and optionally whitelists for use by APs to use in processing client probe and connection requests. |
| US09936439B2 |
Sensor network information collection via mobile gateway
There is provided a sensor network information collection mechanism in which, after a UE has decided to become part of an information collecting operation for collecting information from a local sensor network, a signaling transmitted from a managing node of a local sensor network is received and processed. A communication network control element is informed about the willingness to become an information collector by sending a report message comprising measurement results derived from the signaling received from the managing node of the local sensor network. When receiving a gateway allocation message indicating that the UE is determined to be a gateway element to the local sensor network, the information collecting operation is started wherein sensor nodes of the local sensor network are woke up, and a traffic flow direction in the local sensor network is set in accordance with the managing node identity to which the UE is accessed. |
| US09936434B2 |
Method and phone system for pre-call quality of service assessment of available networks
A method for providing communication in a communication device is disclosed. The method may include receiving a control instruction for a call session via the communication device, and assessing a quality of service of at least one of a default Wi-Fi network and a radio network. The method may also include selectively recommending to a user of the communication device the radio network for the call session based on the quality of service, and initiating the call session using the default Wi-Fi network or the radio network based on a selection made by the user. |
| US09936433B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for managing radio access node cluster
The present disclosure generally relates to managing a radio access node cluster (4) comprising a plurality of radio access nodes (2). By determining connectivity metrics and comparing to predefined thresholds, a decision is taken if a radio access node (2) of the radio access node cluster (4) is to be detached from radio access node cluster (4) or if a neighboring radio access node (6) is to be added to the radio access node cluster (4). All radio access nodes belonging to the radio access node cluster (4) share a common cell identifier. |
| US09936432B2 |
Method and a network node for improved resource utilization in a load balanced radio communication system
The present disclosure concerns movements, such as handovers, of user equipments (UEs) 120a-e from one radio cell 130a to another radio cell 130b. Disclosed herein are methods as well radio network nodes 110a, 110b. A radio network node 110a, 110b may, for example, select the most suitable UE(s) 20a-e to move from a source radio cell 130a to a target radio cell 130b in case the traffic load in the source radio cell 130a is below or equal to the traffic load of the target radio cell 130b. Hereby it is made possible to improve the resource utilization. |
| US09936427B2 |
Systems and methods for joint handover of user equipment and secondary cell group in 3GPP LTE dual connectivity
Systems and methods provide a joint handover process wherein a user equipment (UE) and at least one secondary node remain connected to each other and are handed over together from a first master node to a second master node. Thus, a re-establishment procedure with the at least one secondary node is avoided. |
| US09936426B2 |
Processing method for radio link failure, small cell and mobile communication system
The present invention provides a processing method for a radio link failure, a small cell and a mobile communication system. The method includes: determining, by a small cell, whether or not a signaling radio bearer transmission connection between a user equipment and a macro base station is interrupted; receiving, if the signaling radio bearer transmission connection is interrupted, signaling radio bearer configuration parameters sent by the macro base station, wherein the signaling radio bearer configuration parameters comprise an SRB identification, a radio link control layer configuration and a logic channel configuration; establishing a signaling radio bearer for the user equipment according to the signaling radio bearer configuration parameters; and notifying the user equipment to hand over the signaling radio bearer transmission connection to the signaling radio bearer established by the small cell. In the present invention, service interruption time of the UE is reduced and continuity of service is guaranteed. |
| US09936425B2 |
Handover of a device with coexisting radios
Methods and apparatuses for controlling a handover of a device communicating via coexisting radios separated in time. It is determined whether to continue the communications via the coexisting radios during the handover and information is signaled to the device regarding communications via the coexisting radios based on the determination. The determination can include negotiations between a source and a target station. The source and/or the target station may determine whether to continue the communications via the coexisting radios during the handover, and selectively signaling information regarding communications during the handover via the coexisting radios based on the determination. The device, upon receiving signaling containing information whether to continue the communications via the coexisting radios during handover, processes the handover and selectively communicates via at least one of the coexisting radios during the handover based on the information. |
| US09936424B2 |
Methods, apparatuses, related computer program product and data structure for deciding on a signaling scheme for handover
A first method (and related first apparatus) includes transmitting, in a handover request message, an indication of a first protocol version; a second method (and related second apparatus) includes receiving, in the handover request message, the indication, deciding, based on the received indication and a second protocol version, on a value of an information element included in a handover request acknowledgement message to be transmitted, the information element indicating usage of a first or second signaling scheme, and transmitting the handover request acknowledgement message including the information element; and in the first method receiving the handover request acknowledgement message including the information element; and a third method (and related third apparatus) including receiving the handover command message including the information element, and configuring according to one of the first and second signaling schemes indicated by the information element. |
| US09936420B2 |
Header compression optimisation method during and after handovers in cellular communication network
The present invention concerns a method for optimizing ROHC RTP (Robust Header Compression Real Time Protocol) compression applied to IP header of data packets stream so as to use more compact formats enable to remain in a steady state, to never discard received packet, and to serve radio resources without requiring to modify ROHC specification. In the method, when handover or mobility procedure is started, new reference values are normally added to a sliding compression window, but no reference value is removed from the window as long as the handover or mobility procedure is on going. After the handover or mobility procedure is complete, when the number of values transmitted on the new radio link are appropriate to cope against the error properties on the new link, all older values can be removed at once from the compression window, thereby reverting to normal window operation. |
| US09936419B2 |
Network nodes and methods for transmitting low-latency data in a radio communications system
The present invention refers to methods and network nodes transmitting data in a radio communications system. In particular, the present invention refers to a method including the steps of receiving a portion of a data unit; and starting a processing of the portion of the data unit prior to receiving remaining portions of the data unit, and to a network node configured for executing the method. |
| US09936418B2 |
Probe mechanism for enhancing explicit congestion notification usability
Explicit congestion notification (ECN) data that is utilized in a core portion of a cellular communication network has known issues associated with a first use scenario and an infrequent use scenario. A probe comprising probe data and a data structure for storing certain ECN data can be transmitted in order to mitigate these issues. Transmitting the probe in response to a communication session being established with a device of a network can mitigate the first use issue. Transmitting the probe in response to expiration of a probe timer in connection with a network traffic idle period can mitigate the infrequent use scenario. |
| US09936416B2 |
Method for controlling network transmission delay, QoS control entity and communication device
A method for controlling network transmission delay, a QoS control entity, and a communication device are disclosed. In the method for controlling network transmission delay, the QoS control entity, and the communication device in the embodiments of the present invention, a service flow delay threshold is set to monitor the network transmission delay, and, when it is determined that the service flow transmission delay requirement is not met, a delay control policy is formulated to adjust the network transmission delay dynamically, thereby improving user experience. |
| US09936415B2 |
Drive test information exchange method and apparatus
A drive test information exchange method and apparatus are disclosed. The method includes: receiving, by a positioning controller, a positioning request message sent by user equipment UE; sending, by the positioning controller, positioning assistance information to the UE after the positioning controller receives the positioning request message sent by the UE; receiving, by the positioning controller, a measurement result sent by the UE; obtaining, by the positioning controller, positioning information according to the measurement result; and sending, by the positioning controller, drive test information to a drive test unit according to the indication information. The method and the apparatus of the present invention may be used to enable a process of obtaining drive test information by a drive test unit to be simpler, and a delay to be shorter. |
| US09936407B2 |
Method of positioning problem regions covered with indoor wireless network
Method of positioning blind coverage regions in an indoor wireless network. The method comprises the following steps: constructing an indoor and outdoor combined three-dimensional spatial structural model of a target scene; recording and storing information of wireless access equipment which can be received by the target scene, both from the indoor wireless network and from an outdoor (e.g., cellular) network with overlapping coverage; establishing a wireless fingerprint database of the target building covering both the indoor and the outdoor wireless networks; when loss of coverage is detected, the UE handing over to the outdoor network to transmit a measurement report from which the outdoor network can derive the UE's position (e.g., through triangulation); deriving the UE's position in the indoor area by superimposing the obtained information on the fingerprinting database (by analyzing only those cell-Id's that appear on the MR) and interpolating the result (mean square error); if the obtained position is covered by the fingerprinting database (i.e., it is in the indoor area), determining that the position corresponds to a blind coverage area inside the indoor wireless area; otherwise, assuming that the UE has left the building and a normal handover has taken place. |
| US09936406B2 |
Handling of transport conditions
There is provided a network information system for determining transport conditions in a communications network. Monitoring data is acquired from a plurality of data transport nodes in a communications network. Transport conditions are determined from network information related to transport flows for network transmission of real time media flows. The network information is determined from a subset of the acquired monitoring data. The determined transport conditions are provided to at least one of a network connected device running an application involving the network transmission of real time media flows and a data transport node involved in the network transmission of real time media flows. |
| US09936405B2 |
Method for performing measurement in wireless communications system and apparatus therefor
A method for performing measurement by a terminal in a wireless communications system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: receiving from a first transmission point the uplink-downlink structures associated respectively with a second transmission point and a third transmission point; and determining at least one measurement set based on the received uplink-downlink structures, wherein each measurement set consists of the sub-frames that: the duplex direction combination during a particular time interval in the case of following the uplink-downlink structure associated with the second transmission point is the same as the duplex direction combination during the particular time interval in the case of following the uplink-downlink structure associated with the third transmission point. |
| US09936396B2 |
Apparatus and methods for radio frequency signal boosters
Provided herein are apparatus and methods for radio frequency (RF) signal boosters. In certain implementations, a multi-band signal booster is provided for boosting the uplink and downlink channels of at least a first frequency band and a second frequency band. In certain configurations, the downlink channels of the first and second channels are adjacent, and the signal booster includes a first amplification path for boosting the uplink channel of the first frequency band, a second amplification path for boosting the uplink channel of the second frequency band, and a third amplification path for boosting both downlink channels of the first and second frequency bands. |
| US09936388B2 |
Systems and methods for automatic device detection, device management, and remote assistance
In some embodiments, a network regulator device protects a local network of client systems (e.g. Internet-of-things devices such as smartphones, home appliances, wearables, etc.) against computer security threats. When introduced to the local network, some embodiments of network regulator take over some network services from a router, and automatically install the network regulator as gateway to the local network. The network regulator then carries out an automatic device discovery procedure and distribute device-specific utility agents to the protected client systems. An exemplary utility agent detects when its host device has left the local network, and in response, sets up a virtual private network (VPN) tunnel with a security server to maintain protection of the respective device. |
| US09936385B2 |
Initial access to network that is permitted from within a threshold distance
In one aspect, a first device includes a processor, at least one wireless communication transceiver, and storage accessible to the processor. The storage bears instructions executable by the processor to operate a wireless network using the at least one wireless communication transceiver, permit a second device to initially access the wireless network based at least in part on the second device being within a threshold distance to the first device, and permit the second device to communicate with at least a third device through the wireless network from beyond the threshold distance. |