最新美国发明专利第2018-05-01期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US09957346B2	Melt processible polyureas and polyurea-urethanes, method for the production thereof and products made therefrom A polyurea or polyurea-urethane elastomer comprises a soft polymer segment and a hard polymer segment, wherein the hard polymer segment includes polyurea groups in combination with H-bond accepting chain extenders (HACEs) to reduce the flow temperature (Tflow) while maintaining the excellent mechanical properties such that the resulting polyurea elatomer is rendered melt-processable.
US09957338B2	Method for polymerizing meth(acrylic) acid in a solution, polymer solutions obtained and uses thereof The present invention relates to a novel method for solvent-free preparation of a polymer of (meth)acrylic acid in solution, said polymer having a molecular weigh of less than 8,000 g/mol and a polydispersity index (PI) of 2 to 5 by radical polymerization.
US09957325B2	Synthetic antibody mimic peptides The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods comprising peptide molecules that mimic the binding and functional properties of native antibodies relative to their respective targets. Some embodiments comprise peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs) comprising the mimic peptides disclosed herein. The targets of these mimic peptides include epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). The present disclosure comprises application of the knob-socket computational model to design antibody mimics for proteins.
US09957324B2	Anti-FLT-1 antibodies in treating duchenne muscular dystrophy The present invention provides, among other things, methods and compositions for treating muscular dystrophy, in particular, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). In some embodiments, a method according to the present invention includes administering to an individual who is suffering from or susceptible to DMD an effective amount of an anti-Flt-1 antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof, such that at least one symptom or feature of DMD is reduced in intensity, severity, or frequency, or has delayed onset.
US09957321B2	Anti-IL-6 antibodies for the treatment of oral mucositis The present invention is directed to therapeutic methods using IL-6 antagonists such as anti-IL-6 antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for IL-6 to prevent or treat mucositis (e.g., oral mucositis) including persons on a treatment regimen with a drug or chemotherapy and/or radiation for cancer (e.g., head and neck cancer) that is associated with increased risk of mucositis, including oral mucositis.
US09957318B2	Protein purification methods to reduce acidic species The instant invention relates to the field of protein production and purification, and in particular to compositions and processes for controlling the amount of charge variants, aggregates, and fragments of a protein of interest, as well as host cell proteins, present in purified preparations by applying particular chromatography conditions during such protein purification.
US09957314B2	Regeneration and repair of mesenchymal tissue using amelogenin A method of treating an injury to hyaline cartilage in a subject in need thereof. The method comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of amelogenin.
US09957311B2	Surface-binding peptide Surface-binding peptides have the capability of binding to surfaces of biocompatible materials and can thereby be used to immobilize various heterologous molecules of interest onto the surface. This means that surfaces of, for instance, implants and implantable medical devices can be tailored to present various characteristics by immobilizing selected heterologous molecules of interest on the surfaces of the implants and implantable medical devices. The surface-binding peptides consist of 5-17 consecutive amino acids of an extended beta-hairpin motif EIIATMKKKGEKRCLNP (SEQ ID NO: 57) in Interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10).
US09957307B2	Expression vectors for cell-surface expression of polypeptides comprising a transmembrane domain of glycophorin A The present invention provides expression vectors for cell-surface expression of polypeptides comprising a transmembrane domain of glycophorin A.
US09957304B2	Compositions and methods for treating conditions related to ephrin signaling with cupredoxins The present invention relates to compositions and methods of use of cupredoxins, and variants, derivatives and structural equivalents of cupredoxins that interfere with the ephrin signaling system in mammalian cells. Specifically, the invention relates to compositions and methods that use cupredoxins, such as azurin, rusticyanin and plastocyanin, and variants, derivatives and structural equivalents thereof to treat cancer in mammals.
US09957301B2	Therapy of cancer based on targeting adaptive, innate and/or regulatory component of the immune response The invention relates to a kit of parts, suitable for use in a therapy of cancer, wherein said kit comprises: (i) a recombinant protein comprising one or several polypeptides bearing one or several epitopes of one or several tumor-associated antigens, said polypeptides being inserted in the same or different permissive sites of an adenylate cyclase (CyaA) protein or of a fragment thereof, wherein said CyaA fragment retains the property of said adenylate cyclase protein to target Antigen Presenting Cells or a mixture of such recombinant proteins wherein at least one of said epitopes, or tumor associated antigens, or insertion sites of CyaA protein, or fragment of said CyaA protein is different between the various recombinant proteins in the mixture; and said kit of parts further comprises at least one of the following compounds; (ii) an agent, suitable for modulating a regulatory immune response in a patient ad optionally; (iii) an adjuvant component suitable for activating the innate immune response in a patient.
US09957298B2	Peptides as oxytocin agonists The present compounds compounds are oxytocin receptor agonists for the treatment of autism, stress, including post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, including anxiety disorders and depression, schizophrenia, psychiatric disorders and memory loss, alcohol withdrawal, drug addiction and for the treatment of Prader-Willi Syndrome.
US09957295B2	Peptides inhibiting cold-inducible RNA binding protein activity Disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a CIRP inhibitor. Methods of treating a subject suffering from an inflammatory condition comprising administering to said subject a CIRP inhibitor are also described herein.
US09957292B2	Compositions and methods for modulating angiopoietin-like 3 expression Provided herein are methods, compounds, and compositions for reducing expression of an ANGPTL3 mRNA and protein in an animal. Also provided herein are methods, compounds, and compositions for reducing lipids and/or glucose in an animal. Such methods, compounds, and compositions are useful to treat, prevent, delay, or ameliorate any one or more of cardiovascular disease and/or metabolic disease, or a symptom thereof, in an individual in need thereof.
US09957287B2	Methods and compositions to treat type-1 and type-2 diabetes The present disclosure is directed to novel methods of treating type-1 or type-2 diabetes by inactivating TLR2 and TLR4 genes together in cells capable of producing insulin and/or regenerating β cells, and providing the cells to a subject in need thereof.
US09957278B2	Furopyridine compounds for the treatment of hepatitis C Compounds of formula I, including their salts, as well as compositions and methods of using the compounds are set forth. The compounds have activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and may be useful in treating those infected with HCV.
US09957275B2	Pyrazolo[1,5-A]pyrimidines for antiviral treatment The invention provides compounds of Formula I or Formula II: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester, thereof, as described herein. The compounds and compositions thereof are useful for treating Pneumovirinae virus infections. The compounds, compositions, and methods provided are particularly useful for the treatment of Human respiratory syncytial virus infections.
US09957271B2	Substituted bicyclic aza-heterocycles and analogues as sirtuin modulators Provided herein are novel substituted bicyclic aza-heterocycle sirtuin-modulating compounds and methods of use thereof. The sirtuin-modulating compounds may be used for increasing the lifespan of a cell, and treating and/or preventing a wide variety of diseases and disorders including, for example, diseases or disorders related to aging or stress, diabetes, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease, blood clotting disorders, inflammation, cancer, and/or flushing as well as diseases or disorders that would benefit from increased mitochondrial activity. Also provided are compositions comprising a sirtuin-modulating compound in combination with another therapeutic agent.
US09957269B2	S-imino-S-oxo iminothiazine compounds as bace inhibitors, compositions, and their use In its many embodiments, the present invention provides certain C-6 spirocarbocyclic iminothiadiazine compounds, including compounds Formula (I): or a tautomer thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of said compounds and said tautomers, wherein R1A, R1B, R2A, R2B, R2, R3, RN, ring A, RA, m, ring B, RB, and n are as defined herein. The novel compounds of the invention are useful as BACE inhibitors and/or for the treatment and prevention of various pathologies related thereto. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more such compounds (alone and in combination with one or more other active agents), and methods for their preparation and use, including for the possible treatment of Alzheimer's disease, are also disclosed.
US09957268B2	1H-pyrrolo[2,3,c]pyridin-7(6H)-ones and pyrazolo[3,4-c]pyridin-7(6H)-ones as inhibitors of BET proteins The present invention relates to substituted pyrrolopyridinones and substituted pyrazolopyridinones which are inhibitors of BET proteins such as BRD2, BRD3, BRD4, and BRD-t and are useful in the treatment of diseases such as cancer.
US09957265B2	N-(2-cyano heterocyclyl) pyrazolo pyridones as janus kinase inhibitors Provided are compounds of Formula I, a JAK inhibitor, and use thereof for the treatment of JAK-mediated diseases by the application.
US09957264B2	Geminally substituted cyanoethylpyrazolo pyridones as Janus kinase inhibitors The instant invention provides compounds of Formula (I) which are JAK inhibitors, and as such are useful for the treatment of JAK-mediated diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, COPD and cancer.
US09957263B2	Bromodomain inhibitors Compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are provided. The compounds are useful as agents in the treatment of diseases and conditions, including inflammatory diseases, cancer, and AIDS. Pharmaceutical compositions comprised of one or more compounds of formula (I) are also provided.
US09957258B2	Oxime ester photoinitiators Disclosed are oxime ester compounds which have specific benzo (unsaturated 5-membered ring)-carbonyl group and their use as photoinitiators in photopolymerizable compositions, in particular in photoresist formulations for display applications, e.g. liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diode (OLED) and touch panel.
US09957256B2	Process for the preparation of 5-fluoro-1H-pyrazoles starting from hexafluoropropene A new process for the preparation of 5-fluoro-1H-pyrazoles of the general formula (I) as described herein and further reactions with this compound.
US09957255B2	Benzotriazole derivatives as modulators of TNF activity A series of substituted benzotriazole derivatives, being potent modulators of various human ailments, including autoimmune and inflammatory disorders; neurological and neurodegenerative disorders; pain and nociceptive disorders; cardiovascular disorders; metabolic disorders; ocular disorders; and oncological disorders.
US09957254B2	Cyclohexen-1-yl-pyridin-2-yl-1h-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid derivatives and the use thereof as soluble guanylate cyclase activators The present invention provides a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; a method for manufacturing the compounds of the invention, and its therapeutic uses. The present invention further provides a combination of pharmacologically active agents and a pharmaceutical composition.
US09957250B2	Compounds and uses thereof for the modulation of hemoglobin Provide herein are compounds and pharmaceutical compositions suitable as modulators of hemoglobin, methods and intermediates for their preparation, and methods for their use in treating disorders mediated by hemoglobin and disorders that would benefit from tissue and/or cellular oxygenation.
US09957249B2	Saturated nitrogen and N-acylated heterocycles potentiating the activity of an active antibiotic against Mycobacteria The present invention concerns a compound of general formula (I): in which n=0 or 1, R1 represents an optionally substituted alkyl chain, in particular substituted alkyl chain, in particular substituted with fluorine, X is chosen from N and CH, and R2 is chosen from optionally substituted phenyl and benzyl, wherein the heterocycles having 6 vertices comprise one, two or three nitrogen atoms. The present invention also concerns the use of this compound as a medicament, in particular in the treatment of bacterial and mycobacterial infections such as tuberculosis in combination with an antibiotic that is active against bacteria and/or mycobacteria, said compound potentiating the activity of said antibiotic.
US09957244B2	Catalyst and process for producing 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid from hydroxymethylfurfural in water A process is described for converting hydroxymethylfurfural to furanic products inclusive of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, comprising combining a quantity of hydroxymethylfurfural with water to provide an aqueous solution containing at least about five percent by weight of hydroxymethylfurfural, and combining the aqueous solution with an oxygen source in the presence of a heterogeneous ruthenium-based catalyst and under conditions which are effective for oxidizing hydroxymethylfurfural to furanic oxidation products inclusive of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, but in the substantial absence of any solvent for either hydroxymethylfurfural or 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid other than water.
US09957243B2	Vinyl-containing compounds and processes for making the same The present invention provides a process for forming vinyl-containing compounds including the steps of: a) reacting in a nitrogen atmosphere a dicarboxylic acid and/or anhydride and a functional mono or polyfunctional alcohol to provide a hydroxyl-containing polyester; b) reacting the hydroxyl-containing polyester with a vinyl-containing organic acid in the presence of an esterification catalyst, a polymerization inhibitor and an azeotropic agent; and c) reacting the vinyl functional esterified intermediate, residual esterification catalyst and residual vinyl-containing organic acid with an epoxy to provide the vinyl-containing compound.
US09957236B2	Selective inhibitors interfering with fibroblast growth factor receptor and FRS2 interaction for the prevention and treatment of cancer and other diseases The present technology relates to medicine and includes the use of inhibitors which selectively interfere with the interaction between a fibroblast growth factor receptor and FRS2, and with the interaction with other components of the FRS2 complex. Use of the selective inhibitors described in the present technology leads to a proven increase in anti-tumor efficacy relative to other inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, a decrease in the toxicity of treatment, and the possibility of achieving complete blockage using a low agent concentration and of conducting long-term treatment. The advantage of the technology includes the development of a novel class of medicinal agents for treating malignant neoplasms and other diseases.
US09957235B2	Benzimidazol-2-amines as mIDH1 inhibitors The present invention relates to benzimidazol-2-amines of general formula (I), in which R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11 and R12 are as defined herein, to methods of preparing said compounds, to intermediate compounds useful for preparing said compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions and combinations comprising said compounds and to the use of said compounds for manufacturing a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prophylaxis of a disease, in particular of neoplasms, as a sole agent or in combination with other active ingredients.
US09957229B2	Amido compounds and their use as pharmaceuticals The present invention relates to inhibitors of 11-β hydroxyl steroid dehydrogenase type 1, antagonists of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. The compounds of the invention can be useful in the treatment of various diseases associated with expression or activity of 11-β hydroxyl steroid dehydrogenase type 1 and/or diseases associated with aldosterone excess.
US09957227B2	Pharmaceutical formulations of HDAC inhibitors This invention pertains to pharmaceutical compositions comprising certain carbamic acid compounds (e.g., which inhibit HDAC (histone deacetylase) activity) (e.g., PXD-101, N hydroxyl-3-(3-phenylsulfamoyl-phenyl)-acrylamide)) and one or more additional ingredients selected from cyclodextrin, arginine, and meglumine. The present invention also pertains to the use of such compositions, for example, in the inhibition of HDAC, and in the treatment of conditions mediated by HDAC, cancer, proliferative conditions, psoriasis, etc.
US09957225B2	Treatment of friedreich's ataxia using histone deacetylase inhibitors The invention provides methods of treating Friedreich's ataxia and other neurodegenerative or neuromuscular conditions using histone deacetylase inhibitors.
US09957224B2	Methods for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy and other ophthalmic diseases Methods are provided herein for the treatment of ophthalmic diseases or conditions such as an ophthalmic disease or disorder associated with diabetes in a patient. Also provided herein are methods of treating retinopathy of prematurity in a patient. Further, provided herein are methods for treating wet age-related macular degeneration in a patient. The methods comprise administration of compounds disclosed herein to a patient in need thereof that inhibit or slow one or more signs or symptoms of such conditions.
US09957219B2	Antidiabetic bicyclic compounds Novel compounds of the structural formula (I), and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are agonists of G-protein coupled receptor 40 (GPR40) and may be useful in the treatment, prevention and suppression of diseases mediated by the G-protein-coupled receptor 40. The compounds of the present invention may be useful in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus, and of conditions that are often associated with this disease, including obesity and lipid disorders, such as mixed or diabetic dyslipidemia, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia.
US09957218B2	Isomerization of muconic acid Various embodiments disclosed relate to isomerization of muconic acid. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of forming trans,trans-muconic acid. The method includes heating a starting material composition to form a product composition including trans,trans-muconic acid. The starting material composition includes cis,cis-muconic acid, cis,trans-muconic acid, or a combination thereof. The starting material composition also includes an electrophilic compound, an organic solvent, or a combination thereof.
US09957215B2	Plant extract compositions for forming protective coatings Described herein are methods of preparing cutin-derived monomers, oligomers, or combinations thereof from cutin-containing plant matter. The methods can include heating the cutin-derived plant matter in a solvent at elevated temperature and pressure. In some preferred embodiments, the methods can be carried out without the use of additional acidic or basic species.
US09957211B2	Methods and systems for separating C4 crude streams The present invention provides, among other things, new processes for separating and purifying C4 fractions from a crude C4 stream. Compared to prior methods, the processes of the present invention simplify the C4 separation processes, afford more possible configurations for separation and purification, and are more cost effective. The processes and systems provided herein can be used as part of a cost-effective and efficient method for synthesizing methyl tertiary-butyl ether.
US09957209B2	Use of quinone methides as antipolymerants for vinylic monomers The present invention generally relates to compounds and methods for inhibiting the radical polymerization of unsaturated compounds, particularly vinyl monomers. More particularly, it relates to the use of cinnamyl quinone methides to inhibit the polymerization of unsaturated hydrocarbon compounds (e.g., vinyl monomers) soluble in organic solvents, particularly hydrocarbon streams.
US09957208B2	Process for preparing 1,3-butadiene from N-butenes by oxidative dehydrogenation The invention relates to a process for preparing butadiene from n-butenes, comprising the steps of: A) providing an input gas stream a comprising n-butenes, B) feeding the input gas stream a comprising n-butenes and a gas containing at least oxygen into at least one oxidative dehydrogenation zone and oxidatively dehydrogenating n-butenes to butadiene, giving a product gas stream b comprising butadiene, unconverted n-butenes, water vapor, oxygen, low-boiling hydrocarbons and high-boiling secondary components, with or without carbon oxides and with or without inert gases; Ca) cooling the product gas stream b by contacting with a cooling medium in at least one cooling zone, the cooling medium being at least partly recycled and having an aqueous phase and an organic phase of an organic solvent, wherein the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of toluene, o-, m- and p-xylene, mesitylene, mono-, di- and triethylbenzene, mono-, di- and triisopropylbenzene and mixtures thereof, and the mass ratio of the aqueous phase to the organic phase in the cooling medium when it is fed into the cooling zones prior to the contacting with the product gas stream being from 0.015:1 to 10:1, Cb) compressing the cooled product gas stream b which may have been depleted of high-boiling secondary components in at least one compression stage, giving at least one aqueous condensate stream c1 and one gas stream c2 comprising butadiene, n-butenes, water vapor, oxygen and low-boiling hydrocarbons, with or without carbon oxides and with or without inert gases; D) removing uncondensable and low-boiling gas constituents comprising oxygen and low-boiling hydrocarbons, with or without carbon oxides and with or without inert gases, as gas stream d2 from the gas stream c2 by absorbing the C4 hydrocarbons comprising butadiene and n-butenes in an absorbent, giving an absorbent stream laden with C4 hydrocarbons and the gas stream d2, and then desorbing the C4 hydrocarbons from the laden absorbent stream, giving a C4 product gas stream d1, E) separating the C4 product stream d1 by extractive distillation with a butadiene-selective solvent into a stream e1 comprising butadiene and the selective solvent and a stream e2 comprising n-butenes; F) distilling the stream e1 comprising butadiene and the selective solvent into a stream f1 consisting essentially of the selective solvent and a stream f2 comprising butadiene.
US09957204B2	Hydrocarbon conversion process The invention relates to processes for converting a mixture of hydrocarbon and sulfur-containing molecules such as mercaptan into products comprising acetylene, ethylene, and hydrogen sulfide, to processes utilizing the acetylene and ethylene resulting from the conversion, and to equipment useful for such processes.
US09957203B2	Production of aromatics from methanol using selective hydrogen combustion A catalyst system and processes for combined aromatization and selective hydrogen combustion of oxygenated hydrocarbons are disclosed. The catalyst system contains at least one aromatization component and at least one selective hydrogen combustion component. The process is such that the yield of hydrogen is less than the yield of hydrogen when contacting the hydrocarbons with the aromatization component alone.
US09957199B2	Formation of boron carbide-boron nitride carbon compositions A composition having nanoparticles of a boron carbide and a carbonaceous matrix. The composition is not in the form of a powder. A composition comprising boron and an organic component. The organic component is an organic compound having a char yield of at least 60% by weight or a thermoset made from the organic compound. A method of combining boron and an organic compound having a char yield of at least 60% by weight, and heating to form boron carbide or boron nitride nanoparticles.
US09957195B2	Process and device for separating off a volatile component A process and device separate off a volatile component from the off-gases in cement clinker production. Raw materials for cement clinker production are passed through a preheater with heat exchange with the off-gases and are then burnt in a rotary kiln. Owing to the heating in the preheater, the volatile component bound in the raw materials is vaporized and separated off. A first raw material stream having a relatively high concentration of the volatile component is applied to a first line of the preheater and a second raw material stream having a lower concentration of the volatile component is applied to a second line. The volatile component is separated off from the first substream of the off-gases. The first raw material stream heated to a temperature of at least 250° C. with the first substream of the off gases in the first line is combined with the second raw material stream.
US09957191B2	Glass compositions, fiberizable glass compositions, and glass fibers made therefrom Embodiments of the present invention provide glass compositions, fiberizable glass compositions, and glass fibers formed from such compositions, as well as glass strands, yarns, fabrics, and composites comprising such glass fibers adapted for use in various applications. In some embodiments of the present invention, the glass compositions additionally include at least one rare earth oxide.
US09957189B2	Heat-absorbing glass plate and method for manufacturing same A heat-absorbing glass plate containing iron, tin, selenium, cobalt and sulfur, where the mass ratio of divalent iron as calculated as Fe2O3 to total iron as calculated as Fe2O3 is at least 55%, the ratio Tv/Te of the visible light transmittance Tv (by illuminant A, 2° visual field) as defined in JIS R3106 (1998) calculated as 4 mm thickness of the glass plate to the solar transmittance Te as defined in JIS R3106 (1998) calculated as 4 mm thickness of the glass plate, is at least 1.5, the visible light transmittance Tv (by illuminant A, 2° visual field) is at most 65% as defined in JIS R3106 (1998) calculated as 4 mm thickness of the glass plate, and the excitation purity Pe is at most 7% as defined in JIS Z8701 (1999) calculated as 4 mm thickness of the glass plate.
US09957181B2	Pasteurization system with purification of the process liquid Pasteurization system with purification of the process liquid, with a feed and evacuation conveyor system for containers. At least one treatment zone with sprinkling nozzles to spray the containers with a process liquid such as water, the treatment zone including a screening unit with a sedimentation area for the deposition of sediment from the process liquid, a closed-loop circuit to re-use the process liquid, with devices to remove the sediment from the sedimentation area for each zone and to feed the sediment into a central filter unit. The central filter unit has at least one filter module for the filtration of solid matter from the inputted sediment so that the filtered process liquid is conserved. Devices to return the filtered process liquid to one or several treatment zones are also provided.
US09957180B2	Ion sequestration for scale prevention Cations that can precipitate from an aqueous composition to produce scaling are sequestered by adding a multi-dentate ligand to the aqueous composition. The multi-dentate ligand bonds with the cation to form a non-scaling ionic complex; and the aqueous solution with the ionic complex is used in a process that produces substantially pure water from the aqueous composition, where the cation, absent formation of the ionic complex, is subject to scaling. The pH of the aqueous composition (or a brine including components of the aqueous composition) is then reduced to release the cation from the multi-dentate ligand; and the multi-dentate ligand, after the cation is released, is then reused in a predominantly closed loop.
US09957175B2	Vertical acidic fluid neutralizer A device and method are provided for neutralizing corrosive fluids that discharge from several types of condensing appliances. The disclosed device comprises a flow enclosure and a flow channel concentrically aligned with an inlet connection positioned on an upper cap and aligned substantially perpendicular to an outlet connection also positioned on the upper cap, thus allowing the disclosed device to further serve as a gas trap. Replacement of the neutralizing media housed within the flow enclosure may proceed without disconnecting the device at the inlet.
US09957173B2	Treatment of water The present invention relates to water treatment. In one embodiment there is provided a method of treating an aqueous system to inhibit growth of one or more micro-organisms therein and/or to reduce the number of live micro-organisms therein. The method comprises adding treatment agents to said aqueous system and wherein said treatment agents comprise: (a) a phosphonium compound; and (b) an nitro compound.
US09957172B2	Method for removing perfluorinated compounds by concentration and separation Various embodiments provide methods for removing a PFC by concentration and separation. In an exemplary method, a PFC in an aqueous solution or in a mixed water-organic solvent solution can be adsorbed onto a surface of a floc generated by electroflocculation, to form sludge. The sludge containing the PFC can be centrifuged to separate the PFC from the sludge and to form a concentrated PFC solution. Eelectroflocculation provides a simple process that is easy to operate. Reaction conditions are mild. Energy consumption is low. Treatment effect is desirable, stable, and reliable. Industrial application can be easy to implement. Further, the centrifugal separation technology used for the harmless treatment of the generated PFC-containing sludge is novel and does not need to use chemicals. Further, dewatering of the sludge is achieved at the same time during the harmless treatment. The needed equipment is simple and can be automatically operated.
US09957171B2	Composite and electrode for electrochemical removal of phosphorus, and apparatus and method using the electrode A composite is provided, the composite comprises a carbon support, and a layered double hydroxide (LDH) immobilized on the carbon support for selectively removing phosphorus. An electrode for electrochemical removal of phosphorus, and methods and apparatuses for electrochemical purification by utilizing the electrode are also provided.
US09957169B2	Seawater desalination system and energy recovery apparatus An energy recovery apparatus usable in a seawater desalination system. The energy recovery apparatus includes a plurality of chambers to pressurize the seawater by pressure energy of the concentrated seawater by supply and discharging the concentrated seawater and the seawater, a first flowmeter for integrating a flow rate of the seawater or the concentrated seawater which flows into the chamber, a second flowmeter for integrating a flow rate of the seawater or the concentrated seawater discharged from the chamber, a switching valve in each of the chambers to switch the inflow and the discharge of the concentrated seawater, and a controller to control the respective switching valves of the chambers on the basis of integrated flow rate of the chamber obtained from the flow rate of the flowmeter. The controller inputs a single input signal to the respective switching valves of the chambers to control the respective switching valves.
US09957167B2	Method of manufacturing hexagonal ferrite powder, hexagonal ferrite powder, magnetic recording medium and method of manufacturing magnetic recording medium The method of manufacturing hexagonal ferrite powder includes preparing a hexagonal ferrite precursor by mixing an iron salt and a divalent metal salt in a water-based solution, and converting the hexagonal ferrite precursor into hexagonal ferrite within a reaction flow passage, within which a fluid flowing therein is subjected to heating and pressurizing, by continuously feeding a water-based solution containing the hexagonal ferrite precursor and gelatin to the reaction flow passage.
US09957164B2	Highly conducting graphitic films from graphene liquid crystals A process for producing a highly oriented graphitic film, consisting of (a) preparing a dispersion having graphene oxide (GO) or chemically functionalized graphene (CFG) dispersed in a liquid to form a liquid crystal phase (but not in a GO gel state); (b) depositing the dispersion onto a supporting substrate to form a layer of GO or CFG under an orientation-inducing stress; (c) removing the liquid to form a dried GO or CFG layer having an inter-plane spacing d002 of 0.4 nm to 1.2 nm; (d) thermally reducing the dried layer at a first temperature higher than 100° C. to produce a porous layer of reduced GO or CFG; (e) further heat-treating the porous layer at a second temperature to produce a porous graphitic film having an inter-plane spacing d002 less than 0.4 nm; and (f) compressing the porous graphitic film to produce the highly oriented graphitic film.
US09957154B2	Method for manufacturing a device comprising a hermetically sealed vacuum housing and getter A method of manufacturing a device having a microelectronic component housed in a hermetically sealed vacuum housing, including forming a getter in said housing, pumping out and heating the device to degas elements housed in said housing, after said pumping, hermetically sealing the housing in fluxless fashion.Further, each material forming the device likely to degas into the inner space is a mineral material, the getter is capable of substantially trapping hydrogen only and is inert to oxygen and/or to nitrogen and the heating and the sealing are performed at a temperature lower than 300° C.
US09957153B2	Hood for a horse's head A hood (100) for a head of a horse includes: a main part intended to be placed on the head, two ears (104a, 104b) integral with the main part and in each of which is housed one of the ears of the horse, an auditory device (300) including a reception module (302) including elements for receiving signals, a transformation module (304) including elements for transforming the signals received into sounds audible to the horse, and a pair of loudspeakers (306) connected to the transformation module (304), each of the loudspeakers (306) being housed and fixed inside an ear (104a, 104b) of the hood (100).
US09957151B2	Fuel blending hose and fuel dispensing unit A fuel hose for delivering multiple-grades of fuel is provided and in one embodiment includes a first hose portion having a first length and a first diameter, and a second hose portion having a second length and a second diameter. The first hose portion includes a first fuel line and a second fuel line, and the second hose portion includes a third fuel line. The first fuel line and the second fuel line can be fluidly connected to the third fuel line. In one embodiment, the first diameter of the first hose portion is larger than the second diameter of the second hose portion. The invention further relates to a fuel dispensing unit.
US09957149B2	Beverage container for injecting beverage through bottom thereof A beverage container has a body having an inlet which is formed so as to penetrate the bottom of a receiving unit. A holder is coupled to the inlet to open and close the inlet upon ascending or descending with a nozzle of a beverage supply device being inserted into the holder. A locking member is coupled to the ascending/descending wall of the holder to allow the holder to close the inlet. The locking member has a plurality of elastic arms for elastically supporting the holder.
US09957148B2	Pouch with a tube spout fitment A flexible pouch with a tube spout fitment and removable cap. The flexible pouch has a panel with an aperture and a tube spout fitment that extends through the aperture. The tube spout fitment has a first circumferential ridge with a first diameter and a second circumferential ridge with a second diameter. Also, the second diameter is larger than the first diameter. A dispensing cap is attached to the tube spout fitment. The dispensing cap has a first temporary snap position fitting over the first circumferential ridge of the tube spout fitment and a second permanent snap position fitting over the second circumferential ridge. In this manner, the dispensing cap can be temporarily attached to the pouch during storage, shipping and the like, removed prior to filling the flexible pouch with product, and then permanently attached after the pouch has been filled with product.
US09957145B2	Dosing system A dosing system including a dispensing tube to dispense a viscous liquid from a holding container to an output container, the tube includes an upper and a lower valve and a peristaltic pump to push against the dispensing tube and to cause the viscous liquid to open the lower valve.
US09957143B2	Device for moving construction barrels An apparatus removably attached to a vehicle for moving a plurality of traffic barrels. The apparatus includes a mounting device configured for removably attaching to the vehicle. The apparatus further includes a receiving device having a first end and a second end, wherein the receiving device is configured for attaching to the mounting device at the first end and at least one tube connecting to the second end of the receiving device. Each of the plurality of traffic barrels slide along the at least one tube into a desired position.
US09957142B2	Shipboard winch with computer-controlled motor A winch is employed for deploying a probe to a precise depth within a water column for making and recording physical measurement within such water column. More particularly, the winch rapidly unspools a line from an underway vessel, while maintaining minimal but constant line tension, as a probe, tethered to such line, descends within the water column in a “near” free-fall to a predetermined depth and then stops. The line lacks means for communicating its depth to the winch. The probe achieves a predictable descent behavior, even though it is tethered by a line to a winch onboard an underway vessel of unknown velocity and in variable weather conditions. The predictable descent behavior is achieved by maintaining a minimal constant tension on the line within a narrow range. The descent behavior of a probe in “near” free-fall has sufficient predictability to construct an algorithm to correlate descent time with depth. The predictability is sufficient to reduce the risk of collision between the probe and the water bottom to an acceptable level.
US09957139B2	Overload brake for trolley An overload brake and method for trolley suspended on a flange of a load traveling apparatus girder prevents the displacement movement of a suspended load along a girder by clamping a brake between two symmetrical flange tabs of the girder. The girder is elastically deformed by the load which is applied to the girder by the contact between a surface of the girder and translation wheels that move the load along the girder. Upon sufficient elastic deformation, portions of the girder contact a brake to prevent movement of the load along the girder.
US09957134B2	Roller guide for elevators An elevator roller guide assembly that provides enhanced ride comfort. The assembly includes a chassis, a stop plate mounted to the chassis, a face wheel enclosure that at least partially encloses the face wheel and is connected to a plurality of leaf springs, and a pair of side wheel enclosures connected to the face wheel enclosure by the plurality of leaf springs. The side wheel enclosures each support a side wheel in a fixed relation to the other side wheel. The side wheel enclosures are operably connected to the stop plate by a pair of vertical plates. A multi-axis damper extends from the stop plate to engage the face wheel enclosure and dampen oscillation of the wheel enclosures during operation. A set of delta diameter wheels across all four guides reduces coincident flat spots to improve ride quality. Also, a wheel force gauge is integrated with the face wheel enclosure.
US09957132B2	Elevator control systems An elevator control system for controlling a plurality of elevators in an elevator bank includes a processor in communication with a non-transitory memory, and a networking device. The processor executes software instructions that cause the elevator control system to receive an elevator call placed by at least one of a user and a mobile device of the user. The elevator control system wirelessly communicates with the mobile device to determine an elevator criteria set by the user on the mobile device via an elevator control application. The elevator criteria comprises a preference and a requirement. The software instructions allow the processor to determine whether an elevator in the elevator bank meets the requirement and the preference, and an elevator that meets at least the requirement is automatically assigned to the user.
US09957131B2	Elevator speed control Embodiments are directed to calculating a current associated with a motor of an elevator based on an output of a speed regulator, and controlling the elevator based on the current. Embodiments are directed to examining a feeder current obtained via a converter current sensor of a regenerative drive during a peak power condition, and regulating a speed of an elevator based on the feeder current.
US09957130B2	Method of folding paper A method for folding paper by means of a folding machine having a folding station, wherein a portion of a paper web (9) supplied to same is firstly folded in a first stack (10) containing continuous sheets and, after reaching a threshold value of the thus-created first stack (10), moved into a stacker (15) and thus remains in contact, via a folded stacking area (12) with a further portion of the paper web (9), wherein a section of the folded stacking area (12) serves as basis for a further subsequent stack of continuous sheets to be folded thereupon. Such method is intended to be developed such that only the smallest possible loops are required. To this end, before moving the first stack (10) into the stacker (15) the folded stacking area (12) is withdrawn out of the folding station from the first already folded stack (10), the folded stacking area (12) is fed back into the folding station while the first stack (10) is moved into the stacker (15), and then the already folded stacking area (12) fed back into the folding station serves as the basis for the subsequent stack to be folded, and the process of withdrawing the folded stacking area (12) after reaching a threshold value of the subsequent stack is repeated until the whole paper web (9) supplied has finished being folded.
US09957129B2	Tape dispenser with cutter assembly and protrusion A cutter assembly suitable for cutting BOPP adhesive tape and a tape dispenser incorporating the same. The cutter assembly has a row of plastic teeth where each tooth includes left and right front and rear faces, each face being disposed on a different plane, and where the planes intersect each other at the tip of the tooth. A front edge extends between the left and right front faces; a rear edge extends between the left and right rear faces; a left side edge extends between the right front and rear faces; and a right side edge extends between the left front face and the right rear face. The various edges are set at particular angles relative to each other. A protrusion for supporting the tape is provided rearwardly of the teeth and a braking mechanism is also provided on the dispenser.
US09957122B2	Sheet feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus A sheet feeding apparatus includes a sheet containing unit and a sheet feeding device to feed sheets in the sheet containing unit. The sheet containing unit includes a main body to hold sheets, a drawer member capable of being drawn from the main body, a restricting member movable in a direction parallel to a sheet feeding direction, a first retaining member disposed at the main body, and a second retaining member disposed at the drawer member. The drawer member holds the sheets together with the main body when drawn from the main body. The restricting member restricts an upstream end position of the contained sheets. The first retaining member retains the restricting member at a first position. The second retaining member retains the restricting member at a second position.
US09957121B2	Safety systems for vertically storing dock levelers Example dock leveler safety systems for vertically storing dock levelers are disclosed herein. An example dock leveler safety system disclosed herein may be used at a dock platform in a pit having a pit floor, where the pit floor is at a lower elevation than the dock platform and the dock platform and the pit floor define the pit. The dock leveler safety system comprises a deck to pivot relative to the dock platform between an upright position and a lowered position such that the deck extends farther over the pit floor when the deck is in the lowered position than when the deck is in the stored upright position. A sensor monitors a sensed region within the pit when the deck is in the upright position and the sensor provides a reaction signal in response to a body being detected within the sensed region. The deck enters a state of restricted movement in response to the reaction signal.
US09957119B2	Linear drive transport system and method A linear drive transport system includes a plurality of fixed tracks and a junction track disposed on a conveyor configured to align the junction track with each of the plurality of fixed tracks. The plurality of fixed tracks and the junction track include one of electromagnetic coils or permanent magnets arranged in series along the respective plurality of fixed tracks and the junction track. In addition, the linear drive transport system includes a plurality of movers configured to move along the fixed tracks and configured to transition between each of the plurality of fixed tracks and the junction track when aligned, wherein the movers comprise the other of the electromagnetic coils or the permanent magnets.
US09957118B2	Adhesive bin and method of storing and moving adhesive particulate to an adhesive melter Methods for storing and moving adhesive particulate to an adhesive melter are disclosed. An interior space of a supply hopper is filled with adhesive particulate. A transfer pump is actuated to generate a vacuum at an inlet of the transfer pump to actuate removal of the adhesive particulate from the supply hopper. A consistent minimized depth of the adhesive particulate located directly above the inlet is maintained with a shroud located within the interior space of the supply hopper. In addition, adhesive particulate can be received in an interior space of a container. An open space is maintained within the interior space of the container proximate the pump inlet, where the open space entrains gas to be drawn by the transfer pump. The transfer pump can be actuated to generate a vacuum at the pump inlet to cause removal of the adhesive particulate from the container.
US09957108B2	Conveyor transition for material handling An assembly for directing bulk material from an upper conveyor to a lower conveyor is provided. The conveyors are relatively rotatable in yaw and the lower conveyor is pivotable in pitch. The assembly includes an upper hood portion, a vertical flow cone, and a bottom containment assembly. The upper hood portion redirects material from the upper conveyor downward through an exit aperture. The vertical flow cone underneath the upper hood portion is rotatable in yaw relative to the upper hood portion and is movable vertically relative to the upper hood portion. The vertical flow cone directs the bulk material from the exit aperture toward the lower conveyor. The bottom containment assembly is mounted to the lower conveyor, is movable lengthwise relative to the lower conveyor, is pivotable and movable vertically relative to the upper hood portion, and includes an aperture for receiving the material.
US09957102B2	Portion capsule for preparing a brewed product and a method for producing said portion capsule A method for producing a capsule includes providing a plastic main body having a bottom region, a peripheral side wall, and a peripheral main-body collar adjoining the peripheral side wall, wherein the main body has a substantially rectangular cross-section in the region of the main-body collar; providing a deep-drawn plastic cover for closing the capsule, wherein the cover forms an outward curvature, which adjoins a peripheral cover collar; filling the main body with an extraction material; and placing the cover onto the main body such that the cover collar lies on the main-body collar and fastening the cover collar to the main-body collar via ultrasonic welding. The cover is provided with an energy-director, which focuses the ultrasound energy during the ultrasonic welding, and wherein the cover has at least one groove that extends peripherally on an outer face in the region of the cover collar.
US09957100B2	Dispensing device A dispensing device having two output channels (6) for selectively dispensing a preferably liquid product is proposed. In order to switch between the output channels (6), the dispensing device has a switching part (10) that can be rotated by means of an associated actuation part (9). A simple and cost-effective design is made possible by the fact that the actuation part (9) engages axially into the switching part (10), and the switching part (10) has a peripheral seal and is self-sealing.
US09957097B2	Food tray A food tray has a lower tray containing a first food product and an upper tray nested stably at least partly inside the lower tray, with the upper tray containing a second food product. An air permeable interface is provided between the upper tray and lower tray to allow venting of steam from the lower tray during cooking. A cover is provided for the food tray. Each of the lower tray and the upper tray are formed of a material that is suitable for use in a microwave or conventional oven. Various constructions may be used to create the air permeable interface, such as lugs, ledges and lips. The upper tray may sit above the lower tray. The trays are nested loosely for ease of removal of the upper tray from the lower tray. Various configurations of cover may be used such as a sleeve, carton or lid. The upper tray may contain the higher value food product.
US09957094B2	Hair accessory holder A hair accessory holder including a body member, one or more straps extending along the body member for attachment of barrettes, bobby pins, clips and the like, and one or more portions of the body member configured for attachment of hair elastics, bands and the like. The hair accessory holder provides a compact, lightweight mechanism for holding a variety of hair accessories for organization, travel, and display.
US09957093B2	Container package A flexible carrier for carrying a plurality of containers within a plurality of corresponding container receiving apertures wherein each container receiving aperture is stretched around a perimeter of a corresponding container and positioned under a flap extending downward from the corresponding container.
US09957092B2	Combination cap and work support system A combination cap and work support system includes a lower section configured to connect to a container and an upper section configured to provide a desired support to an object. The combination cap and work support system may be utilized alone or in multiples to support an object above a work surface during a project. Configurations of the upper section generally include support structures such as ridges and apices in a desired configuration. Configurations of the combination cap and work support system may be separable into individual segments each of which may be separately utilized as a support structure for an object. The combination cap and work support system may be included as part of a kit in conjunction with a compatible container, such as a can of surface coating.
US09957089B2	Flexible container lid A flexible container lid requiring only one hand to secure objects in an associated container is provided. The lid has a lid aperture providing a medial passageway from which a plurality of narrow openings radially extends so that the lid aperture expands as objects are urged onto it and the flexible lid moves from a flat condition to a bowed condition. Thereby accommodating items that are larger than the centrally located medial passageway by using the narrow openings in conjunction with the medial passageway to expand the size of the entire lid aperture in the bowed condition as the portions of the lid that define each narrow opening simultaneously move way from each other, respectively. Furthermore, the lid returns to its starting flat condition covering the associated container once an item has been placed therein, obviating the need for a user to initially remove the lid from the container.
US09957087B2	Child-resistant zipper and packaging bag incorporating said zipper A child-resistant zipper is provided and a packaging bag incorporating such a zipper which is difficult for a child to open, but which can readily be opened using predetermined procedures. The zipper comprises first and second adhesion band members each comprising an upper and lower surface on upper and lower ends thereof, one surface of which is an adhesive surface for adherence to opposing inner surfaces of an opening of a packaging bag, and a fit-engagement body comprising first and second fit-engagement portions respectively provided on opposing surfaces of the adhesion band members, wherein the first and second fit-engagement portions are adapted to releasably engage with each other to form a fit-engagement body, wherein the adhesive surface of the first adhesion band member is provided on its lower surface to form a lower surface adhering fit-engagement body in which the fit-engagement portion of the first band adhesion member is arranged along the upper end of the first adhesion band member, and wherein a releasing member is provided on the upper end of the first adhesion band member of the lower surface adhering fit-engagement body which is adapted to release engagement of the fit-engagement body when the releasing member and the second adhesion band member are opened in opposite directions.
US09957085B2	Cardboard box having a centring tab, blank, set of blanks and method for producing such a box The present invention relates to a box, a blank, a set of blanks made from corrugated cardboard sheet and a method for forming a box having a polygonal section. The box has at least one centring tab (7) straddling at least one folding line (4) on its upper wall (2), cut out on its lateral sides (8), connected on one side to the upper wall (2) by a first joining line (10) and on the other side to the adjacent side wall (5) by a second joining line (6), a parallel and offset intermediate folding line (14) being provided such that the tab (7) forms a projecting portion (16) on account of the folding. The bottom comprises at least one perforated surface portion (18) which has a shape complementary to that of the tab such that the lateral edges of the recess are designed to cooperate in contact with the lateral edges of said tab, and is designed to fit into the projecting portion of a box from below.
US09957083B2	Composite pallet structure A composite pallet structure includes a unit pallet including: upper and lower basic supporting boards, at least two spaced-apart auxiliary rods attached to each of the corresponding sides of the upper and lower basic supporting boards, a plurality of spacers distributed between the auxiliary rods on the upper basic supporting board and the auxiliary rods on the lower basic supporting board, and a plurality of fixing elements for restricting the spacers within the space between the upper and lower basic supporting boards in order for the unit pallet to have high supporting strength. The composite pallet structure needs no soldering and, therefore, can be easily repaired and recycled.
US09957080B2	Reinforced package A reinforced package comprising a carton comprising a plurality of panels that can comprise a first side panel connected to a front panel along a first fold line, a back panel connected to the first side panel along a second fold line, and a second side panel connected to the front and/or back panels. The reinforced package further can comprise a bag that can have an at least partially open end, an at least partially closed end, and an interior space. The carton can be positionable in non-erect and erect positions, and the carton can be configured to support the bag in the erect position. The first and second side panels can comprise retention features for at least partially retaining the carton in the erect position, and the retention features can comprise at least a V-shaped fold line extending in the first side panel from the first fold line.
US09957079B2	Tray cover, tray insert, and methods thereof The present teachings are direct at tray, components in a tray, methods for assembling trays, and articles, such as boxes that include a tray. The covers and/or tray inserts include one or more features that result in one or more of the following benefits: improved performance during or after assembly of a tray, improved ease of assembling a tray, or improved appearance of a tray, or any combination thereof. The features can be used alone. However, a number of the features, when combined, result in particularly robust assembly processes.
US09957075B2	Method and apparatus for producing pouched tobacco product In a method and apparatus for producing a small pouch with a predetermined amount of particulate material therein, a predetermined amount of the particulate material is portioned from a bulk supply and compacted into a single discrete caplet. The caplet is then deposited into an open hollow pouch closed at one end thereof, and the open end is then closed with the caplet between the closed ends of the pouch. The caplet in the pouch is then compressed to return it to its particulate form. The particulate material may be granular or shredded tobacco.
US09957073B2	Bag sealing tape, and banding device and banding method using the bag sealing tape A bag sealing tape which can be repeatedly used without damaging a banded object such as a bag or the like when the object is opened, and which does not have to be separated for disposal; and a banding device and a banding method using the bag sealing tape. The bag sealing tape includes adhesion zones and non-adhesion zones, and the adhesion zones are disposed on the surface of a base film in a stepping stone manner in a length direction of the base film.
US09957069B2	Packaging machine and packaging method Providing a packaging machine and a packaging method both of which are capable of packaging with an imperforate bag provided with no small apertures or no aerating part, can prevent contamination of foreign substances such as insects and can further prevent the packaging bags from being damaged or collapsed during storage in a piled state or transportation by execution of reliable deaeration. The packaging machine and a packaging method have a closing unit 4 which holds a vicinity of mouth a of a packaging bag A inserted with a deaeration nozzle held from opposed sides of the bag A, an airway securing unit, a shaping press unit and a temporary sealing unit.
US09957063B2	Structure for aircraft, method of manufacturing structure for aircraft and method of making design information of structure for aircraft According to one implementation, a structure for an aircraft includes a first structural member, a second structural member coupled to the first structural member, a fastener and a conductive object. The fastener couples the first structural member to the second structural member. The fastener is inserted into an insertion hole formed in a portion where the first structural member is overlapped with the second structural member. The fastener is in electrically non-contact with the first and second structural members in the insertion hole. The conductive object is embedded inside at least either one of the first and second structural members. The conductive object prevents a spark between the fastener and each of the first and second structural members by forming a current pathway that leads current, flowing inside the at least either one of the first and second structural members, to the other structural member.
US09957059B2	Fuel tank, fuel pipe, and aircraft A fuel tank that stores fuel to be fed to a fuel supply destination through a pipe, wherein a whole or a portion of a storage fuel contact portion in contact with the fuel within the fuel tank is subjected to surface finishing for imparting hydrophilicity.
US09957055B2	Aft engine for an aircraft A propulsion system for an aircraft including a plurality of primary engines is provided. The plurality of primary engines includes at least a first primary engine and a second primary engine, each configured for mounting to a respective one of a pair of wings of the aircraft. The propulsion system additionally includes an aft engine configured for mounting at a tail section of the aircraft. The plurality of primary engines are sized to provide an amount of thrust sufficient for the aircraft to takeoff without use of the aft engine, such that the aft engine may be configured as a non-prime reliable engine.
US09957053B2	Helicopter rotor icing detection system and method A system includes a signal monitor to monitor a time rate of change of a revolutions per minute (RPM) trim signal that is received from an RPM command path to control a velocity of a helicopter rotor. An icing detector detects for the presence of ice accumulation on the helicopter rotor by comparing the time rate of change of the RPM trim signal to a predetermined threshold for the time rate of change.
US09957051B2	Method of operating a multi-pack environmental control system An environmental control system (ECS) pack is provided including a primary heat exchanger, a secondary heat exchanger, and an air cycle machine. The air cycle machine includes a compressor and a turbine. The compressor is fluidly coupled to an outlet of the primary heat exchanger and to an inlet of the secondary heat exchanger. The outlet of the secondary heat exchanger is fluidly coupled to the turbine. A first conduit connects the outlet of the primary heat exchanger and the inlet of the secondary heat exchanger. The first conduit includes a first valve. A second conduit connects the outlet of the secondary heat exchanger to an air load. The second conduit includes a second valve.
US09957045B1	Stackable drones A drone (2) has an upper coupler (6) that releasably connects to a lower coupler (8) of a second drone (4), interconnecting the drones in a stacked combined flying machine (5A). The couplers index a predetermined rotational relationship between the two drones about a central vertical axis (10). An embodiment (5C) provides coaxial counter-rotating propellers of the respective upper and lower drones. Other embodiments rotationally offset the upper and lower drones to minimize overlap (A1, A2) of the upper and lower propeller disks or to overlap only portions (A1) of the propeller disks that rotate in opposite directions. The couplers may have electrical connectors that integrate control systems (38, 40) that establish a master/slave control relationship.
US09957044B2	Air vehicle flight mechanism and control method Heavier-than-air, aircraft having flapping wings, e.g., ornithopters, where angular orientation control is effected by variable differential sweep angles of deflection of the flappable wings in the course of sweep angles of travel and/or the control of variable wing membrane tension.
US09957043B2	Method for monitoring kite air pressure when kite boarding A method for monitoring air pressure in a kite when kite boarding is described. The method involves a first step of connecting an air pressure sensor to one or more bladders of the kite. The method involves a second step of positioning a visual display for the air pressure sensor where it will be visible to a user conducting a visual inspection of the kite to display a pressure reading as sensed by the pressure sensor.
US09957041B2	Advanced emergency collective actuator with friction pull-off and method for a helicopter An emergency collective actuator includes an actuator motor to produce an actuation force and an actuator linkage that directly engages a friction control lever that is pivotally supported on the collective stick of a helicopter to apply the actuation force directly to the friction control lever such that the actuation force initially disengages the friction control and then reduces the adjustable pitch toward a minimum collective pitch position. The actuator can include a clutch that slips to allow the pilot to overcome the actuation force and that slips responsive to an engagement of the friction control by the pilot, but otherwise the clutch co-rotates with the motor shaft to bias the adjustable pitch toward a minimum collective pitch position.
US09957040B2	Propeller gearbox oil cooler for a rotary wing aircract A propeller system includes a propeller located at a tail section and a drive shaft operably connected to the propeller to drive the propeller about a propeller axis. A propeller gearbox connects the propeller to the drive shaft and a propeller gearbox lubricant cooler is operably connected to the propeller gearbox and disposed circumferentially about the drive shaft. The propeller gearbox lubricant cooler transfers thermal energy from a flow of lubricant flowing therethrough to a flow of air flowing through the tail section across the propeller gearbox lubricant cooler. A method of cooling a gearbox for a propeller includes circulating a volume of lubricant through a propeller gearbox and flowing the lubricant into a propeller gearbox cooler. Thermal energy is transferred from the lubricant to a flow of air flowing across the propeller gearbox cooler and the flow of air is vented from the tail section of the rotorcraft.
US09957038B2	Propeller assemblies and propeller blade retention assembly Propeller blade assemblies and a propeller blade retention assembly including a sleeve for operably coupling a propeller blade to a hub wherein the sleeve retains the propeller blade within the hub and allows the propeller blade to rotate about its pitch axis and where the sleeve includes a self-aligning mechanism.
US09957035B2	Un-manned aerial vehicle having adjustable wing module, tail, and landing gear The present invention relates to an aircraft. The aircraft includes a fuselage module for receiving a payload. The fuselage module includes a plurality of internal connections. The aircraft includes a wing module adjustably coupled to the fuselage module and a tail module coupled to the wing module. The wing module may be adjusted relative to the fuselage module to adjust a location of an aerodynamic center of the aircraft to maintain a pre-determined distance between the location of the aerodynamic center of the aircraft and the location of the center of gravity of the aircraft. A main landing gear may be adjusted relative to the fuselage module to adjust the location of the aerodynamic center of the aircraft to maintain a pre-determined distance between the location of the aerodynamic center of the aircraft and the location of the center of gravity of the aircraft.
US09957033B2	Door of aircraft and aircraft having the same A fence 30A is installed on an inner surface 21a of a door 20A on the side which faces a landing gear bay 15, the fence 30A rising inwardly of the airframe from the inner surface 21a. When the door 20A opens outwardly of an airframe due to a pressure difference between the side of an outer surface 21c of the door 20A and the side of an inner surface 21a facing inner part of the landing gear bay 15 during a flight of an aircraft 10, the fence 30A closes a gap between the door 20A and an opening 15a of the landing gear bay 15, and thereby prevents air from flowing into the landing gear bay 15 through the gap.
US09957032B2	Fibre composite component, winglet and aircraft with a fibre composite component A fiber composite component made of a fiber composite material comprises at least one first surface section, at least one second surface section and at least one transition region. The first surface section and the second surface section are arranged at an angle to each other and incorporate the transition region. The transition region comprises at least one first curvature section and at least one second curvature section whose mean curvatures differ from each other, which curvature sections connect to each other in a tangentially continuous manner. The first surface section connects to the transition region, and the transition region connects to the second surface section in each case in a tangentially continuous manner. In one example, the radius of curvature of the first curvature section is smaller than that of the second curvature section.
US09957029B2	Exhaust gas processing apparatus An exhaust gas processing apparatus that processes exhaust gas, including a reaction tower that includes an internal space extending in a height direction; a trunk tube that extends in the height direction in the internal space of the reaction tower and transports a liquid; and a plurality of branch tubes that are provided extending from an outer side surface of the trunk tube toward an inner side surface of the reaction tower, each include an ejecting section that ejects the liquid supplied from the trunk tube, and are provided at positions at different heights. Ejection regions of the liquid where the liquid is ejected from the respective ejecting sections of branch tubes that are adjacent in the height direction include a region in which the ejection regions partially overlap in an overhead view as seen from the height direction.
US09957027B2	Outboard drive device An outboard drive device (10) comprising a motor (11) having a crankshaft (16), wherein said outboard drive device (10) further comprises a propeller shaft (12) with a propeller which propeller is below the hull (13) of a boat when said outboard drive device (10) is operated, and a power coupling system for transferring power from the motor (11) to the propeller shaft (12). The motor (11) is an automotive motor or an industrial base engine, wherein the crankshaft (16) is substantially horizontal and substantially parallel to the propeller shaft (12) when said outboard drive device (10) is operated. The power coupling system comprises a power transfer device (17), a transmission (18) and a transmission drive shaft (19). The power transfer device (17) connects the crankshaft (16) with the transmission drive shaft (19) for transferring the output power from the crankshaft (16) to the transmission drive shaft (19). The transmission (18) comprises a forward gear (23) and a reverse gear (24), so that the output power is reversible.
US09957026B2	Device for providing buoyancy A device for providing buoyancy comprising; —a bladder capable of being inflated; —a vessel containing fluid for inflating the bladder; and —one or more valves for controlling the passage of fluid between the bladder and the vessel; wherein one or more of the valves are capable of being opened to permit the passage of fluid from the vessel to the bladder in response to at least one of exposure of the device to a pre-determined pressure level and detection of blood oxygen concentration below a pre-determine threshold in an individual using the device.
US09957025B2	Automated boat lift and trolley An automated system is provided for moving a boat from a storage position in a boat garage to a deployed position in a dock channel. The system can include a boat trolley. The boat trolley can include a bottom frame that couples to and rides on rails of a track that extends between the boat garage and the dock channel. The boat trolley can also include an upper frame that with bunker supports for supporting the hull of the boat. The upper frame can be lifted off of the lower frame by a dock lift mechanism to thereafter lower the upper frame into the water, from which the boat can be deployed. Once done using the boat, the user can navigate the boat onto the upper frame, and the dock lift mechanism used to lift the upper frame and boat out of the water, the upper frame then dropped onto and coupled to the lower frame, and the boat trolley operated to move the boat from the dock to the boat garage for storage.
US09957024B2	Floating boat lifting apparatus for raising or lowering the boat from or onto the water A boat lifting device for lifting a ship, such as a motorboat, a utility boat, a prefabricated rubber boat, a shipping boat, a cruise yacht, or a dinghy yacht, above the surface or for floating the same on the surface and, more particularly, to a boat lifting device operated by a hydraulic cylinder, air, water pressure, a worm gear, or a rotor.
US09957014B2	Bicycle pedal A bicycle pedal contains: a frame, a connection seat, an engagement block, a fitting sleeve, a fixing column, and a torsion spring. The frame includes a first orifice, a second orifice, and a trench. The connection seat includes two retaining sets, a circular tube, and two troughs. The engagement block is engaged in the trench, and the fitting sleeve is fitted with the first orifice. The fixing column is connected with a bearing and a washer and is screwed with a screw nut by using a threaded section of the fixing column. The torsion spring includes a first extending segment and a second extending segment, and the engagement block includes two shoulders facing the connection seat. Furthermore, the connection seat includes multiple protrusions facing and mating with the two shoulders so as to limit a rotation of the connection seat and the two retaining sets in the frame.
US09957012B2	Vehicle body frame structure of straddle-type vehicle Provided is a vehicle body frame structure which can reduce a burden in the assembly of a straddle-type vehicle. The vehicle body frame comprises a main frame; and a rear frame connected to and extending rearward from the main frame. The main frame includes first and second members which are connected to each other. The main frame includes first and second connection portions spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to a vehicle width direction. The connection portions are provided at the first member and the second member, respectively. The rear frame includes a first connected portion connected to the first connection portion by a first fastener member, and a second connected portion connected to the second connection portion by a second fastener member. The restricting direction of the first fastener member is orthogonal to the restricting direction of the second fastener member.
US09957005B2	Fastening device and locking device In order to provide a fastening device for fastening a workpiece (104) to a moving device (116) for moving the workpiece, this fastening device having a small space requirement and enabling the workpiece to be securely fastened to the moving device, it is proposed that the fastening device should include a receiving element (110) for receiving the workpiece and a locking device (122) for releasably fixing the receiving element on the moving device.
US09957003B2	Desired ZMP trajectory generating device for a mobile robot A device for generating a desired ZMP trajectory for a mobile robot includes a polynomial function coefficient group determining section (53a) which determines, by regarding the desired ZMP trajectory as a trajectory expressed by a polynomial function, a desired coefficient group composed of desired values of coefficients in respective terms of the polynomial function. The polynomial function coefficient group determining section uses a quadratic evaluation function including square values of the coefficients included in the desired coefficient group as variables and a plurality of constraint conditions each configured by a linear equality or linear inequality about the coefficients, to determine the desired coefficient group, by a solution method for a quadratic programming problem, in such a way as to minimize a value of the evaluation function while fulfilling the constraint conditions.
US09957001B1	Ballast assembly for a work vehicle A ballast assembly for a work vehicle. The ballast assembly includes a frame, a ballast weight, and a lift. The frame is included in an underside of the work vehicle. The ballast weight has a first portion and a second portion. The lift has an upper end pivotally coupled to the frame and a lower end releasably coupled to the ballast weight. The first and second portions are configured to engage with a ground surface and the frame, respectively, when the ballast weight is loaded onto the work vehicle. The first and second portions are configured to engage with the frame when the ballast weight is loaded onto the work vehicle.
US09956999B2	Windshield wiper module A wiper module assembly for a vehicle lift gate having an inner panel with a spoiler formed as a one-piece part of an outer panel. The outer panel of the lift gate is connected to the inner panel to form an exterior surface of the lift gate. A cavity is formed in part of the spoiler and receives a carrier forming a removable module connected to the cavity of the vehicle lift gate. The carrier includes a wiper, motor and drive assembly for operating a wiper for a window on the lift gate.
US09956998B2	Active front deflector An active front deflector assembly having a deflector panel, actuator, and linkage assemblies each with a predetermined geometry and ratio of links to each other for movement of the active front deflector assembly between at least a deployed position and a retracted position. The deflector panel is positionable at multiple heights. The assembly deploys and retracts based on vehicle requirements, and, when deployed, redirects the air flow in the front of the vehicle to improve the vehicle aerodynamics for either fuel economy or performance characteristics. Additionally, it allows for the deflector panel to retract so the vehicle meets ground clearances, etc. The deflector panel is also both rigid and semi-rigid to absorb impact energy. A drive shaft transmits the drive from one side to the other side. The deflector is both rigid and semi rigid to absorb impact energy.
US09956997B2	Drag reduction fairing for a trailer converter dolly A converter dolly is provided for use with a tractor-trailer wherein the converter dolly additionally comprises dolly fairings which are located in front of the wheels of the converter dolly. The dolly fairings are preferably made of fibreglass, and improve the aerodynamic efficiency of the converter dolly, and thus reduce fuel consumption.
US09956994B2	Lower vehicle-body structure of automotive vehicle An auxiliary device is provided in a space below a portion of a floor panel which is positioned between a floor frame and a tunnel side member which extend in a longitudinal direction, members which extend in a vehicle width direction and straddle the floor frame which is positioned on the side of the auxiliary device and a tunnel side member which is positioned on the opposite side to the auxiliary device, and a yield strength of the vehicle width direction of tunnel corresponding portions, in a width direction, of the members which correspond to a tunnel portion is set to be lower than that of auxiliary-device corresponding portions, in the width direction, of the members which correspond to the auxiliary device.
US09956991B1	Vehicle structure A push arm is coupled to a vehicle frame proximate an intersection of a first side member and a first cross-member. A rear surface of the push arm is located adjacent to a front suspension structure with a gap defined therebetween. The push arm extends forward and laterally outward such that a front surface of the push arm is located outboard of and spaced apart from a front end of the first side member. A energy absorbing structure is positioned within the gap and is attached to the rear surface of the push arm. The energy absorbing structure is spaced apart from the front suspension structure in a non-impacted state. The energy absorbing structure is configured such that in response to an off-center impact event, impact force to the energy absorbing structure pushes the energy absorbing structure into contact with the front suspension structure, such that the energy absorbing structure deforms and absorbs impact energy.
US09956989B2	Inverter, motor control apparatus, and power steering system An inverter includes a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal, upper-arm switching elements and lower-arm switching elements, and a voltage divider that supplies partial voltages of a voltage between the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal to a gate and a drain, respectively, of the lower-arm switching element. The lower-arm switching element includes an HEMT. In the voltage divider, the partial voltages are set to turn the lower-arm switching element off when a positive electrode and a negative electrode of a DC power supply are reversely connected to the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal, respectively.
US09956980B2	Juvenile stroller with removable seat cover A stroller in accordance with the present disclosure includes a rolling frame and a juvenile seat coupled to the rolling frame. A seat cover is coupled to a seat bottom and back of the juvenile seat.
US09956977B2	Pushcart A pushcart according to the present disclosure provides a warning on the basis of a first weight at a position outside a region between a shaft of front wheels and a shaft of rear wheels when viewed from the vertical direction and a predetermined weight. For example, the predetermined weight is the weight on a mounting portion located between the shaft of the front wheels and the shaft of the rear wheels when viewed from the vertical direction. When the first weight is larger than the predetermined weight, an informing unit can provide a warning by using a sound, light, and the like and enable a user to recognize that there is a possibility that the pushcart will turn over.
US09956972B2	Detection of dynamic train-to-rail shunting performance Systems and methods for detecting the dynamic train-to-rail shunting performance of a train as it is moving along the rails of a railroad track. The systems and methods use portable equipment temporarily installed at a site where it is desired to test the shunting of one or more trains or the electrical equipment installed at the track. The systems and method use sensor plates and a high speed recording system to simultaneously capture measured train-to-rail shunting characteristics and the positioning of a train's axles and any rail conditions impacting the measurements. The captured information can be used to fine tune the train, the electrical equipment installed at the track and/or to design new devices.
US09956971B2	Rail vehicle braking system and braking method for a rail vehicle comprising such a system A rail vehicle braking system includes a service brake having a movable piston (8) which with a body (2) of the system delimits a service brake chamber (13) supplied by a first source, a piston rod (21) disposed in that chamber and fastened to a second side (32) of the piston turned towards that chamber, and a parking brake (7) disposed in the body and including a blocking device (20) disposed in that chamber and movable to act on the rod, and a movable actuating device (23, 24) which with the body delimits a parking brake pressure chamber (25) supplied by a second source; the blocking and actuating devices being configured to immobilize/unblock the rod so as to block/unblock the piston in a position.
US09956964B2	Device for estimating the operating time of a motor vehicle in autonomous mode and associated method A method and device for estimating the operating time of a motor vehicle in autonomous mode for at least one route between a departure point and an arrival point. The estimating device is connected to an identifying element and to an element for characterizing portions of roads approved for the operation of the vehicle in autonomous mode, along the at least one route. The estimating device includes a unit for calculating the time during which the vehicle is eligible to operate in autonomous mode depending on the characterization of approved portions of road.
US09956961B2	Vehicle driving assistance apparatus and vehicle driving assistance method An in-vehicle system includes a vehicle position detection unit and a vehicle position calculation unit that detect a vehicle position, a road condition prediction unit that predicts a road condition at a position in front of the detected vehicle position, an automatic driving continuation determination unit that determines whether or not the vehicle automatic driving can be continued at the position in front of the vehicle based on the road condition predicted by the road condition prediction unit, and an automatic driving cancellation warning unit that warns of cancellation of the vehicle automatic driving when the automatic driving continuation determination unit determines that it is difficult to continue the vehicle automatic driving.
US09956957B2	Method and device for regulating a longitudinal acceleration of a vehicle Regulation of a longitudinal acceleration of a main vehicle (10), particularly a truck, includes: detecting a driving behavior of vehicles traveling in front of a preceding vehicle that is traveling immediately in front of the main vehicle (10), regulating the longitudinal acceleration of the main vehicle (10) based on an evaluation of the driving behavior of the vehicles in such a way as to minimize energy consumption of the main vehicle (10).
US09956956B2	Adaptive driving system A vehicle system for a vehicle can include sensors and a controller. The sensors can detect a position and speed of the vehicle and a position and speed of an object adjacent to the vehicle's lane. The controller can determine an operational state based on input from the sensors. The controller can operate the vehicle in an autonomous mode, wherein the controller controls the speed of the vehicle and a spacing between the vehicle and the object. The controller can switch from the autonomous mode to a learning mode in response to a driver taking control of the vehicle's speed or steering. In the learning mode, the controller can learn a preferred spacing between the vehicle and the object and a preferred speed relative to the object. The controller can control the vehicle in the autonomous mode based on the preferred spacing and speed during similar operational states.
US09956955B2	Driving assistance system A driving assistance system includes a stop assistance controller, an assistance necessity determining unit, and a determining position arithmetic unit. The stop assistance controller is configured to perform stop assistance of an own vehicle. The assistance necessity determining unit is configured to determine whether it is necessary to perform the stop assistance of the own vehicle based on a stop determining position where it is determined whether to perform the stop assistance of the own vehicle and a predicted display state of a traffic signal at a time the own vehicle arrives at the stop determining position. The determining position arithmetic unit is configured to determine the stop determining position according to a current display state of the traffic signal.
US09956954B2	Control system for hybrid vehicle A control system for hybrid vehicle for extending a possible travelling distance of the vehicle in the event of clutch failure is provided. The control system is configured to select a first drive mode in which the vehicle is powered by an engine in case an estimated torque transmitting capacity of the clutch in trouble is larger than a first threshold value, and to select a second drive mode in which the vehicle is powered by a motor in case the estimated torque transmitting capacity of the clutch in trouble is smaller than the first threshold value. The control system is further configured to reduce an engine torque to be smaller than the estimated torque transmitting capacity of the clutch in case the first drive mode is selected.
US09956952B2	Method for controlling a hybrid driveline in order to optimize torque from a combustion engine arranged at the driveline A method is provided to control a hybrid powertrain that comprises: a combustion engine; a gearbox with input and output shafts; a first planetary gear connected to the input shaft and a first main shaft; a second planetary gear, connected to the first planetary gear and a second main shaft; first and second electrical machines, respectively connected to the first and second planetary gears; one gear pair connected with the first planetary gear and output shaft; and one gear pair connected with the second planetary gear and output shaft. The method comprises: disconnecting a first planetary wheel carrier and a first sun wheel or disconnecting a second planetary wheel carrier and a second sun wheel from each other; b) controlling the combustion engine to a predetermined engine speed; and c) controlling the first and second electrical machines so that a desired torque is achieved in the output shaft, while a requested total power consumption of the first and the second electrical machines is achieved.
US09956951B2	Method and apparatus for controlling cold starting of mild hybrid vehicle An apparatus and method for controlling cold starting of a mild hybrid vehicle, are disclosed. The method includes: measuring, by a sensor, a cooling water temperature of the vehicle when a request is received to start an engine; operating, by a controller, a starter to drive an engine when the cooling water temperature is less than a preset reference temperature, and stopping the operation of the starter and operating an MHSG to drive the engine when RPM of the engine driven by the starter exceeds a preset reference value. In particular, stepwise starting according to the cold starting of the vehicle is performed. The apparatus and the method are advantageous in that a starter and alternator are simultaneously controlled under a cold starting condition to provide startability and reduce capacity of a starter, reducing manufacturing costs.
US09956950B2	Non-thermal refined soft-nitrided component Provided is a non-thermal refined soft-nitrided component including chemical composition of a steel material of a base metal containing: in mass %, C: 0.25 to 0.40%; Si: 0.10 to 0.35%; Mn: more than 2.0% to 2.8% or less; N: 0.0030 to 0.0250%; Cu: 0 to 1.0%; Mo: 0 to 0.3%; Ni: 0 to 0.5%; Ti: 0 to 0.020%; and a balance being Fe and impurities, the impurities including P: 0.08% or less; S: 0.10% or less; Al: 0.05% or less; and Cr: less than 0.20%, wherein a Vickers hardness at a position of 0.05 mm from the surface is 400 to 480, a Vickers hardness at a position of 1.0 mm from the surface is 200 or more, and a compound-layer depth at a stress concentrated region is 5 μm or less. This non-thermal refined soft-nitrided component has an excellent bending straightening property and a high fatigue strength.
US09956949B2	Hydraulic control device for drive power distribution device A device is disclosed that performs highly accurate control in a low-torque region and improves the response of the hydraulic system, taking advantage of hydraulic sealed-type hydraulic control devices. The hydraulic sealed-type hydraulic control device includes: a first characteristic (sealed pressurization) obtained by closing an on-off valve and driving an oil pump; a second characteristic (sealed depressurization) obtained by disabling drive of the oil pump and opening the on-off valve; and a third characteristic (flow-rate control) obtained by opening the on-off valve and driving the oil pump. In a low-torque region, the device performs control according to the third characteristic. In a high-torque region, the device performs control according to the second characteristic. In the process of depressurization, the device performs control according to the second characteristic. Moreover, the device performs control to increase commanded hydraulic pressure in immediate response to an accelerator's change amount larger than a predetermined value.
US09956943B2	Electrohydraulic motor vehicle brake system and method for ventilation of the simulator circuit thereof; method for testing the functionality of a further electrohydraulic motor vehicle brake system, and computer program products for the methods An electrohydraulic motor vehicle brake system is provided, having a hydraulic simulator circuit for generating a pedal feedback force, having a cylinder-piston unit and having an electromechanical actuator which acts on the cylinder-piston unit and which serves for generating a hydraulic pressure in at least one brake circuit, having a first fluid path with, arranged therein, a first valve device for the selective fluidic coupling of the cylinder-piston unit to the simulator circuit, and having a second fluid path with, arranged therein, a second valve device for the selective fluidic coupling of the simulator circuit to an unpressurized hydraulic fluid reservoir. Also specified are a ventilation method for a brake system of said type, a testing method for a further electrohydraulic motor vehicle brake system with only a first valve device, and a respective computer program product, with program code means, for carrying out one of the two methods when the computer program is executed on a processing unit.
US09956929B2	Power supply device A power supply device includes: a rotary member that holds a wire harness inserted therethrough; and a support member that swingably supports the rotary member and is fixed to a fixed structure body or a sliding structure body, wherein the rotary member has an annular outer peripheral wall and a harness lead-out portion, the support member has one sidewall disposed along the outer peripheral wall, and the harness lead-out portion moves in a direction away from the sidewall when the sliding structure body is fully opened, the outer peripheral wall is widely exposed between the harness lead-out portion and the sidewall, and the outer peripheral wall and the sidewall are overlapped with each other in a plate thickness direction in a state where the outer peripheral wall is widely exposed and come in contact with each other so as to avoid an entry of foreign matters therebetween.
US09956927B2	Manufacturing method of highly heat-resistant sound absorbing and insulating materials The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a highly heat-resistant sound absorbing and insulating material, more specifically to a method including a beating and mixing step, a web forming step, a web stacking step, a needle punching step, a binder impregnating step and a solvent recovering step.The highly heat-resistant sound absorbing and insulating material manufactured by the method according to the present invention may be installed on a location closest to the noise source of an engine or an exhaust system to reduce radiated noise from the engine or the exhaust system, thereby improving quietness inside a vehicle, and may be applied to a location adjacent to a metal part which is at a temperature of 200° C. or greater to exert heat-insulating function, thereby protecting nearby plastic and rubber parts.
US09956924B2	Tri-fold tailgate work surface A work table is provided for a pickup truck tailgate. The work table is received in a pocket defined in a rear portion of the truck bed and is deployed to overlie an inner surface of the tailgate. Guide members and followers provided on a pivot connector guide the work table as it is lowered into and raised from the pocket. Right and left panels are provided on either side of the main panel to cover right and left portions of the tailgate. The pocket is disposed between the spare tire and bumper and between the right and left frame rails at the rear sill of the truck bed.
US09956922B2	Carrier for a two wheeled vehicle A bike carrier that retains the wheels of a bike in a tray between pivoting retention arms with ratchets that hold the arms against the tires. The retention arms are quickly adjustable for different sized tires without tools. An embodiment provides a bike wheel main tray assembly pivotally mounted on a trailer hitch drawbar at an operational horizontal position and a compact vertical position selectable via a trigger at the back of the tray assembly. The main wheel tray assembly has a tray for each wheel of a bike. The two trays pivot between a compact position for shipping and storage and an operational position that is automatically locked. An add-on tray assembly provides wheel trays for a second bike. It connects to the main tray assembly without tools, and provides a trigger at the back connected to the pivot selector of the main tray assembly.
US09956920B2	Apparatus for mounting an article to a vehicle, and an article for use therewith An apparatus 1 for attaching an article 3 to a vehicle 9, having a first engagement member 24 and a second engagement member 26 spaced from the first engagement member along a longitudinal axis and that is slidable relative to the first engagement member along the longitudinal axis between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The apparatus 1 has a transverse plane extending generally through the apparatus and coincident with the longitudinal axis. The first and second engagement members 24, 26 each have a retaining portion 24b, 26b that is non-perpendicular relative to the transverse plane and configured to be received by respective engagement features 103, 107 on the article 3.
US09956918B2	Stabilizing cargo organizer Cargo organizers may be used for various sized boxes and packages. A friction pad overmolded on a bottom panel of the organizer body prevents movement when the cargo is transported in a vehicle.
US09956917B1	Access stairway for material transfer vehicle A material transfer vehicle includes a frame and an operator's platform that is mounted on the frame. A conveyor is mounted on the frame, adjacent to and below the operator's platform. The conveyor is adapted to be moved between a working position and a travel position. An access stairway to the operator's station includes a side stair portion and a conveyor step that is mounted on the upper side of the conveyor.
US09956915B2	Dump truck periphery monitoring apparatus A dump truck having a periphery monitoring apparatus is adapted to display an image of surroundings of the dump truck on a display apparatus. A rearward camera is attached to a vehicle body of the dump truck underneath a vessel of the dump truck and positioned forward of a rear edge portion of the vessel. A rearward camera image captured by the rearward camera includes the rear edge portion of the vessel, an area below the vessel, and an area rearward of the vehicle body. A display control section is configured to display the rear edge portion of the vessel in an upper region of the rearward camera image, to display a ground surface below the vessel in a lower region of the rearward camera image, and to display a vehicle body outer edge line obtained by vertically projecting an outer edge of the vessel onto the ground surface.
US09956912B2	Working vehicle periphery monitoring system and working vehicle A working vehicle periphery monitoring system includes: a synthesis process unit that acquires image information output from a plurality of image capturing devices at a predetermined timing and synthesizes the acquired image information to generate synthesis image information; an updating information adding unit that adds updating information to the synthesis image information generated by the synthesis process unit; a synthesis image storage unit that stores the synthesis image information to which the updating information is added; and an updated state determining unit that acquires the synthesis image information to which the updating information IR is added from the synthesis image storage unit and detects that the synthesis image information is updated based on the updating information.
US09956908B2	Vehicle display device The present application discloses a vehicle display device including an image display device with a display surface on which images are displayed; and a ring member configured to surround a first region, which overlaps the display surface, and a second region, which protrudes from the display surface. The image display device displays an indicator indicating a physical quantity along the ring member in the first region.
US09956903B2	Vehicle rear illumination system A vehicle spot or floodlight system includes a vehicle rear-mounted light source such as a backup light array configured to emit light at a first intensity and at another intensity that is different from the first intensity. Emission of light at the another intensity is caused by an actuator operatively associated with the rear-mounted light source. A controller selectively allows the actuator to cause the emission at the another intensity. The controller allows the actuator to cause the emission of light at the another intensity only on receiving a signal indicating that the vehicle transmission is in a park or on receiving a signal indicating that the vehicle ignition is set on run, accessory, or off. The controller resets the actuator to off after a predefined time period when the ignition system is set on accessory or off, or when the transmission is placed in drive.
US09956901B2	Automotive headlamp apparatus having swivel function of lamp unit A curvature estimation unit estimates the curvature of the road on which a vehicle is driving. A swivel angle setting unit is configured to perform a first mode in which a swivel angle of a lamp unit is set such that a light distribution pattern follows the travelling direction of the vehicle based on the curvature estimated by the curvature estimation unit, and perform a second mode in which a swivel angle of the lamp unit is set such that a shielded area created in a light distribution pattern follows the position of the vehicle detected by a vehicle position detector. A pattern determination unit determines a light distribution pattern such that the position of the vehicle detected by the vehicle position detector remains in the shielded area. A swivel angle setting unit performs the first mode when it is determined that the road is a curved road based on the curvature estimated by the curvature estimation unit, and performs the second mode when it is determined that the road is a straight road.
US09956899B2	Air conveying system for filling of air seeder tank An air cart for distributing air entrained particulate material from a chamber or tank to a plurality of distribution lines for application to an agricultural field has a tank refilling feature utilizing air flow from the cart distribution system or from a dedicated pneumatic source. The cart conveying system air flow is diverted and passed through an assembly containing multiple venturis which also receives particulate material from a supply source. The air entrained material from the source is conveyed to and gently deposited in the cart tank. Exhaust air from the tank may be directed back into the cart conveying system or vented through an air diffuser located beneath the cart. Exhaust air which is directed back to the cart conveying system may return to a location closely adjacent that from which it was originally diverted.
US09956892B2	Electrically powered vehicle and method of controlling electrically powered vehicle An electrically powered vehicle includes a power storage device, a motor, a limitation control unit, a notification unit, and a changing unit. The motor generates traveling driving power using electric power output from the power storage device. The limitation control unit limits possible output power, which indicates electric power able to be output from the power storage device, based on a load state of the power storage device. The notification unit notifies a warning when the possible output power is smaller than a threshold value for notifying a driver of decrease of the traveling driving power. The changing unit increases, when the load state of the power storage device is high, the threshold value to be larger than the threshold value when the load state of the power storage device is low.
US09956885B2	Fuel cell system, fuel cell vehicle, and control method for fuel cell system A fuel cell system includes: a power supply circuit including a fuel cell and a secondary battery; an oxidant gas supply flow passage; a pump; and a control unit configured to drive the pump and dilute hydrogen retained in an cathode. The control unit is configured to stop supplying an oxidant gas to the cathode by stopping an operation of the pump such that dilution of the hydrogen retained in the cathode is stopped, while the fuel cell vehicle remains stationary after a starter switch of the fuel cell vehicle is switched from an off state to an on state, or while a load required of the power supply circuit remains smaller than a predetermined value after the starter switch of the fuel cell vehicle is switched from the off state to the on state.
US09956869B2	Fuel tank made of thermoplastic material Fuel tank made of thermoplastic material comprising baffle components provided therein in the form of at least one baffle element (2) comprising at least one wall portion (4) which is clamped approximately centrally and/or at the end, so that said wall portion may perform relative movements in relation to the tank, caused by splashing movements of the fuel, at least one fastening foot being provided for the clamping, the base thereof being provided with at least one through-hole, through which the fastening foot is riveted and/or welded to the tank wall (2).
US09956865B2	Replaceable pin system for in-vehicle component The present disclosure provides a replaceable pin system for an in-vehicle component. The replaceable pin system including a holding member, a pin member. The pin member includes a body, a protruding portion, and a first engaging portion. The holding member includes a base, a retainer, and a second engaging portion. The retainer is spaced away from the base in the protruding direction to define a rotation space together with the base. The two ends are interposed between the retainer and the base when the body is rotated to the second orientation. The second engaging portion is formed in the holding member at a position where the first engaging portion is positioned when the body is rotated to the second orientation, whereby the first engaging portion engages with the second engaging portion when the body is at the second orientation.
US09956863B2	Electric drive, method for the operation thereof, and serial hybrid drive train for a motor vehicle An electric drive includes a motor assembly, an output assembly, a transmission stage and one or more power electronics units connected to one or more electric voltage sources in order to control electrical sub-phases of electric machines of the motor assembly. The electric machines have motor shafts disposed parallel to one another. The transmission stage is connected to the motor assembly and also connected to the output assembly. The transmission stage has a transmission sun connected to the output assembly and has a plurality of transmission planets each connected to a respective one of the electric machines. The transmission planets are each fixed on a respective one of the motor shafts and are disposed in an annular manner around the transmission sun and roll on the transmission sun in a torque-transmitting manner. A method for operating an electric drive and a serial hybrid drive train are also provided.
US09956860B2	Rear structure for electric vehicle, and electric vehicle including same In a rear structure for an electric vehicle including, at the rear of the vehicle body, an article storage unit supported on a rear frame, and a first lid configured to cover the article storage unit from above, the electric vehicle includes sub batteries serving as a drive source thereof, the sub batteries are stored in a battery storage unit disposed below the article storage unit, the article storage unit and the battery storage unit include an upper opening and a lower opening, respectively, which are open to the rear side of the vehicle, and a second lid configured to cover the upper opening and the lower opening is formed as a member different from the first lid. Such a rear structure for a vehicle is easy to use, and allows many articles be loaded on the article storage unit and be stored therein.
US09956859B2	Vehicle battery mounting structure A vehicle battery mounting structure includes a battery frame that is disposed at a vehicle lower side of a floor panel, and is made from resin; a ductile member that includes a main body joined to the battery frame and a flange contiguously formed at a vehicle width direction outside end of the main body, the flange having a hole, and the ductile member being fastened to a lower face of the floor panel using a fastener inserted through the hole; and a fastening portion that is formed in a region including the hole, having a substantially hat shaped cross-section profile projecting toward a vehicle upper side and having ridge lines on vehicle front-rear direction sides of the region, and the ridge lines being formed with curved or bent shape toward directions heading away from the hole on progression toward a vehicle width direction inside in plan view.
US09956857B1	Skeleton for truck bed and convertible top A truck bed accessory frame is disclosed therein which allows for reconfiguration between an opened position and a closed position. In the open position, objects taller than the frame can loaded onto the truck bed. In the closed position, objects placed in the truck bed can be protected from the environmental elements (e.g. rain and UV rays from the sun).
US09956856B2	Rain awning system and electric vehicle having same A rain awning system and an electric vehicle using the system, wherein the rain awning system having an awning stretching and storing device mounted on a frame front crossbeam, the awning stretching and storing device having a roller, awning fabric rolled around the roller and a drive assembly for driving the rotation of the roller, and the roller and the drive assembly are both fixed to the frame front crossbeam which is connected to a support plate; and the rain awning system further having an awning fabric drive device which is provided on the support plate and is used for driving the awning fabric rolled around the roller to stretch outwardly, and a guide assembly for guiding the movement of the awning fabric is provided between the awning fabric and a door. The electric vehicle having the rain awning system. The awning fabric of the rain awning system is stretched or retracted quickly, it is possible to provide the function of providing shelter for a driver when the door is opened in the rain, having a high degree of humanization, so that the quality of the electric vehicle is enhanced.
US09956853B2	Glass pane having a profiled joint and trim, trim and production method for the glass pane A glass pane includes a glazed element, at least one profiled joint portion, at least one trim which has an elongate shape and which has a base and at least one wing. The base is located above an outer face of the profiled joint portion. The wing includes, at an end opposite the base, at least one openwork lug. The openwork lug extends through the profiled joint portion via a hole which opens at the outer face and at an inner face of the profiled joint portion. The openwork lug is folded over below the profiled joint portion or below the glazed element.
US09956844B2	Climate control system with blowers, in particular in agricultural or construction machinery A climate control system is provided that includes blowers, in particular in agricultural or construction machinery, having at least two blowers, at least one fresh air/circulating air conduit, at least one circulating air/intake air conduit, an evaporator and, if required, a heater, the evaporator and heater being situated on the air downstream side of the blowers, the blowers being situated at substantially the same height, viewed in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The first blower drawing in fresh air from at least one fresh air opening in the rear area of the vehicle, and the second blower drawing in at least circulating air from the vehicle interior from at least two circulating air openings situated on opposite sides of the vehicle, and at least one circulating air/intake air conduit running above and/or below the first blower and leading to the second blower from the circulating air opening on one side of the vehicle interior.
US09956843B2	Climate control system A climate control system having a housing with an air inlet, a cooling element for providing cooled air, a heating element located downstream of the cooling element, a cold air duct for directing cooled air located downstream, a bypass duct for directing cooled air located downstream of the cooling element, a hot air duct for directing heated air, a first mixing chamber for mixing cooled air from the cold air duct and heated air from the hot air duct into blended air, a second mixing chamber located downstream of the bypass duct and downstream of the first mixing chamber for mixing cooled air from the bypass duct and blended air from the first mixing chamber, an air outlet located downstream of the second mixing chamber for delivering air to a passenger compartment, and an air deflector device is located downstream of the bypass duct.
US09956842B2	System and method for controlling stability of milling machines A system for controlling a stability of a milling machine is disclosed. The system includes a frame having a first slope and a leg coupled to the frame. The leg extends and retracts along a length thereof with respect to the frame. The system includes a controller to determine the first slope and to actuate the leg if the first slope is greater than a first predetermined slope.
US09956841B2	Suspension controlling apparatus for vehicle In a suspension controlling apparatus for a vehicle which includes a suspension whose damping force is variably settable and a control unit for calculating acceleration of the vehicle in a forward and rearward direction on the basis of brake hydraulic pressure detected by a hydraulic pressure sensor for detecting brake hydraulic pressure and is capable of controlling the damping force of the suspension with target damping force determined on the basis of the acceleration. In addition, appropriate control is also possible upon antilock braking control. A control unit includes an acceleration calculation device for calculating, upon ordinary braking, acceleration on the basis of ordinary braking force corresponding to a detection value of a hydraulic pressure sensor but calculating, upon antilock braking control, the acceleration on the basis of given antilock brake controlling braking force.
US09956835B2	Anti-release trailer connection A system configured for use with a vehicle includes a trailer connection mechanism configured to be mounted on the vehicle and including a release actuator configured to release the connection between the trailer connection mechanism and a trailer, a release assembly connected to the release actuator and configured to cause the release actuator to release the connection between the trailer connection mechanism and the trailer upon receiving user input, and an anti-release mechanism connected to the trailer connection mechanism. The anti-release mechanism is configured to detect statuses of a transmission and a brake system of the vehicle, and to selectively permit or prevent operation of the release actuator to release the connection between the trailer connection mechanism and the trailer based on the status of at least one of the brake system and the transmission.
US09956833B2	In-vehicle reporting apparatus and reporting system Provided are an in-vehicle reporting apparatus and a reporting system configured to prevent errors in reporting. The in-vehicle reporting apparatus stores a mounting position of each tire in association with identification information identifying the tire, a vehicle height acquisition unit acquires a vehicle height of the vehicle, a vehicle height determination unit determines whether the vehicle height is greater than or equal to a predetermined height, and a reporting unit reports information that depends on the mounting position of a tire stored in the storage unit in association with acquired identification information and on acquired air pressure information of the tire when the acquired vehicle height is not greater than or equal to the predetermined height, and does not report information that depends on the mounting position of the tire, when the acquired vehicle height is greater than or equal to the predetermined height.
US09956829B2	Pneumatic tire A pneumatic tire 1 is provided in a bead portion 4 with a bead core 5 formed of a bead wire 20. The bead core 5 has a wound single bead wire structure formed from turns of the single bead wire 20, and has at least three wire layers 10. Each side face of the bead core 5 has a shape such that it is possible to draw a common tangent 30 to at least two turns of the bead wire 20 appearing in the side face 51 which common tangent is substantially parallel with the tire radial direction. The turns of the bead wire 21 in the 1st wire layer 11 are alternated with the turns of the bead wire 22 in the 2nd wire layer 12 disposed on the outside of the 1st wire layer 11. The 1st wire layer 11 includes a turn 21 having the winding-start end 16 of the bead wire, which turn 21 is positioned between adjacent two turns 22 of the bead wire in the 2nd wire layer 12.
US09956827B2	Agricultural vehicle tire carcass reinforcement Tire comprising carcass reinforcement (7) comprising turned-up carcass layers (71, 72) and non-turned-up carcass layers (73, 74), each turned-up carcass layer (71, 72) comprising main part (711, 721) wrapped, in each bead (4), from the inside of the tire towards the outside around bead wire (8) of diameter D, to form turn-up (712, 722) of which end (E1, E2) is positioned radially on the outside of radially outermost point E of bead wire (8) at a radial distance (a1, a2), each non-turned-up carcass layer (73, 74) having an end (E3, E4) which is positioned at radial distance (b3, b4) from the radially outermost point of E of bead wire (8), the radial distance (a1, a2) is at least equal to 0.5 times the section height H of the tire and the radial distance (b3, b4) is at most equal to diameter D of bead wire (8).
US09956824B2	Motorcycle tire A motorcycle tire includes a tread portion including a central region and a pair of shoulder regions. In a cross-sectional view of the tire under a standard condition, the central region has an outer profile protruding radially outwardly and having a first radius of curvature R1, and each shoulder region having an outer profile protruding radially outwardly and having a second radius of curvature R2 smaller than the first radius of curvature R1. The tread portion is provided with a zigzag central main groove in the central region with zigzag corners, a plurality of shoulder lateral grooves each extending axially outwardly from each zigzag corner to one of the shoulder regions, and a plurality of shoulder sub groove each disposed between a pair of circumferentially adjacent shoulder lateral grooves and each extending axially outwardly from the central region to the shoulder region.
US09956819B2	Method for assembling wheel bearing apparatus A method for assembling a wheel bearing apparatus includes disposing a positioning jig such that a lateral face of the positioning jig on one side in an axial direction contacts a lateral face of a hub flange on a side of a slinger, the positioning jig having a ring shape separated into a plurality of partial portions arranged in a circumferential direction, a width of the positioning jig in the axial direction being equal to a distance between a lateral face of a disc portion on a side of the hub flange and a lateral face of the hub flange on the side of the slinger, the distance being set to obtain an appropriate interference; and attaching the slinger such that the lateral face of the disc portion on the side of the hub flange contacts a lateral face of the positioning jig on another side in the axial direction.
US09956810B2	Scented writing instruments and methods for making the same A scented writing instrument may include a moveable barrel and a writing implement coupled to the moveable barrel. The writing implement may be adapted to emit a selective scent. The writing instrument may also include an outer casing and a top casing coupled to the moveable barrel. The outer casing may have an interior cavity configured to coupleably receive the writing implement and the moveable barrel. The top casing may be configured to extend the writing implement in an axial direction between a retracted position and an extended position. Related methods of manufacturing the scented writing instrument are also provided.
US09956806B1	Security devices An article includes a first layer comprising a substrate having one or more images applied thereto. A second layer applied on each image and comprising one or more first and second portions, the first portion and second portions each in communication with a first image area and a second image area of an image, respectively. The second layer comprises a coating composition comprising fully exfoliated single sheets of graphene. The first and second portions comprise first and second detectable properties, respectively, having a value correlated with the graphene. The first and/or second detectable properties each comprise a first X-ray diffraction pattern, a first electrical conductivity, and one or more of a thermal conductivity, an optical property. The first and second detectable properties together create a distinctive signature for the article.
US09956805B2	Anti-counterfeit medium, method for manufacturing the same and method for preventing counterfeiting An anti-counterfeit medium, a method for manufacturing the same and a method for preventing counterfeiting are provided. The anti-counterfeit medium includes a retardation layer having birefringence and a reflection layer, and identification data is recorded in the anti-counterfeit medium. The identification data is divided into a plurality of partial images, and a plurality of transparent areas which correspond to the plurality of partial images are disposed adjacent to each other in the same plane so as to form the retardation layer, the plurality of transparent areas having optical axes which are oriented in different directions from each other in a rotation direction. The identification data includes biometric information.
US09956803B2	Thermal transfer sheets The thermal transfer sheet according to the present invention that has, in the order mentioned, a substrate, a colored layer, and an adhesion layer; and wherein the colored layer contains a colorant, polyester-based resin A, and polyester-based resin B; the number average molecular weight of the polyester-based resin A is not less than 15,000; the number average molecular weight of the polyester-based resin B is not more than 5,000; a content ratio by mass of the polyester-based resin A to the polyester-based resin B (polyester-based resin A/polyester-based resin B) in the colored layer is not less than 2/3 and not more than 9/1; and the adhesion layer includes a polyester-based resin.
US09956801B2	Printing plates doped with release oil An imaging member surface contains a swellable elastomer doped with a release oil. This aids in complete transfer of ink to a receiving substrate when a thin film of release oil forms upon the surface during application of pressure at the nip.
US09956798B2	Tape printing device and tape printing system A tape printing device or the like in which the loading of a tape cartridge can be detected and in which the misalignment of the loaded tape cartridge can be restrained at the same time, is provided. A tape printing device includes: a cartridge loading section in which a tape cartridge is loaded in an unloadable manner; a push switch which is provided in the cartridge loading section and detects the loaded tape cartridge. The push switch has a stem which is energized in a protruding direction by a build-in spring, and the stem in an actuated state energizes the loaded tape cartridge in a direction intersecting with a loading direction.
US09956797B2	Web feeding of weak media A printing system comprises a first bearing support for a first media roll of a first print medium and a second bearing support for a second media roll of a second print medium. Said first and second bearing supports are spaced apart from one another. A first print transport path extends from the first bearing support from the first media roll to a main transport path of the printing system. A second print transport path extends from the second bearing support to the main transport path of the printing system. An attachment transport path extends between the first and the second bearing support. The attachment transport path allows both print media to be brought together and attached to one another. Thereby, a relatively stiffer medium may be attached as a leader section to a relatively weaker medium.
US09956796B2	Printing apparatus A printing apparatus includes: a transport unit that transports a medium in a transport direction; a medium support that supports the medium; a medium pressing unit that has a first regulation section that regulates bending of an end portion of the medium from the medium support in a width direction intersecting with the transport direction and a second regulation section that regulates moving of the end portion of the medium to an outer side in the width direction; and a printing unit that performs printing on the medium supported on the medium support.
US09956792B2	Printer and computer-readable storage medium for executing multi-pass printing A printer performs a multi-pass printing including: (a) pass process executed with Ka number of nozzles; (c1) pass process executed with Kc1 number of nozzles; (c2) pass process executed with Kc2 number of nozzles; and (b) pass process executed with Kb number of nozzles. Kc1 and Kc2 are greater than or equal to Kb and smaller than Ka. An upstream gradient of dot recording rates of (c1) pass process is greater than a gradient of (a) pass process. A downstream gradient of (c1) pass process is the same as the gradient of (a) pass process. An upstream gradient of (c2)-pass process is the same as a gradient of (b) pass process. A downstream gradient of (c2)-pass process is greater than the gradient of the (a) pass process. Kc1 is greater than Kc2.
US09956789B2	Systems and methods for implementing a post-processing scheme for minimizing curl in sets of output image receiving media substrates imaged in image forming devices A system and method are provided for controlling archival sheet curl formation in image receiving media substrates on which images are formed using aqueous inks as the marking material. Archival curl occurs over time and is based on a partial coverage of the image receiving media substrates by the deposited water-based marking materials. A unique post-processing scheme applies selective aqueous clear fluid onto imaged substrates (cut sheets) to substantially counteract long-term archival curl formation in the individual image receiving media substrates. Both opposing sides of the cut sheet are processed in a manner that causes them to substantially equally undergo the generally irreversible shrinkage phenomenon that leads to archival curl, thus substantially canceling out the archival curl formation mechanism. A clear fluid is applied image-wise to portions of one or both sides of the image receiving media substrates to counterbalance the formed aqueous ink image.
US09956779B2	Liquid ejection head and method for ejecting liquids A liquid ejection head includes a first ejection opening group in which a plurality of ejection openings that eject a particular kind of liquid onto a print medium are arranged in a predetermined direction, and a second ejection opening group that is provided along the first ejection opening group to eject the particular kind of liquid onto the print medium. The first ejection opening group is provided upstream of the second ejection opening group with respect to a relative moving direction between the print head and the liquid ejection head. The plurality of ejection openings included in the first ejection opening group are disposed in the predetermined direction in a zigzag shape, and the liquid ejected from the ejection openings adjacent to each other in the predetermined direction come in contact with each other on the print medium.
US09956776B2	Method for producing liquid-ejection head A liquid-ejection head including: a substrate on or above which a plurality of actuators are formed, the plurality of actuators generating energy for ejecting a liquid; and a flow-passage-forming member on or above the substrate, the flow-passage-forming member defining ejection ports through which the liquid is ejected and a plurality of liquid chambers each having a corresponding one of the plurality of actuators, the flow-passage-forming member including an orifice plate defining the ejection ports and liquid-chamber side walls defining side walls of the plurality of liquid chambers, the flow-passage-forming member being formed of an inorganic material and having a depressed portion between the liquid chambers, and the depressed portion being filled with a photosensitive resin.
US09956775B2	Inkjet head, inkjet head subassembly, inkjet head assembly and inkjet printer An inkjet head including a flow path unit and a plurality of actuator units, each of the plurality of actuator units has a parallelogram shape defined by two sets of opposing sides, which is substantially parallel to a first direction and a second direction intersecting with each other along a plane, the side of the actuator unit parallel to the second direction is substantially parallel to that of an adjacent actuator unit and is shifted from that of the adjacent actuator unit in the second direction, the plurality of actuator units are inclined with respect to two contour lines of a flow path unit, the two contour lines being parallel with each other and extending in a longitudinal direction of the flow path unit, and centers of gravity of contours of the plurality of actuator units are arranged on substantially one straight line which is parallel to the contour lines.
US09956774B2	Electromechanical transducer element, liquid discharge head, liquid discharge device, method for producing electromechanical transducer film, and method for producing liquid discharge head An electromechanical transducer element includes an electromechanical transducer film formed of PZT, wherein Ti/(Zr+Ti) in the electromechanical transducer film is greater than or equal to 45% and less than or equal to 55%, and wherein, when a total of peak intensity values obtained by θ-2θ measurement is set to be 1, for an orientation ratio of a (100) plane orientation calculated based on a ratio of the peak intensity value of each orientation, Δρ(100) is less than or equal to 5%, wherein Δρ(100) is a gradient with respect to the (100) plane orientation in an array direction, and the ratio of each peak intensity value of each orientation is represented by ρ(hkl)=I(hkl)/ΣI(hkl), where ρ(hkl) is a degree of orientation in an (hkl) plane orientation, I(hkl) is the peak intensity value of the orientation, and ΣI(hkl) is the total of the peak intensity values.
US09956772B2	Printing apparatus A printing apparatus, including a conveyor, a liquid ejection head with nozzles, a carriage, a carriage movement mechanism, and a controller, is provided. The controller executes a printing operation including a parameter determining process and an ejection timing determining process. In the parameter determining process, a value to a correction parameter is determined. In the ejection timing determining process, ejection timing to eject liquid through the nozzles is determined based on the value to the correction parameter. In the ejection timing determining process, the controller determines the ejection timing by shifting the ejection timing to be at least one of later and earlier than a reference timing for a time length corresponding to the value to the correction parameter. In the parameter determining process, the controller provides a different value to the correction parameter for the scan-printing action in the second unit-printing process depending on the nozzle shift amount.
US09956769B2	Liquid injection device and inkjet printer including the same A liquid injection device includes a driving circuit supplying, to an actuator, a driving signal including a prior driving pulse and a subsequent driving pulse supplied after the prior driving pulse. Where a speed of a leading tip of a prior liquid pillar injected from the nozzle by the prior driving pulse is V3, a speed of a leading tip of a subsequent liquid pillar injected from the nozzle by the subsequent driving pulse is V4, a time period from start of the injection of the prior liquid pillar until start of the injection of the subsequent liquid pillar is t4a, a difference between a time period from the injection of the prior liquid pillar from the nozzle until division of the prior liquid pillar in the case where the prior driving pulse is supplied to the actuator but the subsequent driving pulse is not supplied to the actuator, and the time period t4a, is t4b, and a time period from start of the injection of the prior liquid pillar until separation of the prior liquid pillar from the nozzle in the case where the prior driving pulse is supplied to the actuator but the subsequent driving pulse is not supplied to the actuator is t3a, t4a≤t3a and V4≥V3×(t4a/t4b+1) are satisfied.
US09956764B2	Pattern formation device, liquid ejection device, and electrical fault detection method A pattern formation device, a liquid ejection device, and an electrical fault detection method capable of detecting electrical fault of a liquid ejection head on the basis of an analysis result of an electrical fault detection pattern are provided. An electrical fault detection pattern having an arrangement of dot arrays satisfying an arrangement condition with an arrangement of a plurality of ejection elements in a liquid ejection head is formed by ejecting liquid from a liquid ejection head in which M rows of ejection element groups in which a plurality of ejection elements are arranged in a first direction are arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and M is an integer equal to or greater than 2.
US09956760B2	Multilayer imaging blanket coating A multilayer imaging blanket comprises a seamless belt. A silicone layer is disposed on the belt. The silicone layer comprises silicone rubber and a metal oxide filler. A fluoroelastomer surface layer is disposed on the silicone layer. Printing apparatuses employing the multilayer imaging blanket are also disclosed.
US09956758B2	Zero alcohol offset printing system This invention relates to a zero alcohol offset printing system, comprises the following parts: Plate cylinder (3), its outer cylindrical surface is covered by printing plate (4); Ink exertion system (1), which comprises ink source (8) and several inking rollers, to exert ink to the printing plate; Dampening liquid exertion system (2), which comprises dampening liquid source (7) and several dampening rollers, to exert dampening liquid to the printing plate; wherein the dampening rollers include a distributor roller (6); wherein the structure of the distributor roller (6) is as follows: it comprises a metal cylinder surrounded by a ceramic layer, and the ceramic layer has texture on its outer surface; wherein the content of alcohol or ether in the dampening liquid is zero.
US09956752B2	Methods of making laminated LED array and/or products including the same In certain example embodiments, light emitting diodes (LEDs) may be disposed on a deformable and flexible backbone sheet and chained together in an array, e.g., via flexible wiggle wires. Such flexible wiggle wires may also provide an electrical connection to an external power source. An optical out-coupling layer stack (OCLS) system may help serve as an index matching layer, heat sink, étendue conserver, etc. The backbone may be formed to a shape tailored to its ultimate application. Applications may include, for example, automotive (such as Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) applications), lighting, signage, and/or other applications. In an example CHMSL application, the deformable sheet with the LED array thereon has a step, sinusoidal, or other shape matched to the angle and/or curvature of the glass such that the LEDs produce light primarily in a direction parallel to a surface on which a vehicle is located.
US09956746B2	Wood sheet and method for manufacturing the same Disclose are a wood sheet and a method for manufacturing the wood sheet. In particular, the real wood sheet is prepared with natural wood sheets used for interior and exterior materials, a binder and a stiffener, thereby providing patterned veneer appearance. Further, the wood sheet may have improved physical properties and reduced weight and be manufactured with reduced cost.
US09956743B2	Superhydrophobic and superoleophobic nanosurfaces Devices, systems and techniques are described for producing and implementing articles and materials having nano-scale and microscale structures that exhibit superhydrophobic, superoleophobic or omniphobic surface properties and other enhanced properties. In one aspect, a surface nanostructure can be formed by adding a silicon-containing buffer layer such as silicon, silicon oxide or silicon nitride layer, followed by metal film deposition and heating to convert the metal film into balled-up, discrete islands to form an etch mask. The buffer layer can be etched using the etch mask to create an array of pillar structures underneath the etch mask, in which the pillar structures have a shape that includes cylinders, negatively tapered rods, or cones and are vertically aligned. In another aspect, a method of fabricating microscale or nanoscale polymer or metal structures on a substrate is made by photolithography and/or nano imprinting lithography.
US09956735B2	Semi-finished honeycomb part and sandwich part A method for producing a semi-finished honeycomb-core product for producing a sandwich component, a method for producing a sandwich component, a semi-finished honeycomb-core product, a sandwich component, and the use thereof as a component of a motor vehicle.
US09956732B2	Injection molding systems and methods for forming materials used in footwear and materials manufactured by said systems and methods The invention relates to systems and methods for creating a foamed part. An example method includes providing a polymer processing system, providing a mold having at least one expandable mold cavity in fluid communication with the polymer processing system, mixing polymeric material and blowing agent within the polymer processing system to produce a unfoamed mixture, injecting a volume of the mixture of polymeric material and blowing agent from the polymer processing system and into the expandable mold cavity, and expanding the mold cavity to expand the unfoamed mixture within the mold cavity and form a foamed preform. Thereafter, the foamed preform may be inserted into a compression mold to press-form the foamed preform into a finished part.
US09956730B2	Compressor system, and puncture repair kit using same The pressure of compressed air supplied to an object to be filled with air is controlled at a specified pressure or less without using a relief valve. Given that a cylinder volume (stroke volume) during a piston moves from the lower dead point to the top dead point is V1, a cylinder volume (compression volume) when the piston reaches the top dead point is V2, the atmospheric pressure is P0, and the specified pressure is PP, the compression volume V2 in the compressor system satisfies the following expression (1). The diameter D of the air intake hole of an air intake valve provided on the piston is 3 to 15 mm. 0.8×{V1×P0/(PP−P0)}=
US09956728B2	Tooling for creating a component made of composite, method for creating a component made of composite using the tooling, and composite component thus obtained Tooling for creating a component made of composite, including at least one rigid element able to move between a rest position in which it is not in contact with the preform and an active position in which it is in contact with the preform, at least one elastic return configured to push the rigid element into the active position and hold it therein, and at least one hot-melt element configured to hold the rigid element in the rest position against the action of the elastic return as long as the temperature of the resin is below a threshold temperature above which the resin is softened. The disclosure also relates to a method for creating a component made of composite implementing the tooling and to a component made of composite thus obtained.
US09956726B2	Apparatus for producing three-dimensional structure, method of producing three-dimensional structure, and three-dimensional structure An apparatus for producing a three-dimensional structure that produces a three-dimensional structure by laminating layers to each other using a paste-like composition containing grains includes a stage for which the composition is provided and on which the layer is formed; and a dispenser that directly supplies the composition to a forming area on the stage.
US09956724B2	Insulated double walled drinking vessel and method of making the same An insulated drinking vessel, e.g., a wine glass, and methods of making the same is disclosed. The vessel basically comprises a pre-molded inner vessel formed of a plastic material having a sidewall, a pre-molded outer vessel formed of a plastic material, and a ring. The ring is formed of a plastic material and is molded in-situ on a top portion of the inner vessel to cause portions of the plastic material of the inner vessel to melt and intermingle with the plastic material of the ring to form a non-superficial homogenous joint therebetween. The inner vessel is disposed within the outer vessel and the ring is welded to a top portion of the outer vessel. The ring forms the rim or lip of the insulated drinking vessel and that vessel includes an insulating air space between the sidewall portions of the inner and outer vessels.
US09956723B2	Method for sealing a joint Provided is a joint treatment method that enables smooth joint treatment without damaging the ultraviolet radiation curable resin formed on the interior sheet surface. The joint treatment method is for joining a butt joint portion of interior sheets, the protective layer being formed as a surface layer of each of the interior sheets. The method includes: (1) a step of injecting a joint treatment agent, which has no dissolving ability with respect to at least the protective layer, into the butt joint portion; and (2) a step of attaching, before the injected joint treatment agent is cured, an adhesive tape so as to straddle the butt joint portion such that the tape is in contact with the protective layer and the joint treatment agent present in the butt joint portion.
US09956718B2	Method of forming a tube from a thermoplastic sandwich sheet A method of forming a structural tube may include urging a substantially flat thermoplastic sandwich sheet against a mandrel and heating the thermoplastic sandwich sheet to a temperature below a glass transition temperature. The method may further include allowing the thermoplastic sandwich sheet to cool and removing the mandrel, thereby forming a tube portion.
US09956714B2	Method of producing a hollow body from thermoplastic material The invention relates to a method for producing hollow bodies from thermoplastic material comprising the shaping of at least one tubular preform or at least two two-dimensional, web-like preforms of plasticated thermoplastic material into a substantially closed hollow body, for example in the form of a fuel tank for motor vehicles.
US09956713B2	Device for processing preforms—fast changer A device for processing performs may include at least a holder device for holding at least one preform and for at least temporary contacting arrangement of at least one wall part of the preform on at least one contact device. By the at least one contact device, a temperature of the first wall part can be prespecified, which at least temporarily differs from the temperature of a second wall part that is always spaced from the contact device. The contact device may be releasably held by a carrier device forming at least in parts a holding zone for the contact device.
US09956706B2	Method of manufacture of seat pad A three-dimensional mesh-like body is disposed on a molding face of a lower mold onto which a liquid raw material of flexible foam is poured. An upper mold is laid over the lower mold to form a cavity, a projection projected on the upper mold toward the cavity is contacted with the three-dimensional mesh-like body, and the three-dimensional mesh-like body is fixed. The three-dimensional mesh-like body is attached and fixed to a front surface of a pad main body, so that the three-dimensional mesh-like body can be prevented from being displaced with respect to the pad main body. Moreover, the position of the three-dimensional mesh-like body can be prevented from being displaced in the process of foaming the liquid raw material because of the projection, and a vent hole can be formed on the pad main body. As a result, a sweaty feeling can be suppressed.
US09956700B2	Crafting tool A portable crafting tool, which may be readily transported from one location to another and placed on a tabletop or another suitable surface for use, and which includes rollers for applying pressure to a craft assembly, is disclosed. The craft assembly may include a platform with a tool, such as a cutting die, an embossing tool and/or a letterpress tool, a sheet of a medium (e.g., paper, vellum, acetate, foil, etc.) that is to be modified (as pressure is applied to the craft assembly) and a mat or a cover for positioning over the sheet of medium and the tool. The portable crafting tool may include a gap spacer, which adjusts a distance that the rollers are spaced apart from one another. The portable crafting tool may be configured for selective operation with a manually operated handle or with a motor that may be used in place of the handle. The portable crafting tool may be configured to engage a surface when it is deployed on the surface.
US09956696B2	Knife A knife blade with a back, and a cutting edge with a shoulder, characterised in that the knife blade has a blade profile perpendicular to the blade edge that, starting at the shoulder and moving towards the back, has the following thickness, as ground prior to any polishing or subsequent steps, at the position indicated: at the shoulder a thickness of AA; at about 1/16″ from the shoulder a thickness of BB; and at about ⅛″ from the shoulder a thickness of CC; where AA is about 16 to 23 thousandths of an inch (0.41 mm to 0.58 mm); BB is AA plus about 3 thousandths of an inch (0.076 mm); and CC is BB plus about 2 thousandths of an inch. (0.051 mm).
US09956694B2	Motor and mechanism having function of increasing or decreasing brake torque A motor according to the present invention includes an output axis, a brake for holding the output axis, a sensor for detecting an external torque applied to the output axis from outside, and a controller for decreasing or increasing the torque of the brake during operation of the brake in accordance with an increase or decrease in the external torque detected by the sensor.
US09956690B2	Protocol for a remotely controlled videoconferencing robot A robotic system that includes a robot and a remote station. The remote station can generate control commands that are transmitted to the robot through a broadband network. The control commands can be interpreted by the robot to induce action such as robot movement or focusing a robot camera. The robot can generate reporting commands that are transmitted to the remote station through the broadband network. The reporting commands can provide positional feedback or system reports on the robot.
US09956684B2	Bucket insert for storing and transporting elongate objects An apparatus for conveniently organizing, storing, and transporting elongate objects such as pipe nipples is described. The apparatus includes a bucket, within which an upper tray is suspended above a lower tray by a pillar. Holes in the upper tray align with holes in the lower tray. When an elongate object is passed through these holes, flexible tabs on each of the holes act to firmly grip the object so that it remains safely vertical in the bucket. At the same time, projections on the perimeters of the upper and lower trays act to stop the trays from moving inside the bucket.
US09956683B2	Steel work box A metal work box includes a base having a horizontal planar member having an upper surface and a lower surface. The metal work box also includes a plurality of side walls secured to and extending upwardly from the base. The plurality of side walls include a front first side wall formed along a front first edge of the base, a back second side wall formed along a rear second edge of the base, a left third side wall formed along a left side third edge of the base, and right fourth side wall formed along a right side fourth edge of the base. A door is formed along the front first side wall. The door includes a door panel having a free edge and a hinged edge, the hinged edge being pivotally secured to a front hinge side wall portion of the front first side wall so as to enable easy access to contents. The front first side wall also includes a latch extending between a front latch side wall portion of the front first side wall and the free edge of the door panel to allow for selective latching of the door panel to the front latch side wall portion to keep the door securely closed.
US09956682B1	Tool box with a reinforced door A tool box having a reinforced door that withstands prying and resists flexing during use. The door includes a reinforced region including a first flange, a second flange and a third flange extending from the first edge of the door. At least one additional flap extends from an edge of the door adjacent to the reinforced region and is welded to the reinforced region to provide additional strength. In another embodiment, a second and a third additional flap is included on the door, and each additional flap may be welded to an adjacent flap or welded to the reinforced region. Multiple reinforced regions, each including at least one flange, may also extend from the door body to provide increased strength.
US09956680B2	Over-molded component assembly and method of forming the same A component part has an over-molded integrally formed insert member. The insert member has a predetermined feature. In addition, an end portion of the predetermined feature is exposed and free from over-molding.
US09956679B2	Device and method for removable utensil that attaches to handle of variable sizes An open fire cooking utensil attachment configured to be attached to a handle for easy attaching and removal. The utensil is made of wire or similar material to a handle that can vary in diameter and length. The open fire cooking utensil device affords a utensil that generally requires a long handle, the ability to be easily attached and removed from the handle so that it is easy to store, carry, and clean. The open fire cooking utensil attaches to a handle of various diameters and lengths to fit the specific needs of the user and the handle materials available.
US09956677B2	Power tool with interchangeable power heads A power tool system which includes a first base unit and a second base unit. The first and second base units each include a housing, a motor housed in the housing, a coupler which is operatively connected to and selectively drivable by the motor and a trigger for activating the motor to drive the coupler. The system also includes a first attachment head which is removably couplable with both the first base unit and the second base unit so that it can be driven by the respective motor of the base unit to which it is attached and a second attachment head which is removably couplable to the first base unit, but which is not couplable with the second base unit.
US09956676B2	Tool with rotatable head An articulating head of a power tool is disclosed in the present invention, which includes a base member adapted to couple to a main body of the power tool, an articulating member pivotably connected to the base member, and a locking device coupled to the articulating member for locking an orientation of the articulating member with respect to the base member. The base member contains a first power transmission part which is capable of receiving mechanical driving power from the main body of the power tool. The articulating member contains a second power transmission part mechanically coupled to the first power transmission part. The locking device has an actuation lever rotatable about a pivot axis between a free position and a lock position.
US09956672B2	Screw tightening tool A screw tightening tool includes a case body, a tool member, and a switching portion. The case body includes a guide portion configured such that a head portion of a screw is inserted therein. The tool member includes an engaging portion including a bit portion configured to engage with the head portion. The switching portion supports the tool member. The switching portion is configured to switch a position of the tool member among a first position, a second position, and a third position. The first position is a position in which the bit portion protrudes to an outside from the case body. The second position is a position in which the bit portion protrudes to the outside from the case body and that is different from the first position. The third position is a position in which the case body houses the bit portion.
US09956669B2	Polishing pad and polishing method The present invention provides a polishing pad including a polishing member having a polishing surface, wherein the polishing member contains a material having dilatancy characteristics.
US09956661B2	Feedback control numerical machine tool and method thereof A feedback control numerical machine tool and a method thereof are provided. The machine tool includes at least two spindles, an acoustic frequency detecting module, at least two spindle position detecting modules, and a control module. The spindles machine a workpiece. The acoustic frequency detecting module detects an acoustic frequency of the spindles when machining the workpiece. The spindle position detecting modules detects position information of the spindles when machining the workpiece. The control module acquires the acoustic frequency and the position information of the spindles, monitors whether any of the spindles chatters according to the acoustic frequency of the spindles, and performs chattering avoidance to the spindle that chatters according to the position information of the spindles. As such, the present disclosure performs chattering monitoring to a plurality of spindles and avoids the chattering immediately.
US09956658B1	Positioning work stop The present invention is a positioning work stop for use with a with a machining apparatus for performing a machining operation on a work piece, the positioning work stop comprising a retractable element having an extended position for contacting a work piece to ensure that the work piece is in its proper position for machining and a retracted position that provides a gap between the positioning work stop and the work piece, a biasing element that exerts a rearward biasing force of the retractable element, and a stop pin, wherein during the machining operation, when the machining apparatus contacts the stop pin the rearward biasing force automatically moves the retractable element into its retracted position creating a gap between the positioning work stop and the work piece.
US09956657B2	Method of forming three-dimensional decorative items Aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods for fabricating components, for example, 3D decorative items. In an embodiment, a method including positioning a spoil board on a worktable of a computer numeric control (CNC) machine; operating the CNC machine in a first mode to create an outline in the spoil board; positioning a first workpiece on the spoil board and over at least a portion of the outline; and operating the CNC machine in a second mode to cut into a portion of the first workpiece.
US09956652B2	Method for the production of a rotor and rotor A method for producing a rotor, particularly a turbine disk or a turbine ring for a turbine stage of a turbomachine, wherein at least the following steps are carried out: producing a blade ring (14) including a plurality of rotor blades (12), welding adapters (22) together which are disposed in the region of blade footings of the rotor blades (12), wherein at least substantially radial weld seams (30a) having predetermined welding depths are generated, disposing a rotor disk (32) or a rotor ring on the blade ring (14), and welding the rotor disk (32) or the rotor ring to the adapters (22) of the rotor blades (12), wherein at least one further weld seam (30b) is generated. A rotor, particularly a turbine disk or a turbine ring for a turbine stage of a turbomachine is also disclosed.
US09956648B2	Piercing metal workpieces by a laser beam Methods and systems are implemented for piercing a metal workpiece by means of a laser beam and a process gas The methods and systems form a hole in the workpiece using the laser beam and using an inert gas as the process gas, such that the formed hole extends only partially through the workpiece, widen the upper part of the hole into a trough that surrounds the hole on the top side of the workpiece using the laser beam and using oxygen as the process gas, and fully pierce the hole using the laser beam and using oxygen as the process gas.
US09956646B2	Multiple-beam laser processing using multiple laser beams with distinct wavelengths and/or pulse durations Multiple-beam laser processing may be performed on a workpiece using at least first and second laser beams with different characteristics (e.g., wavelengths and/or pulse durations). In some applications, an assist laser beam is directed at a target location on or within the workpiece to modify a property of the non-absorptive material. A process laser beam is directed at the target location and is coupled into absorption centers formed in the non-absorptive material to complete processing of the non-absorptive material. Multiple-beam laser processing may be used, for example, to drill holes in a substrate made of alumina or other transparent ceramics. In other applications, multiple-beam laser processing may be used in melting applications such as micro-welding, soldering, and forming laser fired contacts. In these applications, the assist laser beam may be used to modify a property of the material or to change the geometry of the parts.
US09956644B2	Method and device for improving the quality of the weld seam in friction stir welding A method and a device for improving the quality of the weld seam in friction stir welding is provided. The process of friction stir welding is effected by means of a friction welding tip, in which a spiral conveyor screw is provided in the spindle bearing. The longitudinal axis of the spindle bearing is inclined at an angle to the vertical. The sliding surface of the rotating spindle consists of a flat sliding surface and, for the welding of curved seams, in each case of a sliding surface inclined at an acute angle to the sliding surface, the friction welding tip is designed in the shape of a truncated cone. The lateral surface of the truncated cone is formed by six trapezoidal planar parts, of which three planar parts each uniformly distributed at the circumference lie at an angle of 120 degrees with respect to one another and account for a proportion greater than ⅙ at the circumference.
US09956638B2	Electric arc welder for AC welding with cored electrode An electric arc welder having an inverter with a waveform generator that generates a welding waveform with a waveform period and a root mean square (RMS) level for maintaining a stable short welding arc based on at least a cored welding electrode. The electric arc welder having a circuit to adjust a wave balance of the welding waveform to maintain the stable short welding arc, where the wave balance is a ratio between a period of a positive portion of the welding waveform and the waveform period.
US09956636B2	Welded blank assembly and method A welded blank assembly includes a capping material in a weld region of the assembly. The capping material can help protect a weld joint joining first and second sheet metal pieces together. At least one of the sheet metal pieces has a coating material layer that is removed prior to forming the weld joint so that the coating material does not contaminate the weld joint. The removed coating material can be collected before the weld joint is formed and reapplied as part of the capping material after the weld joint is formed, effectively changing the coating material from a potential weld contaminant to a weld joint protectant. The capping material may also include additional material from a source other than the coating material layer.
US09956633B2	Wave soldering tank A wave soldering tank includes a soldering tank body for housing molten solder and a solder feed chamber disposed within the soldering tank body. An axial-flow, multiple-blade screw-type pump is disposed so as to draw molten solder into the solder feed chamber through an inlet and discharge the molten solder through an outlet. In a preferred embodiment, the pump includes a rotatable hub and a plurality of helical blades secured to the hub at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the hub, each of the blades overlapping an adjoining one of the blades when the blades are viewed in the axial direction of the impeller.
US09956632B2	Solder paste misprint cleaning A processor receives solder paste information, where the solder paste information describes a solder paste used in assembly of a printed circuit board. A processor determines a minimum magnetic force required for removing the solder paste from the printed circuit board based on the solder paste information. A processor receives electromagnet information, where the electromagnet information describes an electromagnet used in cleaning of a misprint of the solder paste on the printed circuit board. A processor determines a minimum amount of power to provide the electromagnet to induce the minimum magnetic force in the electromagnet, where the determination of the amount of power is based on the electromagnet information and the minimum magnetic force. A processor adjusts an amount of power applied to the electromagnet to at least the determined minimum amount of power to clean the misprint of the solder paste from the printed circuit board.
US09956629B2	Titanium alloy for fastener applications A method and apparatus for forming a fastener for an aircraft. An annealed titanium alloy is provided with about 5.50 to about 6.75 weight percent aluminum, about 3.50 to about 4.50 weight percent vanadium, more than 0.20 weight percent oxygen, and more than 0.30 weight percent iron. Operations are performed to form the fastener for the aircraft from the annealed titanium alloy.
US09956626B2	Dustless table saw A dustless table saw with a built-in dust collection system is disclosed. The table saw uses a soft foldable seal to seal the gap between the blade slot and the blade housing, the blade housing has an internal extraction channel to maximize the dust collection. Another variation of the table saw utilizes a U-shaped blade housing with a divider. The table saw has a built-in raising/lowering mechanism to raise/lower the blade, and a built-in tilting mechanism to tile the blade. The table saw also utilizes an anti-dust blade guard to optimize the dust extraction.
US09956623B2	Guide pad and cutter head for a cutting tool A guide pad for a cutting tool includes a sliding surface, which is convexly curved in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the guide pad. A channel-shaped recess is formed in the sliding surface that extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the guide pad and terminates before reaching an end of the sliding surface at an end of the guide pad.
US09956622B2	Chucking apparatus for a workpiece with honeycomb structure A chucking apparatus for a workpiece with honeycomb structure includes a table that can be supplied with vacuum and a clamping plate which can be placed on the table and which accommodates the workpiece in the region of an already profiled surface determined by the face ends of the honeycombs, whose receiving surface, which corresponds to the profiled surface of the workpiece, is provided with suction openings to the table. In order to provide advantageous chucking conditions, the clamping plate has an open-cell structure.
US09956621B2	Tool holding device The invention relates to a tool holding device comprising a tool holding body for securing, in a fixed manner, a rotary tool comprising a shaft, provided with a clamping section and a receiving opening for the shall of the tool, a coolant feeding device for pressurized fluid, at least one coolant guiding device for guiding the coolant into a clamped tool shaft. The coolant guiding device is designed as at least one flat groove on an inner side of the receiving opening, joining to the front side on a free end of the tool holding body and directly adjacent to the tool shaft in the surroundings of the tool holding device or a coolant storing chamber and or collecting chamber is provided in the region of the free end of the tool holding body, to which the at least one coolant guiding device joins. The coolant storing chamber and or collecting chamber is connected by means of an annular gap to the surroundings of the tool holder device. The coolant storing chamber and/or collecting chamber and the annular gap are defined at least partially by the work shaft.
US09956619B2	Cutting insert and cutting tool A cutting tool includes a cutting insert that is held in a holder in a detachable manner. The cutting insert has a substantially regular quadrangular shape in plan view and includes four round corners. The cutting insert is formed of CBN sinter as a whole. The cutting insert includes two principal surfaces that are upper and lower surfaces opposite to each other, and four side surfaces that are arranged so as to connect the principal surfaces to each other. A boundary portion (ridge line portion) between each of the principal surfaces and each of the side surfaces forms a cutting edge. In a central portion of each of the side surfaces of the cutting insert, a groove for absorbing a crack, having a substantially V-shape in cross section, is formed all around the cutting insert so as to be recessed with respect to the side surfaces.
US09956618B2	Cutting insert, cutting tool, and method for manufacturing machined product A cutting insert of one aspect includes a main body section and a cutting section located in front of the main body section. The cutting section includes a front cutting edge disposed along a ridge line of the cutting section at an intersection between a top surface and a first side surface; and a lateral cutting edge disposed along the ridge line at an intersection between the top surface and a second side surface and inclined with ascending as getting away from the front cutting edge. The lateral cutting edge each includes a first region and a second region located to a rear of the first region; and an angle of inclination of the second region with respect to the bottom surface is larger than an angle of inclination of the first region with respect to the bottom surface.
US09956614B2	Assembly having two components connected cohesively together The invention relates to an assembly (1) at least comprising a first metal component (2) having a first surface region (5) and a second metal component (3) having a second surface region (7), wherein the two surface regions (5, 7) face each other, and the first and the second component (2, 3) are connected cohesively together at least in a subregion of the two surface regions (5, 7), and wherein at least one of the two metal components (2, 3) is a sintered component, wherein that surface region (7) of the sintered component that has the cohesive connection has a higher density than the adjoining further surface region of the sintered component.
US09956613B2	Sliding member and production method for same A sliding member having a hardness proper for an environment where a high-pressure is applied and having a good abrasion resistance. A sliding member 1 comprises a first sintered compact layer 2 formed by solidifying an iron-based metallic powder with a sinter; and a second sintered compact layer 3 formed by solidifying a copper-based metallic powder on a surface of the first sintered compact layer 2 to improve a sliding characteristic. The second sintered compact layer 3 is densified by a blast process where the powder is collided against a surface of the second sintered compact layer 3.
US09956608B2	Composite articles, wear plates and methods A metal matrix composite article is described that includes a metal component, a ceramic component, and a lubricious component. The metal matrix composite article has a first surface and a second surface. The lubricious component is present in an amount that is highest at the first surface and is lowest at the second surface. The ceramic component is present in an amount that is highest at the first surface and is lowest at the second surface. The metal component is present in an amount that is highest at the second surface and is lowest at the first surface. In some cases, the metal matrix composite article is a wear plate for a fifth wheel hitch.
US09956605B2	Swaging die holder The present invention discloses a swaging die holder for the flexible shaft operations. In the preferred embodiment, the swaging die holder comprises of an elliptical die holder slot, a stress relief slot, a radius curve, a recess and an insert. The die holder slot at top of the die holder allows each die holder to mount to the machine. The insert is adapted through the recess at the bottom of each die holder and designed to produce the different output profiles at the end of the flexible shaft. The insert is made of HSS material with cobalt content to achieve optimal life. The insert is further re-grinded or re-sharpened for same or other profile applications of the flexible shaft.
US09956604B1	Radical compression apparatus and method of incrementally compressing an article using same A radial compression mechanism incorporates an introduction funnel that truncates down to a cylindrical cavity for radial compressing articles. The introduction funnel facilities the loading of an article into the cylindrical cavity and enables incremental radial compression of articles, such as stents. The radial compression mechanism employs a plurality of compression dies that are configured radially about the cylindrical cavity and move in unison to cause the cylindrical cavity to open or close. The compression dies are coupled with a base and drive mechanism for moving them in unison. A method of loading a delivery catheter with a radially compressed article, such as a stent, includes positioning a delivery catheter over a compressed portion of an article that extends from an exit end of the cylindrical catheter. One or more drive mechanism may be used to automatically and incrementally load a compressed article into a delivery catheter.
US09956601B2	Pilot assembly having an integrated stripper that may be coaxial with a pilot A pilot assembly includes a body portion including an outer surface and an opening defined in the outer surface. A pilot is configured for extending through an alignment hole in a sheet of material and is coupled with the body portion. A shaft of the pilot extends through the opening and beyond the outer surface. A stripper includes a bushing and a resilient biasing member. The bushing is configured for moving with respect to the main body portion and the pilot to push the sheet of material off of the pilot. The resilient biasing member is situated within the body portion and is compressed when the bushing engages the sheet of material.
US09956599B2	System, including a bending bar and a bending cage, for bending a plate in a plane of the plate A system and method for bending a bone fixation plate in the horizontal plane of the plate. The apparatus and method provide for optimization of applied bending moments by controlling the orientation of a bending tool to prevent deviation from an axis of bending. The system includes a bending bar or bars with an aperture or slot for engaging a plate or rod and a bending cage that can be in the shape of a rectangular box having a front surface separated from a rear surface by a distance. The front surface has a front elongate opening and the rear surface has a rear elongate opening. The front and rear openings are each formed by two parallel edges separated by a vertical distance and having a horizontal length. The relative dimensions of the respective bending bars and openings are such that the bending cage can be used to permit free movement of the bending bars in a direction parallel to the primary axis of the elongate openings but to prevent rotational movement of the bending bars about an axis substantially parallel to the length of the bending bars.
US09956598B2	Laying head A coil-forming head, defining a longitudinal axis, for forming coils of a substantially rectilinear metallic product, comprising a fixed supporting structure, a rotor, adapted to turn about said longitudinal axis and rotatably fixed to said supporting structure, wherein the rotor comprises a bell-shaped member, which expands outwards with respect to said axis and has an outer surface thereof provided with at least one spiral-shaped groove, dimensioned to convey and form coils of a metallic product having diameter from 5 to 8 mm, and comprises at least one spiral-shaped tube, arranged inside and integrally fixed to said bell-shaped member, and dimensioned to convey and form coils of a metallic product having a diameter from 8 to 25 mm, wherein feeding means are provided to feed the product to said at least one groove or to said at least one tube.
US09956587B2	Fabrication assembly and methods for fabricating composite mirror objects A fabrication assembly comprises an apparatus that receives a composite substrate and a glass substrate having a surface with a release coating layer. A resin layer is deposited between the composite and glass substrates such that a first portion of the resin layer is positioned adjacent to a surface of the composite substrate and a second portion of the resin layer is positioned adjacent to the surface with the release coating layer to prevent aperture(s) from forming. A curing of the resin layer is conducted using electromagnetic radiation. A post-processing chamber receives the resin layer positioned between the composite substrate and the glass substrate and conducts another curing of the resin layer. The resin layer and the composite substrate are released from the glass substrate. Another deposition apparatus receives the resin layer and the composite substrate. A metallic coating is deposited to form a composite mirror object.
US09956585B2	Method for treating an elongated object, apparatus and method The invention relates to a method for treating an elongated object using a plasma process. The method comprises the steps of providing an elongated object in a planar electrode structure, and applying potential differences between electrodes of an electrode structure to generate the plasma process. Further, the method comprises at least partially surrounding the elongated object by a unitary section of the guiding structure, the electrode structure being associated with the unitary section.
US09956581B2	Masking kit for hatch perimeters A mask according to the invention includes a masking having a first side, a second side, and a perimeter opening. The second side is either tacky or has an adhesive applied and includes a backing, and the first side may include a cover. In use, the backing is removed to apply the mask to a hatch on a surface, with the perimeter of the hatch exposed through the perimeter opening. If used, the cover is then removed and liquid sealant is applied to the perimeter through the perimeter opening. Excess sealant collects on the masking rather than on the hatch or surface surrounding the perimeter. Once the sealant dries, the masking is removed.
US09956579B2	Device for dispensing granular roofing media on a moving sheet in a pattern A method and device for dispensing granules in a pattern on a moving sheet, the device having: a granule source; a pattern roll, the pattern roll having a hollow interior and cylindrical outer surface comprising: a granule transfer zone; and an opening to the hollow interior, the method comprising: providing a flow of granules from a granule source directed toward the cylindrical outer surface of the pattern roll; rotating the pattern roll about a longitudinal axis through a granule transfer cycle comprising: a receipt portion wherein the granule transfer zone receives granules from the granule source; a retention portion wherein granules are retained in the transfer zone while the pattern roll rotates; and a release portion wherein granules dispensed onto the moving sheet; capturing a bypass flow of granules that flow through the opening into the hollow interior; and recycling the bypass flow of granules.
US09956572B2	Universal wheel spraying protection device The present invention provides a universal wheel spraying protection device, which is composed of a chassis, springs, a cone shaft, a tray, sliding blocks and composite tensioning sleeves. When the universal wheel spraying protection device is in use, a wheel is placed on a conical surface of an upper end of the tray, supporting springs are compressed by self weight of the wheel, and the tray is pressed down under the action of guiding columns and guiding sleeves; meanwhile, each sliding block drives the corresponding composite tensioning sleeve to move outwards under the action of the cone shaft; after a central hole is tensioned, the sliding blocks stops radial movement, and the tray also stops axial movement; and at this time, the central hole is protected by the composite tensioning sleeves, and a flange face is protected by the conical surface of the tray.
US09956568B2	Skirtboard paint guard A paint guard for protecting a stair covering during the painting of a skirtboard on a staircase, the paint guard having a plurality of interconnected and generally perpendicular planar surfaces, including a surface for covering a portion of a stair tread, a surface for covering a portion of a stair riser, and a plurality of surfaces for covering the edges of the stair covering nearest the skirtboard. The paint guard also includes a concave portion attached to the surface for covering a portion of a stair tread, the concave portion covering a forward edge portion of a staircase tread. The paint guard is either rigidly made or constructed of a durable material that can be bent and folded into the final shape, and is adjustable in size to fit on staircases of varying dimension.
US09956567B2	System for coating, in particular for painting, articles, in particular vehicle bodies A system for coating articles which includes a coating booth, a conveyor system, which guides the articles through the coating booth, and at least one application unit, which is carried and guided by a handling device. A central supply unit having a tank for storing CO2 in liquid or solid form and which is able to remove CO2 from the tank and supply it at a suitable pressure to a collecting line connected to at least one cleaning apparatus, which includes at least one nozzle of suitable design for delivering CO2 for cleaning purposes. Under program control a relative movement between the nozzle and the application unit is induced, such that all surfaces of the application unit to be cleaned can be reached by CO2.
US09956563B1	Separation of clean water from effluent streams A process for separating clean water which has an impurities content of less than 100 ppm from waste materials such as farm manure is disclosed. In a first step, a plate separator splits the waste material stream into a first effluent fraction and a first solids fraction. The first solids fraction then undergoes two stages of pressing to increase the solids contents to about 30 to 40 percent which makes it suitable for granulation or pelletizing. The first effluent fraction is treated in successive stages with various chemical agents resulting in the removal of most of the solids and inorganic impurities from the effluent to achieve drinkable water purity.
US09956557B2	Reconfigurable microfluidic systems: microwell plate interface Reconfigurable microfluidic systems are based on networks of microfluidic cavities connected by hydrophobic microfluidic channels. Each cavity is classified as either a reservoir or a node, and includes a pressure port via which gas pressure may be applied. Sequences of gas pressures, applied to reservoirs and nodes according to a fluid transfer rule, enable fluid to be moved from any reservoir to any other reservoir in a system. Such systems are suitable for automated microwell plate interfaces.
US09956555B2	Apparatus, system, and method for collecting a target material This disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for retrieving target material from a suspension. A system includes a processing vessel, a displacement fluid, and a tube. The tube includes a funnel, a cannula, and a cavity. The cannula allows for fluid communication between the funnel and the cavity, such that the processing vessel is inserted into the cavity, and the cannula extends into the processing vessel.
US09956551B2	Nano-to-nano Fe/ppm Pd catalysis of cross-coupling reactions in water In one embodiment, the present application discloses a catalyst composition comprising: a) a reaction solvent or a reaction medium; b) organometallic nanoparticles comprising: i) a nanoparticle (NP) catalyst, prepared by a reduction of an iron salt in an organic solvent, wherein the catalyst comprises at least one other metal selected from the group consisting of Pd, Pt, Au, Ni, Co, Cu, Mn, Rh, Ir, Ru and Os or mixtures thereof; c) a ligand; and d) a surfactant; wherein the metal or mixtures thereof is present in less than or equal to 50,000 ppm relative to the iron salt.
US09956550B2	Solid-supported palladium(II) complex for catalyzing Mizoroki-Heck coupling reactions and a method thereof A solid-supported palladium(II) complex which catalyzes the Mizoroki-Heck coupling reaction efficiently and a method of employing the solid-supported palladium(II) complex to synthesize cinnamic acid and derivatives thereof. The solid-supported palladium(II) complex is also stable and can be recycled without significantly losing catalytic activity.
US09956545B2	Core-shell particles with catalytic activity The present invention pertains to novel core-shell particles comprising a core of iron oxide and a shell of cobalt oxide, characterized in that they are spherical with a number average diameter, as measured by TEM, of between 1 and 20 nm. This invention is also directed to their uses in the manufacture of a catalyst, and to the method for preparing these particles, by precipitating cobalt oxide onto magnetite or hematite particles which are themselves precipitated from Fe(III) and optionally Fe(II) salts.
US09956544B2	Heterogeneous catalysts Heterogeneous catalysts with optional dopants are provided. The catalysts are useful in a variety of catalytic reactions, for example, the oxidative coupling of methane to C2+ hydrocarbons. Related methods for use and manufacture of the same are also disclosed.
US09956539B2	Apparatus for location-independent treatment of biomass Within the scope of hydrothermal carbonization, biomass is converted to bio-coal and other products. Because biomass occurs at irregular intervals at different locations and also, in part, only individual method steps are required at different locations, however, an apparatus for treatment of biomass is integrated into a variable, mobile container, and mobile containers adapted to the individual steps of the method are provided, which can be transported in compact manner and can be adapted, in terms of size, in the setup situation. This arrangement allows effective equipping of the individual containers, which can be expanded into a setup situation on location.
US09956536B2	Triple-responsive starch-based microgel and preparation method thereof The present disclosure discloses a triple-responsive starch-based microgel and a preparation method thereof. The present disclosure prepares C6 oxidized starch and PNIPAM semi-interpenetrating network microgel, namely the triple-responsive starch-based microgel, mainly with pH sensitive C6 oxidized starch and temperature sensitive NIPAM (N-isopropylacrylamide) as raw materials, and using an inverse emulsion polymerization method. The triple-responsive starch-based microgel according to the present disclosure is a spherical particle with the particle diameter of 15-25 μm, has pH, temperature and ionic strength-sensitivity, good biocompatibility and biodegradability, and can be widely used in the fields of nutrient protection, controlled drug release, protein separation and purification and the like. Meanwhile, its preparation process is simple and controllable with mild reaction conditions, and is suitable for large-scale production.
US09956535B2	Container for accommodating high-viscosity materials A container for accommodating high-viscosity materials, such as liquid concrete. The container has at least one bearing sleeve, which extends through a wall opening and is fastened in the container wall in a liquid-tight manner. A shaft extends through the bearing sleeve in such a way that an annular gap is left open. A shaft seal, which bridges the annular gap and is made of elastomeric material, is located at the container-interior end of the bearing sleeve. A lubricant is applied to the annular gap from the container exterior. The invention is characterized in that the shaft seal has, on the side thereof radially facing the shaft, a conveying thread that supports the conveying of the lubricant in the direction of the container interior, which conveying thread advantageously communicates with the container interior via a check valve open to the container interior.
US09956529B2	Microfabricated ion-selective filter for filtration of ions and molecules A microfabricated filtration membrane including a substrate containing a plurality of micropores, an ion-selective layer, and at least two conductive layers configured to apply a voltage across the micropores. The geometry of the conductive layers matches the geometry of the micropores (or nanopores).
US09956528B2	Energy-efficient conductive-gap membrane distillation Apparatus for energy-efficient conductive-gap membrane distillation includes a feed-liquid source and a distillation module. The distillation module includes a feed-liquid chamber in fluid communication with the feed-liquid source. The feed-liquid chamber includes a selectively porous material that allows a component of the feed liquid to pass through the selectively porous material and exit the feed-liquid chamber in vapor form but not in liquid form. The distillation module also includes a conductive-gap chamber adjacent to the selectively porous material on an opposite side of the selectively porous material from the feed-liquid chamber; a heat-transfer surface maintained at a lower temperature than the feed liquid in the feed-liquid chamber, wherein the heat-transfer surface is in thermal contact with the conductive-gap chamber; and a thermally conductive material extending across the conductive-gap chamber.
US09956525B2	Apparatus for purifying waste gases for integrated semiconductor An apparatus for purifying waste gases for an integrated semiconductor is provided, which includes a cover including a burner mounted thereon to generate a flame and a plurality of waste gas inlet pipes formed on a circumference of the burner to make waste gases flow therethrough; a reactor including upper and lower openings formed thereon so that the cover is detachably coupled to the upper opening, a converging member tapered to have a smaller diameter as going toward a lower portion thereof, and a transport pipe vertically arranged to communicate with an apex of the converging member, in which a water curtain is formed to prevent accumulation of by-products, to burn and discharge the inflow waste gases; and a cleaning portion integrally formed in the reactor to water-clean the burnt waste gases that are discharged into the reactor after passing through the transport pipe to collect particles. Since the burner, the reactor, and the scrubber are integrally formed in a body.
US09956523B2	Method for converting lime-based wet flue gas desulfurization systems to limestone-based systems A flue gas desulfurization unit is converted from operating with lime or magnesium enhanced lime under inhibited oxidation into a unit that operates using limestone under inhibited oxidation conditions. A ball mill grinding unit may be installed to crush the limestone thereby producing a suspended slurry of fine limestone particles which is pumped to the reaction vessel. When installed, the ball mill may be installed in the process immediately downstream of the existing slaking equipment. The suspended solution may be maintained at a pH in the range of 3.0 to 6.5, optimally at approximately 5.0 to increase the dissolution rate of the limestone reagent produced by the ball mill. The post-conversion process may also require the addition of organic acids and oxidation inhibitors to achieve better SO2 removal from the flue gas.
US09956520B2	Liquid carbon dioxide absorbents, methods of using the same, and related systems A carbon dioxide absorbent composition is described, including (i) a liquid, nonaqueous silicon-based material, functionalized with one or more groups that either reversibly react with CO2 or have a high-affinity for CO2, and (ii) a hydroxy-containing solvent that is capable of dissolving both the silicon-based material and a reaction product of the silicon-based material and CO2. The absorbent may be utilized in methods to reduce carbon dioxide in an exhaust gas, and finds particular utility in power plants.
US09956519B2	Absorbent for desulfurization of combustion gas and method of treating combustion gas using the same An absorbent for desulfurization of combustion gas is provided. The absorbent includes about 1 to about 16 wt % of potassium carbonate (K2CO3); about 0.1 to about 10 wt % of a promoting agent including hindered cyclic amine, hindered cyclic amine bicarbonate, or a combination thereof; and a balance amount of water. In addition, a method of treating the combustion gas using the absorbent is provided.
US09956518B2	Energy-saving acid gas capture system and method The present invention relates to an acid gas capture system and method which can reduce the energy consumption by using the heat from the system itself of an acid gas capture system. The system and method according to the present invention causes heat exchange to occur between an absorbent discharged from the upper part of an absorption tower of the capture system and a mixed gas comprising an acid gas, and a portion of an absorbent solution which has absorbed the acid gas discharged from the lower part of the absorption tower, and additionally, the remaining absorbent solution excluding said portion thereof undergoes heat exchange with the regenerated high-temperature absorbent solution discharged from the reboiler to preheat the absorbent solution supplied to the regeneration tower, thereby reducing the thermal energy required by same.
US09956514B2	Air filter mounting and demounting apparatus for over-the-range microwave oven An air filter mounting/demounting apparatus for a microwave oven having easy mounting and demounting of the air filter is provided. The apparatus includes a base plate having an inlet port through which air is admitted to serve as a hood, an air filter installed at a position corresponding to the inlet port and configured to filter foreign substances being admitted through the inlet port, an air filter bracket coupled to the base plate, an air filter holder at which the air filter is assembled coupled to the air filter bracket to enable a sliding movement along the guide rail, a latch unit configured to be coupled to the base plate to maintain and release engagement of the air filter holder aged, and a spring installed at an inside the latch unit to deliver an elastic force to the air filter holder.
US09956513B2	Air cleaner casing, air cleaner, and method for manufacturing air cleaner casing An air cleaner includes an upper casing, which has an inlet, a lower casing, which has an outlet and covers the lower opening of the upper casing, and a filter element, which is located inside the upper casing and the lower casing. The lower casing includes a looped application surface, on which an adhesive is applied to adhere the filter element, and a minute protrusion, which extends along the perimeter, is formed on the inner peripheral edge of the application surface.
US09956499B2	Re-refining used petroleum based fluids A method for separating a lubrication oil from a waste fluid includes separating water from the waste fluid including a lubrication oil by heating the waste fluid while sealed in a first vacuum chamber to a first maximum specified temperature and first specified pressure. Fuel oil is separated from a fluid received from the first vacuum chamber by heating the fluid while sealed in a second vacuum chamber to a second maximum specified temperature that his higher than the first maximum specified temperature and at a second specified pressure. Finally, the lubrication oil is separated from a fluid received from the second vacuum chamber by heating the fluid received from the second vacuum chamber while sealed in a third vacuum chamber to a third maximum specified temperature that his higher than the second maximum specified temperature and at a third specified pressure. The first, second and third pressures need not be different.
US09956498B1	Method for removing contaminants from cannabinoid distillates A method for removing contaminants such as pesticides and fungicides from cannabinoid extracts. Cannabinoid extracts containing contaminants may be dissolved in a water and ethanol solution, and then cooled to allow water-soluble contaminants to settle out of the mixture. The water and ethanol may then be removed via evaporation or distillation, leaving purified cannabinoids without contaminants. Contaminant removal may be incorporated into a method for producing a blended extract of cannabinoids and terpenes, which extracts terpenes using supercritical CO2, and extracts a cannabinoid concentrate from the residual material using a cold ethanol flush followed by distillation and then by contaminant removal; the CO2-extracted terpenes are then added back to the purified cannabinoid concentrate in a final blending step. Blending terpenes at the end of extraction may enhance the flavor and effectiveness of the purified cannabinoid concentrate.
US09956497B2	Saltwater evaporation mechanism A saltwater evaporation mechanism for the desalination of saltwater. The saltwater evaporation mechanism has an elevated saltwater reservoir with a bottom, sidewalls and an open upper end, a receiving reservoir with a bottom, sidewalls, and an open upper end, and a tunnel extending therebetween. The tunnel has a top panel, a bottom panel, and two side panels and is angled at a downward slope. The top panel extends from the tunnel to entirely cover the open upper end of the saltwater reservoir. Support legs equipped with wheels are positioned below the tunnel, allowing the tunnel to be easily moved and rotated when desired. A heat source is positioned underneath the saltwater reservoir and configured to heat the contents therein, creating water vapor. The water vapor condenses into desalinated water in the tunnel and is deposited in the receiving reservoir. In some embodiments, the heat source is powered by solar energy.
US09956495B2	Decorative bead toy and bead toy set A decorative bead toy includes: a body portion formed into a granular shape and made of a water insoluble material; and a recess engagement portion provided in the body portion so as to engage a plurality of fusible bead toys made of water soluble resin. The recess engagement portion is formed into an annular shape.
US09956494B2	Element comprising sensors for detecting grab motion or grab release motion for actuating inter-element holding or releasing An element having a holding mechanism, adapted for interacting with a functionally aligned holding mechanism of a similar element, and including a holding state and a released state. The holding mechanism in the holding state is engaged with the aligned holding mechanism of the similar element for holding the element positioned with respect to the similar element. The holding element in the released state is disengaged with the aligned holding mechanism. The element also includes a sensing mechanism for providing grab-detection, the grab-detection including detection of an action leading to a grip of the element, having a grip on the element, an action of releasing a grip of the element, and a combination thereof. The sensing mechanism is functionally coupled to the holding mechanism for upon the grab-detection actuating at least one of the functionally aligned holding mechanism between the holding state and the released state.
US09956492B2	Wall mounted toy track set A mounting system is provided herein. The mounting system having: a plurality of wall mounts for releasably securing a plurality of items to a vertical surface; and a template having a plurality of cutouts located in a plurality of locations on the template, wherein the plurality of cutouts of the template are each configured to receive at least a portion of one of the plurality of wall mounts therein.
US09956488B2	System and method for video game skill level adjustment A method of video game skill level adjustment includes determining a first genre of a first video game played by a user, extracting single-player progress data of the user for the first video game, multi-player result data of the user for the first video game and meta-goal data of the user for the first video game from at least one storage device. A history profile is created of the user for the first genre including the single-player progress data for the first video game, the multi-player result data for the first video game, and the meta-goal data for the first video game. A second genre is determined of a second video game played by the user. A starting value of an in-game skill of the second video game is adjusted prior to the user playing the second video game, based on the history profile for the first genre.
US09956484B2	Non-transitory computer readable recording medium, game server, and control method A non-transitory computer readable recording medium having stored thereon instructions to be executed on by a game server, the game server and corresponding method which cause the game server to perform the steps of: provide a networked multiplayer battle game over a network, storing a battle history including an identifier of an opponent with whom a user has battled in the multiplayer battle game; determining, based on the battle history and an identifier of an opponent with whom a battle begins, a procedure for conducting the battle in the battle game to be one of a first mode for conducting the battle based on user operations and a second mode for conducting the battle with fewer user operations than in the first mode, and conducting the battle with the determined procedure.
US09956479B2	Systems and methods varying how virtual objects are used in games based on different storage medium types An information processing apparatus capable of near field wireless communication with an information storage medium includes a reading/writing module which reads and/or writes data from and/or into first and second information storage media by establishing near field wireless communication with the first and second information storage media and a data processing module which processes data read as a result of reading of data from the first and second information storage media by a first application program executed by the information processing apparatus. The data processing module performs first processing affecting progress of a game based on the data read from the first information storage medium and performs second processing not affecting progress of the game based on the data read from the second information storage medium.
US09956478B2	Program, recording medium, information processing apparatus, and control method Upon receiving first operation information indicating a first operation member to which an operation input has been made, an information processing apparatus changes, based on correspondence information, the first operation information to second operation information indicating a second operation member associated with the first operation member indicated by the first operation information and outputs the second operation information to the processing for the game.
US09956477B2	Information processing apparatus, information processing system, storage medium and information processing method A non-limiting example information processing apparatus that functions as a game apparatus includes a first LCD and a second LCD, and usually, a game screen of a single-play game is displayed on the first LCD and a list screen is displayed on the second LCD. The list screen displays at least an icon of a player of another game apparatus capable of performing a communication with the information processing apparatus. In addition, icons of a player who is registered in the game apparatus as a friend and a player who is determined as an acquaintance are also displayed whether a communication can be performed. By performing a communication with using the game apparatus with a passer-by player with whom no communication has been performed, for example, the player is automatically determined as an acquaintance player.
US09956476B2	Communication terminal, communication method, communication program, recording medium storing the communication program, and information processing apparatus A communication terminal receives information such as game information of a quiz including a predetermined question and an answer, a sender, goods or service, and a store offering the goods or the service from a communication terminal with a network communication unit. A CPU of the communication terminal judges whether an answer input from an input unit such as a touch panel or a microphone is correct. The communication terminal receives a location for receiving the goods or the service when playing the game.
US09956472B2	Standing-ride type moving device A standing-ride type moving device includes: a board; wheels that are disposed on right and left sides of a front side and a rear side in a traveling direction of the board; drive units that is configured to independently rotationally drive the wheels disposed on the front side in the traveling direction of the board; a first sensor that is configured to detect a shift in the center of gravity of the rider riding the board; a steering board that is disposed on the front side in the traveling direction of the board; a second sensor that that is configured to acquire rotation information of the steering board; and a control unit that is configured to control the drive units.
US09956469B2	Tennis racket sensor system and coaching device Embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices, systems, and methods for measuring values obtained from one or more sensors installed on a player's tennis racket and/or worn on the player's body, and using those values to calculate various parameters, such as the physical position and motion of the tennis racket. Embodiments may translate the parameters and derive one or more occurrences corresponding to phases of a tennis point or drill and then generate real-time audible, visual, and/or haptic coaching prompts and other related commands and signals, for the purpose of improving a player's motor skills. Embodiments may also send and receive messages to/from other embodiments, thereby permitting a player to interact with other players, coaches, or devices, such as ball machines and cameras.
US09956468B2	Golf vision discipline training system and method An eyeglass assembly for training golfers includes first and second lenses that are opaque except at first and second viewing portions. The first viewing portion on the first lens provides a first eye of the user with a view of the target in a target region, such as the golf ball, while the second viewing portion provides a second eye of the user with a view not including the target region. An opaque feature such as a horizontal line is also provided on the second lens such that the eyes of the user co-register the horizontal line with the first viewing portion to form a focus point that must be maintained on the golf ball if head movement is to be avoided during a swing. The opaque portions at the remainder of the assembly prevent visual distractions that may undesirably move the eyes and the head during the swing.
US09956465B1	Vision training aid for baseball and softball tees and soft toss Devices, systems, and methods for training baseball and softball batters, to identify types of pitched balls (fast ball, curve ball, slider and changeup) and locations (strike or non-strike zone) of pitched balls in order to increase hitting accuracy. A motion sensor can be triggered by the leading foot of a pitcher. The motion sensor can use cone or fan shaped sensor to detect the passage of a pitched ball from the pitcher. When the motion sensor is triggered, a signal can be sent to a black out lens that blocks the vision of a hitter being trained to identify the types and locations of the pitched balls. The training includes changing the lens from transparent to opaque at selected distances between the hitter and the pitcher. Batters can be trained to keep their eyes on the pitched balls until the ball reaches the batter. Baseball and softball batters can be trained to focus on the contact point between the ball and a swinging bat.
US09956464B2	Ball bat barrel with luminescent interior A ball bat barrel has an interior surface and a luminescent layer on the interior surface. The luminescent layer, upon being charged, emits light that indicates tampering with the interior surface.
US09956459B2	Golf club assembly and golf club with aerodynamic features A golf club head includes a body member having a ball striking face, a crown, a toe, a heel, a sole, a back and a hosel region, located at the intersection of the ball striking face, the heel, the crown and the sole. The body member may have a first cross-section having a first airfoil-shaped surface in the heel. The first cross-section may be oriented at approximately 90° from the centerline of the club head. The body member may have a second cross-section having a second airfoil-shaped surface. The second cross-section may be oriented at approximately 45° or at approximately 70°. The airfoil-shaped surfaces may be defined by spline points or by equations. A golf club including the golf club head is also provided.
US09956457B2	Mesh toy apparatus An apparatus is provided, which includes a plurality of elongated strands having joinder regions uniting adjacent strands at a distance along a length of an outer perimeter of the elongated strands, the elongate strands being configured to couple together for a distance along their lengths. The elongated strands form a surface of a mesh when the joinder regions are coupled. The apparatus may further include a manducable protrusion coupled to the mesh and extending a distance away from an exterior surface of the mesh.
US09956454B2	Golf ball aerodynamic configuration The present invention relates to golf balls, specifically to a golf ball comprising an aerodynamic pattern having novel shaped dimple structures which reduce the variation in airflow turning angle thereby improving the golf ball's flight performance. The dimple structures have a conical shaped base with a dimple in the center and reduced or no flat land areas between the dimples.
US09956448B2	Perfluoroalkyl composition with reduced chain length Novel fluorosurfactants are provided that contain perfluoroalkyl groups no longer than perfluorohexyl (C6). The surfactants are useful in the preparation of aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) and alcohol-resistant film-forming foams (AR-AFFF) for firefighting. Unexpectedly, these compounds have activity in AFFF and AR-AFFF applications that is comparable and even superior to conventional surfactants that contain perfluoroalkyl groups that are perfluorooctyl (C8) and longer. Also provided are methods of making the novel surfactants, as well as foam concentrates, methods of making foam and methods of fighting fires using foam containing the novel surfactants.
US09956447B2	Perfluoroalkyl functionalized polyacrylamide for alcohol resistant-aqueous film-forming foam (AR-AFFF) formulation New high molecular weight fluoropolymers (fluoropolymer surfactants) are provided that are useful in compositions for use as fire extinguishing concentrates. The fluoropolymers contain C4-C6 perfluoroalkyl groups, and substantially lack perfluoroalkyl groups containing more than 6 fluorine-substituted carbon atoms.
US09956443B1	Attic sprinkler systems Systems and methods for the protection of an attic or concealed combustible space defined by a ceiling base and a roof deck disposed above a ceiling base defining a peak are provided. A plurality of fluid distribution devices are spaced above the ceiling base and below the roof deck to define a peak region. At least one fire detection assembly is disposed in the peak region above the fluid distribution devices to detect a fire in the attic space. A controller couples the plurality of distribution devices to the fire detection assembly. The fluid distribution devices are disposed at a working clearance distance above the ceiling base to provide an extended protected eaves region of the attic space.
US09956442B2	Fire and/or smoke barrier A curtain is wound on a roller (2), provided in a head box (4), mounted in a ceiling (6). The curtain is also provided with a bottom bar (10). When the curtain is drawn up onto the roller, the bottom bar (10) can be used to close the head box (4). When deployed the bottom bar provides stability to the descending curtain, and in full deployment rests on the floor. The curtain is provided with additional strips (30) of fabric, to allow ease of roll up onto the roller. The strip(s) arc attached at their top end only, to the curtain. Typically this will be by sewing (32), but also may be rivets or other form of heat resistant connection. The strip(s) are also connected to the bottom bar. A cable (34) is attached to the strip(s), usually through a rivet, but any other form of secure attachment may be used. The cable is then connected to the bottom bar, via a spring (36). This connects to keep the strip(s) in tension, to enable ease of rolling of the curtain.
US09956440B2	Oxygen supply with carbon dioxide scrubber for emergency use An oxygen supply system for a station operator includes an oxygen cylinder; a mask operably connected to the oxygen cylinder; a pouch operably connected to the mask; carbon dioxide scrubber disposed inside the pouch; first one-way valve operably connected between the mask and the pouch for allowing one-way flow of gases exhaled by the operator from the mask to the pouch; and second one-way valve operably connected between the mask and the pouch for allowing one-way flow of gases from the pouch to the operator.
US09956433B2	Foamable oil-water emulsion The present invention relates to foamable oil-in-water emulsions containing: A) one or more emulsifiers, at least one of which is a non-ionic emulsifier, B) one or more cotensides, C) one or more oils, D) optionally, one or more polar solubilizers, E) optionally, auxiliary and additive substances, F) one or more surfactants, G) water, H) optionally, water-soluble substances, provided that the water content of the emulsion is ≥70% by weight and the concentration of surfactant(s) F) is from 0.01 to less than 10% by weight, each based on the entire emulsion. The invention further relates to a method for producing the oil-water emulsions according to the invention, to foams obtained from these oil-water emulsions, to a method for producing the foams, and to the application of the oil-water emulsions according to the invention and to the foams produced therefrom.
US09956432B2	Method for improving color retention in artificially colored hair Compositions and methods are disclosed for preventing or reducing loss of color from color-treated keratin fibers by forming a water-resistant coating on hair comprise a combination of a hydrophobic particulate material comprising a hydrophobically surface-modified oxide and one or more hydrophobic film formers in a cosmetically acceptable vehicle.
US09956431B2	Ultrasonic oscillator Disclosed is an ultrasonic oscillator that heats a target using ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic oscillator includes: a plurality of ultrasonic oscillation elements that oscillates the ultrasonic waves; a retention portion that retains the plurality of ultrasonic oscillation elements in a state where the ultrasonic oscillation elements are arranged along a concave thereof opposing the heating target; and a controller that controls the ultrasonic oscillation elements so as to oscillate the ultrasonic waves.
US09956429B2	Method and system for automated evaluation of multiple portal dose images in radiation therapy A method of evaluating a portal dose image includes obtaining a template from a database, the template prescribing one or more evaluation criteria, receiving a first portal dose image, and using a processor to evaluate the first portal dose image based at least in part on the one or more evaluation criteria from the template. In some embodiments, a second image is automatically evaluated after the first image is evaluated. A system for evaluating a portal dose image includes a processor that is communicatively coupled to a database, the database having a template that prescribes one or more evaluation criteria, wherein the processor is configured to obtain the template from the database, receive a first portal dose image, and evaluate the first portal dose image based at least in part on the one or more evaluation criteria from the template.
US09956425B2	Methods to regulate polarization and enhance function of cells Methods and compositions to controllably regulate cells at a target site. A quantum dot-targeting agent complex is administered to a patient in need of therapy, and the complex is stimulated using an implanted fiber optic system. In embodiments, the system includes an electrical sensor that detects and monitors electrical activity of the stimulated controllably regulated cells, and relays this information to a controller that can regulate further stimulation.
US09956423B2	System and method for sensing and detection in an extra-cardiovascular implantable cardioverter defibrillator An extra-cardiovascular implantable cardioverter defibrillator senses R-waves from a first cardiac electrical signal by a first sensing channel and stores a time segment of a second cardiac electrical signal in response to each sensed R-wave. The ICD determines intervals between successively sensed R-waves and, in response to at least a predetermined number of the intervals being less than a tachyarrhythmia detection interval, analyzes at least a portion of the time segment of the second cardiac electrical signal corresponding to a most recent one of the sensed R-waves to confirm the most recent one of the R-waves. The ICD updates an unconfirmed beat count in response to the most recent one of the R-waves not being confirmed and withholds detection of a tachyarrhythmia episode in response to the unconfirmed beat count being equal to or greater than a rejection threshold.
US09956419B2	Systems and methods for analyzing electrical stimulation and selecting or manipulating volumes of activation A system for identifying potential portions of a body in which electrical stimulation to treat a condition or disorder affects at least one symptom of the condition or disorder, stimulation effect, or side effect performs the following acts: obtaining, for each of multiple stimulation instances, an estimation of a region of the body stimulated during the stimulation instance and a score for each of at least one symptom, stimulation effect, or stimulation side effect; and determining, for each of multiple portions of the body using the scores and the estimates in a permutation test, a likelihood that stimulation of that portion of the body affects at least one symptom, stimulation effect, or stimulation side effect. In other embodiments, the system sets up a relationship between the outcomes of stimulation and influence of a particular part of the body on the outcome, and derives this influence using a pseudoinverse.
US09956416B2	Monitoring activation times for use in determining pacing effectiveness Methods and/or devices may be configured to track effectiveness of pacing therapy by monitoring activation times over time, e.g., between pacing stimulus and electrical activity resulting from the pacing stimulus. Generally, the methods and/or devices may determine whether the delivered pacing therapy was effective based on the measured activation times.
US09956412B2	Linking posture states for posture responsive therapy The disclosure is directed towards posture-responsive therapy. To avoid interruptions in effective therapy, an implantable medical device may include a posture state module that detects the posture state of the patient and automatically adjusts therapy parameter values according to the detected posture state. A system may include a user interface that receives user input linking a plurality of posture states of a patient, and selecting a set of therapy parameter values for delivery of therapy to the patient for each of a linked posture states, a processor that defines the therapy to be delivered to the patient for each of the linked posture states based on the selection, and an implantable medical device that delivers the therapy to the patient for each of the linked posture states based on the selection.
US09956410B2	Methods and apparatus for renal neuromodulation Methods and apparatus are provided for renal neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field to effectuate electroporation or electrofusion. It is expected that renal neuromodulation (e.g., denervation) may, among other things, reduce expansion of an acute myocardial infarction, reduce or prevent the onset of morphological changes that are affiliated with congestive heart failure, and/or be efficacious in the treatment of end stage renal disease. Embodiments of the present invention are configured for extravascular delivery of pulsed electric fields to achieve such neuromodulation.
US09956409B2	Spinal cord stimulator system Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system having a recharging system with self alignment, a system for mapping current fields using a completely wireless system, multiple independent electrode stimulation outsource, and control through software on Smartphone/mobile device and tablet hardware during trial and permanent implants. SCS system can include multiple electrodes, multiple, independently programmable, stimulation channels within an implantable pulse generator (IPG) providing concurrent, but unique stimulation fields. SCS system can include a replenishable power source, rechargeable using transcutaneous power transmissions between antenna coil pairs. An external charger unit, having its own rechargeable battery, can charge the IPG replenishable power source. A real-time clock can provide an auto-run schedule for daily stimulation. A bi-directional telemetry link informs the patient or clinician the status of the system, including the state of charge of the IPG battery. Other processing circuitry in current IPG allows electrode impedance measurements to be made.
US09956408B2	Method for reducing spasticity and non-transitory computer-readable medium thereof A method for reducing spasticity applied with an electrical stimulation device to electrically stimulate a target zone of an organism suffering from spasticity. The electrical stimulation device comprises at least one electrical stimulation unit. The electrical stimulation unit includes at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode. The method includes the following steps. The electrical stimulation unit is placed near the target zone. The electrical stimulation unit generates an electrical stimulation signal and the electrical stimulation signal is introduced to the target zone so as to stimulate the target zone. An electric field is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode and covers the target zone. The strength of the electric field ranges from 100 V/m to 1000 V/m.
US09956407B2	Tonal deafness compensation in an auditory prosthesis system Embodiments presented herein are generally directed to techniques for compensating for tonal deafness experienced by a recipient of an auditory prosthesis. More specifically, an auditory prosthesis system includes an external device configured to generate a graphical representation that enables the recipient to compensate for reduced tonal perception associated with delivery of the stimulation signals representative of speech signals. The external device is configured to analyze received speech signals to determine vocal articulator movement of the speaker of the speech signals and/or emotion of the speaker. The external device is further configured to display one or more animated visual cues representative of the detected vocal articulator movement and/or emotion.
US09956406B2	Stimulation management A method including reducing a stimulation artifact of an implantable stimulator including a plurality of stimulating electrodes by obtaining respective information on respective artifact voltages at a first location resulting from stimulation by one electrode group or respective electrode groups of the implanted stimulator and determining an adjustment regime based on the obtained information that results in a reduction of the stimulation artifact at the first location relative to that which would be the case in the absence of the regime.
US09956403B2	Active transdermal medicament patch and circuit board for same An active transdermal medicament patch includes a planar substrate with a therapeutic face releasably retainable against the skin of a patient. A return electrode and a medicament matrix susceptible to permeation by medicament are secured at separated locations on the therapeutic face and electrically conductively engage the skin. A detector monitors iontophoretic medicament migration into the skin. An integrator operating on the output of the detector produces a running cumulative total of the amount of medicament delivered during a plurality of temporally non-contiguous therapy subsessions. A circuit breaker terminates medicament migration, when the output of the integrator equals a predetermined medicament quantity. A timer active during medicament migration stimulates a driver to operate a light-emitting diode in a distinct delivery confirmation mode during each a sequence of non-overlapping predetermined therapy subsessions, respectively. A circuit board on the substrate in a compact, folded state bears interconnected electrical circuit components.
US09956397B2	Polymer Formulations for nasolacrimal stimulation Described herein are polymer formulations for facilitating electrical stimulation of nasal or sinus tissue. The polymer formulations may be hydrogels that are prepared by a UV cross-linking process. The hydrogels may be included as a component of nasal stimulator devices that electrically stimulate the lacrimal gland to improve tear production and treat dry eye. Additionally, devices and methods for manufacturing the nasal stimulators, including shaping of the hydrogel, are described herein.
US09956396B2	Thin film for a lead for brain applications A thin film for a lead for brain applications includes at least one section comprising a high conductive metal and a low conductive metal, whereby the low conductive metal is a biocompatible metal and has a lower electrical conductivity than the high conductive metal and whereby the high conductive metal is at least partially encapsulated by the low conductive metal. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a thin film for a lead for brain applications and a deep brain stimulation system.
US09956395B2	Electrode assembly An electrode assembly includes a substantially porous element configured to be coupled to an electrode for delivery of electrical current to a patient in a neurostimulation procedure. The substantially porous material defining a contact surface, of which at least a portion contacts the patient during the neurostimulation procedure. A first insulating member is coupled to the substantially porous element and exposed at the contact surface to prevent a portion of the contact surface from contacting the patient to deliver the electrical current during the neurostimulation procedure.
US09956393B2	Systems for increasing a delay in the gastric emptying time for a patient using a transcutaneous electro-dermal patch The disclosed wearable device modulates a patient's gastric emptying time and/or gastric retention time. The wearable device includes a microprocessor, electrical stimulator and at least one electrode configured to deliver electrical stimulation to the epidermis, through a range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm or a range of 0.1 mm to 20 mm of the dermis, of a T2 dermatome to a T12 dermatome or meridian of the patient, a C5 to a T1 dermatome across the hand and/or arm, and/or the upper chest regions. The device is adapted to provide electrical stimulation as per stimulation protocols and to communicate wirelessly with a companion control device configured to monitor and record appetite patterns of the patient. The control device is also configured to monitor, record, and modify stimulation parameters of the stimulation protocols.
US09956390B2	Implantable lead connector An implantable lead connector configured for long term implantation and to electrically interconnect multiple medical devices and to channel electrical signals between said interconnected devices and a target organ, comprising: a first port adapted to receive a first signal suitable to stimulate a target tissue, a second port adapted to receive a second signal suitable to stimulate a target tissue, and a third port configured to connect to a target organ, wherein at least one of said first and second ports is configured to connect to a signal generator not integrated with said connector.
US09956389B2	Apparatuses and methods for negative pressure wound therapy Disclosed herein are several embodiments of a reduced pressure appliance and methods of using the same in the treatment of wounds. Some embodiments are directed to improved fluidic connectors or suction adapters for connecting to a wound site, for example using softer, kink-free conformable suction adapters. Certain embodiments are directed to connectors used to connect fluid passage tube used in transmitting negative pressure to a fabric channel used in a suction adapter.
US09956388B2	Systems and methods for therapeutic agent delivery According to some embodiments herein, systems for delivering therapeutic agents and/or methods of using such systems are provided. The systems can be configured to administer solution comprising therapeutic agent to a subject, and can further comprise an ultrasound applicator for applying ultrasound energy to the subject.
US09956386B2	Bladder drug eluting device A drug delivery system that can be deployed from a catheter and retained within the bladder for delivery of treatment drug solutions over a period of time. The delivery system includes an inflatable or expandable delivery element that can be collapsed within the catheter tip for navigation into the bladder before being inflated or expanded within the bladder. The inflated or expanded delivery element can engage the bladder walls or sized to be too large to be passed from the bladder such that the delivery element is retained within the bladder after inflation or expansion to administer a treatment drug solution over an extended period of time.
US09956385B2	Post-processing of a medical device to control morphology and mechanical properties A method of forming a coated medical device is described in which a coating including a therapeutic agent dispersed in a polymer or oligomer matrix is applied to an outer surface of the medical device. The coating is then post-processed to selectively remove a substantial portion of the polymer or oligomer matrix from the coating. The post-processed coating is then sterilized.
US09956383B2	Medical devices and methods for providing access to a bodily passage during dilation Medical devices and methods of treatment are described herein. More particularly, medical devices and methods for providing access to a bodily passage during dilation are described herein. An exemplary medical device comprises an elongate member and a balloon. The elongate member is moveable between a first, non-expanded configuration and a second, expanded configuration.
US09956380B2	Blood cannula The invention relates to a blood cannula for discharging blood into a vessel, in particular aortic cannula for discharging blood into an aortic arch during heart-bypass surgery, comprising a tubular body (1), the tubular body having a straight part at the proximal end (2) and a bent part at the distal end (3) leading into an outlet opening (5), wherein the distal end (3), in particular the bent part has an increasing cross section in the direction of blood flow (B).
US09956379B2	Catheter tubing with extraluminal antimicrobial coating Various methods can be employed to apply an antimicrobial coating to the outer surface of catheter tubing. The antimicrobial coating minimizes the risk of microbe colonization on the outer surface of the catheter tubing when the catheter tubing is positioned within the vasculature of a patient. A catheter can be manufactured using a pre-treatment process which applies the antimicrobial coating to the catheter tubing prior to applying a lubricant over top of the coating. The lubricant can function to retain the coating on the outer surface and also to limit the diffusion of the antimicrobial agent from the coating. A catheter can include an antimicrobial coating that does not block the visibility of flashback. Because the antimicrobial coating can be minimally transparent, the coating can be applied to the outer surface in a striped pattern or other pattern that leaves a portion of the outer surface uncoated or minimally coated. The flashback will then remain visible through the portions of the catheter tubing where no coating or minimal coating is present.
US09956377B2	Method and apparatus for intra-aortic substance delivery to a branch vessel A renal flow system injects a volume of fluid agent into a location within an abdominal aorta in a manner that flows bilaterally into each of two renal arteries via their respectively spaced ostia along the abdominal aorta wall. A local injection assembly includes two injection members, each having an injection port that couples to a source of fluid agent externally of the patient. The injection ports may be positioned with an outer region of blood flow along the abdominal aorta wall perfusing the two renal arteries. A flow isolation assembly may isolate flow of the injected agent within the outer region and into the renals. The injection members are delivered to the location in a first radially collapsed condition, and bifurcate across the aorta to inject into the spaced renal ostia. A delivery catheter for upstream interventions is used as a chassis to deliver a bilateral local renal injection assembly to the location within the abdominal aorta.
US09956376B2	Elastic introducer sheath An elastic percutaneous elastic introducer sheath is disclosed which can locally expand and reduce to accommodate a transcatheter medical device. The elastic introducer sheath includes a non-circumferentially continuous elastic frame, a liner, and a jacket.
US09956374B2	Isolation floatation chamber An isolation chamber and disinfection system. The novel system includes an enclosure for providing a sturdy, lightless and soundproofed environment and for containing a solution for supporting a user in a state of floatation; a disinfection system for disinfecting the solution, the disinfection system including an ultraviolet disinfection system and an ozone injection system; and a pump for removing the solution from the enclosure and circulating it through the disinfection system at a predetermined flow rate. The enclosure is formed from interlocking, foam-insulated panels and lined with a potable liner that holds the solution. In relationship to the isolation chamber, in accordance with the present teachings, an improved method of disinfection is taught using UV radiation with ozone injection. Ozone has a short half-life and leaves substantially no toxic byproducts. Verification of disinfection can be accomplished by monitoring the dissolved ozone, which can be determined accurately utilizing a dissolved ozone sensor system.
US09956372B2	Tracheal humidification device Some embodiments of the invention include a tracheal humidification device. The tracheal humidification device may include a first body portion and a second body portion. The first body portion may include a tracheostomy connection port formed to couple with a tracheostomy connection tube; and a heat moisture exchanger port formed to couple with a heat moisture exchanger. The second body portion may be coupled with the first body portion, for example, rotatably coupled. The second body portion may include a nebulizer port formed to couple with a nebulizer and having a closable seal that is closable when the nebulizer is not coupled with the nebulizer port; and a suction port having a closable cap.
US09956370B2	Oxygen concentrator apparatus and method having flow restricted coupling of the canisters An oxygen concentrator may rely on a pressure swing adsorption process to produce an oxygen enriched gas stream from canisters filled with granules capable of separation of oxygen from an air stream. The adsorption process uses a cyclical pressurization and venting of the canisters to generate an oxygen enriched gas stream. The oxygen concentrator system may include one or more flow restrictors to allow controlled release of oxygen enriched gas between the canisters.
US09956365B2	Lung ventilation apparatus A lung ventilation apparatus and system are described. The lung ventilation apparatus may include a control panel; and a graphical user interface associated with the control panel, the graphical user interface comprising a central strip content item covering at least 50% of a total area of the graphical user interface, the central strip content item representing at least one of a patient monitoring screen or surveillance screen, the central strip content item comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion comprises numerical elements indicating ventilation parameters of a patient, and the second portion comprises a graphical element indicating pressure at a patient airway.
US09956364B2	Systems and methods for compensating long term sensitivity drift of electrochemical gas sensors exposed to nitric oxide Described are systems and methods for compensating long term sensitivity drift of catalytic type electrochemical gas sensors used in systems for delivering therapeutic nitric oxide (NO) gas to a patient by compensating for drift that may be specific to the sensors atypical use in systems for delivering therapeutic nitric oxide gas to a patient. In at least some instances, the long term sensitivity drift of catalytic type electrochemical gas sensors can be addressed using calibration schedules, which can factor in the absolute change in set dose of NO being delivered to the patient that can drive one or more baseline calibrations. The calibration schedules can be used reduce the amount of times the sensor goes offline. Systems and methods described may factor in actions occurring at the delivery system and/or aspects of the surrounding environment, prior to performing a baseline calibration, and may postpone the calibration and/or rejected using the sensor's output for the calibration.
US09956362B2	Trigger mechanism for inhaler device The present invention relates to a dry powder inhaler device comprising a body having a guide surface formed on an inner surface thereof, a trigger having a socket with a shape complementing the guide surface, and a spring, characterized by comprising at least one retaining element (8) positioned on the inner surface (1) of the body diagonally across the spring (6) to enable the trigger (5) to perform a stable axial displacement and a mechanism check or quality control to be made as one of the parts of the device (7) body is not closed or assembled yet.
US09956360B2	Methods for generating and delivering droplets to the pulmonary system using a droplet delivery device A droplet delivery device and related methods for delivering precise and repeatable dosages to a subject for pulmonary use is disclosed. The droplet delivery device includes a housing, a reservoir, and ejector mechanism, and at least one differential pressure sensor. The droplet delivery device is automatically breath actuated by the user when the differential pressure sensor senses a predetermined pressure change within housing. The droplet delivery device is then actuated to generate a stream of droplets having an average ejected droplet diameter within the respirable size range, e.g, less than about 5 μm, so as to target the pulmonary system of the user.
US09956358B2	Insufflation stabilization system Pressure conditioning systems for supplying insufflation gas to an open-ended body conduit such as a rectal cavity during a transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) procedure can reduce billowing of walls of the body conduit. A pressure conditioning system can include a pressure storage component, an accumulator, and a flow restrictor. The pressure storage component can include a variable volume reservoir that is biased to a relatively low volume state. The flow restrictor can include insufflation tubing with a restrictor plate having a relatively low diameter orifice. The pressure storage component, accumulator, and flow restrictor can be fluidly connected in various orders in series or as side branches from a gas flow conduit. Despite a pulsed or otherwise discontinuous insufflation gas flow and leakage and absorption from the body conduit, the pressure conditioning system can maintain a constant pressure within the body conduit.
US09956350B2	Injection device A handheld injection device comprising a housing, a piston rod defining a first longitudinal axis and located within the housing, a driver coupled to the piston rod, a dose setting means, which is rotatable about a second longitudinal axis during dose setting, and optionally a power reservoir for driving the driver and/or a release clutch preventing rotation of the driver during dose setting and allowing rotation of the driver during dose dispensing. The first longitudinal axis is spaced from the second longitudinal axis.
US09956349B2	Frontloaded drug delivery device with dynamic axial stop feature Drug delivery device adapted to receive a cartridge and including a housing, a front-loaded cartridge holder adapted to receive and hold a cartridge in a loaded position, and stop structure adapted to engage a proximal surface of a received cartridge The stop structure is actuatable between a receiving state in which the stop structure is positioned in a first axial position thereby defining how far proximally a received cartridge can be inserted, and an operational state in which the stop structure allows an inserted cartridge to be moved axially to a second more proximal position.
US09956345B2	Wearable automatic injection device for controlled administration of therapeutic agents Exemplary embodiments provide wearable automatic injection devices for administering a therapeutic agent to a patient's body at fast, controlled rates, for example, in a single fast bolus. Exemplary embodiments also provide methods for assembling wearable automatic injection devices for administering a therapeutic agent to a patient at fast, controlled rates. Exemplary embodiments also provide methods for using wearable automatic injection devices for administering a therapeutic agent to a patient at fast, controlled rates.
US09956340B2	Vented implantable drug-delivery device and related methods An implantable device has an outer shell that includes an aperture through the housing of the device and, spanning the aperture, a membrane structure permeable to gas but not to liquid. In this way, excess gas may be vented from the device. The membrane and aperture are designed to discourage or even prevent tissue ingrowth.
US09956337B2	Disposable fluid circuits and methods for cell washing Systems and methods for the washing and processing of biological fluid/biological cells are disclosed. The systems and methods utilize a disposable fluid circuit including a spinning membrane separation device to wash the biological cells.
US09956336B2	Methods of using a fluid management system An artificial liver system for treating liver failure includes a reservoir to provide albumin-containing dialysis fluid to the patient's peritoneum, an implantable device including a pump to pump the fluid from the peritoneum to the bladder via respective catheters, control circuitry, battery and transceiver; a charging and communication system configured to periodically charge the battery and communicate with the implantable device to retrieve data reflective of the patient's health; and monitoring and control software, suitable for use with conventional personal computers, for configuring and controlling operation of the implantable device and charging and communication system. The monitoring and control software allows a treating physician to remotely adjust the volume, time, and frequency with which fluid is pumped from the peritoneal cavity to the bladder based on the data reflective of the patient's health.
US09956333B2	Ventricular assist device for intraventricular placement A ventricular assist device includes a pump such as an axial flow pump, an outflow cannula connected to the outlet of the pump, and an anchor element. The anchor element is physically connected to the pump, as by an elongated element. The pump is implanted within the left ventricle with the outflow cannula projecting through the aortic valve but desirably terminating short of the aortic arch. The anchor element is fixed to the wall of the heart near the apex of the heart so that the anchor element holds the pump and outflow cannula in position.
US09956327B2	Wound treatment apparatus with exudate volume reduction by heat Apparatus (130) for use in wound therapy of mammals is described, the apparatus (130) comprising: a dressing covering the wound, the dressing being substantially sealed to prevent ingress of ambient atmospheric air to the wound; aspiration means (132) operably connected to a space between the dressing and the wound by an aspiration conduit (142) sealed to the point of entry between wound and dressing against ingress of ambient atmosphere, said conduit (142) being for aspiration of said wound and for removal of fluid from said space between said wound and said dressing; a waste container (148) for receiving aspirated fluid to be discarded operably connected to said aspiration conduit; and heating means (144) for heating said fluid in order to increase the vapor pressure thereof and to cause evaporation to reduce the volume of the fluid in the waste container (148). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the waste fluid is also provided with a sparge gas.
US09956326B2	Portable suction pump unit A portable suction pump unit for aspirating body fluids and/or air from a patient has a pump module housing for a pump module and a fluid collection container. The pump module housing has a pump-side suction connector, and the fluid collection container has a container-side suction connector for leaktight connection to the pump-side suction connector. The two suction connectors define a common axis. The fluid collection container can be secured on the pump module housing via a repeatedly releasable and restorable connection. This connection is releasable and/or restorable by means of a rotation movement of the fluid collection container relative to the pump module housing about said axis. The suction unit according to the invention is inexpensive to produce and permits an easily manageable connection between housing and container.
US09956324B2	Medical material, and medical device using the medical material The disclosure relates to a medical material including a copolymer having a repeating unit (A) represented by the following formula (1): wherein R11 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, Z is an oxygen atom or —NH—, R12 is a C1-6 alkylene group, R13 and R14 are each independently a C1-4 alkyl group, and R15 is a C1-6 alkylene group, and a repeating unit (B) represented by the following formula (2): wherein R21 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R22 is a C1-6 alkylene group, and R23 is a C1-4 alkyl group. The repeating unit (A) is contained in a proportion of 0.6 to 7 mol % based on all the structural units of the copolymer. The disclosure makes it possible to provide a medical material and a medical device, which exhibit excellent antithrombogenicity even when used under severe conditions prone to thrombus formation.
US09956322B2	Medical glass element A material that is less populated by biofilms than known materials and is well tolerated by the body is provided. The material is an element introducible into or attachable on a human or animal body and includes a glass and/or glass ceramic and/or ceramic material at least in some areas thereof, which inhibits the formation of biofilms and/or on which human or animal cells grow if the element is introduced into the human or animal body or attached thereto, wherein the glass and/or glass ceramic material comprises at least: SiO2 in a range from 60 to 75 wt % and ZnO in a range from 1 to 7 wt %.
US09956320B2	Amorphous metal alloy medical devices This invention provides a new class of medical devices and implants comprising amorphous metal alloys. The medical devices and implants may be temporary or permanent and may comprise other materials as well, such as polymers, ceramics, and conventional crystalline or polycrystalline metal alloys.Specifically, this invention provides implantable surgical fabrics comprising amorphous metal alloys. The presence of amorphous metal alloys in these fabrics can serve a variety of purposes, including structurally reinforcing the surgical fabric and/or imparting to the fabric the ability to shield against harmful radiation. The fabric may be used inside or outside the body during medical procedures. Further, the implantable surgical fabrics may be woven or non-woven fabrics.
US09956319B2	Compositions useful as antibiofilm or antimicrobial agents and methods using same The present invention includes compositions and methods useful for removing microorganisms and/or biofilm-embedded microorganisms from the surface of a medical device or subject's body. The present invention further includes compositions and methods useful for coating medical devices. The present invention further includes compositions and methods useful for preventing or reducing the growth or proliferation of microorganisms and/or biofilm-embedded microorganisms on the surface of a medical device or subject's body.
US09956315B2	Fistula graft with deformable sheet-form material Described are medical products, systems, and methods for treating fistulae having a primary opening, such as in the alimentary canal. Certain methods of the invention include providing an implantable material including a compliant sheet form biocompatible material, and forcing this sheet form biocompatible material into the primary opening so as to deform the sheet form biocompatible material to conform to and block the primary opening. The biocompatible material preferably comprises a remodelable material, for example, a remodelable extracellular matrix material such as submucosa.
US09956314B2	Adhesive for use with bone and bone-like structures An adhesive composition for bonding to bone and bone-like structures includes a polymerizable, multifunctional acidic monomer having a concentration ranging from about 5% to about 45% by weight of the adhesive composition, one or more multifunctional monomers with one or more ethylenically unsaturated groups having a concentration ranging from about 20% to about 60% by weight of the adhesive composition, an organically modified calcium phosphate salt with one or more pendant polymerizable groups having a concentration ranging from about 1% to about 50% by weight of the adhesive composition, and a polymerization initiator system. A method of forming the adhesive composition is also provided.
US09956313B2	Minimally invasive treatment of vertebra (MITV) using a calcium phosphate combination bone cement Featured are a biocompatible, injectable, self-setting, cohesive, bone-bonding and remodeling calcium phosphate composite material and its use in methods of repairing defective bone, e.g., in vertebroplasty augmentation and kyphoplasty.
US09956312B2	Absorbent articles comprising wetness indicators An absorbent article that includes a backsheet, a wetness indicator composition having good stability, and an absorbent core. The wetness indicator composition includes a stabilizer, a colorant, and a matrix. The colorant has first and second color states associated with first and second wetness indicator states. The wetness indicator exhibits no color change after 10 days when measured according to the CTH Stability Test.
US09956311B2	Tissue patch Tissue patches and associated systems and methods are described. Certain embodiments are related to inventive systems and methods in which tissue patches can be made quickly and robustly without the use of complicated fabrication or sterilization equipment. For example, in some embodiments, tissue patches are made by applying a compressive force to a liquid medium comprising fibrinogen (and/or fibrin) between two surfaces (e.g., within a syringe or other chamber). A filter can be placed within or near the volume in which the compressive force is applied to the liquid medium such that unwanted material (e.g., water, blood cells, and the like) is passed through the filter while desirable components (e.g., fibrin, fibrinogen, and/or other desirable components) are retained by the filter to form the patch. In this way, the concentration of fibrin (and/or fibrinogen) within the liquid medium can be increased, potentially dramatically, as the compressive force is applied to the liquid-containing composition. In addition, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the fibrinogen and/or fibrin can chemically react (e.g., the fibrinogen can polymerize to form fibrin and/or the fibrin can cross-link) during application of the compressive force. Reaction and concentration can lead to the formation of a highly-concentrated, mechanically robust patch that can be handled relatively easily and provide good structural reinforcement at a wet site, such as a bleeding wound.
US09956307B2	Methods and apparatus for treatment of luer connectors Devices, methods, and systems for a luer connector treatment device are described herein. The luer connector treatment device may include one or multiple sources of UV radiation configured to emit UV radiation capable of sterilizing the contents of a treatment chamber while a first medical device (e.g., catheter) is connected to a secondary medical device, and while the first medical device is separate from a secondary medical device. Sources of UV radiation may be located along both a cap and body of the luer connector treatment device.
US09956306B2	Room decontamination system, method and controller A room decontamination systems, controllers and methods for decontaminating a room. The room decontamination system may be a UV room decontamination system that uses UV radiation to perform a decontamination operation in the room. A controller may determine whether safe conditions for decontamination exist and initiate a decontamination operation on the basis of whether they exist. Determination of safe conditions for decontamination may be based on light actuation detection and/or sensor data, which may include presence detector data and door sensor data. Determination of safe conditions for decontamination may include a determination of whether sensors are functioning properly. The controller may also determine whether decontamination operations are required on the basis of the historical condition data, for example on the basis of whether the room has been occupied since the last decontamination operation.
US09956303B2	Anti-met therapy for previously diagnosed cancer patients The present invention relates to methods useful in the selection of cancer patients suitable for treatment with therapies directed at c-Met. The method employs imaging agents which comprise 18F-radiolabelled c-Met binding peptides suitable for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in vivo. Also disclosed are methods of treatment, methods of monitoring therapy directed atc-Met and the use of the imaging agents and peptides in the methods of the invention.
US09956298B2	Pyrrolobenzodiazepines and conjugates thereof A compound which is selected from A: and salts and solvates thereof.
US09956295B2	Reversible pegylated drugs Reversible pegylated drugs are provided by derivatization of free functional groups of the drug selected from amino, hydroxyl, mercapto, phosphate and/or carboxyl with groups sensitive to mild basic conditions such as 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) or 2-sulfo-9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (FMS), to which group a PEG moiety is attached. In these pegylated drugs, the PEG moiety and the drug residue are not linked directly to each other, but rather both residues are linked to different positions of the scaffold Fmoc or FMS structure that is highly sensitive to bases and is removable under physiological conditions. The drugs are preferably drugs containing an amino group, most preferably peptides and proteins of low or medium molecular weight. Similar molecules are provided wherein a protein carrier or another polymer carrier replaces the PEG moiety.
US09956293B2	Targeted therapeutics The present invention provides pharmacological compounds including an effector moiety conjugated to a binding moiety that directs the effector moiety to a biological target of interest. Likewise, the present invention provides compositions, kits, and methods (e.g., therapeutic, diagnostic, and imaging) including the compounds. The compounds can be described as a protein interacting binding moiety-drug conjugate (SDC-TRAP) compounds, which include a protein interacting binding moiety and an effector moiety. For example, in certain embodiments directed to treating cancer, the SDC-TRAP can include an Hsp90 inhibitor conjugated to a cytotoxic agent as the effector moiety.
US09956290B2	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 such as thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and/or GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone). The nitric oxide and/or peptide may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other structures containing nitric oxide, peptides, or both. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin. 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.
US09956289B2	Emulsion compositions containing quaternary ammonium compounds Compositions containing quaternary compounds in which the nitrogen atom is substituted by at least one alkyl group having at least 12 carbon atoms, and the composition includes at least 20% in weight by weight of the total composition, of ammonium halides in which the nitrogen atom is substituted by at least one alkyl group having at least 14 carbon atoms and more than 5%, preferably more than 7% in weight by weight of the total composition, of ammonium halides in which the nitrogen atom is substituted by at least one alkyl group having at least 16 carbon atoms. Also, ophthalmic oil-in-water emulsions containing such compositions, the ophthalmic emulsions being useful for eye care or for the treatment of eye conditions.
US09956283B2	Mammalian milk osteopontin for enhancing immune responsiveness The disclosed invention provides mammalian milk osteopontin and/or an active truncation or active peptide thereof for improving immune responsiveness to an infectious disease in a mammal, for example a human subject, as well as enhancing the efficacy of vaccination for the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of an infectious disease in mammals, such as humans. The invention further provides a vaccine system, for use in the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of an infectious disease in a mammal, comprising a vaccine and a mammalian milk osteopontin and/or an active truncation or active peptide thereof for oral administration to a mammal, as well as methods of enhancing immune resistance to an infectious disease in a mammal by administration of a vaccine and a mammalian milk osteopontin and/or an active truncation thereof.
US09956281B2	Inactivated virus compositions and methods of preparing such compositions The present invention is directed at a composition comprising a live swine flu virus having an infectious component and a plurality of surface antigens in contact with a formaldehyde donor agent having a molecular weight that is less than about 400 g/mol. Preferably, the formaldehyde donor agent is selected from a non-crosslinking chemical fixative that contains urea.
US09956280B2	Functional influenza virus-like particles (VLPs) Recombinant influenza virus proteins, including influenza capsomers, subviral particles, virus-like particles (VLP), VLP complexes, and/or any portions of thereof, are provided as a vaccine for influenza viruses. The invention is based on the combination of two vaccine technologies: (1) intrinsically safe recombinant vaccine technology, and (2) highly immunogenic, self-assembled protein macromolecules embedded in plasma membranes and comprised of multiple copies of influenza virus structural proteins exhibiting neutralizing epitopes in native conformations. More specifically, this invention relates to the design and production of functional homotypic and heterotypic recombinant influenza virus-like particles (VLPs) comprised of recombinant structural proteins of human influenza virus type A/Sydney/5/94 (H3N2) and/or avian influenza virus type A/Hong Kong/1073/99 (H9N2) in baculovirus-infected insect cells and their application as a vaccine in the prevention of influenza infections and as a laboratory reagent for virus structural studies and clinical diagnostics.
US09956277B2	Bacillus based delivery system and methods of use Herein a Bacillus exosporium antigen delivery (BEAD) system that provides a means to introduce recombinant proteins or small molecules into the exosporium of members of the B. cereus family of bacteria, i.e. B. anthracis, B. cereus, and B. thuringiensis, is disclosed. The system results in the surface display of recombinant proteins or small molecules such that they can stimulate an immune response. In addition, methods of making and using the system are described.
US09956276B2	Vaccines against antigens involved in therapy resistance and methods of using same Methods of reducing the likelihood of a cancer or precancer developing resistance to a cancer therapeutic or prevention agent are provided herein. The methods include administering the cancer therapeutic or prevention agent and a vaccine comprising a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide whose expression or activation is correlated with development of resistance of the cancer or precancer to the cancer therapeutic or prevention agent to a subject. The vaccine may include a polynucleotide encoding a HER3 polypeptide. Methods of using the vaccine including the polynucleotide encoding the HER3 polypeptide to treat a cancer or precancer are also provided.
US09956271B2	mRNA for use in treatment of human genetic diseases Compositions for modulating the expression of a protein in a target cell comprising at least one RNA molecule which comprises at least one modification 5 conferring stability to the RNA, as well as related methods, are disclosed.
US09956270B2	Pharmaceutical composition comprising bee venom-phospholipase A2 (BV-PLA2) for treating or preventing diseases related to degradation of abnormal regulatory T cell activity The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing a disease related to abnormal suppression of regulatory T cell activity comprising a polypeptide comprising a bee venom-PLA2 amino acid sequence exclusive of a leader sequence as an active ingredient. The secretory bee venom-phospholipase A2 of the present invention activates a regulatory T cell and suppress a differentiation of Th1/Th7. Therefore, the present polypeptide can be used as a pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing a disease related to abnormal suppression of regulatory T cell activity, i.e. autoimmune diseases, allergic diseases, or neurodegenerative diseases.
US09956269B2	Method for improving the stability of purified factor VIII after reconstitution The present disclosure relates to a method for increasing the stability of a Factor VIII molecule after purification, lyophilization and reconstitution, comprising preventing proteolytic cleavage of the Factor VIII molecule into a first fragment comprising essentially the A1 domain and the A2 domain and a second fragment comprising essentially the A3 domain, the C1 domain and the C2 domain throughout manufacturing the Factor VIII molecule. The disclosure further pertains to a method for improving the bioavailability of Factor VIII after intravenous and non-intravenous injection.
US09956265B2	Composition for aiding surgical procedures for treating ischemic vascular diseases The present invention relates to a composition comprising erythropoietin (EPO) as an active ingredient for aiding surgical procedures for treating ischemic vascular diseases. The present invention also relates to a method for treating ischemic vascular diseases using a combination of the composition and the invasive procedure for sufficient disruption of the physical barriers for new neovascularization. The composition for aiding surgical or invasive procedures according to the present invention would be beneficial for the success rate and safety issue of a variety of surgical procedures such as minimally invasive operations performed on a patient suffering from a variety of cerebral ischemic vascular diseases including ischemic stroke and moyamoya disease, and can be widely used in the treatment of a variety of ischemic vasculopathies in cardiac or peripheral artery system.
US09956264B2	MIC-1 fusion proteins and uses thereof The invention relates to MIC-1 fusion proteins. More specifically it relates to compounds comprising fusion proteins comprising a MIC-1 protein or an analog thereof at the C-terminus of the fusion protein and a functional variant of human serum albumin at the N-terminus of the fusion protein connected via a peptide linker. The compounds of the invention have MIC-1 activity. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, as well as the medical use of the compounds.
US09956263B2	Composition for improving skin conditions comprising a fragment of human heat shock protein 90A as an active ingredient Liposomal and/or nano-liposomal encapsulated HSP90a, HPf polypeptide (115 aa) and novel polypeptides HPf ΔC1 (101 aa) and HPfΔC2 (87 aa), as well as methods for manufacturing/preparing and using the compositions, are disclosed. Chimeric fusion proteins that include an HSP90a, HPf-polypeptide, HPf ΔC1 or HPfΔC2 polypeptide are presented. Transformed cell lines and expression vectors capable of expressing the chimeric fusion proteins, are provided. Methods for producing large amounts of recombinant HSP90a, HPf polypeptide, HPf ΔC1 or HPfΔC2 polypeptide, using expression vectors and transformed cell lines, are described. Topical and other delivery form preparations and methods for using the preparations, including methods for improving skin conditions (atopic dermatitis, wrinkles, skin elasticity, dark spots (over pigmentation), overall skin rejuvenation, skin ageing) for therapeutic and cosmeceutical uses are presented. Liposomal preparations and methods for using them for enhancing wound healing and methods for suppressing subcutaneous fat cell differentiation and reducing subcutaneous fat formation are disclosed.
US09956261B2	Methods of producing anamorelin hydrochloride having controlled chloride content The present invention relates to particulate forms of anamorelin monohydrochloride or a composition comprising anamorelin monohydrochloride having controlled chloride content, preferably isolated in an amorphous and/or fine particulate state, processes for making the particulate forms, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the particulate forms.
US09956260B1	Treatment of HIV-1 infection and AIDS Provided herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of a patient having an HIV-1 infection and/or AIDS. More specifically this invention provides treatment of an HIV-1 infection and/or AIDS using small molecule compounds, such as inhibitors for the activation and/or activity of caspase-1. Inhibitors for the activation and/or activity of caspase-1 also prevent the cell death of CD4 T-cells in a population of CD4 T-cells comprising HIV-1 infected CD4 T-cells and uninfected CD4 T-cells, In addition, caspase-1 inhibitors inhibit inflammation, and pyroptosis.
US09956256B2	Bacteriophage and composition comprising same The present invention relates to a novel bacteriophage ΦCJ26 (KCCM11464P) and a composition comprising the same as an active ingredient. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for preventing and/or treating infectious diseases caused by Salmonella by using the bacteriophage ΦCJ26 (KCCM11464P) or the composition.
US09956251B2	Preparation method for therapeutic agent of bead-type chondrocyte The present invention relates to a preparation method for a therapeutic agent of a bead-type chondrocyte and, more specifically, to: a preparation method for a therapeutic agent of a bead-type chondrocyte without a support, comprising the steps of: a) dispensing chondrocytes and/or cells having chondrogenic differentiation capability in a 96-well deep well plate having a V-shaped bottom; b) centrifuging the plate; c) three-dimensionally culturing the plate in an incubator; and d) recovering pellets from each well, thereby being capable of easily and stably preparing cartilage tissues of a uniform quality, in large quantities; and a therapeutic agent of a bead-type chondrocyte without a support, prepared by the method, having effectiveness to repair damage by simply being implanted into cartilage damage by injection.
US09956250B2	Use of allogeneic interstitial vessel-layer cell and allogeneic mesenchymal progenitor cell for preventing or treating osteoarthritis Provided are uses of allogeneic interstitial vessel-layer cells and allogeneic mesenchymal progenitor cells in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating osteoarthritis (OA). Also provided is a pharmaceutical composition containing the allogeneic interstitial vessel-layer cells and the allogeneic mesenchymal progenitor cells.
US09956248B2	Methods of manufacture of therapeutic products comprising vitalized placental dispersions This invention provides a fluid therapeutic placental product comprising placental cells and a placental dispersion comprising placental factors. The placental cells and the placental dispersion are derived from placental tissue. A placental tissue can optionally be an amnion, chorion, or a trophoblast-depleted chorion. The placental product of the present invention is useful in treating a patient with a tissue injury (e.g. wound or burn) by applying the placental product to the injury. Similar application is useful with ligament and tendon repair and for engraftment procedures such as bone engraftment.
US09956245B2	Glucan compositions The present invention relates to a gel composition comprising a glucan and a gelling agent, said composition having a melting point (gel to sol) above 37° C., as well as to the uses of this composition in therapy, in particular in wound healing.
US09956244B2	Biomarker Hsp90 for predicting effect of a c-Met inhibitor A biomarker Hsp90 for predicting an efficacy of a c-Met inhibitor, selecting a subject for application of a c-Met inhibitor, or monitoring an efficacy of a c-Met inhibitor, and a relevant method of using Hsp90.
US09956238B2	Compositions for administration of zoledronic acid or related compounds for treating low back pain Oral dosage forms of osteoclast inhibitors, such as zoledronic acid, in an acid or a salt form can be used to treat or alleviate pain or related conditions, such as low back pain.
US09956235B2	Reducing the reproductive capacity of mammals Provided are compositions and methods for reducing the reproductive capacity of mammals. The compositions and methods involve the use and administration of (a) a diterpenoid epoxide comprising a triptolide skeleton and which causes ovarian follicle depletion in female mammals and (b) an organic diepoxide which causes ovarian follicle depletion in female mammals.
US09956226B2	Methods and compounds for the inhibition of cellular proliferation Methods for inhibiting translation, treating a cellular proliferative disorder, and inhibiting proliferation of cells using the compounds disclosed herein are provided.
US09956223B2	Screening method The invention discloses a screening method for the identification of new compounds for use in the treatment of cancer.
US09956220B2	Imidazo-pyridazine derivatives as casein kinase 1 δ/ϵ inhibitors The invention provides compounds of Formula (I) and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof. The compounds of Formula (I) inhibit protein kinase activity thereby making them useful as anticancer agents.
US09956216B2	Heteroaryl-ketone fused azadecalin glucocorticoid receptor modulators The present invention provides heteroaryl ketone fused azadecalin compounds and methods of using the compounds as glucocorticoid receptor modulators.
US09956210B2	Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 inhibitors This invention relates to novel substituted benzamide according to Formula (I) which are inhibitors of Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2), to pharmaceutical compositions containing them, to processes for their preparation, and to their use in therapy for the treatment of cancers.
US09956207B2	Antifungal compounds The technical field of the invention is in pharmaceutical compounds and methods. In an aspect, the disclosure provides macrolide compounds suitable for use as antifungal agents, as well as methods for their use and compositions containing the same.
US09956206B2	Compositions and methods for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in responders A method for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to said subject an effective amount of (6R)-2-amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-6-(propylamino)benzothiazole or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said subject is a treatment responder. In certain embodiments, said subject is a subject with definite amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a subject with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis symptom onset duration of less than about 18 months, a subject with a high level of serum creatinine, a subject with concomitant riluzole administration and combinations thereof.
US09956200B2	Compositions comprising dihydroquercetin for use in methods for treating the effects associated with skin inflammatory disorders A method of using a composition including dihydroquercetin, as well as optionally α-tocopherol and/or bisabolol, for treating the effects associated with skin inflammatory disorder, such as those associated with diseases characterized by inappropriate immune response, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and/or urticaria. A process of manufacturing the composition is also described.
US09956198B2	Furo[3,4-b]pyran compounds and pharmaceutical uses Furo[3,4-b]pyran compounds similar in chemical structure to the natural product known as TAN-2483B and their use for treating cancer, osteoporosis, Type 2 diabetes, or immune diseases.
US09956197B2	Phenyl carbamate compounds for use in preventing or treating pediatric epilepsy and epilepsy-related syndromes The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and/or treating a pediatric epilepsy or epilepsy-related syndrome comprising the phenyl carbamate compound as an active ingredient, and a use of the phenyl carbamate compound for preventing and/or treating pediatric epilepsy or pediatric epilepsy-related syndromes.
US09956194B2	Compositions and methods of using modified release solabegron for lower urinary tract symptoms This application relates to pharmaceutical compositions, comprising solabegron that are useful for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms such as, for example, overactive bladder and prostate disorders. Additionally, this application relates to methods for treating lower urinary tract symptoms utilizing the pharmaceutical compositions, comprising solabegron. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions, comprising solabegron comprise a dual release drug delivery system.
US09956189B2	Material and methods for treating developmental disorders including comorbid and idiopathic autism The present invention is directed to a method of treating a subject with autism spectrum disorder by administering an acetylaminopropane sulfonate. The acetylaminopropane sulfonate may have the following formula
US09956182B2	Cannabidiol for the prevention and treatment of graft-versus-host disease The invention provides methods for preventing, ameliorating and treating the acute and chronic forms of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) by using Cannabidiol compositions.
US09956180B2	Method and apparatus for continuous removal of sub-micron sized particles in a closed loop liquid flow system A method and apparatus for continuous removal of sub-micron sized particles and other materials attached thereto such as cancer cells and bacteria from blood and other liquids. A centrifuge rotor having a curved shape is offset on a spinning rotor base and creates contiguous areas of low to high centrifugal force depending on the distances from the axis of the rotor base. This creates a density gradient field that separates materials of different densities input to the centrifuge that exit via different outputs. A monitor detects components of the fluid that are mixed with the particles before they exit the centrifuge. If there are any unwanted components detected with the particles logic circuitry changes the speed of rotation of the rotor, and the flow rate of pumps inputting and removing separated fluid and particles to and from the centrifuge until there are no unwanted components in the fluid exiting with the particles from the centrifuge.
US09956178B2	Methods for delivering insulin preparations into a lumen of the intestinal tract using a swallowable drug delivery device Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Many embodiments provide a swallowable device for delivering the agents. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. Embodiments also provide various drug preparations that are configured to be contained within the capsule, advanced from the capsule into the intestinal wall and degrade to release the drug into the bloodstream to produce a therapeutic effect. The preparation can be operably coupled to delivery means having a first configuration where the preparation is contained in the capsule and a second configuration where the preparation is advanced out of the capsule into the intestinal wall. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract.
US09956176B2	Compositions and methods for treating ewing sarcoma Provided herein are compositions and methods for treating cancer in a subject in need thereof. The methods include using hybrid polymerized liposomal nanoparticles comprising, both polymerizable lipids and non-polymerizable lipids. The nanoparticles further comprise targeting agents and therapeutic agents.
US09956173B1	Packaged frozen cubes of cannabis juice purée that are non-psychoactive Non-psychoactive packaged frozen cubes of cannabis juice purée are provided. First, raw cannabis material is collected. Next, the cannabis material is blended with water, fruit juice, or vegetable juice and thickening agent to form cannabis juice purée. Next, the purée is poured into molds having an identical size and shape. Non-decarboxylated high concentrate cannabis extract is optionally added to increase potency. Next, the tray is frozen to obtain frozen cubes of cannabis juice purée. Next, the cubes are removed from the tray and packaged in a vacuum sealed bag. A dispensary can store the package in a freezer until distribution. The package includes a label describing amounts and types of cannabinoids present in each cube. The cubes are non-psychoactive and do not include decarboxylated cannabinoids. A consumer opens the package and deposits a desired amount of cubes into a blender with other ingredients to form a beverage with non-decarboxylated cannabinoids.
US09956172B2	Implant compositions for the unidirectional delivery of therapeutic compounds to the brain The present invention provides, in some aspects, bilayered and trilayered pharmaceutical implant compositions for the unidirectional delivery of anti-cancer compounds to the brain over a period of time (e.g., several weeks, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 days, or 1, 2, 3, weeks, or any range derivable therein) following the removal of glioblastoma multiforme or other malignant tumors in the brain.
US09956168B2	Extended release drug-delivery contact lenses and methods of making Contact lenses are described that include particles of polymer fiber mat incorporated into a polymer lens wherein the polymer fiber mat is formed by electrospinning a prepolymer solution. Methods for making the contact lenses with improved oxygen permeability are also described. Methods for making the contact lens with optional therapeutic drug delivery and refractive correction are also described.
US09956167B2	Intra-mammary teat sealant formulation and method of using same to reduce or eliminate visual defects in aged cheeses Described is an intra-mammary teat sealant and a corresponding method of forming a physical barrier in the teat canal of a non-human animal for prophylactic treatment of mammary disorders during the animal's dry period. The method includes the step of infusing a teat seal formulation including a metal salt in a glyceride-containing gel base into the teat canal of the animal. The method also prevents the formation of black spot defect in dairy products, especially cheddar cheese, made from the milk of animals so treated.
US09956166B2	Methods for administration and methods for treating cardiovascular diseases with resiniferatoxin There is disclosed a method for administration of a formulation of resiniferatoxin (RTX) to provide cardiac sympathetic afferent denervation when applied in an amount and concentration sufficient to chemically denervate vanilloid 1 receptor (TRPV1)-expressing CSAR (cardiac sympathetic afferent reflex) afferents. There is further disclosed a method for treating heart failure or hypertension and its related indications selected from the group consisting of increased sympatho-excitation, cardiac hypertrophy, increased left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP), lung edema, and combinations thereof, comprising administering an effective amount of RTX directly to a tissue site selected from the group consisting of epicardium, a T1-T4 dorsal root ganglion and intrathecally to the T1-T4 region of the spinal column.
US09956164B2	Veterinary pharmaceutical composition and use thereof A veterinary pharmaceutical composition, including at least one active veterinary pharmaceutical substance which is selected among gonadorelin and gonadorelin analogs as well as salts of gonadorelin and of the gonadorelin analogs, is provided. The composition includes a liposome-free matrix which delays the release of the active veterinary pharmaceutical substance from the composition, which matrix includes a basic material which is selected from the group consisting of natural and synthetic triglycerides, vegetable oils, diacylpropanediols, diacylbutanediols and mixtures of these substances, the veterinary pharmaceutical composition including no biodegradable polymer.
US09956163B2	Formulations for lightening skin and treating hyperpigmentation Formulations to treat skin discoloration via a multi-modal approach are provided in which select ingredients work together to effectively brighten skin and treat hyperpigmentation. An example formulation includes a first anti-melanin agent, a second anti-melanin agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, a sun protection agent, and an anti-oxidant. In one aspect, the first anti-melanin agent comprises a bidens pilosa extract, the second anti-melanin agent comprises a rheum rhaponticum extract, the anti-inflammatory agent comprises a Vitamin E compound, the sun protection agent comprises zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and the antioxidant comprises a thermus thermophilus ferment extract.
US09956161B2	Cosmetic preparations Cosmetic preparations and formulations are described, comprising high concentration (from at least 75% to at least 95%) of thermal mineral waters within the aqueous portion of the formulation. In preferred embodiments, the thermal mineral waters are rendered more bioavailable by pre-fermentation with a microorganism such as the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Formulations are also described in which at least a portion of the thermal mineral water is incorporated into phospholipid liposomes.
US09956155B2	Shaping keratin fibres using an amine or a diamine A method for shaping keratin fibers comprising: providing a crosslinking composition, wherein the crosslinking composition comprises: an active agent, wherein the active agent is a amine or diamine; a photocatalyst; a cosmetically acceptable carrier; and applying the crosslinking composition to keratin fibers, mechanically shaping the keratin fibers with an appliance or implement, and exposing the composition to electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of from about 300 nm to about 750 nm. Also a related composition, use, kit and process.
US09956154B2	Emulsifying composition with cationic nature The invention relates to a surfactant composition including at least one compound of formula (I): in which each of the radicals Z is a hydrogen atom or (Z1); at least one compound of formula (IV); one compound of formula (V); and one compound of formula (VI). The invention also relates to a method for preparing said composition and to the use thereof in cosmetics.
US09956153B2	Antimicrobial foaming compositions containing cationic active ingredients The antimicrobial foaming composition of the present invention comprises a cationic active ingredient, a cationic compatible surfactant, a foam booster, a foam structure enhancing agent, dermal adjuvants, and a carrier. The present antimicrobial compositions are free of the antimicrobial agents triclosan (i.e., 2,4,4′-trichloro-2′hydroxy-diphenylether) and lower alcohols. They are also free of anionic surfactants. The foaming compositions have rapid cidal activity, provide stable, copious foam, and exhibit enhanced tissue (e.g. skin) compatibility.
US09956148B2	Oil-in-water-type emulsion cosmetic The present invention provides an oil-in-water emulsion cosmetic that is excellent in the resilient and supple (in other words, firm, tensional, and elastic) feel and also excellent in the softness and moisturizing effect. The oil-in-water emulsion cosmetic of the present invention is characterized by comprising the following components:(A) 0.1 to 5 mass % of hydrogenated polyisobutene with a number average molecular weight of 2000 to 3000,(B) 0.1 to less than 1 mass % of higher alcohol,(C) 1 to 25 mass % of an oil component,(D) 0.3 to 5 mass % of surfactant,(E) 0.05 to 5 mass % of water-soluble thickener, and(F) an aqueous component,wherein the blending quantity of nonpolar oil is 30% or lower of the total amount of component (C).
US09956147B2	Emulsion containing a dispersion of bismuth oxychloride The invention relates to a cosmetic composition in particular in the form of an emulsion for topical application to keratin materials, in particular the skin, comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium: (i) at least one dispersion (pre-dispersion) of bismuth oxychloride (CI 77163) in an oily dispersant chosen from a) monoesters of formula R1COOR2 in which R1 represents a linear or branched hydrocarbon-based chain comprising from 4 to 40 carbon atoms, preferably from 4 to 30 carbon atoms, and preferentially from 7 to 20 carbon atoms, and R2 represents a branched hydrocarbon-based chain containing from 3 to 40 carbon atoms, preferably from 10 to 30 carbon atoms, and preferentially from 16 to 26 carbon atoms; b) oils whose solubility parameter at 25° C., δa, is greater than 6 (J/cm3)1/2, and mixtures thereof, and (ii) at least one oil chosen from hydrocarbon-based oils having a refractive index greater than 1.42 and a solubility parameter at 25° C., δa, greater than 1 (J/cm3)1/2, silicone oils, in particular phenyl silicone oils, and mixtures thereof. Applied to the skin, this composition imparts a luminous effect to the complexion.
US09956141B2	Automatic fluid container switching in a blood processing system Systems and methods for determining when a fluid supply container of a blood processing apparatus becomes empty. The system uses a scale to monitor and detect when a fluid supply container is empty based on the rate of change of the container weight and whether the container weight is below a pre-established threshold, and a controller receives a signal from the scale and controls the operation of a pump to stop pumping when the fluid supply container is empty.
US09956136B1	Quick and easy bench and the hot tub cover platform A quick and easy bench and a hot tub cover platform. The bench top has three support braces: one left side, one center, and one right side. The bench top is hinged to a 2×4 on a wall. There is another 2×4 lower on the wall for the left, center, and right side braces to support the bench top. There are saddles on the bottom of the bench and a lower 2×4 on wall for the braces to support the bench. The top of the hot tub platform consists of 5-2×4's screwed to 4 stringers running perpendicular to the 5-2×4's and supported on the backside by 4 vertical 2×4's with a cross brace 2×4 at the bottom and top. The platform is attached to the hot tub skirt by a 2×4 screwed on the tub skirt.
US09956132B2	Apparatus and methods for assisting breathing The present invention provides, among other things, apparatus and methods of use for treating a subject in need of assistance with breathing. In some embodiments the subject suffers from airflow obstruction. In some embodiments, the subject suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
US09956131B2	Method for gait training using walker device A walker device is described herein including two side frames, each side frame including a front vertical support, a rear vertical support and at least one connecting member extending between the front and rear vertical supports. The walker device further includes a cross bar extending between the two side frames and pivotally connecting to the front vertical supports of the two side frames. The walker device also includes a tension device which applies a resistive force to the pivoting motion between the first cross bar and the two side frames. The walker device is therefore capable of a pivoting configuration which enables the user to learn or re-learn a more natural gait pattern including rotation of the upper and lower body. Some embodiments of the walker device include a second, auxiliary cross bar that is parallel to the first cross bar and horizontally offset from the first cross bar.
US09956130B2	Upper limb rehabilitation robot There is provided an upper limb rehabilitation robot including: a base frame that has a side to which a connecting support is rotatably laterally connected; a connecting shaft unit that is rotatably disposed at a side of the connecting support; a link unit that has a side coupled to the connecting shaft unit and the other side with an upper limb connector mounted to enable a person who needs rehabilitation to connect an upper limb; an active actuator that rotates a connecting shaft unit; and a manual actuator that generates resistant torque against rotation to the connecting shaft unit.
US09956128B1	Hospital bed, a method for moving a patient, and a system including a detachable sanitary station A hospital bed provides improved handling of non-ambulatory patients and others who cannot easily be moved, such as to a hospital room toilet. The hospital bed includes a flexible mattress and a belt attached to the flexible mattress ends. The hospital bed frame has a pallet for supporting the flexible mattress and a chute attached to the frame beneath the pallet that receives the end of the flexible mattress. Multiple rollers direct the flexible mattress and belt. A motor supplies rotational force to one of the rollers and one of the rollers also provides for bending the flexible mattress to enter the chute, so that the end of the flexible mattress is guided underneath the pallet. A system includes the hospital bed with a detachable sanitary station. The sanitary station includes a toilet top and unites with the bed to deliver the patient to a position atop the toilet.
US09956119B2	Bullet ear plug A novel earplug is disclosed. The earplug comprises an elastomeric insert and a metal casing. The elastomeric insert is substantially cylindrical in shape and has a first end and a second end. The metal casing is substantially cylindrical in shape and comprises a circular outer wall, an internal cavity disposed within the circular outer wall, and a first end and a second end disposed the opposite end of the first end. The first end has a substantially flat base covering the first end and the second end has an opening into the internal cavity. The first end of the elastomeric insert is disposed through the second end of the metal casing and is secured with an adhesive within the internal cavity of the metal casing. The second end of the elastomeric insert extends outward from the metal casing.
US09956116B2	Method and apparatus for treating an ocular disorder Embodiments of the claimed invention are directed to the treatment of glaucoma (or conditions of elevated intraocular pressure) using a novel ab interno trabeculotomy procedure that uses a flexible device. At least one advantage of the present method is that it does not require a conjunctival or scleral incision, which in turn improves patient recovery time and healing.
US09956111B2	Dental appliance The invention is generally a dental appliance that, in exemplary embodiments, includes a mandibular advancement mouthpiece equipped with a tongue-securing mechanism. The dental appliance helps to keep a user's airway unobstructed by moving the mandible forward with respect to the maxilla, and securing a tip portion of the tongue slightly anterior to the mandible, so that the tongue is held from falling back into the throat. This invention helps alleviate problems including severe snoring and sleep apnea, which are typically caused by the tongue obstructing the airway at the throat, impeding respiration during sleep or when unconscious. In an exemplary embodiment, the dental appliance comprises of maxillary and mandibular components that make up a mouthpiece, which is configured to circumscribe a tongue retaining mechanism, or tongue sleeve that secures a user's tongue in place.
US09956108B2	Sock assembly for correcting toe deformation A sock assembly for correcting a deformed toe of a foot of a person, including a sock wearable on an at least a part of the foot, a strap connected to the sock and wearable on an at least a part of the foot and wrappable on an at least a part of the deformed toe as the sock it worn on the foot, consequently applying a corrective force on the deformed toe.
US09956105B2	Upper stomach gastric implants A variety of passive intragastric implant devices for obesity treatment are disclosed. Such passive devices do not autonomously change shape, but instead react within the stomach to induce satiety. The devices may provide slowed entry into the stomach, thus reducing the intake capacity. Additionally, the devices may contact areas within the stomach, such as the cardia surrounding the esophageal sphincter, to stimulate satiety-inducing nerves. Some devices combine two or more of these satiety-inducing features. Methods of implant are disclosed including compressing the devices within a delivery tube and transorally advancing the devices through the esophagus to be deployed within the stomach. Removal of the devices occurs in the reverse. The implants are formed of materials that permit the implant to be compressed into a substantially linear transoral delivery configuration and that will resist degradation over a period of at least six months within the stomach.
US09956104B2	Device for treating obesity A device for treating obesity of a patient, the device comprising: at least one operable stretching device implantable in the patient and adapted to stretch a portion of the patient's stomach wall, and an implantable control unit for automatically controlling the operable stretching device, when the control unit and stretching device are implanted, to stretch the stomach wall portion in connection with the patient eating such that satiety is created.
US09956102B2	Apparatus and method for deploying an implantable device within the body The present invention provides systems and methods for deploying implantable devices within the body. The delivery and deployment systems include at least one catheter or an assembly of catheters for selectively positioning the lumens of the implant to within target vessels. Various deployment and attachment mechanisms are provided for selectively deploying the implants.
US09956096B2	Assembly for treating branched vessels This invention relates generally to an endoluminal prosthesis, and more particularly, to a stent graft assembly and method for treating branched vessels. The assembly comprises a first prosthesis having an overall shortened length comprising a main body formed of biocompatible graft material having a tapered proximal end. A bifurcated portion extends distally from the main body. The bifurcated portion comprises a first tubular portion defining a first lumen and a second tubular portion defining a second lumen. The assembly further comprises a second prosthesis having a tubular body of biocompatible graft material with a flared distal end portion. The flared distal end portion of the second prosthesis is configured to sealingly engage with the tapered main body of the first prosthesis.
US09956092B1	Body worn apparatus and prosthetic A method couples a body worn apparatus and a prosthetic with the body of a person. The body worn apparatus has a plurality of activation elements arranged in at least one suit bundle, and a substrate supporting the plurality of activation elements. The method also activates the at least one suit bundle to move the prosthetic.
US09956088B2	Expandable spacer and method of use thereof An expandable implant is disclosed having an adjustable height for insertion between two adjacent bony structures or joint surfaces, for example between two adjacent spinal vertebrae. The implant includes at least one gear associated with at least one threaded shaft. Rotation of the gear engages the threaded shaft to expand the implant. The implant can be inserted in a collapsed configuration and expanded in situ. The invention also provides methods for using the implant to facilitate arthrodesis or fusion of adjacent joint surfaces or spinal vertebrae.
US09956086B2	Intervertebral implant, insertion tool and method of inserting same An intervertebral implant, alone and in combination with an insertion tool for inserting same and a method for inserting same. The implant has upper and lower parts which have universal movement relative to each other. Each of the upper and lower parts also has a surface engaging an adjacent vertebrae. Each part has a keel extending from said surface into a cutout in the adjacent vertebrae, and each keel has an anterior opening recess therein. An insert tool has a pair of arms which are received in the recess of the keels through the anterior opening to securely hold and insert the implant. Projections and matching indentations in each arm and the base of its recess securely attached each arm within its keel.
US09956085B2	Flexible elongated chain implant and method of supporting body tissue with same Implants and methods for augmentation, preferably by minimally invasive procedures and means, of body tissue, including in some embodiments repositioning of body tissue, for example, bone and, preferably vertebrae are described. The implant may comprise one or more chain linked bodies inserted into the interior of body tissue. As linked bodies are inserted into body tissue, they may fill a central portion thereof and for example in bone can push against the inner sides of the cortical exterior surface layer, for example the end plates of a vertebral body, thereby providing structural support and tending to restore the body tissue to its original or desired treatment height. A bone cement or other filler can be added to further augment and stabilize the body tissue. The preferred implant comprises a single flexible monolithic chain formed of allograft cortical bone having a plurality of substantially non-flexible bodies connected by substantially flexible links.
US09956082B2	Osteoarthritis treatment and device A method for treating arthritis of a joint includes identifying a bone lesion in a bone adjacent to the joint; and implanting in the bone a reinforcing member in or adjacent to the bone lesion. A kit for conducting the method includes: (a) at least one reinforcing member having a proximal face adapted to face the joint, a distal face adapted to face away from the joint, and a wedge-shaped edge adapted to pierce bone, wherein the at least one reinforcing member is planar and sterile; and (b) a container adapted to maintain the at least one reinforcing member sterile. Another kit includes: (a) a sterile fluid; (b) a syringe for injecting the fluid into a bone; (c) a curing agent adapted to cure the fluid to polymerize and/or cross-link; and (d) a container adapted to maintain the sterility of contents of the container.
US09956079B2	Method of inflating an implantable penile prosthetic A method of inflating an implantable penile prosthetic includes providing the prosthetic with a lockout valve. The lockout valve is located in an inlet flow path between a reservoir containing liquid and a pump attached to the implantable penile prosthetic. The lockout valve has a core, an inlet flange connected to the core, a lockout flange connected to the core, an inflation channel formed through the core, a deflation pathway that is separate from the inflation channel and formed through a diameter of the core, and a one-way check valve disposed in the deflation pathway of the core. When a suction force is applied downstream from the reservoir, the core rotates, thus displacing the inlet flange and moving the liquid contained in the reservoir across the lockout valve and into the pump.
US09956078B2	Heart valve repair devices and methods Devices and methods for the repair of the functioning of heart valves are provided. A device may comprise a first section having a generally spiral shape and a second section connected to the first section. A method involves positioning the device such that chords associated with the heart valve are positioned within the path of the generally spiral shape of the first section and positioning the second section on an opposite side of the heart valve. The first section may be turned in a manner such that the chords move closer to the center of the first section. The first section draws the chords closer together, thereby pulling the valve leaflets closer together in order to facilitate their coaptation and proper closing.
US09956077B2	Mitral valve annuloplasty device with twisted anchor Tissue shaping devices adapted to be disposed in a vessel near a patient's heart to reshape the patient's heart. The devices include a first anchor and a second anchor adapted to be deployed by a catheter to engage a vessel wall while the first anchor is adapted to resist the compression of a first part of the first anchor and resist the expansion of a second part of the first anchor in response to a compressive force on the first part.
US09956076B2	Tissue shaping device Devices for treating mitral valve regurgitation, including a distal expandable anchor, a proximal expandable anchor, and a fixed length connecting member extending from the proximal expandable anchor to the distal expandable anchor, where at least one of the proximal and distal anchors includes first and second arm segments that extend from one end of the device toward the connecting member and the other anchor when in a collapsed delivery configuration, and where the at least one of the proximal and distal anchors that comprises the first and second arm segments has an expanded configuration in which the first and second arm segments extend radially outwardly such that the first and second arm segments extend away from one another toward the connector, and meet one another at a location axially spaced from the end of the device.
US09956074B2	Valved stent, base material for forming valved stent, and method for producing valved stent The present invention provides a valved stent that can provide a valve function without blocking a branch blood vessel, and also can provide a valve function with minimum covering of blood vessel tissue in a stent indwelling section. Specifically, a cylindrical stent body 4 is provided. A leaflet 5 that can open/close a blood vessel 2 in a blood flow direction is provided. The leaflet 5 is composed of connective tissue and protrudes radially inward from the stent body 4. An inside and an outside of the stent body 4 radially communicate with each other. The stent does not block a branch blood vessel 8. An area of the blood vessel covered with the stent is reduced.
US09956071B2	Adjustable length surgical screws and inserters for adjustable length surgical screws Adjustable length surgical screws and inserters for adjustable length surgical screws and methods of using the screws and inserters are provided. In general, a fixation device such as a surgical screw can be configured to have an adjustable length. The fixation device can have one or more break points along a longitudinal axis thereof. In an exemplary implementation, the fixation device can include a plurality of break points. The plurality of break points can be formed at different predetermined axial positions along the fixation device's longitudinal axis. The fixation device can be configured to break at each of its one or more break points, for example breaking along a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fixation device.
US09956067B2	Partial cuff To increase the resistance to liquid and substance flow through a lumen of a tubular organ, a cuff comprising a flexible, mesh base member is appended to an exterior wall of the tubular organ such that it only partially surrounds the tubular organ. Ultimately, tissue ingrowth through the mesh base member integrates the cuff into the wall of the tubular organ. When the cuff is applied to the urethra of an incontinent patient, the increased resistance to flow renders the patient continent while still allowing normal voiding. The base member may also support an optional expandable component, e.g., a balloon-like element that can be selectively inflated and/or deflated to restrict the lumen of the tubular organ by a desired degree.
US09956064B2	Method and device for the determination of the centric position of a human set of teeth The invention concerns methods and a device for the determination of the centric position of a human set of teeth with improved precision. This is needed for the adjustment of an articulator in the production of dentures. For this purpose a plurality of successive bite movements or displacement movements of the lower jaw are recorded in form of electronic signal data and evaluated for the determination of the centric position.
US09956054B2	Dynamic minimally invasive surgical-aware assistant A computer system that provides situational awareness and feedback during a surgical procedure is described. During operation, the computer system generates stereoscopic images at a first 3-dimensional (3D) location in an individual, where the stereoscopic images include image parallax and are based on data having a discrete spatial resolution and a predefined surgical plan for the individual. Then, the computer system provides the stereoscopic images to a display. When a surgical tool is advanced, location information of the surgical tool is updated in the stereoscopic images displayed are updated. Alternatively or additionally, When location information indicates a deviation from the predefined surgical plan during the surgical procedure, the computer system generates revised stereoscopic images that indicate: the deviation has occurred an update to the predefined surgical plan and/or how to return to the predefined surgical plan.
US09956053B2	Cannula with an integrated illumination feature An illuminated microsurgical surgical instrument that allows for illumination of the interior of a body cavity during a surgical procedure is provided herein. The surgical instrument may include an elongate tubular member having a distal end for insertion through tissue, the elongate tubular member having an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and a wall thickness. A longitudinal slot extending from the distal end of the elongate tubular member is formed in the elongate tubular member. The surgical instrument further may include an optical fiber extending within the longitudinal slot toward the distal end of the elongate tubular member. The optical fiber may be affixed within the longitudinal slot by an adhesive. The optical fiber may be positioned such that a distal tip thereof is protected from damage by a distal edge of the elongate tubular member during insertion of the instrument into the body cavity.
US09956050B2	Methods, systems, and devices for controlling a motor of a robotic surgical system Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for controlling a motor of a robotic surgical system are provided.
US09956049B2	Method and apparatus for invasive device tracking using organ timing signal generated from MPS sensors Apparatus for generating an organ timing signal relating to an inspected organ within the body of a patient, including a medical positioning system, and a processor coupled with the medical positioning system, the medical positioning system including at least one reference electromagnetic transducer placed at a reference location, at least one inner electromagnetic transducer attached to a surgical tool inserted in a blood vessel in the vicinity of the inspected organ, and a medical positioning system processor coupled with the reference electromagnetic transducer and the inner electromagnetic transducer, the medical positioning system processor determining the three-dimensional position of the inner electromagnetic transducer, by processing transmitted electromagnetic signals transmitted from one of the reference electromagnetic transducer and the inner electromagnetic transducer with detected electromagnetic signals detected by the other of the reference electromagnetic transducer and the inner electromagnetic transducer, the medical positioning system processor further generating medical positioning system data sets, each of the medical positioning system data sets including a collection of three-dimensional position coordinate readings demonstrating the motion trajectory of the surgical tool over time, the processor generating the organ timing signal from the medical positioning system data sets by detecting and identifying periodic motion frequencies in the medical positioning system data sets, and filtering the periodic motion frequencies from the medical positioning system data sets.
US09956045B2	Cannulated instrument flushing and cleaning instrument An apparatus for cleaning cannulated surgical tools comprises a hollow body with lavage fluid holes and a brush adaptor at a first end and an inlet adaptor affixed to a second end. A body hub, consisting of inlet channel and drain channel is in liquid communication with an inner lavage fluid tube. A lavage connection tube is in liquid communication with the hollow body at the brush adaptor and through the upper connecting lavage fluid orifice. An inner lavage fluid tube, having an inner channel, extends within the hollow body with a distal end in liquid communication with the inner channel within the inlet adaptor. There are multiple spray openings proximate the distal end of the inner lavage fluid connection tube and a tube brush is dimensioned to fit within the inner channel. The apparatus can be combined with a reservoir to make the unit self-contained.
US09956044B2	Controller assisted reconfiguration of an articulated instrument during movement into and out of an entry guide To perform a tool exchange in a medical robotic system, tool is retracted back into an entry guide from a deployed position and pose so that an assistant in the operating room may replace it with a different tool. While the tool is being retracted back towards the entry guide by user action, its configuration is changed to an entry pose while avoiding collisions with other objects so that it may fit in the entry guide. After the tool exchange is completed, a new tool is inserted in the entry guide and extended out of the guide by user action to the original position of the old tool prior to its retraction into the entry guide while the tool's controller assists the user by reconfiguring the new tool so as to resemble the original deployed pose of the old tool prior to its retraction into the entry guide.
US09956043B2	Methods, systems, and devices for surgical access and procedures The embodiments disclosed herein relate to various medical device components, including components that can be incorporated into robotic and/or in vivo medical devices. Certain embodiments include various actuation system embodiments, including fluid actuation systems, drive train actuation systems, and motorless actuation systems. Additional embodiments include a reversibly lockable tube that can provide access for a medical device to a patient's cavity and further provides a reversible rigidity or stability during operation of the device. Further embodiments include various operational components for medical devices, including medical device arm mechanisms that have both axial and rotational movement while maintaining a relatively compact structure. medical device winch components, medical device biopsy/stapler/clamp mechanisms, and medical device adjustable focus mechanisms.
US09956039B2	Surgical laser cutting device Provided is a surgical handpiece for providing an electromagnetic cutting blade. The handpiece, comprises a body portion having an input end and an output end, a plurality of optical fibers for receiving laser energy having a wavelength within a predetermined wavelength range, wherein the optical fibers are received in the body portion at the input end and extend to the output end, and an optical fiber transition region within the body portion for arranging the plurality of optical fibers into a predetermine cutting shape at the output end, wherein laser energy transmitted from the arranged optical fibers at the output end interact with water molecules near the surgical target to generate micro-explosions that result in a cutting effect.
US09956037B2	Sealed two-way magnetic manifold An irrigated medical device, including an inlet tube configured to receive an irrigation fluid from a pressurized fluid source, at least first and second outlet tubes configured to deliver the irrigation fluid to respective outlets of the device, a manifold containing a chamber coupled between the inlet tube and at least the first and second outlet tubes, and a ball including a magnetic material contained inside the chamber. The irrigated medical device also includes a magnetic field generator disposed outside the chamber and configured to generate a variable magnetic field within the chamber so as to move the ball between at least a first position in which the first outlet tube is blocked, a second position in which the second outlet tube is blocked, and a third position, in which neither of the outlet tubes is blocked.
US09956027B2	Device and method for detecting faults in a shielded instrument A device and method for detecting faults in a shield of an electrosurgical instrument is described. The device has a relay configured to selectively interrupt power to the electrosurgical instrument, monitoring circuitry configured to monitor a shield in the electrosurgical instrument, control circuitry to control the relay, and a battery power source. The monitoring circuitry has an envelope detector and an detected average shield current detector. The monitoring circuitry is configured to compare a shield current peak value to a shield current peak threshold value, and to compare an detected average shield current value to an detected average shield current threshold value. The device is further configured to operatively couple an active electrode of an electrosurgical instrument and a return electrode to an electrosurgical generator.
US09956025B2	Contrast agent to assess quality of occlusion through impedance measurement A method, system, and device for predicting lesion quality. Specifically, lesion quality may be predicted based on an assessment of pulmonary vein occlusion using injection of an impedance-modifying agent and evaluation of changes in impedance measurements recorded by an electrode located distal to an occlusion element of the treatment device used to inject the impedance-modifying agent. The quality of the occlusion may be rated based on the changes in impedance over time within the pulmonary vein. For example, the quality of the occlusion may be rated as being good, fair, or poor. This assessment may be quickly and easily communicated to an operator.
US09956023B2	System for treating a lung A method for treating the lung during an acute episode of reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as an asthma attack. The method comprises transferring energy to an airway wall of an airway such that a diameter of the airway is increased. The energy may be transferred to the airway wall prior to, during or after an asthma attack. The energy may be transferred in an amount sufficient to temporarily or permanently increase the diameter of the airway. The method may be performed while the airway is open, closed or partially closed.
US09956022B2	Surgical forceps and methods of manufacturing the same A forceps includes a shaft defining first opposed distal recesses, a drive bar slidably disposed within the shaft and defining second opposed distal recesses, and an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. Each jaw member defines a proximal flange and a distal jaw body. The proximal flanges each define an aperture and a cam slot. A pivot pin extends through the apertures with ends of the pivot pin extending outwardly from the jaw members to be at least partially disposed within the first recesses and fixedly engaged therewith. A drive pin extends through the cam slots with ends of the drive pin extending outwardly from the jaw members to be at least partially disposed within the second recesses and fixedly engaged therewith such that translation of the drive bar relative to the end effector assembly pivots the jaw members between spaced-apart and approximated positions.
US09956020B2	Surgical implant system and method A surgical instrument comprises a first member including an inner surface that defines a cavity and an outer surface configured to space tissue. The first member includes a first locking surface. A second member is configured for disposal within the cavity and extends between a first end configured to penetrate tissue and a second end configured to generate a signal representative of a position of the second member. The second member includes a second locking surface. The members are disposable between a first orientation such that the locking surfaces are engaged to resist relative axial translation of the members and a second orientation such that the locking surfaces are disengaged and the second member is axially translatable relative to the first member. Systems and methods are disclosed.
US09956019B2	Dispensing device with elastically driven mixer A mixing device comprises a mixing space for mixing bone cement, at least one mixing element supported in the mixing space such that it can rotate, a gear for rotating the at least one mixing element, and at least one elastically deformable energy-storing element that is connected to the gear such that the gear can be driven by an elastic energy from the energy-storing element and such that the at least one mixing element can be rotated in the mixing space by means of the gear upon the release of elastic energy from the energy-storing element. Additionally, a vacuum mixing system and mixing method comprise the mixing device for mixing the bone cement.
US09956016B2	Modular bone plate and member of such a modular bone plate A member of a modular bone plate is provided, the member comprising a top surface defining a top plane; a bottom surface defining a bottom plane; a connection portion including a hole with a center axis that intersects the top plane and the bottom plane; wherein a first portion of the edge of the hole is provided with a projection forming a first free end of the member and wherein a second portion of the edge of the hole is provided with a groove that is configured to accommodate a projection of a connection portion of a second member of the modular bone plate. Furthermore, a modular bone plate having at least two such members is provided.
US09956014B2	Method for joining two or more segments of a surgical implant A method for joining two or more segments of a bone implant comprises the steps of placing a plurality of thin layers of an intermetallic material between first and second segments of the bone implant and applying a mechanical load to the plurality of layers. In a subsequent step, the plurality of layers are ignited by applying an external activation energy thereto, the ignition heating the plurality of layers to a reaction temperature and causing the segments to become affixed to one another after cooling.
US09956012B2	Extension device for a bone anchor, in particular for minimally invasive surgery An extension device for a bone anchor is provided, where the bone anchor includes an anchoring section and a receiving part connected to the anchoring section having a central axis. The extension device includes a first sleeve with a first sleeve axis that is coaxial to the central axis of the receiving part and is configured to be coupled to and decoupled from the receiving part. The extension device further includes a second sleeve with a second sleeve axis coaxial to the central axis. The second sleeve is positioned within the first sleeve, is positionable relative to the first sleeve along the central axis, and is configured to be coupled to and decoupled from the receiving part. The extension device also includes a locking member that, in a first configuration, inhibits decoupling of the first sleeve or the second sleeve from the receiving part when the other one of the first sleeve or the second sleeve is coupled to the receiving part.
US09956010B2	Polyaxial plate rod system and surgical procedure An orthopedic fixation device comprising a bearing and a retaining portion. The bearing defines a bearing internal bore and has a rounded exterior surface, an upper surface, an intermediate surface, and a lower surface, and at least one slot in the bearing extending from the exterior surface to the internal bore. The retaining portion defines a recess shaped to accept the exterior surface of the bearing therein such that in a steady state of the bearing, the bearing can move within the recess, and, when at least one force is imparted against one of the upper and lower surfaces of the bearing, the bearing deforms outwardly to fix the bearing in place within the recess.
US09956009B1	Posterior cervical fixation system A posterior cervical fixation system including an occipital plate member, a cross connector, a pair of elongated spinal rods and a plurality of polyaxial screws. The occipital plate member configured for fixing to an occipital bone comprises an aperture to receive a bone anchor member to secure the occipital plate member to the occipital bone and at least one rod clamping element dimensioned to receive at least one spinal rod. The cross connector secures the pair of elongated spinal rods to vertebral bodies. The cross connector includes a pair of collet connectors and a cross bar that is configured to secure the pair of elongated spinal rods in a desired distance. Each polyaxial screw has an anchor head associated with a fastening member. The pair of elongated spinal rods is configured to extend along the vertebral bodies between the occipital plate member and at least one of the polyaxial screws.
US09956006B2	Pivotal bone anchor with snap-on receiver and insert deployment A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in a receiver, the receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. The upper portion expands a retaining member in the receiver cavity to capture the shank upper portion in the receiver. In some embodiment either the retaining member or an insert provide for a friction fit of the shank upper portion in the receiver resulting in non-floppy placement of the shank with respect to the receiver. Some retainers and inserts have a lock-and-release feature. Final locking of the polyaxial mechanism is provided by frictional engagement between the shank upper portion and the retaining member. A pre-assembled receiver, retaining member and optional insert may be popped-on or snapped-on to the shank upper portion prior to or after implantation of the shank into a vertebra.
US09956003B2	Spinal implant system and methods of use A bone fastener includes a first member having an inner surface defining an implant cavity and at least one mating element. A second member is disposed with the first member and is configured to penetrate tissue. A part is moveable relative to the second member and configured for disposal of an implant. The at least one mating element is engageable such that the first member is moveable relative to the second member to dispose the implant at a desired orientation relative to the second member. Implants, systems, constructs, instruments and methods are disclosed.
US09955999B2	Systems, devices, and methods for transeptal atrial puncture using an engagement catheter platform Multichannel systems for engaging a bodily tissue and methods of using the same. In at least one embodiment of an exemplary multichannel system for engaging a tissue of the present disclosure, the system comprises an engagement catheter comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and defining a first lumen and second lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end, an inducer sheath having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and defining a lumen extending therethrough, the inducer sheath configured for insertion into the second lumen of the engagement catheter, and a dilator defining a first channel and a second channel extending therethrough and a tapered tip at the distal end of the dilator, the dilator sized and shaped for inserted into the lumen of the inducer sheath.
US09955997B2	Trocar and wound closure device A trocar adapted for insertion through a fascia layer of an abdominal wall, comprising a proximal end configured for handling by a user; a distal end configured for insertion into tissue; and a shaft extending in between the proximal end and distal end, wherein the shaft comprises a narrow portion proximal to the distal end, the narrow portion defining at least one recess shaped and sized to receive fascia tissue, the recess ending, at a distal end, with a generally proximally facing surface of the shaft configured directly below the narrow portion, the proximally facing surface and the narrow portion shaped and sized to stabilize the trocar in the abdominal wall by the fascia. In some embodiments, a trocar and external cannula assembly are provided. In some embodiments, the trocar and/or trocar and external cannula assembly are configured for deployment of one or more anchors and/or sutures in the tissue.
US09955996B2	Surgical system instrument manipulator An instrument manipulator and a robotic surgical system including an instrument manipulator are provided. In one embodiment, an instrument manipulator includes a plurality of independent actuator drive modules, each of the plurality of actuator drive modules including an actuator output, wherein each of the actuator outputs are configured to independently actuate a corresponding actuator input of a surgical instrument without force input from another actuator output. The instrument manipulator further includes a frame housing the plurality of independent actuator drive modules, the frame including a distal end from which each of the actuator outputs distally protrude for engaging the corresponding actuator inputs of the surgical instrument.
US09955995B2	Puncture device and puncture apparatus A puncture device and method are disclosed, the puncture device includes a puncture member having a puncture needle for puncturing a biological tissue, a shaft portion, and a connection portion for connecting the puncture needle and the shaft portion to each other. The puncture needle includes a needle main body for puncturing the biological tissue, and an extension needle provided for movement relative to the needle main body along a longitudinal direction of the needle main body and configured to puncture the biological tissue. The puncture device includes, as extension means for moving the extension needle in a direction toward the distal end of the needle main body with respect to the needle main body to extend the puncture needle, and/or a pusher for pushing the extension needle to move in the direction toward the distal end of the needle main body.
US09955992B2	Method and apparatus for tissue morcellation The invention relates to a tissue morcellator for minimally invasive surgery. The morcellator has a metallic cutting ring mounted on a visually transparent hollow cylinder, which in combination with a visually transparent outer morcellator tube enables a surgeon to visualize the inside of the morcellator shaft for detection of loose tissue fragments in the device. A tenaculum used with the morcellation device has a spacer for preventing contact with the blade. The cutting tube can oscillate, rather than rotate, along the longitudinal axis of the cutting tube. The morcellator utilizes an extendable tissue guide on the outer tube of the morcellator shaft for preventing the tissue from rotating along the longitudinal axis of the morcellator tube. This allows the tissue to be continuously rotated into the morcellator device for continuous peel. The tissue guide can also be fully retracted to allow for coring of the bulk tissue.
US09955990B2	Systems and methods for endoluminal valve creation Systems and methods for creating autologous monocuspid and bicuspid valves can include a catheter having a single expandable element or a double expandable element. Once the leaflets of the valve are created, various techniques can be used to fix the leaflets to the vessel wall or to each other, including clips, tissue anchors, adhesives, and heat.
US09955989B2	Manipulator having at least one joint actuated by displacement of a displaceable member A manipulator including an elongated shaft, at least one joint disposed at a distal end of the shaft, a manipulating part via which a movement instruction for the joint is input, and a driving unit that drives the joint according to the movement instruction input via the manipulating part. The manipulating part includes a handle fixed to the shaft and gripped in one hand of an operator, a displaceable member that is disposed at a position along which at least one finger of the hand gripping the handle can be extended and that can be displaced by a movement of the finger extending therealong, and a sensor that detects displacement of the displaceable member and outputs it as the movement instruction.
US09955986B2	Basket apparatus A basket apparatus is described that assists in removing objects from within a patient. The apparatus includes a number of pull wires, each pull wire physically coupled to a different capstan that individually actuates one of the pull wires. The apparatus also includes an outer support shaft itself including a number of channels through which the pull wires traverse. The portions of the pull wires extending out of the outer support shaft form a basket of adjustable size, shape, and position. The pull wires are attached together at a tip located at a distal end of the basket apparatus. By controlling the actuation of the various pull wires, the basket's shape, position size can be manipulated to reposition the basket around an object located within a patient, independent of or in conjunction with motion of the remainder of the apparatus or an associated endoscope.
US09955982B2	Femoral drill guide configured for outside-in drilling and inside-out reaming A femoral drill guide assembly constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure includes a handle portion, a parallel slider, a perpendicular slider, a feeder guide and a receiving guide. The handle portion can extend along a first plane and include a first adjustable mating portion formed thereon. The parallel slider can have a second and a third adjustable mating portion thereon. The first and second adjustable mating portions can selectively move relative to each other causing the parallel slider to move relative to the handle portion between a plurality of positions along the first plane. The perpendicular slider can extend along a second plane and have a fourth adjustable mating portion thereon. The third and fourth adjustable mating portions can selectively move relative to each other causing the perpendicular slider to move relative to the parallel slider between a plurality of positions along the second plane.
US09955979B2	Extramedullary resection guide and methods A bone cut positioning system and associated method are disclosed. The bone cut positioning system can include a positioning assembly, including a femoral attachment member, including a tongue with at least one fixation aperture configured to be fixed to a distal end of a femur. The positioning assembly can further include a light emitter mounting member configured to receive a light emitter, a channel configured to receive a depth selector slide, and a varus-valgus adjustment member configured to adjust a position of the positioning assembly relative to the femur to achieve a desired varus-valgus angle. A flexion-extension adjustment member can be configured to adjust a flexion-extension position of the positioning assembly relative to a flexion-extension of a knee joint and a guide member can be configured to extend from the depth selector slide.
US09955978B2	Tissue compression device with multi-chamber bladder Tissue compression devices including a multi-chamber bladder that is retained within the tissue compression device, with the multi-chamber bladder being positioned in a bladder orifice in a base of a compression device body. The multi-chamber bladder includes at least one upper chamber located above the base and at least one lower chamber located below the base. The lower chamber is located between the base and a selected location on a patient when the compression device is positioned over selected tissue such as, e.g., a radial artery, as described herein.
US09955977B2	Medical devices with detachable pivotable jaws Medical systems, devices and methods are provided for engaging tissue, e.g. for clipping tissue, closing a perforation or performing hemostasis. Generally, the medical system including a housing, first and second jaws rotatable relative to the housing, a driver, and an elongate drive wire. The elongate drive wire may be disconnected from the driver, first and second jaws, and the housing, which are left in vivo engaged with the tissue.
US09955974B2	Inverted diverticulum treatment devices A device for treating a diverticulum includes a containment device and a bushing. The containment device includes an elongate conduit. The bushing is in the conduit of the containment device. The bushing includes a heat-shrink material. The bushing has a first tubular shape including a first open end and a second open end. At least a portion of the diverticulum in an inverted state is positionable into the first open end. The bushing is configured to transform from the first tubular shape toward a second shape upon heating the heat-shrink material. The second shape includes at least a portion of the bushing radially inward relative to the first tubular shape. The bushing in the second shape is configured to hold the diverticulum in a radially compressed inverted state.
US09955967B2	Flexible shaft extender and method of using same An extender for use in an electro-mechanical surgical system includes a surgical attachment that may be detachably coupled to an electro-mechanical driver device via a flexible shaft. The extender is a substantially rigid extender that includes a proximal end that may be detachably coupled to a distal end of the flexible shaft. The extender also includes a distal end that may be detachably coupled to the surgical attachment. The extender also includes at least one rotatable drive shaft configured to engage and be secured with a respective rotatable drive shaft of the flexible shaft such that rotation of the respective rotatable drive shaft of the flexible shaft by the electro-mechanical driver device causes the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the extender to rotate, thereby rotating a complementary connector of the surgical attachment so as to operate the surgical attachment.
US09955965B2	Switch block control assembly of a medical device The present disclosure provides a surgical device, comprising: a jaw assembly defining a first longitudinal axis and including a first jaw and a second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw; an elongated body defining a second longitudinal axis and coupled to a proximal end of the jaw assembly, wherein the jaw assembly is configured to articulate about an articulation axis transverse to the second longitudinal axis relative to the elongated body; a handle assembly coupled to a proximal end of the elongated body and comprising at least one motor mechanically coupled to the jaw assembly; and a control assembly coupled to the handle assembly, the control assembly including a first control button, a second control button, a first rocker device disposed about the first control button and configured to rotate thereabout, and a second rocker device disposed about the second control button and configured to rotate thereabout.
US09955962B2	Suture delivery tools for endoscopic and robot-assisted surgery and methods A suture delivery tool releasably secures a self-retaining suture to permit delivery of the self-retaining suture to a surgical site in a patient through an access port. Suture delivery tools are disclosed suitable for manual operation and operation using robotically-assisted surgical systems. In some embodiments, a suture spool is part of a cartridge which is releasably attached to the suture delivery tool. Cartridges is, in some embodiments, replaced after deployment of the self-retaining suture and different cartridges having different self-retaining suture are, in some embodiments, selected and attached to the suture delivery tool as required for a procedure.
US09955959B2	Rotating retractor arm A rotatable arm is provided which provides an ability to rotate a working end of an instrument such as a surgical retractor. Rotation of a key hub transfers torque to a drive hub which causes an extension or retraction of a lead screw along a center axis of the rotating arm. The extension or retraction forces a drive pin to bear against sides of helical slots of a driven tip, producing a rotation of the driven tip along a pitch line of the helical slots. The driven tip is connected to the working end such that the two rotate together. The rotatable arm has a low profile, a non-reversible torque transmission, and may be hermetically sealed.
US09955957B2	Methods and devices for manipulating and fastening tissue A tissue displacing and fastening device is provided for manipulating and fastening tissue together. The device includes a tissue displacing elements, which displaces tissue. A fold is formed from the displaced tissue and the tissue is fastened together to secure the fold.
US09955955B2	Biopsy device with slide-in probe An exemplary ultrasound biopsy device includes a probe and a holster. The probe is insertable into the holster to form a completed assembly. To assemble the probe to the holster, the probe is initially slid laterally onto the holster and then slid forward to latch the probe into engagement with the holster. The holster is coupled to a vacuum control module by one or more conduits and a power cable. The conduits and/or power cable may be retracted into the vacuum control module. The probe of the biopsy device includes a blade assembly at the distal end. The blade assembly comprises a blade that snaps onto a nosecone via a pair of resilient notched ends. A frictional fitting needle cover can be inserted over the needle and blade assembly to protect the user from the sharp blade.
US09955954B2	Tool for collecting a sample of animal tissue The invention relates to a tool for collecting a sample of animal tissue, for interacting with collection mechanism including at least one cutting element capable of cutting out a sample and a pushing element movable with respect to the cutting element and capable of pushing the sample into post-cutting storage area. According to the invention, such a tool includes: a mechanism for driving the cutting element (21), a mechanism for driving the pushing element (23), and a mechanism for reversibly coupling the drive mechanism of the cutting element with the drive mechanism of the pushing element.
US09955953B2	Container and method for collecting, transporting and storing biological tissue samples The invention refers to a container (1) for collecting, transporting and storing biological tissue samples, wherein the container (1) is filled with a first component (3) being a fixative and a second component (4) being a fluid, wherein the second component (3) has a lower specific gravity compared to the fixative (3), and is immiscible with the fixative (3). The second component (4) is stratified on top of the fixative (3) to form a protective film to prevent fixative fumes to escape from the container (1). The invention further relates to a method for collecting, transporting and storing biological tissue samples. The method comprises the steps of: filling a first component (3) being a fixative in a container (1), and filling a second component (4) being a fluid in the container (1) filled with the first component (3), wherein the second component (4) has a lower specific gravity compared to the fixative (3) and is immiscible with the fixative (3) so that the second component (4) is stratified on top of the fixative (3) to form a protective film to prevent fixative fumes to escape from the container (1). The method further comprises the step of placing a biological tissue sample into the first component (3) before or after the second component (4) has been filled into the container (1).
US09955952B2	Ultrasonic diagnostic device and correction method An ultrasonic diagnostic device includes transmission circuitry, reception circuitry, and signal processing circuitry. The transmission circuitry causes an ultrasonic probe including a plurality of elements to transmit plane waves at a plurality of different deflection angles. The reception circuitry generates reception signal groups based on reflection waves that the individual elements included in the probe receive in response to the transmission of the plane waves. The signal processing circuitry acquires a plurality of complex images corresponding to the respective deflection angles and estimates wavefront distortion at the time of transmission using the complex pixel values of the complex images, and performs correction processing on the reception signal groups based on the wavefront distortion at the time of the transmission to generate image data based on the complex pixel values of the complex images for the respective deflection angles that are acquired from the reception signal groups after the correction processing.
US09955947B2	Device and method for shielding an ultrasound probe A device and method for shielding an ultrasound probe are provided. The ultrasound probe includes a handle having an interior chamber with an open front end and a transducer assembly provided in the chamber. The transducer assembly converts acoustic energy received through the open front end to electrical signals. The ultrasound probe further includes a shielding portion provided between the transducer assembly and an exterior of the handle.
US09955944B2	Time reversal and phase coherent music techniques for super-resolution ultrasound imaging Systems and methods for super-resolution ultrasound imaging using a windowed and generalized TR-MUSIC algorithm that divides the imaging region into overlapping sub-regions and applies the TR-MUSIC algorithm to the windowed backscattered ultrasound signals corresponding to each sub-region. The algorithm is also structured to account for the ultrasound attenuation in the medium and the finite-size effects of ultrasound transducer elements. A modified TR-MUSIC imaging algorithm is used to account for ultrasound scattering from both density and compressibility contrasts. The phase response of ultrasound transducer elements is accounted for in a PC-MUSIC system.
US09955943B2	Windowed time-reversal music technique for super-resolution ultrasound imaging Systems and methods for super-resolution ultrasound imaging using a windowed and generalized TR-MUSIC algorithm that divides the imaging region into overlapping sub-regions and applies the TR-MUSIC algorithm to the windowed backscattered ultrasound signals corresponding to each sub-region. The algorithm is also structured to account for the ultrasound attenuation in the medium and the finite-size effects of ultrasound transducer elements.
US09955942B2	Ultrasonic method and apparatus for measuring or detecting flow behavior of a non-sinusoidal periodicity A method and apparatus for automated detection of a general, non-sinusoidal type of periodicity in ultrasound Doppler signals from pulsatile blood flow is described. The method computes a measure of pulsatility from the power spectrum near the peaks of the fundamental and harmonic frequencies of the Doppler signal information.
US09955941B2	Quantified perfusion studies with ultrasonic thick slice imaging having a dual port memory An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system scans a plurality of planar slices in a volumetric region containing tissue which has been perfused by a contrast agent. The plurality of slices scanned are parallel to each other. Following detection of the image data of the slices the slice data is combined by projecting the data in the elevation dimension to produce an elevationally combined slice image. Combining may be by means of an averaging or maximum intensity detection or weighting process or by raycasting in the elevation dimension in a volumetric rendering process. The elevationally combined slice image is processed to produce a qualitative or quantitative measure of perfusion, such as an image with degrees of perfusion indicated by a range of brightness levels, an image of color perfusion parameters, or a perfusion curve or curve parameter indicating rate of perfusion.
US09955935B2	Radiography apparatus and method for controlling the radiography apparatus A radiography apparatus and a method for controlling the radiography apparatus are provided. The radiography apparatus includes a radiographer configured to acquire a first radiation image of a subject before a contrast reagent is injected into the subject, and acquire a second radiation image of the subject after the contrast reagent is injected into the subject. The radiography apparatus further includes an image processor configured to calculate a difference between data of a pixel of the first radiation image and data of a pixel of the second radiation image, for each of pixels of the first radiation image, and acquire an image of the subject based the difference for each of the pixels of the first radiation image.
US09955932B2	Apparatus and method for tomosynthesis image acquisition A method for image acquisition includes selectively concealing and exposing an x-ray source to a target object while the x-ray source travels along a first path and moving an x-ray detector along a second path in a first direction while the x-ray source is exposed to the target object. The method further includes moving the x-ray detector along the second path in a second direction generally opposite the first direction while the x-ray source is concealed from the target object.
US09955930B2	Sensor device and imaging system for detecting radiation signals The present invention relates to a sensor device for detecting radiation signals. To enable high signal integrity and cost efficiency while maintaining the capability of being four-sidedly buttable, the proposed sensor device comprises a sensor array (22) comprising a plurality of detectors (11, 11a-d), a sensor element (14) for converting said received radiation signals (74, 74′) into a plurality of corresponding electric signals, an interposer element (16, 16a-d) extending laterally between a first side (28) and a second side (30), and an integrated circuit element (18, 18a-d). The interposer element (16, 16a-d) comprises a front surface (24) facing said sensor element (14) and a back surface (26) parallel to said front surface (24), wherein a front contact arrangement (36) is provided on said front surface (24) for directing said electric signals to a back contact arrangement (40) provided on said back surface (26). The integrated circuit element faces said back surface (26) and is electrically connected to said back contact arrangement (40).
US09955926B2	Distributed healthcare communication system A graphical audio station of a nurse call system is operable to permit a user to perform one or more of the following functions: establish a two-way voice communication link with another computer device in another patient and/or with a another computer device located in another staff work area and/or with a wireless communication device carried by caregiver and/or with a telephone of the healthcare facility; broadcast a voice page to a group of other selected computer devices; compose and send a text message to a portable device that is carried by a caregiver and that has wireless communication capability; browse web pages and/or view multimedia content, such as videos, hosted on servers of the healthcare facility and/or that are accessible via the Internet; view and/or acknowledge and/or answer and/or cancel alerts or nurse calls originating in a plurality of patient rooms.
US09955922B2	Capsule device and methodology for discovery of gut microbe roles in diseases with origin in gut This special gut microbe and chemical substance sampling technology, utilizing swallowable capsules, is for purpose of determining roles gut contents play in some 52 of most costly, in lives and dollars, of diseases with their known origin in the human gut. Gut microbes and substances are collected, analyzed, medicinal substances and objects deployed, and special provisions for attracting, capturing and preserving certain strains of microbes, and means for perturbing the gut environment and immune system are all intended to research, discover, and ultimately find both the causes and cures for the most devastating human diseases, and in the process, create gut microbiome profiles.
US09955919B2	Light-guiding devices and monitoring devices incorporating same A monitoring device configured to be attached to the ear of a person includes a base, an earbud housing extending outwardly from the base that is configured to be positioned within an ear of a subject, and a cover surrounding the earbud housing. The base includes a speaker, an optical emitter, and an optical detector. The cover includes light transmissive material that is in optical communication with the optical emitter and the optical detector and serves as a light guide to deliver light from the optical emitter into the ear canal of the subject wearing the device at one or more predetermined locations and to collect light external to the earbud housing and deliver the collected light to the optical detector.
US09955917B2	Planar logic board for ablation catheter with force measurement functionality A sensor connection element of a catheter or an electrode line, which has a plate-like substrate including at least one recess and layer-like electrical conductors with sensor connection faces and/or actuator connection faces on or beneath at least one sensor surface.
US09955916B2	Method and apparatus for estimating the fluid content of a part of the body of a subject There is provided a method for estimating the volume of fluid in part of the body of a subject, the method comprising obtaining a measurement of the circumference, c, of the part of the body of the subject; obtaining a measurement of the impedance of the part of the body of the subject using electrodes attached across the part of the body of the subject; and estimating the volume of fluid in the part of the body of the subject from the measurement of impedance and the measurement of the circumference c. An apparatus comprising a control unit configured to perform the method is also provided.
US09955911B2	Electrocardiography and respiratory monitor recorder An electrocardiography and respiratory monitor recorder is provided. The recorder includes a sealed housing adapted to be removably secured into a non-conductive receptacle on a disposable extended wear electrode patch and an electronic circuitry comprised within the sealed housing. The electronic circuitry includes an electrocardiographic front end circuit electrically interfaced to an externally-powered micro-controller and operable to sense electrocardiographic signals through electrodes provided on the patch; the micro-controller operable to execute electrically interfaced to one or more respiratory sensors provided on at least one of the patch and the sealed housing, the micro-controller further operable to sample the electrocardiographic signals and to sample respiratory events detected by the one or more respiratory sensors upon receiving one or more signals from the one or more respiratory sensors; and an externally-powered flash memory electrically interfaced with the micro-controller and operable to store samples of the electrocardiographic signals and the respiratory events.
US09955910B2	Method of monitoring a surface feature and apparatus therefor Dimensions of a surface feature are determined by capturing an image of the surface feature and determining a scale associated with the image. Structured light may be projected onto the surface, such that the position of structured light in the captured image allows determination of scale. A non-planar surface may be unwrapped. The surface may alternatively be projected into a plane to correct for the scene being tilted with respect to the camera axis. A border of the surface feature may be input manually by a user. An apparatus and system for implementing the method are also disclosed.
US09955906B2	System and method for selecting an audio file using motion sensor data The present invention relates to a system and a method for selecting an audio file using motion data from a mobile computing device connected to or held by a user, the mobile computing device comprising or coupled to motion sensors. The method comprising steps of moving the mobile computing device, obtaining motion data from the motion sensors, computing from the motion data step data based on a number of steps taken by the user in a specific period of time, computing a metronome beat based on the step data and generating a metronome beat file, selecting a stored audio file having a predefined beat parameter matching the metronome beat of the metronome beat file, and playing the audio file. The present invention provides a technology solution delivered through a mobile computing device, such as smart phone, or other computing device, such as a laptop or a PC, a wrist or smart watch, or an accelerometer, pedometer or other external computing device having computer processor means, that improves the gait of people with Parkinson's disease. In use, the user's daily mobility is assessed through application software on a mobile computing device which is operable to calculate a required individually prescribed treatment for a user. The treatment is then delivered through speakers of the mobile computing device in the form of metronome therapy which is form of auditory cueing that is used to treat people with Parkinson's disease.
US09955905B2	Systems and methods for brain activity interpretation The present invention provides a computer-implemented method, including: a. obtaining, in real-time, by a specifically programmed processor, electrical signal data representative of brain activity of a particular individual; b. processing, in real-time the electrical signal data representative of brain activity of a particular individual based upon a pre-determined predictor associated with a particular brain state, selected from a library of predictors containing a plurality of pre-determined predictors, wherein each individual pre-determined predictor is associated with a unique brain state, wherein the pre-determined predictor associated with a particular brain state includes: i. a pre-determined mother wavelet, ii. a pre-determined representative set of wavelet packet atoms, created from the pre-determined mother wavelet, iii. a pre-determined ordering of wavelet packet atoms, and iv. a pre-determined set of normalization factors, wherein the processing includes: i. causing, by the specifically programmed processor, the electrical signal data to be deconstructed into a plurality of pre-determined deconstructed wavelet packet atoms, utilizing the pre-determined representative set of wavelet packet atoms, wherein time windows of the electrical signal data are projected onto the pre-determined representative set of wavelet packet atoms wherein the projection is via convolution or inner product, and wherein each pre-determined representative wavelet packet atom corresponds to a particular pre-determined brain activity feature from a library of a plurality of pre-determined brain activity features; ii. storing the plurality of pre-determined deconstructed wavelet packet atoms in at least one computer data object; iii. causing, by the specifically programmed processor, the stored plurality of pre-determined deconstructed wavelet packet atoms to be re-ordered within the computer data object, based on utilizing a pre-determined order; iv. obtaining a statistical measure of the activity of each of the re-ordered plurality of pre-determined deconstructed wavelet packet atoms; and v. normalizing the re-ordered plurality of pre-determined wavelet packet atoms, based on utilizing a pre-determined normalization factor; and c. outputting, a visual indication of at least one personalized mental state of the particular individual, at least one personalized neurological condition of the particular individual, or both, based on the processing, wherein the individual pre-determined predictor associated with a particular brain state from within the plurality of pre-determined predictors is generated by the steps including: i. obtaining the pre-determined representative set of wavelet packet atoms by: a. obtaining from a plurality of individuals, by the specifically programmed processor, at least one plurality of electrical signal data representative of a brain activity of a particular brain state; b. selecting a mother wavelet from a plurality of mother wavelets, wherein mother wavelet is selected from an wavelet family selected from the group consisting of: Haar, Coiflet Daubehies, and Mayer wavelet families; c. causing, by the specifically programmed processor, the at least one plurality electrical signal data to be deconstructed into a plurality of wavelet packet atoms, using the selected mother wavelet; d. storing the plurality of wavelet packet atoms in at least one computer data object; e. determining, an optimal set of wavelet packet atoms using the pre-determined mother wavelet, and storing the optimal set of wavelet packet atoms in at least one computer data object, wherein the determining is via utilizing analysis Best Basis algorithm; and f. applying, by the specifically programmed processor, wavelet denoising to the number of wavelet packet atoms in the optimal set; ii. obtaining the pre-determined ordering of wavelet packet atoms by: a. projecting, by the specifically programmed processor, the at least one plurality of electrical signal data representative of a brain activity for each 4 second window of the data onto the pre-determined representative set of wavelet packet atoms; b. storing the projections in at least one computer data object; c. determining, by the specifically programmed processor, the wire length for every data point in the projection by determining the mean absolute distance of the statistical measure of the projections of different channels from their adjacent channels; d. storing the wire length data in at least one computer data object; and e. re-ordering the stored projections, by the specifically programmed computer to minimize a statistical value of the wire length value across each time window, and across all individuals within the plurality of individuals, and across the projections; and iii. obtaining the pre-determined set of normalization factors by: a. determining, by the specifically programmed computer, the mean and standard deviation of the values of the stored projections.
US09955904B2	Sensory system for improved balance control A feedback device for measuring balance related information, and for producing a stimulation of the skin that encodes that information in a way that is useful to the wearer of the device. At least one sensor detects balance information and transmits at least one balance information signal to a signal processing subsystem. The signal processing subsystem converts the received balance information signal into at least one stimulation control signal. The signal processing subsystem then transmits the stimulation control signal to at least one stimulator, which provides stimulation to a wearer of the device reflecting the stimulation control signal received from the signal processing subsystem.
US09955899B2	Respiratory waveform analyzer A respiratory waveform analyzer, operable to analyze a respiratory waveform, which is generated based on a temporal change of a concentration of a component in respiratory gas of a subject, includes: a respiratory gas concentration generator which generates a concentration signal based on an output signal from a sensor that is placed to measure the concentration of the component; a flatness calculator which calculates a flatness indicative of flat degree of the respiratory waveform based on a temporal change of the concentration signal; and a reliability calculator which calculates a reliability of the respiratory waveform based on the flatness and the concentration signal.
US09955896B2	Protective matrix for intracorporeal biosensors that improves gastrointestinal leak detection, detects air leaks after lung surgery, and measures cardiac output after heart surgery The system and method may measure and monitor physiological changes in a body. In some embodiments, the system and method may measure the impedance at a site in the body. In some embodiments, the system and method identify, quantify, and localize leaks from a site following surgery, measure cardiac contractility, or lung compliance. In an embodiment, the system includes a measuring device with one or more sensors embedded in a porous matrix. Changes in the electrical properties of one or more sensors may be used to determine the presence of leaks from a site following surgery, measure cardiac contractility, or lung compliance, depending on the position of the device.
US09955893B2	Methods, systems, and apparatus for identification and characterization of rotors associated with atrial fibrillation A system can include a near-field instrument to be placed inside a chamber of a heart, a far-field instrument to be placed in a stable position in relation to the heart, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to identify a unique pattern in electrogram information received from the far-field instrument when the near-field instrument is in one or more positions within the heart. When the unique pattern is detected, the control unit is configured to receive electrogram information from the near-field instrument. While recording electrogram information from the near-field instrument, the control unit is also configured to record voltage and complex fractionated atrial electrogram (CFAE) characteristics of the tissue inside a heart chamber. This information combined with rotor information can be used to identify substrate versus non-substrate rotor characteristics.
US09955889B2	Registration maps using intra-cardiac signals Cardiac catheterization is facilitated by generating first and second electroanatomic maps of a heart of a subject and designating common spatial locations that correspond to first electrical events on the first electroanatomic map and second electrical events on the second electroanatomic map. The common spatial locations of the first electroanatomic map and the second electroanatomic map are aligned to establish an aligned map, and using the location data on the aligned map to guide a probe to a point of interest.
US09955887B2	Wearable monitor The present disclosure relates to a wearable monitor device and methods and systems for using such a device. In certain embodiments, the wearable monitor records cardiac data from a mammal and extracts particular features of interest. These features are then transmitted and used to provide health-related information about the mammal.

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