Document Document Title
US11174088B2 Vacuum packaging and sealing appliance
The invention comprising an appliance for vacuum sealing a bag member. The appliance has a housing including a front wall, a rear wall, and two side walls. The front wall includes an opening for receiving an open top portion of the bag member, where the bag member can then be received within a drip tray placed within a cavity located within the housing, where vacuum pressure may be applied. The drip try includes a barrier member that extends upwardly at a rear portion to redirect the open top portion of the bag member into the drip tray when the bag member has been inserted into the opening. The cavity also includes a heating bar used to apply a seal to the open top portion of the bag member. The front wall of the housing is angled between 15° and 45° relative to a surface on which the appliance rests.
US11174087B2 Drinking glass and combination of a beverage bottle and a drinking glass
The invention relates to a drinking glass, which contains a bottom (3) and a wall and can be detachably placed onto the upper end of a beverage bottle (1) in the opposite direction, wherein the wall of the drinking glass (2) at least partially surrounds the beverage bottle (1). According to the invention, the inside of the wall of the drinking glass (2) follows the outer wall of the beverage bottle (1) at a slight distance over the entire height of the drinking glass (2). The drinking glass is able to hold substantially the entire content of the beverage bottle. The drinking glass (2) can be fastened to and detached from the lower end of the beverage bottle at the opening rim of the drinking glass.
US11174084B2 Device for securing palletized materials
Implementations of the present disclosure generally relate to a reusable wrapping device for securing loaded goods on a transportation carrier. In one embodiment, the wrapping device includes a flexible wrap body having a first side and a second side opposing the first side, and a fastening device removably connected to the flexible wrap body, wherein the fastening device is disposed along the first side of the flexible wrap body. The wrapping device also includes a plurality of straps removably attached to the fastening device.
US11174081B2 Child-resistant locking cap for laminated tubes with improved locking cap insert to reduce substance leakage after the locking cap is closed
A combination of a container made out of rolled laminated plastic or rolled laminated metal, combined with a child-resistant locking assembly between the container and a cap removably affixed to the container. The container includes a closed rear end, a front wall and a flexible sidewall between the closed rear end and the front. The cap includes a central post inserted into a dispensing opening in a dispensing nozzle of the contain to reduce the possibility of contents in the container seeping out of the dispensing nozzle after the sealing cap is affixed to the nozzle.
US11174079B2 Closure
A canister includes a closure configured to mount on a container to close an open mouth into a product storage region formed in the container. The closure includes a lid and a lid retainer coupled to the lid. The lid retainer is configured to mate with an external thread on the container to retain the closure in a mounted position on the container.
US11174078B2 Pouring closure
Pouring closure for liquid containers with pour spout sealingly fixed to a container neck, the cross section of which is closed by a membrane before use. A portion of the membrane extends transversely, approximately pear-shaped, and connected to the remaining portion via an easily tearable line of weakness and can be detached from the membrane. After detachment, an opening in the membrane is released that is correspondingly pear-shape, and liquid poured selectively out of a relatively narrower section or wider section. The pouring closure is produced by tearing out a membrane section and facilitates dosed pouring. Webs on the inner surface at a close distance parallel to the line of weakness and outside the tear-out section run on both sides of the narrow section of the tear-out portion or of the opening and along at least a portion of a transition region between the narrower and the wider sections.
US11174077B2 Storage bag with shape-retaining strips at opening and an expandable bottom end
A storage bag has first and second side surfaces, and a sealable and an unsealable opening. A bottom end of the bag is movable between a flat configuration with the first and second side surfaces positioned adjacent to each other, and an expanded configuration with the first and second side surfaces being spaced from each other. Shape retaining strips are provided adjacent to the opening that can maintain the shape of the opening. The shape retaining strips are capable of maintaining the opening of the bag such that a distance between the first and second side surfaces at the top end of the bag is about equal to the distance between the first and second side surfaces at the bottom end of the bag.
US11174069B2 Can end
A can end has a public side and an opposing product side. A circumferential curl is located about a center axis and defines an outer perimeter of the can end. A circumferential wall extends downwardly from the curl. A circumferential, generally U-shaped countersink extends radially inwardly from the circumferential wall relative to the center axis and upwardly. A center panel extends radially inwardly from the countersink relative to the center axis and has a displaceable tear panel defined by frangible score and a hinge segment on the public side and a tab fixed to the public side which has a nose portion overlying a portion of the displaceable tear panel. A circumferential panel joins the countersink with the center panel and has a first panel radius joined to a second panel radius by a short wall extending upwardly and inwardly. The circumferential panel has a bead formed therein.
US11174067B2 Container including tamper proof closure
A container for consumer goods is provided, including a box to house the goods and having a box front wall, a box back wall, a box bottom wall, and box side walls, a top face of the box providing an access opening providing access to the goods; and a lid flap hingedly connected to the box back wall and including lid top and front walls, such that in a closed position of the flap the lid top and front walls overlie the access opening and the front wall, such that prior to a first opening of the container, the front wall is connected to each of the side walls along a line of weakness extending along a front edge of the respective side wall, and such that upon separation of the flap along the line, the flap is movable into an open position uncovering the access opening.
US11174066B2 Food box container and method
The invention is a food box container and a method for operating same, the food box container comprises an open top box body pivotally connected to double-hinged top, the open top box body further defining a hollow interior configured to receive and hold food; the double-hinged top has a first hinge and second hinge that have a spaced-apart and parallel orientation to one another, the first hinge pivotally sections the double-hinged lid into a support panel and a top lid, the second hinge pivotally connects the support panel to the open top box body; the support panel further defines one or more removable caps which when opened from the support panel reveal support apertures to receive other containers of drinks, condiments and the like; and the top lid controls a second access to the hollow interior that is smaller than an access as provided by the double-hinged top.
US11174065B2 Method and system for forming packages
A method of sealing reinforced packages. The method can comprise moving an open-ended package in a downstream direction on a package conveyor by engaging the open-ended package with a chain flight of the package conveyor moving in the downstream direction. The method further can comprise forming a bag with a closed end by engaging at least a seal portion of a tail section of an open-ended tube portion of the open-ended package between the chain flight of the package conveyor and a hot plate positioned adjacent the package conveyor. The chain flight can move with the tail section in the downstream direction relative to the hot plate, which can transfer thermal energy to the tail section to at least partially form a seal along the seal portion in the tail section to at least partially form the closed end of the bag.
US11174062B1 Interchangeable vacuum-sealed beverage bottle and associated methods
An interchangeable, vacuum-sealed beverage bottle includes a body having a cap housing, a plug assembly disposed at the cap housing, a handle engaged to the cap housing, an inner flask in fluid communication with the plug assembly, and an outer flask sealed to the inner flask such that a sealed vacuum cavity is defined between an outer surface of the inner flask and an inner surface of the outer flask (single liquid-containing chamber is double-walled and a vacuum is created between the walls). An exterior cover is positioned about the inner flask and the outer flask, and an end cap mated to the exterior cover and the outer flask. Downward and upward axial displacement of a portion of the plug assembly permits and prohibits fluid to freely flow outwardly from the inner flask to an exterior of the plug assembly, respectively.
US11174056B2 Load wrapping apparatus with controlled interventions
A wrapping apparatus and method utilize a controlled intervention to vary a dispense rate relative to a predicted dispense rate calculated based upon a predicted demand for packaging material.
US11174052B2 Beverage capsule refilling device and beverage capsule refilling method
The aim of the present application is to register a conventional beverage capsule refilling device of the type that comprises a cup bindable to a sealing sheet; and a beverage capsule refilling method, such that it makes it possible to reuse the existing capsules, generally made of plastic, in a simple, quick, clean, reliable and ecological manner.
US11174050B2 Apparatus and method of packaging a product
A packaging apparatus includes a conveyor that moves one or more supports towards a packaging station, while a plastic film to be applied to said one or more supports is simultaneously transported to the packaging station itself. A longitudinally cutting unit longitudinally cuts the plastic film in order to form two or more film strips, and a compensating device exerts a tensioning action on one or more portions of said film strips. A packaging method includes longitudinally cutting the plastic film into strips and compensating to suitably tautly hold the film strips during their movement.
US11174049B2 Method of upholstering truss
An apparatus for upholstering a truss allows an operator to staple a fabric web to the truss, rotate the truss, further staple the semi-finished truss and cut the fabric web. The truss is fully upholstered after the end surfaces of the truss are wrapped up in fabric and the fabric stapled in place. The apparatus may accommodate different size trusses. A web of fabric is pulled around at least one roller in the apparatus by rotation of two vise mechanisms on opposite sides of the truss.
US11174047B2 Spacecraft control system for determining reaction torque
A control system for a spacecraft for determining a resultant torque that is exerted upon a spacecraft by one or more magnetic torque rods is disclosed. The spacecraft is configured to revolve around a celestial body in an orbit. A magnetic field of the celestial body is predictable, and a direction of the magnetic field located around the orbit is fixed. The control system includes the one or more magnetic torque rods, one or more processors in electronic communication with the one or more magnetic torque rods, and a memory coupled to the one or more processors. The memory stores data into a database and program code that, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the control system to instruct the one or more magnetic torque rods to exert the resultant torque upon the spacecraft.
US11174046B2 System and method for rotating mass attitude control
The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus of rotating mass attitude control. The method and apparatus entails rotating a mass to generate thrust. Varying the speed and direction of rotation provides some control of the magnitude and direction of the thrust generated. The method and apparatus of the invention pertinent to an attitude control system for spacecrafts or astromotive vehicles under conditions of zero to low gravity and atmosphere.
US11174041B2 Systems and methods for determining fasteners
Systems and methods are used to determine a defined fastener for fastening two parts together at an assembly fastener location. The defined fastener comprises fastener components selected from a plurality of different fastener components available for use in an assembled fastener. The fastener components of the defined fastener may be selected based on criteria defining characteristics of an assembly stackup including the two parts and the assembled defined fastener. Dimensions of the two parts at respective fastener locations forming the assembly fastener location may be used to determine a part stackup dimension for the assembled fastener at the assembly fastener location.
US11174037B2 Method of increasing fuel capacity and kit for same
A method of increasing fuel capacity of a fuel tank. The method includes creating a new filling port in the fuel tank, wherein the new filling port is vertically higher than the original filling port, sealing the original filling port, and installing an expansion tank above a top of the fuel tank, wherein the expansion tank is configured to permit expansion of fuel in the fuel tank beyond a maximum fill level of the fuel tank.
US11174032B2 Apparatus and method for heating an aircraft structure
An aircraft structure, for example a wing, including a skin. The skin has an external surface, on an outer face of the skin. The skin has an internal surface, located opposite the external surface on an inner face of the skin. The aircraft structure includes a laminar flow control system including a compressor. The aircraft structure is so arranged that the exhaust air from the compressor is directed onto the internal surface of the skin of the aircraft structure, for example thus providing hot exhaust air which function as an ice protection system (whether by de-icing or anti-icing). A method of providing ice protection on a surface of an aircraft using exhaust air from a laminar flow control compressor is also described.
US11174029B2 Outboard facing herringbone seating arrangement
A passenger seating arrangement in an aircraft cabin including a column of seat units located adjacent an aisle. A seat unit, or a neighboring seat unit, of the column is configurable into a PRM-access configuration in which the seat module is moved to temporarily widen an access opening from a first width to a second width, greater than the first width, for enabling a disabled passenger to access the seat unit.
US11174020B2 Fluidic roll control systems for use in forward flight
An active flow control system for generating roll control moments for an aircraft during forward flight. The system includes right and left roll effectors disposed on a trailing edge of the wing. A pressurized air system includes a pressurized air source and a plurality of injectors operably associated with the right and left roll effectors that influence the path of airflow across the wing. Based upon which of the injectors is injecting pressurized air, the right and left roll effectors generate no roll control moment, generate a roll right control moment or generate a roll left control moment.
US11174016B2 Compound rotorcraft with propeller
A compound rotorcraft comprises a fuselage, a rotor coupled to the fuselage and a wing mounted to the fuselage. The rotorcraft further comprising a first outboard propeller, a first inboard propeller, a second outboard propeller, and a second inboard propeller. The first outboard propeller having a propeller body and propeller blades, the body mounted to a first wing-half at a first incidence angle. The first inboard propeller having a propeller body and propeller blades, the body mounted to the first wing-half between the first outboard propeller and the fuselage at a second incidence angle. The second outboard propeller having a propeller body and propeller blades, the body mounted to a second wing-half at a third incidence angle. The second inboard propeller comprising a propeller body and propeller blades, the body mounted to a second wing-half between the second outboard propeller in the fuselage at a fourth incidence angle.
US11174015B2 Multimode clutch assemblies having engagement status sensors
A multimode clutch assembly is positioned in a powertrain of a rotorcraft. The clutch assembly includes a freewheeling unit having a driving mode in which torque applied to the input race is transferred to the output race and an overrunning mode in which torque applied to the output race is not transferred to the input race. A bypass assembly has an engaged position that couples the input and output races of the freewheeling unit. An actuator assembly shifts the bypass assembly between engaged and disengaged positions. An engagement status sensor is configured to determine the engagement status of the bypass assembly. In the disengaged position, the overrunning mode of the freewheeling unit is enabled such that the clutch assembly is configured for unidirectional torque transfer. In the engaged position, the overrunning mode of the freewheeling unit is disabled such that the clutch assembly is configured for bidirectional torque transfer.
US11174014B2 Failsafe multimode clutch assemblies for rotorcraft
A failsafe multimode clutch assembly is positioned in a powertrain of a rotorcraft. The clutch assembly includes a freewheeling unit having input and output races. The freewheeling unit has a driving mode in which torque applied to the input race is transferred to the output race and an overrunning mode in which torque applied to the output race is not transferred to the input race. A bypass assembly has an engaged position that couples the input and output races of the freewheeling unit. An actuator assembly must be energized to shift the bypass assembly from the engaged position to a disengaged position. In the disengaged position, the overrunning mode of the freewheeling unit is enabled such that the clutch assembly is configured for unidirectional torque transfer. In the engaged position, the overrunning mode of the freewheeling unit is disabled such that the clutch assembly is configured for bidirectional torque transfer.
US11174012B2 Rotor for an aircraft capable of hovering and relative method
There is disclosed a rotor for an aircraft capable of hovering, comprising: a stator; a rotatable element, which is rotatable about an axis with respect to stator; a blade, which is connected with element; a support element, which supports a source of a magnetic field and is either stationary or driven in rotation at a first rotational speed; and a first electric circuit, which is angularly integral with element and can be driven in rotation at a second rotational speed different from first rotational speed; first electric circuit being electromagnetically coupled with source so that an electromotive force is magnetically induced in first electric circuit and an first electric current flows in first electric circuit; rotor further comprises a second electric circuit which is either stationary or driven in rotation at a first rotational speed, and a sensor generating a signal associated to a back electromotive force induced on second electric circuit.
US11174011B2 Low drag hub for rotor
A rotor assembly includes a first rotor hub and a second rotor hub. The second rotor hub is coupled to the first rotor hub via a shaft fairing. The first rotor hub has a flat first surface coupled to the shaft fairing and a curved second surface opposite the flat first surface. The second rotor hub has a flat first surface on the lower side and a curved second surface opposite the flat first surface.
US11174006B2 High-lift actuation system with clutch architecture
A drive apparatus for differentially actuating a plurality of high-lift surfaces of an aircraft may include a common rotary and a plurality of clutches incorporated into the common driveline. The plurality of clutches may include a first clutch provided between a first outboard driveline section and a central driveline section of the common driveline, and a second clutch provided between a second outboard driveline section and the central driveline section of the common driveline. A first and second power drive unit (PDU) may be arranged remote from a fuselage of the aircraft and mechanically coupled to the common driveline at a drive connection disposed in a region of the first clutch and the second clutch, respectively. The first clutch and the second clutch may mechanically connect and disconnect the first and second outboard driveline section from the central driveline section, respectively.
US11174004B2 Aircraft nacelles having adjustable chines
Aircraft nacelles having adjustable chines are described. An example apparatus includes a multi-segment chine having a first segment and a second segment. The first segment is fixedly coupled to a nacelle. The second segment is rotatable relative to the first segment about an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation is substantially perpendicular to a local area of an outer surface of the nacelle.
US11173999B2 Aircraft floor structure
An aircraft cabin floor structure which makes it possible to avoid the appearance of blisters in the carpets covering the floor panels in an aircraft cabin is disclosed. The aircraft cabin floor structure comprises a rigid carpet that is impermeable to air having a top face and a bottom face, an adhesive layer having an adhesive top face and an adhesive bottom face, said top face adhering to the bottom face of the carpet, and a floor panel that is impermeable to air having a top face and a bottom face, the bottom face of the adhesive layer adhering to the top face of the floor panel. The bottom face of the carpet comprises grooves and at least one air evacuation channel over its periphery. The adhesive layer comprises a plurality of through holes.
US11173998B1 Hans bell housing for inflating and deflating a balloon envelope
A fixed housing that is configured to be coupled to a balloon envelope and an impeller housing disposed within the fixed housing, wherein the impeller housing and the fixed housing form a seal in a closed position, wherein the impeller housing is moveable into the balloon envelope relative to the fixed housing in an open position, and wherein the impeller housing defines an unobstructed airflow passageway between an internal chamber in a balloon envelope and the atmosphere in the open position.
US11173995B1 Systems and methods for preventing aeration in power steering systems for marine propulsion devices
A steering system for a trimmable outboard motor. The steering system includes a hydraulic steering device that upon actuation changes a steering angle of the outboard motor. A pump communicates a hydraulic fluid with the hydraulic actuator to cause actuation thereof, where the pump operates at a pump speed, and where the pump speed impacts a change rate for the hydraulic steering device changing the steering angle. A reservoir is fluidly coupled to the pump and configured to retain the hydraulic fluid. A tilt sensor detects a trim angle of the outboard motor. A control system is operatively coupled with the pump and receives requests for changing the steering angle. The control system controls the pump speed of the pump based at least in part on the trim angle of the outboard motor.
US11173994B2 Ergonomic canoe and kayak paddle
A watercraft paddle has a composite structure of shaft components joined by adjustable joints enabling the shape of the composite structure and orientation of individual shaft components relative to other shaft components to be altered, a first paddle blade joined at a first outboard end of the composite structure, a second paddle blade joined at a second outboard end of the composite structure, opposite the first outboard end, and a first and a second grip region on the composite structure equally spaced to each side from center for a user to grip the composite structure to paddle the watercraft.
US11173991B1 Stabilizer with at least one shock absorber
A movable structure comprises a spar having a central portion, a first end portion, and a second end portion. A first tow line may connect between the first end portion of the spar and a first resistance device. A second tow line may connect between the second end portion of the spar and a second resistance device. A first shock absorber may connect between the spar and a first side of a movable structure. A second shock absorber may connect between the spar and a second side of a movable structure.
US11173989B2 Floating support structure comprising a floater and a damping plate with a row of apertures
The present invention is a floating support structure (1) provided with a main floater (2) and a heave plate (3). The heave plate (3) comprises a single row of orifices (4), substantially parallel to the periphery of the heave plate.
US11173985B2 Bracket for mounting a thruster to a boat
A bracket for mounting a thruster to a boat includes horizontal and vertical members disposed at right angles to each other. The horizontal member includes an enclosure which contains a lamp. A thruster is mounted to the horizontal member, and the vertical member is affixed to the transom of a boat. The thruster is therefore held in spaced-apart relation to the boat, optimizing the flow of water through the thruster, and minimizing the amount of space required, on the transom, for installation of components. The horizontal member, and one of the connectors holding the vertical member to the boat, are hollow, allowing wires to extend into the horizontal member, to provide power to the thruster and the lamp.
US11173984B2 Clamped chainring assembly for electric bicycle
An electric bicycle includes a frame assembly, wheels supporting the frame assembly, a motor assembly coupled to the frame assembly and having a motor output shaft, and a chainring assembly including a mounting portion clamped onto the motor output shaft.
US11173983B2 Vehicle suspension linkage
Disclosed herein is a two-wheel vehicle suspension linkage. The suspension linkage includes a suspended body-1, a seatstay body-2, a link body-3, a chainstay body-4, a link body-5, and a link body-6 operatively coupled with one another. The link body-3 includes jointed connections with the suspended body-1 defining an IVC[1][3], the chainstay body-4 defining an IVC[3][4], and the link body-6 defining an IVC[3][6]. The chainstay body-4 includes an additional jointed connection with the seatstay body-2 defining an IVC[2][4]. The link body-5 includes additional jointed connections with suspended body-1 defining an IVC[1][5], seatstay body-2 defining an IVC[2][5], and the link body-6 defining an IVC[5][6]. A lower base line is defined by IVC[1][3] and IVC[3][4]. An upper base line is defined by IVC[1][5] and IVC[2][5]. The IVC[5][6] is located outside the upper and lower base lines. The suspension linkage includes a damper unit configured to resist movement between two or more of the suspended body-1, seatstay body-2, link body-3, chainstay body-4, link body-5, or link body-6.
US11173981B2 Motorcycle with sensorized storage container
A motorcycle (1) including: —a supporting structure; —at least two wheels (2, 3) constrained to the supporting structure; —a traction engine (4) constrained to the supporting structure and a transmission system (5) adapted to transmit the motion from the traction engine (4) to at least one (3) of the two wheels (2, 3); —a storage container (10) fixed to the supporting structure having an internal compartment (11) and a closing device (12) movable with respect to the supporting structure between a closing position and an opening position in order to prevent the access to the internal compartment (11) in the closing position and to allow the access to the internal compartment (11) in the opening position; —an ignition key (60). The motorcycle (1) includes an electronic device (61) adapted to detect the presence or absence of the ignition key (60) inside the storage container (10).
US11173977B1 Bicycle riding taillight with brake laser warning
Disclosed is a bicycle riding taillight with brake laser warning, which includes: a light housing comprising a housing body and a bottom cover sealing the housing body; a circuit board disposed inside the light housing; a light source device, disposed on an inner side of the bottom cover and electrically connected to the circuit board, and configured to provide lights of different modes; a power source disposed on one side of the circuit board, and configured to provide power for the light source device; a photosensitive sensor disposed at one end of the light housing and connected to the circuit board, and configured to sense ambient light; and a vibration sensor disposed inside the light housing and located at one end of the circuit board, and configured to sense a riding condition of a bicycle.
US11173976B2 Absolute acceleration sensor for use within moving vehicles
A communication system for a vehicle comprises a mechanism for sensing a change in speed of the vehicle and a control device for sending a signal to a headlight activation circuit to modulate the vehicle's headlights based upon the change in speed. In particular, a headlight of the vehicle is able to be modulated as the vehicle reduces speed and/or is decelerating as it approaches an intersection. Additionally, the headlight of the vehicle is able to be modulated as the vehicle accelerates from a stopped position or reaches a certain traveling speed. The headlight activation circuit is able to modulate the headlight between an on position and an off position or modulate the headlight between a high beam position and a low beam position. Consequently, the vehicle is better seen as it approaches likely congestion areas such as intersections and slowing or stopped traffic and attempts to enter traffic.
US11173975B1 Bicycle seat assembly with improved comfort and support
A bicycle seat assembly includes a seat pan that is configured to be attached to a frame of a bicycle. The seat pan includes a pair of cutouts that are spaced apart from one another. When the bicycle seat assembly is in an unstressed condition no structures are positioned within the cutouts. The bicycle seat assembly can further include a resilient layer that is positioned adjacent to the seat pan. The resilient layer extends over the cutouts when the bicycle seat assembly is in the unstressed condition. The bicycle seat assembly can also include an air cell pad that is positioned over the seat pan. The air cell pad includes a base and a plurality of upstanding air cells that are coupled to the base, each of the plurality of air cells being configured to retain air.
US11173972B2 Crawler bar of a crawler track
A crawler bar of a crawler track of a crawler vehicle is provided, including a linear bar base body and a cutting element. The cutting element contains a plurality of cutting element portions, each including a cutter-connecting member and a cutter. When installed, the crawler bar engages on a driving surface of the vehicle. The cutter-connecting member protrudes from and extends on the bar base body in a longitudinal extension of the bar base body. A main face of a first cutter-connecting member of a first cutting element portion lies in a plane (H1), a main face of a further cutter-connecting member of a further cutting element portion lies in a plane (H2), and the two planes (H1) and (H2) have a single intersection line (S)with each other.
US11173965B2 Rear vehicle-body structure of vehicle
A rear vehicle-body structure comprises a rear-floor front part on which a rear seat is placed and which is inclined such that a front side thereof is located at a higher level than a rear side thereof, a right-and-left reinforcing extension having a rear end that is positioned on both sides, in a vehicle width direction, of the rear-floor front part. The right-and-left reinforcing extension extends forwardly and inwardly, in the vehicle width direction, from the rear end. The rear vehicle-body structure further includes a right-and-left second reinforcing extension provided on an outward side in the vehicle width direction of the right-and-left first reinforcing extension, and is configured to extend forwardly and outwardly in the vehicle width direction from a vicinity of the rear end of the right-and-left first reinforcing extension.
US11173959B2 Method for assembling vehicles of a family of vehicles and corresponding vehicles
A side-by-side off-road vehicle has a cockpit, a storage compartment disposed rearward of the cockpit, a motor compartment disposed rearward of the storage compartment, a frame, four ground engaging members, a motor, and a pivotable cargo bed. In a lowered position, the cargo bed extends over at least a portion of the motor and storage compartments. At least one first partition defines at least in part a front of at least a portion of the storage compartment. At least one second partition defines at least in part a rear of at least a portion of the storage compartment. A floor defines at least in part a bottom of the storage compartment. The storage compartment has left and right access apertures defined in left and right sides of the vehicle. A method of assembling a vehicle of a family of vehicles is also contemplated.
US11173958B2 Crash box
A crash box is configured to absorb an impact caused by a collision of a vehicle. The crash box includes a front end surface configured to receive the impact, a rear end surface configured to be attached to the vehicle; and a first wall surface and a second wall surface both extending from the rear end surface to the front end surface. The first wall surface and the second wall surface face each other. A length of the second wall surface from the front end surface to the rear end surface is longer than a length of the first wall surface from the front end surface to the rear end surface.
US11173955B2 Wheel support apparatus
A wheel knuckle for supporting a wheel of a vehicle includes an upper member for connection to a vehicle suspension system, and a hub for supporting a bearing assembly. A displacement control member is provided for promoting displacement of the upper member towards a front of the vehicle in the event of a frontal collision. The displacement control member comprises a distal end for positioning proximal to a rim of the wheel. The distal end of the control member is disposed at a vertical height which is lower than a rotational axis of the wheel.
US11173953B2 System and method for calibrating a steering wheel neutral position
System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to calibrating a steering wheel in a steering system of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the disclosed calibration system detects an object in front of the vehicle based on first data generated by one or more front sensors of the vehicle, detects the object to the rear of the vehicle based on second data generated by one or more rear sensors of the vehicle, determines a trajectory of the object based on the first data and output data from a steering wheel sensor, determines an estimate position of the object based on the trajectory, determines that the second data indicates a difference exists between the estimate position of the object and an actual position of the object, and determines a correction offset adjustment to apply to the output data from the steering wheel sensor based on the difference.
US11173952B2 Electric power steering device
With an object of allowing steering wheel operation to be carried out easily at a normal time and when an abnormality occurs, the invention includes a motor having two windings and a control unit having two control systems that supply control signals to each winding of the motor, and when an abnormality occurs in one winding of the motor or in one system inside the control unit, a supply of current to the winding in which the abnormality has occurred is cut to zero, and the motor is driven by a predetermined current necessary at a normal time being supplied to the other winding, while at a time of a normal drive when no abnormality has occurred, the current supply is shared between the two windings, whereby the motor is driven.
US11173951B2 Electric power steering device and control method therefor
Provided is an electric power steering device including a phase compensation unit having a desirable phase compensation characteristic for each vehicle speed region, which suppresses deterioration in stability of a steering system in a case where the phase compensation characteristic is changed to a different phase compensation characteristic, in which the phase compensation unit includes: a plurality of phase compensation calculation units configured to execute phase compensation calculation based on each phase compensation characteristic; a phase compensation characteristic determination unit configured to determine a phase compensation characteristic based on a vehicle speed signal output from a vehicle speed sensor; and a selection unit configured to select a phase-compensated torque signal output by the phase compensation unit from phase compensation calculation results output by the plurality of phase compensation calculation units in consideration of an amount of change in phase compensation calculation result at a time of switching the phase compensation characteristic.
US11173949B2 Apparatus for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels
An apparatus for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes a steering member connected to at least one steerable vehicle wheel. The steering member moves axially to effect turning movement of the at least one steerable vehicle wheel. The steering member has an externally threaded portion. A ball nut assembly is connected with the externally threaded portion of the steering member. The ball nut assembly is rotatable relative to the steering member to axially move the steering member. A first gear member is rotatable in response to rotation of a steering wheel. A second gear member disposed in meshing engagement with the first gear member rotates in response to rotation of the first gear member. The ball nut assembly rotates relative to the steering member in response to rotation of the second gear member.
US11173948B2 Vehicle steering apparatus
Disclosed herein is a vehicle steering apparatus that includes a main rack housing configured to surround a rack bar, a reduction-unit-side rack housing extending to one side of the main rack housing and connected to a reduction unit for reducing motor power, and an input-unit-side rack housing extending to the other side of the main rack housing and connected to a steering input unit having a pinion gear installed thereto, wherein the reduction-unit-side rack housing is formed with a first resonance reduction rib for reducing resonance.
US11173944B2 Motor-adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle
A motor-adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle includes an outer casing which is held by a support unit that is attachable to a vehicle body and in which an actuator unit is received so as to be telescopically adjustable in the longitudinal direction. A steering spindle is coaxially mounted in a casing tube in the actuator unit so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis. An adjustment drive is disposed between the outer casing and the actuator unit and has a threaded spindle which is at least in part disposed within the actuator unit and is drivable in a rotating manner by an electric servomotor engaged in a spindle nut. In order for a compact adjustment drive which is accommodated in a protected manner to be provided, the threaded spindle is disposed at a spacing from the longitudinal axis.
US11173941B2 Wheeled device for snowmobile ski
A device for attaching to a ski of a snowmobile includes first and second spaced apart legs includes a ski engaging portion that is configured to engage a bottom surface of the ski. At least one wheel is attached to the first and second legs. A cross bar connects the first and second legs proximate first ends thereof. A lever arm extending from the cross bar and is angularly positionable relative to the first and second spaced apart legs. A retaining member is attached to a distal end of the lever arm and has a surface configured to engage a tip end or a ski handle of the ski.
US11173940B2 Child stroller apparatus and child seat suitable for use on the same
A child seat detachably installable on a child stroller apparatus includes a seat frame including a first and a second frame portion rotatable relative to each other for unfolding and collapsing the child seat, a side coupling part fixedly connected with the first frame portion and pivotally connected with the second frame portion, a tray connected pivotally with the side coupling part, a tray latch assembled with the side coupling part and operable to engage with the tray for locking the tray in a deployed position for use, and a linking member operatively connected with the tray latch and the second frame portion. A rotation of the second frame portion for collapsing the child seat causes the linking member to move for urging the tray latch to disengage from the tray.
US11173938B1 Shopping cart extender
An expandable rectangular platform, comprises a central panel to which two side panels are pivotally attached on either side by at least one pair of panel hinges. The platform can be expanded, with the side panels extended, so as to extend over the sides of the cart basket, in which extended configuration it can serve a load-bearing function. When the platform is not in use, the side panels are pivoted under the central panel, and their lengthwise sides are secured together by one or more panel connectors.
US11173937B2 Seat cushion
Introduced here is a lightweight, foldable seat cushion which can be placed in the shopping cart seat to support a child's legs, and prevent the hard surfaces of the shopping card, such as bars, from causing discomfort to the child and causing the child to try to get out of the cart. The seat cushion can attach to the cart using an attachment mechanism such as magnets and/or clasping protrusions, thus preventing the movement of the seat within the cart. The seat cushion can fold for easy storage in a diaper bag. The lightweight, and the compact size of the seat cushion makes the carrying of the seat cushion convenient and effortless.
US11173936B1 Collapsible frame for a cart
A collapsible cart frame includes four vertical bars defining four corners of the cart frame, four scissor linkages extending between different pairs of the vertical bars to define four sides of the cart frame and four wheels mounted at the bottom ends of the vertical bars. The scissor linkages are configured to expand and collapse independently from one another. Each of the lower scissor ends are attached to a pair of vertical bars at a fixed height and each of the upper scissor ends are slidably attached to the pair vertical bars. Height defining elements selectively define heights of at least one of the upper scissor ends of each of the scissor linkages.
US11173935B2 Layer board and cart including the layer board
A layer board is provided for being disposed on a cart, the cart includes a plurality of columns and a plurality of roller assemblies, the layer board has at least one assembly unit, and the assembly unit is a shared structure which can be engaged with one said column or one said roller assembly. The cart having the layer board is further provided.
US11173930B2 Rail transport system
A rail transport system includes a rail (10) provided with a first concave portion built thereon, and a rail vehicle comprising a bogie (21) and a vehicle body (22). The bogie (21) has a second concave portion (110) for straddling the rail (10), the bogie (21) movably straddles the rail (10), and the vehicle body (22) is connected to the bogie (21) and is pulled by the bogie (21) to run along the rail (10). The rail transport system according to embodiments of the present disclosure has the advantages of simple structure, low cost, small occupied space, and high stability.
US11173927B2 Method, apparatus, computer device and storage medium for autonomous driving determination
A method, an apparatus, a computer device and a storage medium for autonomous driving determination are proposed. The method includes: obtaining information about a driving scenario of an autonomous vehicle when a preset trigger condition is met; comparing the information about the driving scenario with an autonomous driving capability of the autonomous vehicle; determining, according to a comparison result, whether the autonomous vehicle is adapted to employ an autonomous driving mode in the driving scenario. The technical solution of the present disclosure may be applied to improve the safety of the vehicle and the user.
US11173919B2 Control device, system and method for determining a comfort level of a driver
A control device for a vehicle for determining a comfort level of a driver, the control device being configured to: receive sensor output of a physiological sensor and a behavioral sensor, the physiological sensor measuring at least one physiological feature of the driver and the behavioral sensor measuring at least one behavioral feature of the driver, receive driving context information from a driving context detection unit, create a reference data set by recording the sensor output and the driving context information over a predetermined reference time period, determine a reference index for the comfort level of the driver based on the reference data set, and determine a comfort level index value of the driver, the index value being determined as a function of a current sensor output, current driving context information and the reference index. Further relates to a system and a method.
US11173918B1 Autonomous vehicle control assessment and selection
Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having one or more autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, a computer-implemented method for operating an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be provided. With a vehicle owner's permission, a vehicle operator identity may be determined; and operating data regarding the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be received from one or more vehicle-mounted sensors. Based upon the received operating data, (i) autonomous operation risk levels associated with autonomous vehicle operation; and (ii) operator risk levels associated with autonomous vehicle operation by the vehicle operator may be determined. Based upon a comparison of the autonomous operation versus vehicle operator risk levels, the autonomous features may be engaged if it is safer for the vehicle to travel autonomously. Insurance discounts may be provided to risk averse vehicle owners having this safety functionality.
US11173916B2 Vehicle control apparatus
A control apparatus for a vehicle, which is provided with an engine and drive wheels, is configured, during an inertia running or stop of the vehicle, to execute a control for stopping the engine and/or disconnecting the engine from the drive wheels in each area, depending on whether a condition is satisfied or not. The condition is set based on an information transferred from other vehicle in which the control is executable during an inertia running or stop of the other vehicle. The information includes (a) a location information indicative of the each area and (b) an acceleration representative value representing a required acceleration of the other vehicle required by an operator of the other vehicle in the each area. The acceleration representative value is associated with the location information indicative of the each area.
US11173915B2 Hybrid vehicle drive apparatus
A drive apparatus of a hybrid vehicle including a first and second rotors arranged movably in axial direction so as to separate from or approach each other, and a microprocessor. The microprocessor is configured to perform selecting a drive mode from among drive modes including a first mode in which the engine drives a planetary gear mechanism, a second mode in which the engine is stopped, and a third mode in which the engine is driven through the planetary gear mechanism, and controlling a first motor-generator and a clutch mechanism so that the first motor-generator generates regenerative energy when the drive mode is switched from the first mode to the second mode, and then so that the clutch mechanism is engaged and the first motor-generator generates drive torque when the drive mode is switched to the third mode.
US11173914B2 Vehicle control apparatus and method
Vehicle control apparatus and method are disclosed. A method for controlling a vehicle control apparatus includes: measuring a vehicle speed to measure a first vehicle speed and a second vehicle speed of a vehicle, calculating an error rate to calculate an error rate of a vehicle speed using the first vehicle speed and the second vehicle speed measured in the measuring of the vehicle speed, and correcting a vehicle speed to correct a speed of the vehicle by calculating a third vehicle speed of the vehicle based on the error rate calculated in the calculating of the error rate.
US11173913B2 Predictive engine control methodology for managing wheel slip in through-the-road hybrid vehicles
Techniques for managing wheel slip in a through-the-road hybrid vehicle comprise detecting a front wheel slip event based on measured rotational speeds of front wheels, determining a likelihood of a subsequent rear wheel slip event, when the front wheel slip event has ended and the likelihood of the subsequent rear wheel slip event satisfies a calibratable threshold, adjusting a front/rear axle torque split and pre-loading at least one of an engine and a belt-driven starter generator (BSG) unit coupled to a crankshaft of the engine to compensate for a torque drop that is predicted to occur during the rear wheel slip event, and re-adjusting the front/rear axle torque split and pre-unloading at least one of the engine and the BSG unit such that a drop in torque output at a front axle aligns with an end of the rear wheel slip event.
US11173912B2 Apparatus and method for providing safety strategy in vehicle
An apparatus for providing a safety strategy in a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a sensor configured to sense information about an external object and a control circuit configured to be electrically connected with the sensor. The control circuit is configured to initiate a minimum risk strategy (MRM), when a predetermined condition is met, to determine a lateral location of the vehicle based on information obtained by the sensor and a location of a driving lane of the vehicle on a road, and to move the vehicle to the determined lateral location while executing the MRM.
US11173911B2 Vehicle control device
A vehicle control device according to an example in the present disclosure detects a monitoring target vehicle that may potentially cut into an own-lane from an adjacent lane. Further, the vehicle control device first executes an evasive preparation when sensing a predetermined relative motion of the monitoring target vehicle relative to the flow of the adjacent lane. The vehicle control device executes an evasive action to avoid interference between the monitoring target vehicle and the own-vehicle.
US11173910B2 Lane change controller for vehicle system including the same, and method thereof
A lane change controller, a system including the same, and a method thereof are provided. The lane change controller includes a processor configured to determine whether it is possible for a vehicle to perform a lane change depending on a road condition, based on information about surrounding circumstances, a storage storing the result of determining whether it is possible to perform the lane change, the result being determined by the processor, and a display device configured to display the result of determining whether it is possible to perform the lane change.
US11173909B2 Vehicle control apparatus
When having determined that an operation of a brake operator is initiated at a first timing and the operation amount continues to increase until a second specific timing arrives to become constant at a second timing, vehicle control means which a vehicle control apparatus comprises executes braking force control in such a manner that a time-differential value of controlled braking force during a first period from the second timing to a first terminal timing matches with a time-differential value of controlled braking force at the second specific timing as well as executes driving force control in such a manner that a time-differential value of the controlled driving force during the first period becomes a value less than or equal to a sum of a time-differential value of the controlled driving force at the second specific timing and a time-differential value of operation braking force at the second specific timing.
US11173908B2 Method to control a road vehicle provided with a dual-clutch, servo-assisted transmission and standing still with the internal combustion engine turned on
A method to control a road vehicle provided with a dual-clutch, servo-assisted transmission and standing still with the internal combustion engine turned on; the control method generally includes, when the road vehicle is standing still with the internal combustion engine turned on, the steps of: engaging a forward gear associated with a first clutch; engaging a reverse gear associated with a second clutch, which is different from and independent of the first clutch; closing the first clutch so as to cause the first clutch to transmit a first torque; and closing the second clutch so as to cause the second clutch to transmit a second torque, which is equal to the first torque multiplied by the quotient between a gear ratio of the reverse gear and a gear ratio of the forward gear.
US11173907B2 Hybrid vehicle control device, system having the same and method thereof
The present disclosure relates to a hybrid vehicle control device, a system including the same, and a method thereof. The hybrid vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a processor and storage. The processor sets a target engine speed and determines presence or absence of a kick down shift based on the vehicle driving situation, and performs engine clutch engagement control according to a result of the kick down shift. The storage stores the vehicle driving situation and a result of the determination of the presence or absence of the kick down shift.
US11173905B2 Driving assistance apparatus
A driving assistance apparatus performs a stop control of stopping a host vehicle so that a following distance between the host vehicle and a stopped vehicle, which is ahead in a course of the host vehicle, approaches a target following distance. The driving assistance apparatus is provided with: a setting device configured to set the target following distance smaller, if an operation speed is less than a predetermined speed, in comparison with that if the operation speed is greater than the predetermined speed when one of an acceleration off operation and a brake off operation is performed, or when one of an accelerator opening degree corresponding to an operation amount of an accelerator pedal and a brake opening degree corresponding to an operation amount of a brake pedal is less than or equal to a predetermined opening degree, while the stopped vehicle is recognized.
US11173903B2 Method and apparatus for controlling vehicle driving
A method and an apparatus for controlling vehicle driving are provided. The method includes: determining, by a computing device according to a speed of a preceding vehicle, a distance between a present vehicle and the preceding vehicle, and a preset expected collision time, a speed limit imposed by the preceding vehicle on the present vehicle; and determining a road-condition-related speed limit on the present vehicle according to road attribute information of a current location of the present vehicle. The method also includes determining, by the computing device, a comprehensive speed limit on the present vehicle according to the speed limit imposed by the preceding vehicle on the present vehicle and the road-condition-related speed limit; and generating, by the computing device, a driving control signal for the present vehicle based on the comprehensive speed limit.
US11173896B2 Parking assistance device
Provided is a parking assistance device capable of reducing inconvenience felt by a driver experienced in automatic parking control during parking at a target vehicle speed corrected to a lower speed at a start of use of automatic parking control, for example. The parking assistance device controls a vehicle speed of the vehicle during parking to assist parking of the vehicle. The parking assistance device increases the vehicle speed of the vehicle during parking in accordance with a behavior during parking or from previous parking of the vehicle.
US11173895B2 Parking support apparatus
A parking support apparatus configured to perform a parking control for automatically parking a vehicle in a target parking position. The parking support control is provided with: a detector configured to obtain a signal of a vehicle external sensor that can detect at least one of a movement and a voice/sound of a user who is outside the vehicle and to determine whether or not the at least one of the movement and the voice/sound of the user matches a parking instruction action set in advance, thereby detecting a particular parking instruction action of the user; and a starter configured to start the parking control if the parking instruction action is detected.
US11173893B2 Method and system for detecting and compensating for mechanical fault in autonomous ground vehicle
This disclosure relates to method and system for detecting and compensating for mechanical fault in autonomous ground vehicle (AGV). For each of a set of trajectory plan segments along a base path during real-time navigation of the AGV, the method may include receiving a plurality of vehicle displacement parameters along a given trajectory plan segment. and determining an optimal velocity twist of the AGV in the given trajectory plan segment using an artificial intelligence (AI) model, based on the plurality of vehicle displacement parameters and a weight of the AGV. The method may further include determining the mechanical fault in the AGV based on a comparison of an actual velocity twist of the AGV in the given trajectory plan segment and the optimal velocity twist of the AGV in the given trajectory plan segment for each of the set of trajectory plan segments.
US11173888B2 Parking brake actuation system for a vehicle
A parking brake actuation system mounted to a tail shaft of a vehicle's transmission is operably connected to a brake assembly of the vehicle having brake pads housed within a brake drum. The parking brake actuation system includes a mounting bracket coupled to the tail shaft of the vehicle's transmission, an actuator coupled to the mounting bracket, and a bell crank coupled to the tail shaft of the vehicle's transmission and the actuator, and also connected to an engagement cam by a linkage assembly. Actuation of the actuator to a retracted position permits rotational movement of the bell crank to transfer through the linkage assembly to engage the pair of brake pads with the brake drum. Actuation of the actuator to an extended position permits rotational movement of the bell crank to transfer through the linkage assembly to disengage the pair of brake pads from the brake drum.
US11173884B2 Vehicle behavior control device
The vehicle behavior control device comprises a brake control system (18) capable of applying different braking forces, respectively, to right and left road wheels of a vehicle (1). The vehicle behavior control device further comprises: a steering angle sensor (8); a vehicle speed sensor (10); a yaw rate sensor (12); and a yaw moment setting part (22) in PCM (14) configured to decide a target yaw rate of the vehicle based on a steering angle and a vehicle speed, and set, based on a change rate of a difference between an actual yaw rate and the target yaw rate, a yaw moment oriented in a direction opposite to that of the actual yaw rate of the vehicle, as a target yaw moment, whereby the brake control system can regulate the braking forces of the road wheels so as to apply the target yaw moment to the vehicle.
US11173882B2 Hydrodynamic retarder system
A hydrodynamic retarder system for a vehicle is provided. In a first operational state with the vehicle powered on and a retarder deactivated, a pump directs fluid flow from a fluid sump to a retarder inlet valve in the closed position and directs fluid flow to a second sump. In a second operational state with the vehicle on and the retarder activated, the retarder inlet valve moves to the open position directing fluid flow into a retarder chamber and flowing out of the retarder chamber after filling a second volume and discharging to the second sump.
US11173881B2 Disc brake device
A disc brake device has brake linings attached to brake levers that open and close in the lateral direction and sandwich a brake disc. A linking mechanism including a coupling device including lever mechanisms and a spindle opens and closes in conjunction with the lifting and lowering operation of a rod of a thruster, and the spindle is rotated in one direction by a one-way clutch in accordance with the relative displacement between the lever mechanisms and the coupling device to shorten an overall length of the coupling device, the rotation of the spindle is transmitted to an adjustment bolt screwed to a stopper on the lower end sides of the left and right brake levers via a flexible shaft, and the adjustment bolt protrudes downward with respect to the stopper.
US11173880B2 Method for operating a vehicle washing system, and vehicle washing system
A vehicle washing system and a method for operating such a vehicle washing system in which a vehicle is scanned in a longitudinal direction by a sensor device. Measurement data are captured so that position data for the positions of vehicle wheels are determined based on an evaluation of the measurement data. The determined position data of the positions of the wheels are subjected to a confidence check, so that a confidence measure is determined. If the determined confidence measure is greater than or equal to a confidence threshold value, a treatment of the wheels is carried out in a first mode at the positions associated with the position data, and, if the determined confidence measure is smaller than the confidence threshold value, a treatment of the wheels is not carried out, or is carried out in a second mode at the positions associated with the position data.
US11173873B2 Method, system, and computer program product for detection of securely fastened seat belts
An electronic tag programmed with an identification in a seat belt assembly is identified by reading the programmed identification via an electronic device embedded in a seat. In response to identifying the electronic tag, a determination is made that an occupant has not fastened a seat belt of the seat belt assembly to secure the occupant in the seat.
US11173872B2 Vehicle occupant restraint device
A vehicle occupant restraint device includes a three point seatbelt device that includes shoulder webbing running from one seat width direction end side of an upper section a seatback toward a buckle at another seat width direction end side of a lower section of the seatback, a shoulder webbing anchor that is provided on the one seat width direction end side of the upper section of the seatback, and through which the shoulder webbing is inserted, and a mover device that moves the shoulder webbing anchor toward a seat width direction outer side of the seatback when the seatback, which is configured so as to be capable of reclining from an upright state, has been reclined by at least a predetermined angle or greater with respect to a vertical direction.
US11173866B2 Airbag having knee chamber and upper chamber
An airbag assembly includes an airbag having a knee chamber and an upper chamber. A wall fluidly isolates the knee chamber and the upper chamber. A sleeve extends from the knee chamber through the wall to the upper chamber and fluidly communicates the knee chamber and the upper chamber. A one-way vent is in the sleeve. The one-way vent allows for the knee chamber and the upper chamber to be maintained at different relative pressures.
US11173863B1 Restraint system
A restraint system includes a first plate, a second plate rotatably coupled to the first plate and rotatable away from the first plate from an undeployed position to a deployed position, a panel connected to the first plate and to the second plate, and a pyrotechnic activator coupled to the second plate. The panel is flexible relative to the first plate and the second plate. The first plate, the second plate, and the panel form a chamber having an interior volume. The pyrotechnic activator is arranged to, when discharged, rotate the second plate from the undeployed position toward the deployed position. One of the first plate or the second plate includes a vent hole in communication with the interior volume of the chamber.
US11173852B2 Method of manufacturing decorative trim
The subject invention includes a fixed window assembly for a vehicle comprising a fixed glass, a trim portion having a polymeric base and a decorative member bonded to the polymeric base. An encapsulation is coupled to the fixed glass and the polymeric base to mount the trim portion in a spaced and adjacent position relative to the fixed glass. A method of manufacturing is also provided using first and second molding apparatuses. Polymeric material is injected into a first mold cavity of the first molding apparatus to form the polymeric base bonded to the decorative member. Polymeric material is injected into a second mold cavity of the second molding apparatus to form the encapsulation coupled to the fixed glass and simultaneously coupled to the polymeric base to mount the trim portion in an adjacent position to the fixed glass.
US11173850B2 Vehicle forward sensor module housing and cover
A vehicle with sensor enabled features includes a vehicle frame, a windshield movable between a lowered position and a raised position where the windshield is coupled to the vehicle frame, and a forward sensor assembly coupled to the vehicle frame and including a sensor module disposed within a protective housing assembly. The protective housing assembly defines an open end and includes a front cover configured to removably couple to the protective housing assembly to selectively cover the open end. When the windshield is in the raised position, the windshield covers the open end to facilitate protecting the sensor module. When the windshield is in the lowered position, the front cover is configured to cover the open end to facilitate protecting the sensor module.
US11173848B2 Rear door shelf with one touch opening
A rear door shelf assembly having a mounting base portion and a shelf rotatably connected to the mounting base portion for moving between an open position and a closed position. A spring-loaded prop rod is rotatably connected to the assembly. Storage features are connectable to the prop rod to provide multi-functionality of the assembly as a utility table and a storage unit. A one-touch latching mechanism holds the shelf in the closed position.
US11173843B2 Powerfold actuator for exterior mirror
An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror head pivotally mounted at a mounting base configured for attachment at a side of a vehicle. The mirror head includes a mirror casing and a reflective element adjustably disposed at the mirror casing. A powerfold actuator is operable to pivot the mirror head relative to the mounting base between at least a folded position and a drive position. The powerfold actuator includes a primary detent that is engaged to retain the mirror head at the folded or drive position when the mirror head is pivoted via the actuator to the folded or drive position. The powerfold actuator includes a secondary detent. When the powerfold actuator pivots the mirror head between the folded and drive positions, the secondary detent is disengaged. When the mirror head is manually pivoted, the primary detent is disengaged and the secondary detent is engaged.
US11173841B2 Multicamera system for autonamous driving vehicles
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a camera system and a sensing method using such a camera system. The camera system includes a plurality of distributed cameras, collectively keeping a predetermined image space relative to the camera system in focus. The plurality of cameras are configured to capture image data of at least one object located in the predetermined image space. The camera system further includes a controller configured to determine position information of the at least one object relative to the camera system based on the image data.
US11173836B2 Method for detecting a driver's hands on a steering wheel of a vehicle
The invention relates to a method for detecting a driver's hands on a steering wheel of a vehicle. In one step, a steering system is excited to vibrate. The oscillations of the steering system are determined in a steering wheel remote area. The oscillations of a steering wheel near area of the steering system of the vehicle are determined. In a further step, the determined oscillations of the steering wheel near area are compared with stored characteristic oscillations of the steering wheel near area, which occur during the same excitation in a state in which the steering wheel is not touched.
US11173834B2 Vehicle interior lighting device
A vehicle interior lighting device includes a light-emitting portion, a case that includes a side wall surrounding the light-emitting portion and houses the light-emitting portion, and a plate-shaped lens fixed to the case so as to cover an opening of the case and an open end of the side wall defining the opening. Light emitted from the light-emitting portion can be extracted from the entire region of a light extraction surface of the lens including an edge without being reflected.
US11173832B2 Vehicular illumination system, vehicular system, vehicle, and data communication system
An illumination system includes an illumination control unit which is configured to change the illumination state of each of a left-side illumination unit (40L), a left-side auxiliary illumination unit (42L), a right-side illumination unit (40R), and a right-side auxiliary illumination unit (42R). The illumination control unit is configured to change the illumination state of the left-side illumination unit (40L) when a vehicle (1) has detected a pedestrian (P). The illumination control unit is configured to change the illumination state of the left-side auxiliary illumination unit (42L) according to the speed of the vehicle (1). The illumination control unit is configured to change the illumination state of each of light emission segments (43L) of the left-side illumination unit (40L) and each of light emission segments (44L) of the left-side auxiliary illumination unit (42L).
US11173830B2 Decorative cover for motor vehicle wheels having active lighting
A decorative cover for motor vehicle wheels, which is detachably arranged in the space between spokes of a motor vehicle rim, wherein the decorative cover has active lighting, the electrical energy of which can be generated by an energy module fastened to the rear of the decorative cover, wherein the energy generation thereof works independently of the fixed components of the motor vehicle.
US11173829B1 Vehicle lighting with redundant control
A lighting system of a vehicle may include light units and controllers for operating the light units. Each light unit is multifunctional in that the light unit may operate in various modes, which may be invoked at different times under varying circumstances. A light unit on the first end of a vehicle may operate as a headlight if the first end is the front end of the vehicle. On the other hand, the light unit may operate as a tail light if the first end is the rear end of the vehicle. Furthermore, the light unit may operate as a turn signal in either direction or brake light while the first end is the rear end of the vehicle. The light unit includes a lens array positioned to receive light from various light sources. The lighting system may operate in a fashion that allows for lighting redundancy on each end of the vehicle in the event of a lighting controller failure.
US11173828B2 Stake pocket accessories having a locking mechanism
An accessory configured to be secured within a stake pocket formed in a sidewall of a bed of a vehicle. The stake pocket includes an opening formed in an upper wall of the sidewall configured for receipt of the accessory, a first aperture that is not accessible from the bed, and a second aperture that is accessible from the bed. The accessory includes a locking mechanism that is configured to secure the accessory to either the first aperture or the second aperture.
US11173825B2 Carriage roller for refuse vehicle
A refuse vehicle includes a chassis, a plurality of tractive elements coupled to the chassis, and a lift assembly including a carriage, a grabber arm selectively repositionable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, a track configured to be coupled to a chassis of the refuse vehicle, and a roller assembly slidably coupling the carriage to the track. In the engaged position, the grabber arm is configured to couple a refuse container to the carriage. The track defines a track groove extending at least partway along a length of the track. The roller assembly includes a base coupled to the carriage, a shaft coupled to the base and extending outward from the base, a roller extending at least partially into the track groove, the roller defining first a central aperture that receives the shaft, and a bushing that rotatably couples the roller to the shaft.
US11173823B2 Utility, farm, and garden dump wagon unloading facilitator
The unloading facilitator of the present invention includes a shaped unloading facilitator and grab-strap. The unloading facilitator is designed to fit into utility, farm and garden dump wagons and is shaped to conform to the body of the utility, farm and garden dump wagons and to overlap the top edge of the dump wagons. The overlap design stabilizes the unloading facilitator while material is loaded into the dump wagons. The unloading facilitator is used for removing all the material from the dump wagons when the dump wagons are in the dumping position. When material-loaded dump wagons are placed in the dumping position, most of the material remains in the dump wagons because the material stops sliding out as soon as the material contacts the ground. Presently all material would have be removed manually with a shovel, rake or garden hoe.
US11173816B2 Air conditioner device for a seat
The present teachings relate to an air conditioner device with at least one ventilation device, which has at least one fluid transport device and at least two fluid exchange devices, wherein the fluid transport device has at least two attachment openings, of which one is a fluid inlet and one additional a fluid outlet. Provision is made that in at least one operational state at least a first fluid exchange device is attached to a fluid inlet of a fluid transporting device and a second fluid exchange device is attached to a fluid outlet of a fluid transporting device.
US11173809B2 Electric seat slide device
In an electric seat slide device of the present invention, a rear-side bracket 27 includes a first support member 41 fixed to a lower rail 2, a second support member 42 fixed to the lower rail 2 together with the first support member 41, a female screw member 43 as a first nut member through which a screw shaft 4 passes, and a second nut member 44 through which the screw shaft 4 passes. A pair of side wall portions 47 extending along a lower rail longitudinal direction and a vertical wall portion 62 of the second support member 42 which is formed orthogonal to the straight line along the lower rail longitudinal direction are sandwiched between the female screw member 43 and the second nut member 44.
US11173807B2 Battery charge equalization system timer
A battery system includes a traction battery, a traction battery controller, and a backup controller. The traction battery powers a high-voltage domain. The traction battery controller may be powered by a low-voltage domain that is separated from the high-voltage domain. The traction battery may be configured to disable cell balancing of the traction battery after expiration of a main timer. The backup controller may be powered by and within the high-voltage domain. The backup controller implements a backup timer, that includes a non-processor logic circuit, and is configured to disable cell balancing after expiration of the backup timer.
US11173805B2 State-of-charge display system
A state-of-charge (SOC) display system includes a battery, a brake light array including multiple lighting elements, and an SOC module. The SOC module is configured to receive a battery status signal including an SOC of the battery. The SOC module is further configured to output a display signal to the brake light array based on the battery status signal. The brake light array is configured to receive the display signal, and illuminate at least a subset of the lighting elements for displaying the SOC of the battery by the brake light array, in response to the display signal.
US11173803B2 Reconfigurable micro-grid
A vehicle system includes a converter, outlets, and a switching arrangement electrically between the outlets and the converter. A controller is programmed to, responsive to a first request, operate the switching arrangement to electrically connect a line and a neutral to a first outlet and operate the converter to output single-phase power to the first outlet. Responsive to a second request, the controller is configured to operate the switching arrangement to electrically connect a plurality of lines and not the neutral to a second outlet, and operate the converter to output three-phase power to the second outlet.
US11173801B2 Electric vehicle with remote adaptive charge programming using override of on-board charge programming
A vehicle includes a traction battery configured to be charged from an external power source via a vehicle charger, a transceiver configured to wirelessly transmit vehicle data to an external server and to wirelessly receive adaptive traction battery charging settings from the external server, an interface module configured to selectively override control of the vehicle charger based on the adaptive traction battery charging settings wirelessly received via the transceiver from the external server, a human-machine interface (HMI), and a controller in communication with a persistent on-board vehicle memory, the vehicle charger, the override module, and the HMI, the controller configured to receive manually entered traction battery charging settings via the HMI, store the manually entered traction battery charging settings in the persistent on-board vehicle memory, and selectively control the vehicle charger using the manually entered traction battery charging settings in response to the adaptive traction battery charging settings being unavailable.
US11173797B2 Vehicle charging station with built-in wireless access point, computing and storage
An electric vehicle charging station has a power supply, a controller and a power regulator and relay/driver for connecting to an electric vehicle. An edge computing module and a cellular base station are also included. The edge computing module is connected to the power supply and to an IP network for the internet mobile gateway of a cellular network. The cellular base station is connected to the power supply and to cellular antenna system.
US11173792B2 Circulation charging system for electric vehicle
The present invention relates to a circulation charging system for an electric vehicle, including: a first motor configured to be rotated by a predetermined driving current and provide driving force to an engine; a second motor having a generator; a main battery and a spare battery configured to be charged based on a voltage output from the generator and alternately supply driving power required for driving the first motor; a central storage unit configured to be charged based on the voltage output from the generator and provide a driving force for driving the second motor; a second auxiliary storage unit configured to be charged based on the voltage output from the generator; and a switching controller configured to perform control so that the battery power of the main battery and the battery power of the spare battery are alternately supplied as the driving power of the first motor.
US11173786B2 Resin molded article and vehicle display device
A resin molded article is applied to a vehicle display device for displaying information on a vehicle, and a high gloss region having a relatively high surface glossiness and a low gloss region having a relatively low surface glossiness are integrally molded. As a result, since the high gloss region and the low gloss region having different surface glossiness are integrally formed in a single resin molded article 1, the resin molded article and the vehicle display device obtain an effect such that various appearances are created with a simple structure.
US11173781B2 Component alignment for a multiple motor mixed-speed continuous power transmission
An electric powertrain includes a first electric motor that has an uninterrupted connection with a drive shaft of a vehicle. The electric powertrain further includes a second electric motor that has an interruptible connection with the drive shaft. In one form, this interruptible connection includes a clutch. The electric powertrain further includes a first gear train in the form of a first planetary gear and a second gear train in the form of a second planetary gear. To provide a compact configuration, the first electric motor and second electric motor are arranged in a longitudinal orientation with the drive shaft.
US11173778B2 Power train for electric vehicle
A power train apparatus for an electric vehicle may include a planetary gear set including three rotation elements having a first rotation element, a second rotation element and a third rotation element, wherein the first rotation element is fixedly connected to a first shaft and the second rotation element is fixedly connected to a second shaft; a motor; a first transmission device mounted to selectively transfer power of the motor to the first shaft in a plurality of gear ratios; and a second transmission device provided to selectively transfer the power of the motor to the first shaft or the second shaft.
US11173776B2 Vehicle body front structure for electric vehicle
In a vehicle body front structure for an electric vehicle, including a battery pack mounted beneath a vehicle body floor, a bracket and a rear end part of a vehicle body frame are each inclined downward from an upper front to a rear. When viewed in a fore-and-aft direction, at least part of the bracket overlaps the rear end part. Therefore, the rear end part, moving rearward due to frontal collision, abuts against the bracket, and the frame slips and drops downward from the upper front to the lower rear along the bracket, thus preventing any decrease in crash stroke of the frame due to interference with the battery pack at the end stage of collision. Since abutment relationship with the rear end part can be adjusted merely changing angle of inclination or position of the bracket, the cost is very low.
US11173773B2 Top having a top cover and a top linkage
A convertible vehicle top, having a top cover and a top linkage displaceable between a closed position, and a storage position, the top linkage having a link assembly on either side of a vertical longitudinal center plane of the top, each link assembly having two main links pivotably mounted on a main bearing attachable to a vehicle body and which form a multi-bar linkage together with a roof middle link, and the top linkage having transverse bows via which the two link assemblies are connected. The link assemblies may each have a fabric deflection lever which is pivoted into a straightened position by the top cover when the top is in the closed position and which is pivoted into a bent position in such a manner that the top cover is deflected around the free end of the deflection lever when the top is in the storage position.
US11173769B2 Thermal management system for vehicle
A thermal management system for a vehicle, is configured for efficiently managing the energy necessary for the indoor air-conditioning, the cooling of an electric part, or the cooling and heating of a battery in the field of the thermal management for a vehicle.
US11173767B2 Hydraulic anti-roll bar link
An anti-roll bar link for a vehicle suspension may be positioned between an anti-roll bar and an articulating arm. The link selectively transfers movement of the arm to the bar, depending on a locked or unlocked state. The link includes a body interfacing a slidable shaft. A valve selectively controls flow of a damping fluid between an inner chamber of the body and a remote chamber. In the locked state, flow of the damping fluid is restricted at least in a direction from the inner chamber to the remote chamber, and movement of the arm is transferred through the link to the bar. In the unlocked state, flow of the damping fluid is permitted in this direction, and movement of the arm causes the shaft to translate with respect to the body such that at least a portion of the movement is not transferred to the bar.
US11173766B1 Suspension system with locking structure
A suspension component includes a suspension spring, a screw actuator that is operable to compress and decompress the suspension spring upon supply of electrical power to the screw actuator, and locking structure that engages a portion of the screw actuator to restrain motion of the screw actuator to maintain a current degree of compression of the suspension spring.
US11173764B2 Air suspension strut having a sealed closure cap
An air suspension strut for a motor vehicle, comprising an air spring having a shock, wherein the air spring comprises an air spring cover and a rolling piston, wherein a rolling bellows of elastomer material is clamped in an airtight manner between the air spring cover and the rolling piston, wherein the rolling bellows, together with the air spring cover and the rolling piston, delimit a working chamber filled with compressed air, wherein the shock damper is supported via a damper bearing arranged on a piston rod in a pot-shaped bearing holder of the air spring cover. The closure cap seal comprises an inner sleeve and a closure part radially enclosing the inner sleeve, wherein the inner sleeve is pushed onto an end section of the piston rod, and the closure part is pushed sealingly into the bearing holder.
US11173761B2 Integrated bearing element and suspension upright module, and method of production thereof
An integrated module for a vehicle suspension includes a bearing outer ring and a suspension upright or knuckle, the outer ring being formed of a first high-strength material, and at least part of the suspension upright or knuckle being made from a second, metallic material, the second material being lighter than the first material. The upright or knuckle is co-moulded radially onto the outside of the bearing and is directly fixed to the bearing ring by means of an interface for form coupling. Opposite axial ends of the bearing outer ring are configured to receive closing and sealing devices for protecting one or more races of the bearing outer ring during co-moulding and for removing heat from the races during co-moulding.
US11173756B2 Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire mountable on a 15° tapered specified rim includes a bead core, a carcass, a steel cord reinforcing layer, a bead rubber layer, and a first reinforcing rubber layer. A distance from a second line segment to a third line segment is from 4 mm to 8 mm; a side of an outer portion and a side of an inner portion of a bead base portion bend at an inflection point located in a range from 8 mm to 18 mm from the first intersection point; and an angle γ formed by an extension line drawn from the side of the outer portion inward in the tire radial direction and the side of the inner portion is from 4.5° to 14.5°.
US11173754B2 Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire is provided including a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of recesses of at least one tire side portion. A region including the recesses is provided in the outermost side in a tire radial direction. The protrusions are formed as convexities having a longitudinal shape in a predetermined direction. A region including the protrusions is provided inward in the tire radial direction of the region including the recesses.
US11173752B2 Tire comprising high-contrast marking
A tire made of rubber material includes a sidewall and a marking protruding from this sidewall. The tire has a texture, which has a plurality of strands protruding from the sidewall, these strands being distributed at a density at least equal to five strands per square millimeter (mm2), each strand having a mean cross section between 0.0007 mm2 and 0.06 mm2 and/or the texture having a plurality of substantially mutually parallel lamellae protruding from the sidewall, the spacing of the lamellae being less than or equal to 0.5 mm, each lamella having a mean width between 0.03 mm and 0.3 mm. The texture protrudes from the sidewall of the tire, and this texture surrounds all or part of the marking.
US11173747B2 Braking and locking system for caster wheels
A swiveling caster wheel system for use on rolling devices such as children's accessories, furniture or equipment, and including a locking system having a locking actuator that is fixed in position regardless of the swivel position of the caster wheel. The system allows a user to access and actuate the caster locking system from a consistent position of the rolling device regardless of the swivel position of the caster wheel, and allows the caster wheel to be covered without blocking access to the locking actuator.
US11173746B2 Bicycle hub assembly
A bicycle hub assembly comprises a hub axle, a hub shell, a sprocket support body, a first ratchet member, a second ratchet member, a first biasing member, at least one receiving member, and a second biasing member. The first ratchet member is provided between the second ratchet member and the first biasing member in an axial direction. The at least one receiving member is provided between the first ratchet member and the first biasing member in a radial direction with respect to a rotational axis. The at least one receiving member includes a radially receiving part having a radially outer surface. The second biasing member contacts the radially outer surface of the radially receiving part to bias the radially receiving part toward the rotational axis in the radial direction.
US11173745B2 Sinusoidal wheel
A wheel set assembly having a plurality of sinusoidal channeled wheels. The sinusoidal channeled wheels having a sinusoidal channel disposed around a circular exterior surface of each of the sinusoidal channeled wheels. The wheel set assembly allows for better maneuverability and longevity in comparison to other materials handling equipment wheels because of the sinusoidal channels. The sinusoidal channels also provide heat dissipation along with the ability to push debris out of the way of the materials handling equipment.
US11173744B2 Wheel assembly including disk defining a mechanical stop and related methods
A wheel assembly to be coupled to a hub of a vehicle may include an inner rim to be coupled to the hub of the vehicle, and an outer rim surrounding the hub. The wheel assembly may also include gas springs operatively coupled between the inner rim and the outer rim to provide a gas suspension for relative movement between the inner rim and the outer rim. The wheel assembly may also include a disk coupled to the inner rim and defining a closeable gap with adjacent interior portions of the outer rim to define a mechanical stop to limit relative movement of the inner rim and outer rim.
US11173740B2 Erasing unit and erasing method
An erasing unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a unit that performs erasing of information written on a reversible recording medium. This erasing unit includes: a light source section including one or a plurality of laser devices; and a controller that controls the light source section to cause the light source section to emit a smaller number of laser light beams having emission wavelengths than the number of the recording layers included in the reversible recording medium.
US11173739B2 Tacky dye sublimation coating and method of makings and using the same
Heat transfer sheets for dye sublimation are provided, along with methods of their formation and use. The heat transfer sheet for dye sublimation may include a base sheet and a dye sublimation coating on a surface of the base sheet. The dye sublimation coating generally includes a plurality of microparticles dispersed in a polymeric binder, with the plurality of microparticles including a mixture of tack-inducing microparticles and oxide microparticles.
US11173735B2 Image forming apparatus including a plurality of gap adjusters
An image forming apparatus includes a conveyer belt that transports sheets, a platen plate that supports the conveyer belt to be slidable, a head holding unit that holds inkjet heads ejecting ink to sheets transported on the conveyer belt and being arrayed in a direction orthogonal to a transport direction of the conveyer belt, and a pair of gap adjustment units that have ends on one side being respectively attached to both ends of a lower surface of the head holding unit and ends on the other side being attached to an upper surface of the platen plate to adjust a gap between the lower surface of the head holding unit and the upper surface of the platen plate.
US11173734B2 Space adjusters with cam shafts
In an example, a space adjuster may comprise a cam shaft, a first fin disposed on a first end of the cam shaft, a second fin disposed on a second end of the cam shaft, opposite from the first end, and a cam lug disposed on the cam shaft in between the first end and the second end. The first fin may have a first profile to transfer a first longitudinal force into a first rotation of the cam shaft, and the second fin may have a second profile to transfer a second longitudinal force into a second rotation of the cam shaft, opposite to the first rotation. A cam surface of the cam lug may be spaced increasingly farther away from a longitudinal axis of the cam shaft throughout the first rotation of the cam shaft.
US11173723B2 Device and method for producing a textured coating
The present invention relates in particular to a method and a device for a spatially resolved production of a location dependent textured coating. The method includes the steps of provisioning a two-dimensional representation, evaluating a data record of the two-dimensional representation, determining local structures of the two-dimensional representation, determining the type and location of at least one texture that is produced on at least one region of the two-dimensional representation, provisioning a fluid coating material, and applying the fluid coating material to at least one region of the two-dimensional representation.
US11173721B2 Liquid discharge apparatus and method for discharging liquid
There is provided a liquid discharge apparatus including: a head unit including: at least one liquid discharge head; a fill tank; and a drain tank. The liquid discharge apparatus further includes: a main tank; a pump; a first flow passage; a second flow passage; a third flow passage; a fourth flow passage; a fifth flow passage; a first valve; a second valve; a third valve; a fourth valve; and a fifth valve.
US11173719B2 Print liquid supply
In one embodiment a print liquid supply apparatus is provided to supply liquid to a liquid needle of a receiving station comprising a liquid container including an at least partially collapsible liquid reservoir an interface structure at a side of the container, including a liquid channel that includes a reservoir connecting portion that fluidically connects to the reservoir and a needle receiving portion to allow the liquid to flow from the reservoir to the needle; a liquid interface of the liquid channel adjacent the needle receiving portion and at a distance from the reservoir connecting portion, a front wall and/or edge adjacent the liquid interface including a push area which is disposed between the liquid interface and the container; and at least one key pen base and key pen protruding from the base in a direction parallel and opposite to the needle insertion direction; and a contact pad array next to the needle receiving liquid channel portion. In another example a sub-assembly of such apparatus is provided.
US11173717B2 Liquid discharge apparatus
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a head configured to discharge a liquid, a circulation passage through which a temperature-controlled liquid circulates, at least two heat generation portions different in heat generation amount from each other, and a cooler configured to cool the temperature-controlled liquid. The circulation passage is coupled to the head. The at least two heat generation portions are thermally coupled with the circulation passage in an ascending order of heat generation amount and downstream from the cooler in a direction of flow in the circulation passage.
US11173716B2 Leak mitigation devices
A leak mitigation device includes a planar portion and a tail portion. The planar portion has a first width. The tail portion has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is attached to the planar portion and has a second width less than the first width. The planar portion and the tail portion comprise an absorbent material.
US11173712B2 Sense measurements for fluidic actuators
In some examples, a system includes a device support to receive a fluid dispensing device, and a controller to identify, based on data controlling activation of fluidic actuators, a fluidic actuator that is to be activated in a first activation cycle of a group of activation cycles that correspond to activation intervals of respective fluidic actuators of a group of fluidic actuators of the fluid dispensing device, the identified fluidic actuator being part of the group of fluidic actuators. To perform a sense measurement for the identified fluidic actuator, the controller suppresses activation of the identified fluidic actuator in the first activation cycle, and causes activation of the identified fluidic actuator in a sense measurement cycle different from the first activation cycle, the sense measurement cycle being part of the group of activation cycles.
US11173711B2 Fluidic die regulation modules
A fluidic die that may, in an example, include a regulation module communicatively coupled to a clock generator to receive a clock signal, and a firing pulse adjustment regulator communicatively coupled to the regulation module to receive an adjustment value wherein the regulation module, when executed by a processor, adjusts an input firing pulse at the fluidic die based on the adjustment value.
US11173710B2 Image forming apparatus and signal control method in image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a rotational conveying unit for conveying a recording medium by rotating about a rotational axis. A head unit includes n nozzle rows in a conveying direction perpendicular to an axial direction parallel to the rotational axis. Each of the n nozzle rows includes nozzles aligned as a nozzle row in the axial direction. Each n nozzle row is arranged at a distance of d1 to d(n−1) from a predetermined reference nozzle row. A circuit outputs a rotational amount detection signal, and a conveying amount detection signal, and generates a discharge synchronization signal based on the detected rotational amount detection signal and the detected conveying amount detection signal, then generates a nozzle row timing signal based on the distance of the d1 to d(n−1) and the discharge synchronization signal, and generates discharge data based on the discharge synchronization signal and the nozzle row timing signal.
US11173706B2 Droplet discharge head
A droplet discharge head includes a plurality of nozzles, first liquid chambers communicating with the nozzles, a first inflow path for supplying a liquid to the first liquid chambers, a first actuator that individually changes pressures of the first liquid chambers, and a second actuator that changes pressures of a plurality of first liquid chambers in common, in which an expansion/contraction amount of the second actuator is larger than that of the first actuator.
US11173701B2 Drying speed adjustments via density index analysis
An example of a print system including a dryer to dry a sheet of paper. The print system includes a media feeder to feed the sheet of paper into the dryer and a controller to vary a speed of the media feeder. The print system includes a communication interface to receive data associated with an image to print on the sheet of paper and a processor. The processor is coupled to the controller and the communication interface. The processor is to determine a first density index for a first portion of the image and to determine a second density index for a second portion of the image. The processor is to adjust the speed of the media feeder via the controller based on the first density index and the second density index.
US11173700B2 System and method for positioning a plurality of objects for multi-sided processing
A positioning system for positioning a plurality of rotatable objects for processing includes a base plate that is configured to be positioned on a support surface of a processing machine. The base plate defines a plurality of alignment members to align the base plate to the support surface. The positioning system further includes at least three elongate cylindrical members that are arranged in parallel to one another and rotatably supported in alignment with the base plate. The cylindrical members are configured to support the rotatable objects. The positioning system also includes a rotation mechanism configured to cooperate with the cylindrical members and rotate the cylindrical members in synchrony so as to rotate the plurality of rotatable objects in synchrony. The positioning system further includes a rotational control mechanism configured to cooperate with the rotation mechanism to control rotation of the cylindrical members.
US11173695B2 Decorative film, method for producing decorative film, method for producing decorative film-attached three dimensional molded product and fluorinated polymer composition
To provide a decorative film, whereby formation of wrinkles is suppressed when bonded to a three dimensional molded product in a stretched state, a method for producing a decorative film, a method for producing a decorative film-attached three dimensional molded product, and a fluorinated polymer composition. The decorative film of the present invention is a decorative film having at least a base film layer and a fluorinated layer containing a crosslinked fluorinated polymer, wherein the crosslinked fluorinated polymer is a crosslinked product of a crosslinkable polymer comprising units based on a fluoroolefin and units having a crosslinkable group, and the average molecular weight between crosslinking groups of the crosslinked fluorinated polymer is from 500 to 50,000.
US11173693B2 Vinylidene fluoride-based resin multi-layered film
Disclosed is a vinylidene fluoride-based resin multi-layered film including two layers composed of a front surface layer laminated on a rear surface layer, in which the front surface layer contains 80% by mass or more of a vinylidene fluoride-based resin and 20% by mass or less of a methacrylic acid ester-based resin, the degree of crystallization of the front surface layer is 45% or higher, the ratio occupied by α-crystals in the entire crystal component of the vinylidene fluoride-based resin is 60% or higher, the thickness of the front surface layer is 15 μm or more, and the rear surface layer contains 90% by mass or more of a methacrylic acid ester-based resin.
US11173692B2 Free radical polymerizable adhesion-promoting interlayer compositions and methods of use
Adhesion-promoting compositions and the use of the adhesion-promoting compositions to provide adhesion-promoting interlayers to enhance adhesion between adjoining layers of sulfur-containing sealants are disclosed. In repair applications, the adhesion-promoting compositions can enhance the adhesion of an overlying radiation-curable sulfur-containing sealant to a damaged or aged sulfur-containing sealant.
US11173691B2 Methods and apparatus to increase fire resistance and fracture toughness of a composite structure
Methods and apparatus to increase fire resistance and fracture toughness of composite structures are described. An example multi-ply composite structure has at least eleven plies including an innermost ply forming a first external surface of the multi-ply composite structure, and an outermost ply forming a second external surface of the multi-ply composite structure, with the second external surface being located opposite the first external surface. The at least eleven plies further include at least one and no more than three fire-resistant plies positioned between the innermost ply and the outermost ply within either an innermost 33% of the at least eleven plies or an outermost 33% of the at least eleven plies. Respective ones of the fire-resistant plies include an epoxy-based resin and a first additive mixed into the epoxy-based resin. The first additive increases a flammability resistance of the multi-ply composite structure.
US11173689B2 Composite articles providing flame retardancy and noise reduction
A thermoplastic composite article comprising a porous core layer and an open cell skin disposed on a first surface of the core layer is described. The composite article comprises a noise reduction coefficient of at least 0.5 as tested by ASTM C423-17 and a flame spread index of less than 25 and a smoke development index of less than 150 as tested by ASTM E84 dated 2009.
US11173680B2 Method for optimizing movement profiles, method for providing movement profiles, control device, system and computer program product
A control device, a system and methods for optimizing and providing movement profiles, wherein the movement profiles serve for determining the movement of tools of a press and the movement of a receiving element for a workpiece of a transfer system, where transfer movement profiles are synchronized with one another via press movement profiles, the synchronization of the transfer movement profiles particularly occurs by chronologically shifting synchronization points via boundary conditions such that an offset of the press movement profiles can be determined via the synchronization, so that the workpiece can be processed as quickly as possible through the system.
US11173676B2 Composition for reducing tire-wheel assembly imbalances, force variations, and/or vibrations
Particular embodiments of the invention comprises a composition for reducing weight imbalances, force variations, and/or vibrations in a tire-wheel assembly, the composition comprising a first plurality of particulate for positioning within the tire-wheel assembly, where each particle in the first plurality of particulate is characterized as having low energy absorption capabilities, and a second plurality of particulate for positioning within the tire-wheel assembly, where each particle in the second plurality of particulate is characterized as having elevated energy absorption capabilities. Additional embodiments of the invention comprise a method for reducing force imbalances, force variations, and/or vibrations in a tire-wheel assembly, which includes the steps of providing a tire-wheel assembly and placing into a pressurization chamber of said tire-wheel assembly a composition as contemplated in any embodiment or combination of embodiments suggested herein.
US11173667B2 Precision system for additive fabrication
An approach to precision additive fabrication uses jetting of cationic compositions in conjunction with a non-contact (e.g., optical) feedback approach. By not requiring contact to control the surface geometry of the object being manufactured, the approach is tolerant of the relative slow curing of the cationic composition, while maintaining the benefit of control of the deposition processes according to feedback during the fabrication processes. This approach provides a way to manufacture precision objects and benefit from material properties of the fabricated objects, for example, with isotropic properties, which may be at least partially a result of the slow curing, and flexible structures, which may not be attainable using conventional jetted acrylates.
US11173666B2 Additive manufacturing of deformable objects
Described are techniques for additive manufacturing of deformable objects. The techniques including a method comprising generating printing parameters for a deformable component. The method further comprises fabricating the deformable component by additive manufacturing, where a smart material is located at an articulation point of the deformable component, and where a base material is located at a static portion of the deformable component. The method further comprises supplying an environmental stimulus to the deformable component that causes the deformable component to transition from a first state to a second state.
US11173665B2 Systems and methods of simulating intermediate forms for additive fabrication
According to some embodiments, a method of optimizing an additive fabrication process for an object is provided, the method comprising obtaining a representation of an intermediate form of the object, the intermediate form being an expected shape of the object when partially fabricated by the additive fabrication process, simulating one or more forces expected to be applied to the intermediate form of the object during the additive fabrication process, evaluating one or more results of the simulating step against one or more criteria, and adapting the additive fabrication process based at least in part on a result of the evaluating.
US11173663B2 Three-dimensional printing technology
A three-dimensionally printed structure is provided. The three-dimensionally printed structure includes a first layer composed at least in part of a first material; a second layer composed at least in part of the first material, the second layer being positioned over, under, or through the first layer and having an interface with the first layer; and a first internal structure composed at least in part of a second material different from the first material, the first internal structure being situated in both the first layer and the second layer.
US11173662B2 Additive-manufacturing head, manufacturing machine, and manufacturing method
An additive-manufacturing head is used for performing additive manufacturing by feeding a material to a workpiece and irradiating the workpiece with a laser beam. The additive-manufacturing head includes: a ring-shape laser beam forming unit configured to form a laser beam in a ring shape; a laser beam emitting unit configured to emit the ring-shape laser beam toward a workpiece; and a material feeding unit having an outlet which is disposed inside the ring-shape laser beam emitted from the laser beam emitting unit and from which the material is released, and configured to feed the material from the outlet toward the workpiece. The head configured in this manner can improve the material usage efficiency for the directed energy deposition method.
US11173658B2 Recoating unit and device for producing a three-dimensional object
A recoating unit for equipping and/or retrofitting a device for producing a three-dimensional object by means of selectively solidifying, layer by layer, of a building material in powder form. The recoating unit is configured, depending on its movement in the first direction or in its opposite direction, to receive building material in that chamber that is the trailing chamber in the respective direction of movement and to spread the building material received in the respective trailing chamber to a uniform layer by means of the respective trailing recoating element.
US11173657B2 Powder application unit for a PBLS system and method for applying two successive powder layers in a PLBS method
The invention relates to a powder application unit (8) for a PBLS system (1), wherein the powder application unit (8) comprises an application medium which is movably mounted parallel to a working plane of the PBLS system (1) in order to be able to move powder along the working plane, wherein a distance of the application medium to the working plane can be modified in that the application medium is mounted about a swivel axis (S) in a swiveling manner in order to be able to swivel the application medium away from the working plane. In order to provide an improved powder application unit, according to the invention the powder application unit (8) has a means for swiveling the application medium which is designed and which interacts with the application medium such that the application medium is first unswiveled in a work position during outward travel and then, during the continued travel along a predetermined route, is swiveled against the work position and, during an opposite return travel along the predetermined route, is unswiveled in the work position. The invention further relates to a method for applying two successive powder layers in a PBLS method.
US11173650B2 Screen protector applicator
Disclosed herein is a screen protector assembly and a screen protector applicator comprising a screen protector assembly and an applicator tray, the screen protector assembly comprising a cover layer, a screen protector layer and a retention layer, wherein: the cover layer is bonded on a first side of the screen protector layer by a first glue layer provided on the screen protector layer; the retention layer is bonded on a second side of the screen protector by a second glue layer provided on the retention layer; and an interlayer is provided between the retention layer and the screen protector layer. The screen protector applicator has a simple structure, and can store and protect the screen protector assembly before application of the screen protector layer to the screen. In the process of screen protector application, the operation method is simple and convenient.
US11173646B2 Method for assisting in the programming of an electronic control unit of a forming station
The invention relates to a method for assisting in the programming of an electronic control unit of a forming station comprising molding units, each of which has an interchangeable mold, the method comprising a manual programming step consisting in selecting a value for determined operating parameters through a data entry interface in the electronic control unit, wherein each mold has fastened thereto a storage component having values compatible with each mold for each determined parameter, is attached to said mold, the method comprising a prior step of reading the values stored in the storage component by means of a reader which automatically transmits the values to the electronic control unit to limit the choice of values of each parameter to the compatible values.
US11173644B2 Casting apparatus for manufacturing polymer film
A casting apparatus for manufacturing polymer film includes a die for discharging a molten polymer and having discharge direction oriented at a discharge angle offset from horizontal. The apparatus includes a first chill roll having a first diameter and a second chill roll having a second greater diameter. There is a first gap between the first chill roll and the second chill roll. The discharge angle is of a predetermined magnitude to gravity assist delivery of the molten polymer to the first gap. The second chill roll is positioned to gravity support the film exiting the first gap along a first length of a first side of the film. A first polishing roll is positioned downstream first and second chill rolls. The first polishing roll engages and cools a second length of a second opposite side of the film. The first length is substantially equal to the second length.
US11173640B2 Method for manufacturing a polymer article
A method enabling the selection, modification and/or creation of polymer materials which can provide improved response to the application of local shear and/or extensional deformation inside the polymer melt in manufacturing technologies including injection molding, injection stretch blow molding, direct injection, extrusion blow molding, sheet extrusion, thermoforming, etc., is provided. A method for manufacturing a polymer article includes injecting or extruding molten polypropylene, polyethylene or polyester based polymer for converting it into semi-final shape while applying shear and/or extensional deformation on the polymer melt. Applying shear and/or extensional deformation on the polymer melt includes selectively modifying the flow path of the molten semi-crystallizable polymer as a function of local pressure profile over at least part of the flow path. Local pressure profile is a function of optimized response of the polymer melt to the applied local shear and/or extensional deformation over at least the part of the flow path.
US11173638B2 Molded product production system
A molded product production system includes a powdery material mixing and feeding device configured to feed mixed powdery materials including at least two types of powdery materials, a filler configured to fill, with the mixed powdery materials fed by the powdery material mixing and feeding device, a die bore of a compression-molding machine, a sensor configured to measure a mixing degree of the mixed powdery materials fed by the powdery material mixing and feeding device, and a molded product removal mechanism configured to distinguish a molded product obtained by compression molding mixed powdery materials having a mixing degree measured by the sensor out of a predetermined range from a molded product obtained by compression molding mixed powdery materials having a mixing degree within the predetermined range.
US11173636B2 Molded skiff and drain
A molded boat with a seat drain. The boat includes a molded hull having been molded using a first material to cause the boat to have a front portion and a rear portion. The boat is molded with a bench, having been molded together with the hull using the first material. The bench includes a drain hole formed through, an otherwise solid face of the bench allowing water to flow from the front portion of the boat to the rear portion of the boat, wherein the drain hole formed through the bench is formed by using a tube molded into, and under the bench, the tube comprising a material having a higher melting point than the first material.
US11173632B2 Multi-component mixing and metering equipment with online stoichiometry control
The invention describes an advanced mixing and metering technology with online analytics for a supply of formulated liquid thermosetting resins into an open or closed mold. The application addresses where a precise control of the composition of formulated components is required. Composite structures used in primary and secondary structural aerospace applications manufactured in Infusion or RTM processes are possible examples.
US11173620B2 Manufacturing method for a stationary blade and stationary blade
A method of forming a sheet-metal based double-walled stationary blade includes providing a first and second pre-product layers, providing a guide slot for a cutter, and bonding longitudinal ends of the first and second pre-product layers together to include an offset forming a guide slot to receive a to-be-mounted cutter. The bonding includes melting or depositing material at transition zone, thereby forming tips of the stationary blade teeth which are arranged adjacent to the transition zone between the pre-product layers.
US11173618B2 Fastner
A fastener for fixing a pair of opposing flaps of a box in a closed state includes a receiving part extending along a first direction, with a flap abutting part configured to abut surfaces of the flaps being arranged on at least one side of the receiving part, the flap abutting part constituting a tab part for which at least a portion is curvable or bendable upward, a linking part having a rod shape and extending from a center portion of the receiving part, and a pressing part having a rod shaped that extends outwardly from an end of the linking part along the first direction, the pressing part being configured to be inserted into a gap at a juncture of the flaps so that spaces on both sides of the linking part between the receiving part and the pressing part constitute insertion areas into which the flaps are inserted.
US11173617B2 Quick-release end effector tool interface
The various embodiments herein relate to a coupling apparatus for a medical device having a coupler body, a cavity defined in the coupler body, a rotatable drive component disposed within the cavity and having at least two pin-receiving openings, and an actuable locking ring disposed around the cavity.
US11173614B2 Control apparatus and robot system
When a first condition that a time in which magnitude of a first detection force detected by a force detection unit is larger than a first force threshold value continued for a time longer than zero and shorter than a first time threshold value is satisfied in teaching, a movable unit is moved in a predetermined amount in a direction according to a direction of the first detection force. When a second condition that magnitude of a second detection force detected by the force detection unit is larger than a second force threshold value that is larger than the first force threshold value is satisfied during movement of an end effector, the movable unit is decelerated or stopped.
US11173608B2 Work robot and work position correction method
An articulated robot includes an arm, an actuator, a storage device, and a control device. The storage device stores the correction parameter for correction accuracy required for each of the multiple work regions, which are segmented as the regions in which work on the work target object is performed in the movable region of the robot arm. When the work is instructed with designation of the target position, the control device acquires, from the storage device, a correction parameter corresponding to a work region to which the designated target position belongs, among the multiple work regions. Then, the control device controls the actuator by correcting the target position using the acquired correction parameter.
US11173607B2 Accident monitoring system using UWB-based real-time positioning
An accident monitoring system based on UWB-based real-time positioning comprises a UWB tag, a plurality of UWB anchors installed around a processing line and receiving the worker's position from the UWB tag and sensing predetermined information for the processing line, an AP receiving the worker's position and the predetermined information for from the plurality of UWB anchors, a server receiving the worker's position and the predetermined information for from the AP, storing the worker's position and the predetermined information for, and determining whether the worker is in a preset access-limited area, and a programmable logic control (PLC) box, upon receiving proximity information indicating that the worker is the access-limited area from the server through the AP, controlling to stop the industrial robot, the conveyor belt, and the motor in the processing line.
US11173605B2 Method of controlling mobile robot, apparatus for supporting the method, and delivery system using mobile robot
Provided are a method of controlling a mobile robot, apparatus for supporting the method, and delivery system using the mobile robot. The method, which is performed by a control apparatus, comprises acquiring a first control value for the mobile robot, which is input through a remote control apparatus, acquiring a second control value for the mobile robot, which is generated by an autonomous driving module, determining a weight for each control value based on a delay between the mobile robot and the remote control apparatus and generating a target control value of the mobile robot in combination of the first control value and the second control value based on the determined weights, wherein a first weight for the first control value and a second weight for the second control value are inversely proportional to each other.
US11173604B2 Method for operating a robot, data memory with corresponding program code, robot, and robot system
The disclosure relates to a method for operating a robot, a data memory with a corresponding program code, the corresponding robot, and a corresponding robot system. Different coordinate system and their relationships to one another are used to position a tool in a target pose. A stationary reference coordinate system originating at a robot foot of the robot and a target coordinate system originating at the tool are specified. Herein, a z-axis of the target coordinate system corresponds to a specified axis of the tool. The orientations of an x-axis and a y-axis of the target coordinate system are calculated by a first cross product of the orientation of the specified axis and a direction vector, that is not parallel thereto, of coordinate axis of the reference coordinate system and by a second cross product of a result of the first cross product and the orientation of the specified axis.
US11173599B2 Machine learning methods and apparatus related to predicting motion(s) of object(s) in a robot's environment based on image(s) capturing the object(s) and based on parameter(s) for future robot movement in the environment
Some implementations of this specification are directed generally to deep machine learning methods and apparatus related to predicting motion(s) (if any) that will occur to object(s) in an environment of a robot in response to particular movement of the robot in the environment. Some implementations are directed to training a deep neural network model to predict at least one transformation (if any), of an image of a robot's environment, that will occur as a result of implementing at least a portion of a particular movement of the robot in the environment. The trained deep neural network model may predict the transformation based on input that includes the image and a group of robot movement parameters that define the portion of the particular movement.
US11173595B2 Self-balanced swiveling obstacle-crossing robot for transmission lines
This new utility patent application discloses a self-balanced swiveling obstacle-crossing robot for transmission lines comprising a front running gear, a rear running gear, a front weight-shifting mechanism, a rear weight-shifting mechanism, a swiveling mechanism and a controller. The front running gear comprises an upper deck and a front wheel; the rear running gear comprises a lower deck and a rear wheel; both the front and rear wheels are nonsymmetrical rim wheels, which move on the same transmission line by gripping on to the line; when the front and rear weights move to the rear of the upper and lower decks respectively, the upper and lower decks both incline from the front to the rear and the front wheel is lifted off the transmission line; when the front and rear weights move to the front of the upper and lower decks respectively, the upper and lower decks both incline from the rear to the front, and the rear wheel is lifted off the transmission line; the swiveling mechanism enables the upper deck to rotate horizontally relative to the lower deck. The robot of this new utility patent application is able to move stably in both directions on the transmission line, cross obstacles on the line, and cross support towers with a change in line direction.
US11173593B2 Tethering assembly and method for grinders and like tools
A combination power hand tool and tethering assembly comprises a power hand tool selected from the group consisting of a grinder, a polisher, a cut-off tool, and a drill. The hand tool has a gear housing with a fastener bore configured and arranged to receive a fastener. The tethering assembly comprises a connector having a fastener opening and a tether configured and arranged to be connected to the connector. The fastener extends through the fastener opening and into the fastener bore thereby connecting the connector and the power hand tool. The tether is configured and arranged to be selectively coupled to one of a worker and an anchor object thereby selectively interconnecting the connector and the one of the worker and the anchor object.
US11173592B2 Work tool
A work tool includes a spindle, a clamp shaft, a holding member, an engagement member and a first biasing member. The holding member has a pass-through part. The engagement member is rotatable around a driving axis relative to the holding member between a first position in which the engagement member is allowed to pass through the pass-through part and a second position in which the engagement member is engaged with the holding member. The engagement member allows the clamp shaft to move in an up-down direction relative to the holding member when located in the first position, and to prevent the clamp shaft from moving downward relative to the holding member when located in the second position. The holding member is configured to fixedly hold the clamp shaft relative to the spindle while being biased upward by the first biasing member, with the engagement member in the second position.
US11173587B2 Socket apparatus
The housed socket extension has a high strength tubular housing with a socket extension apparatus which fits within the housing and protrudes from the ends of the housing. Two bearing retaining devices are mounted on the socket extension apparatus, adjacent to the ends of said housing. The first end of the socket extension receives a ratchet wrench or power tool, and the second end of the socket extension apparatus is designed to mate with a socket or tool bit.
US11173582B2 Disposable instrument for torque control tightening a threaded implant device
An instrument for torque controlled tightening of a threaded device, including a handle, an articulable head that is articulably connected to the handle, the articulable head including a drive ratchet configured to rotate relative to the articulable head and to engage with the threaded device or a tool for engaging with the threaded device, an elastic device arranged at the handle, and a pulling mechanism operatively connecting the articulable head with the handle, the pulling mechanism having a ratchet head mechanism to engage with the drive ratchet of the articulable head, and configured to engage with the elastic device at the handle such that the elastic device is compressed or expanded upon an application of a torque to the drive ratchet and simultaneously the ratchet head mechanism blocks the rotation of the drive ratchet.
US11173581B2 Dual jaw adjustable wrenches
An adjustable wrench has a wrench head provided with a fixed jaw, a movable jaw carried by the wrench head, a first movable jaw actuator mounted on the wrench head and a second movable jaw actuator mounted on said wrench head. The movable jaw is provided with teeth engagable by the first and second movable jaw actuators and the first movable jaw actuator is movable to an inoperative position to enable actuation of the movable jaw by the second movable jaw actuator.
US11173576B1 Holding a bucket stationary
Apparatus and associated methodology contemplating holding a bucket stationary while a user mixes a substance in the bucket. A rigid base is configured to support the bucket upright upon a predetermined holding zone, and supports a selectively rotatable pivot member. A paddle has a proximal end attached to the pivot member and extends therefrom downwardly toward the base on one side of the pivot member. A foot-actuated lever has a proximal end attached to the pivot member and extends downwardly toward the base on the opposing side of the pivot member.
US11173574B2 Workpiece-assembly and additive manufacturing systems and methods of additively printing on workpieces
Provided are workpiece-assemblies, and systems and methods for aligning a plurality of workpieces with a build plane. A system may include an alignment plate, one or more elevating blocks, and a workpiece-assembly. A workpiece-assembly may include a build plate that has a plurality of workpiece docks, a plurality of workpiece shoes that have a slot configured to receive a portion of one or more workpieces respectively inserted or insertable into the plurality of workpiece docks, a plurality of biasing members respectively situated or situatable between the build plate and the plurality of workpiece shoes so as to exert a biasing force upon the workpiece shoes, and one or more clamping mechanisms coupled or couplable to the build plate and operable to secure the plurality of workpiece shoes within the respective workpiece docks.
US11173571B2 Method and apparatus for cladding a surface of an article
This invention relates to a method, system and apparatus for cladding a surface of an articles subject to corrosive, erosive or abrasive wear, such as impact or grinding tools. The method includes providing a supply of stock material and feeding the stock material towards a portion of the surface of the article via a dedicated feed source. A dedicated heat source heats the fed stock material and the portion of the surface of the article such that the heated stock material and the portion of the surface at least partially melt. Upon removal of the heat, the molten feedstock and the surface portion form a bonded coating layer on at least a portion of the surface of the article, thereby protecting that part of the assembly against wear.
US11173570B2 Metal-joining structure and method for manufacturing metal-joining structure
A metal-joining structure (100) includes: an iron alloy part (1); an aluminum alloy part (2); and a joining interface layer (3) provided between the iron alloy part (1) and the aluminum alloy part (2). The joining interface layer (3) includes: an iron-silicon solid-solution-phase sublayer (4) in contact with the iron alloy part (1); an aluminum-silicon eutectic-phase sublayer (5) in contact with the aluminum alloy part (2); and a silicon sublayer (6) provided between the iron-silicon solid-solution-phase sublayer (4) and the aluminum-silicon eutectic-phase sublayer (5).
US11173569B2 Localized mating surface for laser welding
An assembly and method of forming the assembly are disclosed. The assembly may include first and second components, the first component including a non-mating region and a mating region. The mating region may have an offset in a direction towards the second component and have a welding surface contacting the second component. A weld located within the welding surface may join the first and second components. The weld may be a laser weld. The method may include positioning a first component including a welding pad offset from a surrounding region of the first component such that the welding pad is in contact with a second component to form a gap between the surrounding region of the first component and the second component. The first component may then be welded to the second component in an area within the welding pad.
US11173568B2 Composite metal flexplate
A composite metal flexplate is disclosed that includes an aluminum center plate and a steel ring gear joined to the aluminum center plate by a solid-state joint. The solid-state joint that joins together the aluminum center plate and the steel ring gear may be formed by friction welding. During the friction welding process, a surface of an annular body of the steel ring gear is preheated, followed by bringing the preheated surface of the annular body into contact with a surface of a periphery of a circular body of the aluminum center plate. The two contacting surfaces are then caused to experience relative rotational contacting movement, which generates frictional heat therebetween and softens adjacent regions of the steel ring gear and the aluminum center plate. Once this occurs, an applied force is administered to compress and forge the contacting surfaces together, thereby establishing the solid-state joint.
US11173562B2 Solder paste feeding assembly and method
The present application provides a method for providing solder paste, for providing solder paste accommodated in a solder paste tub into a solder paste printer, the method comprising: inserting a solder paste nozzle into a housing of the solder paste tub through an opening of the solder paste tub, wherein solder paste is accommodated in the housing of the solder paste tub; bearing the solder paste tub, with the opening facing downward, on a working platform by means of the solder paste nozzle; holding the solder paste tub by mating a holder with an engagement means on an outer wall of the housing of the solder paste tub, the holder being capable of moving up and down with the housing of the solder paste tub; and pressing the housing of the solder paste tub, such that the housing of the solder paste tub moves relative to the solder paste nozzle, at the same time causing the holder to move as the housing of the solder paste tub moves, so as to extrude solder paste accommodated in the housing of the solder paste tub from the solder paste nozzle.
US11173558B2 Controller and power tool including the same
A controller 50 that controls a power tool such as, for example, a portable circular saw includes a controller case 70 that houses an electric circuit board 60. Electric elements 61, 62 that generate heat and/or are to be cooled on the electric circuit board 60 contact a thick wall portion 73b of the controller case 70, resulting in heat dissipation resulting in effective cooling of the controller 50.
US11173556B2 Rotary serrator knife
A coil slitting tool in the form of a rotary serrator knife for use on coil slitting machines includes a plurality of serration undulations disposed on one or more faces about the outer periphery. The rotary serrator knife tool may incorporate a concentrically located bore about an inner diameter for mounting on an arbor and may further incorporate a keyway. The rotary serrator knife may be formed from an assembly having, a central rotary disk about which mount one or more removable inserts including the serration undulation portion. The one or more removable inserts may include serration undulations on one side or two sides and mount substantially to the perimeter of a mounting disk by use of fasteners.
US11173554B2 Cutting tool
A cutting tool comprises at least one cutting edge and at least one relief surface adjacent thereto. The relief surface is arranged to provide clearance behind the cutting edge between the cutting tool and a workpiece and comprises one or more grooves arranged to communicate, in use, a cutting media across the relief surface.
US11173553B2 Cutting tool
A cutting tool has a rake face and a flank face. The flank face is provided with a coolant supply hole. A ridgeline between the rake face and the flank face forms a cutting edge. An outer shape of the coolant supply hole in a cross section orthogonal to an axis includes a first portion facing the cutting edge, and a second portion opposite to the cutting edge when viewed from the first portion. The first portion has a concave portion extending toward the second portion. The concave portion is defined by a first side portion and a second side portion facing each other, and a bottom continuous with both the first side portion and the second side portion. In the cross section, an angle formed by a tangent of the first side portion and a tangent of the second side portion is not more than 160°.
US11173548B2 Optical fiducial generation for galvanometric scanner calibration
An apparatus includes an optical source situated to produce a fiducial source beam, and an optical fiducial pattern generator situated to produce with the fiducial source beam at least one transient optical fiducial on a laser processing target that is in a field of view of a laser scanner situated to scan a laser processing beam across the laser processing target, so that a positioning of the laser processing beam on the laser processing target becomes adjustable relative to the at least one transient optical fiducial.
US11173543B2 Casting device for engine cylinder block, casting mold for same, and casting method for same
Provided are a stationary mold configured to form a portion of a bearing portion of a crankshaft and a portion of a crankcase, and a movable mold including a plurality of bore pins respectively defining cylinder bores of cylinders. The bore pins are arranged to correspond to a cylinder bank including the plurality of cylinders. The movable mold is matched with the stationary mold such that portions of outermost ones of the plurality of bore pins in a series direction are each inclined away from another one of the plurality of bore pins adjacent to the outermost bore pin in the series direction toward a distal end of the outermost bore pin, where the series direction represents a direction in which the plurality of bore pins are arranged.
US11173542B2 Additively manufactured casting core-shell mold and ceramic shell with variable thermal properties
A method of forming a cast component and a method of forming a casting mold. The method is performed by connecting at least one wax gate component to a ceramic core-shell mold. The ceramic core-shell mold includes at least a filter, first core portion, a first shell portion, and at least one first cavity between the core portion and the first shell portion. The core-shell mold may be manufactured using an additive manufacturing process and may include an integrated ceramic filter. At least a portion of the ceramic core-shell mold and the wax gate component is coated with a second ceramic material. The wax gate component is then removed to form a second cavity in fluid communication with the first cavity.
US11173541B2 Method for producing a molded part and feeder insert for use in such a method
The invention relates to a method for producing a mold part (26, 26′) with a feeder insert arranged in it, with a sprue for liquid metal, for a divisible casting mold for metal casting, with the following steps: producing or providing a mold part (26, 26′) equipped with a closed feeder insert (2, 2′) from a compacted molding material (28), the closed feeder insert (2, 2′) being arranged fixed in place in the compacted molding material (28) of the mold part (26, 26′) and having a feeder opening (10, 10′) connected to regions of the mold cavity (30, 30′) that is to be formed, and opening the closed feeder insert (2, 2′), so that a sprue (32, 32′) for liquid metal is formed.
US11173539B2 Hydraulic composition for additive manufacturing device and method of manufacturing casting mold
A hydraulic composition for an additive manufacturing device has an excellent initial flexural strength development property and dimensional stability. The hydraulic composition includes 1.5 to 14 parts by mass of a polymer with respect to 100 parts by mass of an inorganic binder. In addition, in a hydraulic composition for an additive manufacturing device, the inorganic binder may contain 50 to 100 mass % of a calcium aluminate with respect to 100 mass % of the entire inorganic binder, and in a hydraulic composition for an additive manufacturing device the inorganic binder, may contain 0 to 50 mass % of rapid hardening cement with respect to 100 mass % of the entire inorganic binder.
US11173538B2 Wire bender with self aligned removable bend pin assembly
A device for bending wire includes a first plate with upper and lower surfaces and a center aperture extending therebetween. A cavity is formed in the upper surface that includes opposing sidewalls with a separation that decreases as they extend towards the center aperture and decreases as they extend up from a bottom surface of the cavity. A pin assembly disposed in the cavity includes a second plate having a pin extending from a top surface and having opposing side surfaces with a separation that decreases as they extend towards the center aperture and decreases as they extend up toward the top surface. A shaft extends through the center aperture and terminates in a bend head having a wire aperture and first and second bend surfaces adjacent the wire aperture. A first motor is configured to rotate the first plate about the shaft in opposing first and second rotational directions.
US11173535B2 Drilling jig and drilling method using this drilling jig
A drilling jig for drilling a punching hole with a boundary between a basis material and a coating of a workpiece less noticeable, and a drilling method using this drilling jig. It includes a male blade, a female blade, and a hexagon bolt; the male blade and the hexagon bolt are capable of being coupled to each other; a screw hole, through which the hexagon bolt is inserted, and a blade portion are formed in the male blade; the blade portion has a planar blade surface; a shaft insertion hole, through which the hexagon bolt is inserted, and a blade portion housing hole capable of housing the blade portion are formed in the female blade, whereby the boundary between the basis material and the coating of a bumper can be positioned on the inside of the punching hole, preventing the appearance of the punching hole from being impaired.
US11173534B2 Press punching machine and respective method of punching apertures in elongated nonferric enclosed polygonally profiled workpieces
A press punching machine and respective method of punching apertures in elongated non-ferric enclosed polygonally profiled workpieces are described. The press punching machine includes a base plate; a mounting framework; a driving mechanism; a male die; a pedestal; a polygonal female die matrix including: a polygonal cross-section; at least one counter-opening; at least one driven magnet; at least one indicatory magnet; at least one driving magnet configured to interact with the at least one driven magnet and a magnetic element configured to interact with the indicatory magnet embedded into the polygonal female punch die matrix.
US11173533B2 Cam grooving machine
A device for cold working pipe elements has two or more cams, each having a gear. The gears turn synchronously with one another. Each cam has a cam surface with a region of increasing radius and may have a region of constant radius extending around a cam body. Each cam also has a traction surface extending around a cam body. A discontinuity in each cam surface is aligned with a gap in the traction surface of each cam. The discontinuities and gaps provide clearance for insertion and removal of the pipe element between the cams to form a circumferential groove when the cams are rotated.
US11173531B2 Roller leveler with upper and lower leveling rollers and method for the simple and rapid inspection, maintenance, and servicing of the upper leveling rollers of a roller leveler
A roller leveler and related method for leveling stock which includes an upper roller frame with an upper leveling unit, and a lower roller frame which has a machine bed with a lower leveling unit. The upper roller frame can be moved upward and downward relative to the lower roller frame by hydraulic drives. The upper leveling unit includes a plurality of upper leveling rollers and the lower leveling unit has a plurality of lower leveling rollers. The upper leveling rollers are supported with upper bearing plates and the lower leveling rollers are supported with lower bearing plates. At least several of the upper and lower leveling rollers are connected at one end to drive shafts of a drive device. A frame is moveable into and out of the roller leveler.
US11173525B2 Method and apparatus for removing a fouling substance from a pressured vessel
Vessels can be become fouled due to normal operation thereof, for example, during lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysis, and the vessel will become inoperable unless the fouling is removed from the vessel. Accordingly, methods are disclosed herein for removing fouling substances from the interior surfaces of fouled pressurized vessels. The methods utilize a brief rapid change of pressure in the vessel. In some embodiments, the rapid pressure change is a decrease, and the rapid pressure change causes, for example, increased velocity of the fluid flowing in the vessel, flashing of a portion of the fluid to vapor, and removal of the fouling substance adhered to the interior surface of the vessel.
US11173522B2 Device for sorting used beverage or food containers
A device for sorting objects, such as used beverage or food containers, that are conveyed on a conveyor. The device includes a first guiding member which is pivotable about a first pivot axis and configured to, when the sorting device is situated in a first sorting position, guide containers in a first sorting direction, a second guiding member which is pivotable about a second pivot axis, a rotatable drive member, a first cam mechanism interconnecting the rotatable drive member with the first guiding member, and a second cam mechanism interconnecting the rotatable drive member with the second guiding member, wherein the device is configured to, upon rotation of the drive member, be actuated between the first sorting position and a second sorting position.
US11173513B2 Surface treatment device comprising a paddle for stirring a surface treatment solution, paddle for stirring a surface treatment solution and method thereof
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a surface treatment device and a paddle with improved strength and uniform plating thickness by uniformly stirring surface treatment solution near an object to be plated. Also, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a surface treatment method capable of stirring for a long period of time, by uniformizing plating thickness, and by improving a strength of a paddle. A surface treatment device comprising at least one plateshaped paddle, in a surface treatment tank, for stirring surface treatment solution near an object to be plated by reciprocally moving the paddle with respect to the object to be plated, wherein the paddle is configured by integrally forming a plurality of square bars provided in depth direction of the surface treatment solution in the surface treatment tank along the object to be plated at regular intervals, and a square bar of the plurality of square bars is provided with a curved surface with respect to the object to be plated in a cross section in thickness direction of the square bar.
US11173511B2 Systems for automated mobile painting of structures
An automated mobile sprayer (AMS) includes a mobile base, an applicator arm supported by the mobile base, and a nozzle extending from the applicator arm. The nozzle receives fluid from a fluid supply and generates an atomized fluid spray for application to a surface. The applicator arm moves vertically relative to the mobile base and the surface to cause the nozzle to generate a vertical fluid stripe. The mobile base moves laterally relative to the surface to cause the nozzle to generate a horizontal fluid stripe.
US11173503B2 Device for dispensing an atomized spray
The disclosure concerns a device for dispensing an atomized spray of a cosmetic composition. The device is capable of individual or commercial use, and provides yaw and pitch actuation of an operational head, along with the atomized spray to deliver the cosmetic composition to the body of a user. Electronics are configured to acquire data from a disposable spray bottle assembly, and approximate remaining volume or spray time according to the data. A linear laser provides guidance to the user for standing in order to receive optimal spray coverage.
US11173501B2 Systems and methods for coating with shear and moisture sensitive materials
Methods and systems for coating with shear and moisture sensitive materials are disclosed. A method of coating a product includes filling an inner bellows chamber of a bellows, which is provided within and isolated from an outer bellows chamber of a tank, with a predetermined amount of the coating material. The method of coating the product further includes supplying a pressurized material to the outer bellows chamber to pressurize the coating material within the inner bellows chamber to an operating pressure, and supplying the coating material within the inner bellows chamber to a spray gun at the operating pressure. The method of coating also includes determining that a measured actual pressure is within a predetermined control range of the target pressure and subsequently coating the product by spraying the product with the coating material from the spray gun.
US11173500B2 Bearing plate assembly with a drive jet for a separation assembly
A separation assembly comprises a housing and a bearing plate assembly. The housing contains a turbine assembly and a rotor portion and defines a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The bearing plate assembly is adjustably attachable to the housing and defines a drive jet that directs fluid from the fluid inlet to the turbine assembly. The bearing plate assembly is mountable to the housing in multiple different orientations such that the relative position of the fluid inlet of the housing and the drive jet of the bearing plate assembly is adjustable.
US11173499B2 Electric field device with automatic cleaning function
The present invention discloses an electric field device with an automatic cleaning function, which includes a support, at least one hollow cylindrical dust collecting electrode, and a corona pole placed on a central axis of the hollow cylindrical dust collecting electrode, wherein an end part of the corona pole is fixed on the support, the dust collecting electrode is grounded, and the corona pole is connected to a power source; and the present invention further includes a wind wheel, an axle hole of the wind wheel is provided with an internal thread, the corona pole is provided with an external thread matched with the internal thread on the wind wheel, and a periphery of the wind wheel is provided with a dust sweeping device in contact with an inner wall of the hollow cylindrical dust collecting electrode. The electric field device does not require manual cleaning, thus saving time and costs.
US11173497B2 Separator for a food-product grinding machine with ring adjustment
A grinding machine for grinding food-products, such as meat or the like, includes an orifice plate at the outlet of a grinding head. The orifice plate has collection passages that discharge a mixture of soft material and hard material through the orifice plate. A separator assembly, including a separator screw and separation chamber, is located downstream of the orifice plate for separating the soft material from the hard material. A ring adjustment assembly includes a ring valve having an internal conical portion in communication with a nose portion of the separator screw, and a ring valve carrier configured to reciprocally displace the ring valve in an axial direction relative to the separator screw so as to vary a gap between the nose portion of the separator screw and the internal conical portion of the ring valve. Adjustment of the gap distance determines an amount of the hard material that is passed toward the discharge outlet.
US11173495B2 Crushing apparatus
A crushing apparatus includes a first rotary shaft member, a second rotary shaft member, a plurality of first rotary cutters, a plurality of second rotary cutters, a plurality of first spacers, and a plurality of second spacers, the first rotary cutters and the first spacers being alternately disposed in a first axis direction, the second rotary cutters and the second spacers being alternately disposed in the first axis direction, the first rotary cutters and the second rotary cutters each forming a tearing blade that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the first axis direction, a portion of each of the first rotary cutters and a portion of each of the second rotary cutters overlapping when viewed from the first axis direction, and a gap being provided between the first rotary cutter and the second rotary cutter in the first axis direction.
US11173494B2 Reduction gear for a stirred mill, and corresponding mill and use
Reduction gear for driving a stirred mill including a reduction gear housing, an input shaft suitable for being connected to a drive motor, a reduction stage arranged in the reduction gear housing, and an output shaft that is suitable for being connected to a stirred mill element and which is suitable for being driven by the reduction stage, the output shaft including a proximal axial side, associated with the reduction stage, and a distal axial side, opposite the proximal axial side and intended to be fastened to the stirred mill element, the reduction gear including an axial stop, which is suitable for axially guiding the output shaft and which is suitable for limiting an axial movement of the output shaft in a direction oriented from the proximal axial side toward the distal axial side.
US11173491B2 Apparatus for high-speed nucleic acid amplification and method for temperature control of nucleic acid amplification reaction
The present invention relates to an apparatus for nucleic acid amplification and, more particularly, to an apparatus for nucleic acid amplification capable of rapid nucleic acid amplification by rapidly heating and cooling a reactant in a reaction vessel for a chemical/biochemical reaction requiring a temperature change, and a method for temperature control in nucleic acid amplification.
US11173489B2 Biopsy tissue sample cassette and related systems and methods
Tissue sample cassettes for receiving tissue samples include an upper tray including compartments separated by dividers, a lower tray coupled to the upper tray and having a central recess, and an absorbent material located in the recess of the lower tray. Related systems and methods for automated gross processing of tissue samples are also disclosed.
US11173488B2 High-throughput particle capture and analysis
Microfluidic systems and methods are described for capturing magnetic target entities bound to one or more magnetic beads. The systems include a well array device that includes a substrate with a surface that has a plurality of wells arranged in one or more arrays on the surface. A first array of wells is arranged adjacent to a first location on the surface. A second and subsequent arrays, if present, are arranged sequentially on the surface at second and subsequent locations. When a liquid sample is added onto the substrate and caused to flow, the liquid sample will flow across the first array first and then flow across the second and subsequent arrays in sequential order. The wells in the first array each have a size that permits entry of only one target entity into the well and each well in the first array has approximately the same size.
US11173485B2 Pipetting system
A pipetting system having at least one pipette tip receptacle with a pipette tip arranged therein that extends along a vertical axis and at least one gripper having a mechanical coupling, the gripper is coupled to the at least one pipette tip receptacle with the coupling and at least one grip element. The at least one grip element has at least one substantially vertical portion and at least one substantially horizontal portion and the coupling has a body having a through channel that extends along the vertical axis over the entire length of the coupling and the pipette tip extends along the through channel of the coupling.
US11173481B2 Metal single-atom catalyst and method for preparing the same
Disclosed are a metal single-atom catalyst and a method for preparing the same. The method uses a minimal amount of chemicals and is thus environmentally friendly compared to conventional chemical and/or physical methods. In addition, the method enables the preparation of a single-atom catalyst in a simple and economical manner without the need for further treatment such as acid treatment or heat treatment. Furthermore, the method is universally applicable to the preparation of single-atom catalysts irrespective of the kinds of metals and supports, unlike conventional methods that suffer from very limited choices of metal materials and supports. Therefore, the method can be widely utilized to prepare various types of metal single-atom catalysts. All metal atoms in the metal single-atom catalyst can participate in catalytic reactions. This optimal atom utilization achieves maximum reactivity per unit mass and can minimize the amount of the metal used, which is very economical.
US11173480B2 Catalyst in which metal is carried on inorganic porous body having hierarchical porous structure, and method for manufacturing said catalyst
A catalyst includes a carrier, and a metal obtained by reducing a metal ion supported on the carrier 1) in a supercritical state or 2) in a polar organic solvent, wherein the carrier is an inorganic porous body having a hierarchical porous structure. By employing the catalyst, it is possible to exhibit better catalytic activity than a conventional catalyst. Heat generation and spontaneous ignition are prevented because no organic porous body is used.
US11173477B2 Catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction and associated methods
The invention relates to an electrocatalyst for reduction of CO2 to produce multi-carbon compounds, comprising a multi-metal material comprising a primary metal being copper and at least one enhancer metal selected from germanium, gallium, tin, silicon, silver, gold, zinc and aluminium. The invention also relates to a process for electrochemical production of a multi-carbon compound from CO2 using such an electrocatalyst.
US11173467B2 Systems and methods for interior energy-activation from an exterior source
A method and a system for producing a change in a medium. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the energy modulation agent.
US11173462B2 Composition and process for pelletizing carbon-based materials for proppant and industrial applications
A method for producing an electrically-conductive pellet includes reducing a size of a first material. The method also includes wetting the first material to produce a first slurry. The method also includes introducing the first slurry into a fluidizer to produce a first pellet. The method also includes reducing a size of a second material. The second material is an electrically-conductive material. The method also includes wetting the second material to produce a second slurry. The method also includes applying the second slurry to the first pellet.
US11173461B2 Fabricating structured particles through rapid hardening and tailored collection methods
Fabrication of functional polymer-based particles by crosslinking UV-curable polymer drops in mid-air and collecting crosslinked particles in a solid container, a liquid suspension, or an air flow. The particles can contain different phases in the form or layered structures that contain one to multiple cores, or structures that are blended with dissolved or emulsified smaller domains. A curing system produces ultraviolet rays that are directed onto the particles in the jet stream from one side. A reflector positioned on other side of the jet stream reflects the ultraviolet rays back onto the particles in the jet stream.
US11173460B1 Mixer apparatus for mixing a high-viscosity fluid
A mixer apparatus for mixing a high-viscosity fluid has a mixer shaft with a plurality of blades affixed thereto, a hydraulic motor drivingly connected to the mixer shaft so as to rotate the mixer shaft, a hydraulic pump connected by a fluid circuit to the hydraulic motor so as to deliver hydraulic fluid under pressure to the hydraulic motor, an electric motor drivingly connected to the hydraulic pump, and a hydraulic fluid reservoir connected to the fluid circuit so as to supply hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic pump. The plurality of blades are pivotally mounted to the mixer shaft.
US11173459B2 High shear thin film machine for dispersion and simultaneous orientation-distribution of nanoparticles within polymer matrix
An improved a device and method for dispersion and simultaneous orientation of nanoparticles within a matrix is provided. A mixer having a shaft and a stator is provided. The shaft may have a rupture region and erosion region. Further, an orienter having an angled stationary plate and a moving plate are provided. The nanoparticles and the matrix are fed into the mixer. A rotational force is applied to the shaft to produce shearing forces. The shearing forces disperse and exfoliate the nanoparticles within the matrix. The dispersed mixture is outputted onto the moving plate. The moving plate is forced across the angled stationary plate to produce fully developed laminar shear flow. The fully developed laminar shear flow or the two-dimensional extensional drag flow orients the dispersed nanoparticles-matrix mixture.
US11173457B2 Water aeration system with floating diffuser
A water aeration system powers an air pump held in an encasement with a solar panel mounted directly or indirectly to the encasement or to the mounting pole supporting the encasement above a ground surface. An air conduit directs pumped air to one or more disc diffusers submerged in the body of water to be aerated. The disc diffuser(s) are supported by a floating platform that is suspended from a buoy or float so that the disc diffuser(s) are held at a desired depth below the water surface.
US11173455B2 Water treatment membrane and method for manufacturing same
Provided is a water treatment membrane including: a porous support; and a polyamide active layer provided on the porous support, in which the polyamide active layer includes one or more units selected from among a unit of Chemical Formula 1: a unit of Chemical Formula 2; a unit of Chemical Formula 3; and a unit of Chemical Formula 4; and a manufacturing method thereof.
US11173454B2 Self-supporting MOF membranes
The present invention relates to the manufacturing of metal organic framework (MOF) containing composite materials, particularly membranes. The inventive process comprises the steps of a phase inversion polymer formation containing pores of precursor materials and in situ formation of MOFs. The invention further relates to new MOF containing membranes; to the use of such membranes in gas separation processes and to devices comprising such membranes.
US11173453B2 Method and device for repairing a membrane filtration module
A method for repairing a membrane filtration module in fluid communication with a plurality of additional membrane filtration modules includes fluidly connecting a fluid transfer assembly to the membrane filtration module, fluidly isolating the membrane filtration module from the plurality of additional membrane filtration modules, forcing liquid within the membrane filtration module into the fluid transfer assembly by introducing a pressurized gas into the membrane filtration module, releasing the pressurized gas from the membrane filtration module, fluidly disconnecting the fluid transfer assembly from the membrane filtration module, repairing one or more damaged membranes in the membrane filtration module, and fluidly reconnecting the membrane filtration module to the plurality of additional membrane filtration modules.
US11173444B2 Scrubber apparatus for a refrigerated transport container
There is disclosed a scrubber apparatus 300 for a refrigerated transport container 100 having a cargo space 105, comprising: a regenerating adsorber 302; a manifold 306, 308 in fluid communication with a first side of the adsorber, an interior gas port 318, 338 for fluid communication with interior gas in the cargo space and an exterior gas port 320, 340 for fluid communication with exterior gas outside of the cargo space; and a common actuator configured to actuate both an adsorption control damper 314, 334 for controlling selective fluid communication between the adsorber and interior gas, and a regeneration control damper 316, 336 for controlling selective fluid communication between the adsorber and exterior gas. There is also disclosed a scrubber apparatus 300 which is configured to heat interior gas provided to an adsorber for removal of a controlled gas. Methods of operating a scrubber apparatus are also disclosed.
US11173442B2 Air filter arrangement; assembly; and, methods
An air filter media construction or arrangement is disclosed. The air filter media construction or arrangement includes facing media secured to fluted media. A preferred projection/receiver arrangement is described. Also, a useful seal arrangement is described. Air cleaner assemblies, methods of assembly and use are also provided.
US11173440B2 Centrifugal separator with improved volumetric surface area packing density and separation performance
Various rotating coalescer elements are described. The rotating coalescer elements include various arrangements of stacked separator discs or cones. In some arrangements, the described rotating coalescer elements include a combination of stacked separator discs or cones and filter media. In some arrangements, the stacked separator discs are designed to provide the largest possible amount of radial-projected separation surface area in a given rotating cylindrical volume, where flow to be cleaned is passing radially (outwardly or inwardly) through the rotating coalescer element. In some arrangements, this is achieved by stacking non-conical separating plates containing various area-maximizing features (e.g., spiral ribs, axial cylinders, spiral grooves, or spiral “V” shapes).
US11173438B2 Filter having tracer material
An oil filter may include a housing. The housing may include an inlet, an outlet, and a filter element. The filter element may be located downstream of the inlet and upstream of the outlet. Additionally, the filter element may include a filtering material and a tracer material.
US11173435B2 In situ filter rejuvenation system
An in situ system of filter rejuvenation has a fluid inlet on a first side of a reaction chamber, a fluid outlet disposed on a second side of the reaction chamber, a filtration chamber with a first wall comprising a ceramic glass material with a pass-band in the infrared spectrum. The filtration chamber is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet so that a fluid introduced into the inlet passes through the filtration chamber and exits through the fluid outlet. The system has at least one infrared heating element configured to transmit infrared energy within the pass-band of the ceramic glass material to heat the filter medium disposed within the filtration chamber to a temperature of at least 260° C., which can gasify contaminants without combustion.
US11173431B2 Non-powered drain pump screen device
A non-powered drain pump screen device is disposed in a river, a stream, a waterway, or a place in which a significant amount soil is carried by a water flow. Upper and lower impellers are provided with upper and lower blades. The lower blades prevent reentry of impurities while rotating due to resistance to a flow of fluid in a non-powered manner. The upper impellers are rotated in a non-powered manner, so that the upper blades filter impurities. The non-powered drain pump screen device is disposed in a waterway to remove impurities at low maintenance costs.
US11173429B2 Filtration device
A filtration apparatus includes a filtration tank; a layer of filtration media that filters supplied raw water by passing the raw water therethrough within the interior of the filtration tank; and a screw cleansing mechanism having a cylindrical outer cylinder which is provided within the filtration tank in a vertical orientation, a spiral shaped screw which is provided such that the long axis thereof extends in the longitudinal direction of the outer cylinder, and a screw driving member for rotating the screw, that scrubs and cleans filtration media by rotating the screw. The screw is in the shape of a coil spring.
US11173426B2 Method for solid-liquid separations
Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed to separate solids from liquids. A vessel includes a screw, an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The inlet receives a first slurry having an incoming solids concentration. The first slurry consists of solids and a contact liquid. The first outlet is disposed toward the first end of the vessel. The second outlet is disposed toward a second end of the vessel. The screw preferentially conveys the solids over the contact liquid towards the second end of the vessel, the solids displacing at least a portion of the contact liquid, causing that portion of the contact liquid to flow toward the first outlet. A melting device is included.
US11173423B2 Spring filter system
A side-flushing mechanical filter system includes a spring positioned within a pipe and a plurality of plates attached to the spring, each plate defining at least one hole, and a rod positioned partially within the pipe, a proximal end of the rod attached to a distal-most plate and a distal portion of rod extending from the distal end of the pipe. A major face of each plate is configured to arrest sediment from water flowing into the pipe via a first water inlet while the holes defined by the plates enable filtered water to flow therethrough and out of the first water outlet when the first water inlet and first water outlet are opened. During cleaning of sediment, graywater flows into the pipe via the second water inlet and over the plates while a user moves the rod to dislodge sediment from the plates and toward an outlet.
US11173421B2 Forward secant swirl tube
A forward secant swirl tube may be used to separate heavier particles such as oil and moisture from an air flow. The swirl tube includes a central hub having a centerline and a circular perimeter. An outer circular housing extends from an inlet edge to an outlet edge. A plurality of vanes extends from the central hub to the outer housing. The vanes are equally spaced around the central hub. Each vane has an inlet transition portion connected to a discharge portion. The top edge of the inlet transition portion of each vane is offset from the centerline of the central hub forming a forward secant line with respect to the centerline of the central hub and a direction of spin induced by the plurality of vanes.
US11173419B2 Desalter inlet distributor designs and methods
A crude oil desalter unit includes a settler, an inlet manifold fluidly coupled to the settler, and one or more inlet distributors extending from the inlet manifold to discharge a water-in-oil emulsion into the settler. Each inlet distributor includes a riser having a first end, a second end, and an inner flowpath extending between the first and second ends, wherein the riser is coupled to the inlet manifold at the first end, one or more outlet nozzles provided at the second end and in fluid communication with the inner flowpath, and a static mixer positioned within the inner flowpath and defining one or more helical pathways operable to induce rotational flow to a fluid flowing within the inner flowpath.
US11173417B2 Acoustically settled liquid-liquid sample purification system
A sample purification system includes a container assembly bounding a sample purification compartment and having an upper end and an opposing lower end, the sample purification compartment comprising mixing zones and settling zones. A plurality of shielding elements are positioned within the sample purification compartment so as to at least partially separate adjacent mixing zones and settling zones or separate adjacent mixing zones, the mixing zones being in fluid communication with the settling zones. A mixing element is disposed within each mixing zone. An acoustic wave settler is aligned with a portion of the container assembly, the acoustic wave settler being configured to emit an acoustic wave through the portion of the container assembly and a mixture disposed therein, the acoustic wave coalescing fluid phase droplets disposed in the mixture to increase the buoyancy or density of the fluid phase droplets.
US11173416B2 Short-path evaporator
A short path evaporator including a heatable double-walled evaporator pipe having an inner interspace, with a rotatable rotor system disposed within the evaporator pipe and with a condenser disposed centrally in the evaporator pipe, and with an inlet for a product leading into the evaporator pipe, an outlet for a concentrate of the product leading out of the evaporator pipe, and an outlet for distillate accumulating at the condenser, and an inlet and an outlet for supplying and discharging heating medium to or from the interspace of the evaporator pipe, wherein the evaporator pipe is formed by an outer pipe and an inner pipe which, leaving the interspace, is disposed within the outer pipe, which are fixed at their ends in a sealing manner between two flange plates clamped together, wherein an inlet channel for the inlet of the product and an outlet channel for the outlet of the concentrate, which communicate with the interior of the inner pipe, are formed in the flange plates, as well as inlet and outlet channels for supplying and discharging the heating medium, which communicate with the interspace.
US11173404B1 Systems and methods for automatic administration based on ledger-specific populations of unique digital articles
Systems and methods to automatic administration based on ledger-specific populations of unique digital articles in an online gaming platform are disclosed. Exemplary implementations may manage user accounts associated with users of an instance of a game, including a first user account having a first account inventory that includes a first unique digital article; determine a size of a set or population of unique digital articles that include the first unique digital article; determine a fraction of the set or population of unique digital articles recorded on a private decentralized ledger; determine eligibility for the first unique digital article and/or the first user to receive one or more rewards; adjust the one or more rewards based on the determined fraction; provide the adjusted rewards.
US11173403B2 Storage medium storing game program, game apparatus, game system, and game processing method
An example information processing device chooses a subset of game objects as candidate game objects from among available game objects; selects a candidate game object as a selected game object according to the user's instruction; updating, when an update condition is satisfied, possession data in the memory so that the selected game object is set as a possessed game object possessed by the user; on a condition that the remaining time has been expired, replacing the candidate game object on the selection screen with a game object newly chosen from among the available game objects; and on at least one of a first condition that the candidate game object has been selected as a selected game object and a second condition that the update condition is satisfied, replacing the selected game object with a game object newly chosen from among the available game objects.
US11173401B1 Systems and methods for adjusting previously-made modifications of game assets based on changes in the ownership of tradeable items
Systems and methods for modifying game assets based on tradeable items that are associated with user accounts of users of an online gaming platform are disclosed. Exemplary implementations may: store item information, asset information, user inventories, item-account connections, and item-asset connections; obtain first item identifier, of first tradeable item from a client computing platform of a second user; obtain, by the first item identifier, first modification information; obtain second user information; link the first tradeable item with the second user account, establishing a second item-account connection; store the second item-account connection; receive, from the client computing platform, indication of a selection of a second game asset to be modified based on the first modification information, establishing a second item-asset connection; record the second item-asset connection; perform second modification, based on the first modification information, of the second attribute information; and adjust a first modification of first attribute information of a first game asset.
US11173386B2 Three-dimensional logic puzzle
A three-dimensional logic puzzle is provided. The puzzle includes a plurality of identically shaped puzzle components of an irregular form. Each puzzle component is configured to engage with another identically shaped puzzle component via projections and recesses formed on the sides of the puzzle components. The plurality of puzzle components are interengagably assembled into the form of a predetermined three-dimensional geometric shape.
US11173383B2 Card-handling devices and related methods, assemblies, and components
A card-handling device may include a card intake, a card output, a card imaging device positioned between the card intake and the card output. The card imaging device may be configured to identify a non-conforming card. The card-handling device may be configured to store the non-conforming card in a designated location and/or to reorient the non-conforming card with a card-flipping apparatus configured to reorient flipped cards identified as non-conforming cards.
US11173375B2 Information processing apparatus and information processing method
To provide a mechanism making it possible to provide a more favorable service to an audience viewing the action of performer. An information processing apparatus including: a control unit that outputs content related to a performer, on the basis of detection information detected regarding an audience or the performer who performs an action to be viewed by the audience, in a display region that satisfies a criterion of visibility for the audience and a criterion of ease-of-viewability of an action of the performer by the audience, and does not satisfy a criterion of visibility for the performer.
US11173373B2 Athletic monitoring garment with non-transmitting, non-receiving sensor systems and methods
A garment including a breath sensor module. The breath sensor module includes a stretchable sensor configured to respond to at least one of expansion and contraction of a torso of an individual wearing the garment. The breath sensor module also may include an electronics module. The electronics module includes, for example, a processor and a haptic feedback device. In response to the processor determining that the individual's breathing meets predetermined criteria based on the response of the stretchable sensor, the haptic feedback device produces haptic feedback such that the individual is reminded to breathe. Further, the breath sensor module does not include a transmitter or a receiver configured to transmit or receive data outside of the breath sensor module. Advantageously, this allows for streamlined use, and less-intrusive reminders to the individual wearing the garment, without the complexities of signal transmission or receiving.
US11173365B2 Climbing wall assembly
A climbing wall assembly comprising at least one wall panel (2) arranged to provide at least a portion of a climbing wall (1), a number of hand hold structures (5) to be placed to the at least one wall panel (2) and a number of integrated fastening elements (3) arranged in the at least one wall panel (2) for receiving the hand hold structures (5) to be placed to the at least one wall panel (2).
US11173361B2 Golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads
Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a body portion with a toe portion, a heel portion, a rear portion, a front portion with a strike face, a sole portion, and a top portion with a plurality of ports. The body portion may define a periphery of the golf club head. The golf club head may also include a plurality of weight portions with each weight portion disposed in one port of the plurality of ports. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.
US11173357B2 Golf club head
Golf club heads are described herein, and in one embodiment including a body with an exterior surface defining a first body volume of at least about 400 cm3. The body has a bottom portion, a top portion, a front portion, and a back portion. A face positioned at the front portion of the body and is configured to receive an impact. A top portion silhouette profile located along a perimeter of the top portion is further described. The top portion silhouette profile defines the outer bounds of the top portion in an X-direction and Y-direction. At least one indentation can be located on the bottom portion below the crown silhouette profile. The removal of the at least one indentation from the bottom portion can create a second body volume that is at least 12 cm3 larger than the first body volume.
US11173354B2 Exercise ball with internal handle
A fitness ball includes a ball portion having a generally spherical-shaped resilient shell, a pocket disposed in the ball portion and defining an opening in the ball portion, and a handle extending from a first point on an inner surface of the pocket to a second point on the inner surface of the pocket. In some embodiments, the fitness ball further includes an impact-absorbent filler material disposed in an inner cavity defined by the resilient shell and the pocket. In other embodiments, the fitness ball includes one or more gel inserts embedded in the pocket to cushion impact of a user's hand with the pocket. In other embodiments, the pocket is adhered to the resilient shell by an adhesive disposed between an interfacing portion of the resilient shell and a corresponding lip of the pocket which overlaps the interfacing portion of the resilient shell.
US11173349B2 Golf ball
An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball travelling a great flight distance on driver shots, having enhanced controllability on approach shots under a wet condition, and being excellent in stain resistance and shot feeling. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a golf ball body having a cover, and a paint film covering the golf ball body, wherein a 10% elastic modulus of the paint film is 75 kgf/cm2 or less, a storage modulus (E′150) at 150° C. of the paint film obtained by measuring dynamic viscoelasticity of the paint film is 1.0×107 Pa or more, an indentation depth of the paint film measured with a nanoindenter in a state that the paint film is formed on the surface of the golf ball body is 1250 nm or more, and a material hardness of the cover is 50 or more in Shore D hardness.
US11173348B2 Golf ball
An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having enhanced controllability on approach shots from the rough and excellent stain resistance and shot feeling. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a golf ball body having a cover, and a paint film covering the golf ball body, wherein a 10% elastic modulus of the paint film is 75 kgf/cm2 or less, a storage modulus (E′150) at 150° C. of the paint film obtained by measuring dynamic viscoelasticity of the paint film is 1.0×107 Pa or more, an indentation depth of the paint film measured under a specific measuring condition in a state that the paint film is formed on the surface of the golf ball body is 1250 nm or more, and a material hardness of the cover is less than 50 in Shore D hardness.
US11173347B2 Golf balls having volumetric equivalence on opposing hemispheres and symmetric flight performance and methods of making same
Golf balls according to the present invention achieve flight symmetry and overall satisfactory flight performance due to a dimple surface volume ratio that is equivalent between opposing hemispheres despite the use of different dimple geometries, different dimple arrangements, and/or different dimple counts on the opposing hemispheres.
US11173341B2 Wearable apparatus and user terminal device connectable to wearable device
A wearable apparatus is disclosed. The wearable apparatus includes: a sensor for detecting a motion of the wearable apparatus; and a processor for extracting a motion pattern on the basis of the motion detected by the sensor, comparing a preselected motion pattern with the extracted motion pattern, and counting the number of times of motion corresponding to the preselected motion pattern.
US11173338B1 Systems and devices for rehabilitating shoulder injuries
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, manufacture that can include, and/or a method for activities that can include and/or relate to, an elongate flexible strap and a plurality of elongate finger steps, each elongate finger step from the plurality of finger steps attached to the strap.
US11173332B2 Fire extinguishing system
The present invention provides a fire extinguishing system capable of reliably carrying out initial fire fighting using a limited fire extinguisher even if a protected area is wide for example. A control unit 20 of the fire extinguishing system of the invention includes an ignition point judging unit 21 for judging an ignition point from heat source information, a fire determining unit 22 for determining whether a fire breaks out from the heat source information, an ejecting unit selecting unit 23 for selecting one or some of fire extinguisher ejecting units 2 which eject the fire extinguisher by the ignition point judged by the ignition point judging unit 21 when the fire determining unit 22 determines that the fire breaks out, an operation direction calculating unit 24 for calculating an operation direction of an ejecting unit driving unit 3 corresponding to the fire extinguisher ejecting unit 2 selected by the ejecting unit selecting unit 23, and an output unit 25 for outputting, to the ejecting unit driving unit 3, driving instructions of the operation direction calculated by the operation direction calculating unit 24 and outputting ejection instructions to the fire extinguisher ejecting unit 2 selected by the ejecting unit selecting unit 23.
US11173327B2 Flue for ultrasonic aspiration surgical horn
A flue for use with an ultrasonic surgical tip, comprising protrusions or bumps on its inner surface with improved protrusion pattern, density and location. The flue has enhanced cooling effect for the ultrasonic surgical tip.
US11173313B2 Implantable medical device with offline programming limitations and related methods of operations
In one embodiment, a method of programming an implantable medical device (IMD) to provide therapeutic operations for a patient, comprises: receiving first programming data by the IMD from the external programming device to provide therapeutic operations according to at least one instance of settings data during a first communication session; receiving second programming data by the IMD from the external programming device to define limitations of reprogramming during one or more subsequent offline programming sessions; conducting a second communication session between the IMD with an external programming device when network connectivity is not available; receiving third programming data by IMD from the external programming device to provide therapeutic operations according to at least one instance of settings data during the second communication session; and determining whether the third programming data is permitted according to limitations defined by the second programming data.
US11173312B2 Increasing dynamic range of stimulation control
Techniques for configuring electrical stimulation therapy parameters is described. Based on user input, processing circuitry may keep a first therapy parameter substantially constant and increase a value of a second therapy parameter until increasing the second therapy parameter further causes the second therapy parameter to be bigger than threshold value. The processing circuitry may adjust the second therapy parameter value and adjust the first therapy parameter value. Prior to adjustment, the first and second therapy parameters set a first intensity, and after adjustment, the first and second therapy parameters set a second intensity that is greater than or equal to the first intensity. The processing circuitry causes delivery of therapy at the second intensity.
US11173305B2 Method and apparatus to provide safety checks for neural stimulation
In electrically stimulating neural tissue it is important to prevent over stimulation and unbalanced stimulation, which would cause damage to the neural tissue, the electrode, or both. It is critical that neural tissue is not subjected to any direct current or alternating current above a safe threshold. Further, it is important to identify defective electrodes, as continued use may result in neural damage and further electrode damage. The present invention presents system and stimulator control mechanisms to prevent damage to neural tissue.
US11173301B2 Method and device for assisting respiration by electrical stimulation
A method for assisting respiration by electrical stimulation includes: acquiring a time parameter of a target respiratory process; and outputting a phrenic nerve stimulating signal to a diaphragm stimulating electrode within a time period corresponding to inspiration and outputting an abdominal muscle stimulating signal to an abdominal muscle stimulating electrode within a time period corresponding to expiration, according to the time parameter of the target respiratory process.
US11173300B2 Paired medical lead bodies with conductive shields providing destructive interference
Medical lead bodies that are paired each include a braided conductive shield. The braided conductive shield of one lead body has a value for a physical parameter that differs from a value for the physical parameter of the second lead body. The difference in values of the physical parameter for the paired lead bodies results in a reduction in heating from exposure of the lead bodies to radiofrequency energy at electrodes associated with the lead bodies. The lead bodies may be paired by being implanted adjacently to one another. The lead bodies may be further paired by being coupled to a same distal body, such as a paddle containing the electrodes.
US11173299B2 Electrode leads configured to engage with a fixing element and methods for manufacturing the same
An exemplary electrode lead includes a flexible body formed of a flexible insulating material, an electrode contact disposed on an outer surface of the flexible body, and a strand that includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a loop that is provided between the first end portion and the second end portion and that protrudes from the flexible body. The loop is configured to engage with a fixing element that is configured to attach the loop to tissue within a recipient to secure the electrode lead within the recipient. Corresponding methods for manufacturing an electrode lead are also described.
US11173293B2 Hand-holdable tattoo device
A hand-holdable device for tattooing includes a handle part with a drive, a needle module which is detachably secured to the handle part and includes a needle that can be moved back and forth by the drive, and a protective sleeve which is configured to fully isolate the needle module from the handle part. The needle is connected to the drive by a form-fitting and/or magnetic coupling including coupling elements and the protective sleeve is releasably held between the coupling elements.
US11173291B2 Implantable drug delivery devices for localized drug delivery
Provided herein are drug implants comprising a therapeutically active agent for the treatment of disease in a subject. In some cases, the drug implant may comprise a polymer matrix and a therapeutically active agent disposed therein. Additionally provided are methods for manufacturing the drug implants and methods of treating diseases with the implants. In some cases, the drug implant may comprise bicalutamide, e.g., for use in the treatment of prostate cancer.
US11173288B2 Non-compliant medical balloon having braided or knitted reinforcement
A non-compliant medical balloon comprises a base balloon including a pair of spaced-apart, generally conical end sections and a generally cylindrical center section connected therebetween. A braided fabric sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the base balloon, wherein the sleeve is formed of at least three substantially inelastic fibers intertwined in such a way that no two of the three fibers are twisted exclusively around one another. The sleeve is permanently affixed to the outer surface of the base balloon so as to prevent excessive expansion of the base balloon when the base balloon is internally pressurized.
US11173276B2 Catheter assembly
A multi lumen catheter assembly. The assembly provides an expandable, low profile, fixed length sheath and catheter, with fixed infusion ports. The assembly has an expandable outer sheath that expands upon pressure activation with a fluid and the sheath allows the fluid to exit from at least one predetermined fixed location from a distal end of the catheter assembly. The catheter assembly can be used in various medical device procedures, such as a TIPS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt) procedure, or anywhere a low profile, multi lumen, infusion catheter system is desired.
US11173268B2 Conduit headgear connector for patient interface
A patient interface may include: a plenum chamber at least partly defining a patient interface chamber, a seal-forming structure constructed and arranged to form a seal with a region of the patient's face, at least one conduit, at least one conduit connector configured to pneumatically connect the at least one conduit to the plenum chamber to provide a flow of air at a therapeutic pressure to the patient interface chamber for breathing by the patient, and a positioning and stabilising structure to provide a force to hold the seal-forming structure on the patient's head, the positioning and stabilising structure comprising at least one tie, wherein the at least one conduit connector includes an anti-asphyxia valve configured to allow the patient to breath from ambient through their mouth in the absence of a flow of pressurised air.
US11173267B2 Adjustable tracheostoma valve and heat and moisture exchanger
An adjustable tracheostoma valve includes a housing having a first opening that is adapted to open to a tracheostoma and a second opening that opens to ambient. The housing includes a lower housing portion defining the first opening and an upper housing portion movably attached to the lower housing portion and defining the second opening. A closure member is disposed in the housing and adapted to close the second opening. A flexible membrane includes a first region connected to the closure member and a plurality of spiral shaped legs extending from the first region and connected to the housing. The upper and lower housings are axially adjustable relative to one another to adjust an amount of air flow through the valve that would cause closure of the closure member. A heat and moisture exchanger is disposed in the housing between the first opening and the second opening.
US11173266B2 Closed suction cleaning devices, systems and methods
A closed suction system module is provided. In one embodiment, the closed suction system module includes a coupling member configured to couple to a suction port of a multi-port manifold or endotracheal tube adapter (e.g., dual-port or tri-port adapter). In one embodiment, the closed suction system module includes a suction catheter configured to clean the interior surfaces of body-inserted tubes or artificial airways (alone or in addition to suctioning natural airways or portions of the respiratory tract or other body lumens). The suction catheter may include a cleaning portion at a distal portion of the suction catheter (e.g., near the distal end or tip of the suction catheter). In some embodiments, the cleaning portion includes at least one expandable cleaning member (e.g., balloon, sleeve, wiper).
US11173260B2 Aerosol generating device having vapour-cooling passageway
An aerosol generating device, includes an inhalation outlet; a chamber for holding a material, the material capable of generating a vapour when heated; a heater for heating material held in the chamber; an air inlet connected by an air inlet passage to the chamber; a vapour-cooling module providing a fluidic connection between the chamber and inhalation outlet, the module configured to cool a vapour passing there through. Suction at the inhalation outlet causes air to enter the chamber via the air inlet, thereby transporting vapour generated in the chamber through the module to the inhalation outlet, such that the temperature of the vapour exiting the device through the inhalation outlet is substantially lower than the temperature of the vapour generated in the chamber. The device thereby provides a means whereby a vapour generated in the chamber is substantially cooled during transport from the chamber through the mouthpiece to the user.
US11173257B2 Syringe adapter for medication
Apparatus for use with medication in fluid form, which is particularly beneficial for medications having a relatively high viscosity. The disclosed syringe adapter has an opening that is relatively large, as compared to a conventional needle, and thus affixing the disclosed syringe adapter to a syringe improves syringeability of higher-viscosity medications. When the disclosed syringe adapter is affixed to a pistol-grip or tab-handled syringe, the medication withdrawn into the pistol-grip syringe can be more easily administered from the syringe barrel. In some embodiments, the syringe adapter will be replaced with a needle prior to injecting the medication, while in some other embodiments, the needle is affixed to the in-place syringe adapter for the injection. In yet other embodiments, the needle is affixed to a needle holder that, in turn, is affixed to the in-place syringe adapter for the injection.
US11173255B2 Injection device
An injection device comprises an actuator adapted when actuated to cause commencement of an injection sequence; a locking mechanism adapted to be moved between a locked position in which the locking mechanism prevents the actuator from being actuated, and an unlocked position in which the actuator can be actuated to cause commencement of the injection sequence. The locking mechanism comprises a contact portion which in the locked position of the locking mechanism projects against the actuator. The contact portion comprises a curved surface.
US11173254B2 Needle-based device with a safety mechanism implemented therein
A method includes protecting an entire length of a needle of a needle-based device protruding from a needle mount coupled to a body thereof based on providing a needle shield configured to completely encompass the entire protruding length of the needle in a first state of disuse of the needle-based device, and retracting the needle shield in a first direction toward the body to cause the needle to emerge out of the needle shield to prepare the needle-based device for a second state of use. The method also includes transitioning the needle-based device back to the first state of disuse in accordance with a force applied in a second direction, securedly maintaining the needle shield in the first state of disuse, and locking the needle shield with a lock button formed on the needle shield or external thereto in the first state of disuse of the needle-based device.
US11173249B2 Syringe
The disclosure relates to a syringe, comprising a barrel and a plunger, wherein at least a part of said plunger is longitudinally slidably received in the barrel, wherein the plunger comprises a portion that is provided with at least one series of interspaced plunger formations, wherein the barrel is provided with a corresponding barrel formation for consecutively engaging successive ones of the plunger formations, wherein the syringe is arranged such as to be brought from a first state in which the barrel formation successively engages the plunger formations during slidable displacement of the plunger within the barrel, into a second state in which the barrel formation is held in a position spaced away from the plunger portion that comprises the plunger formations.
US11173244B2 Drive mechanism for drug delivery pumps with integrated status indication
A drive mechanism includes a housing, a piston adapted to impart movement to a plunger seal within a drug container, a plurality of biasing members disposed in parallel, and a retainer. The biasing members are disposed to release energy to cause movement of the piston from a retracted first position to the extended second position, the piston bearing against the plunger seal to dispense medicine. The retainer is disposed to maintain the biasing members in the energized position and to release the biasing members to permit the piston to dispense the medicine. The drive mechanism may also include an end-of-dose indicator to identify at least one of when the sleeve assembly is disposed subjacent a window in the housing, the relative motion of the sleeve assembly with reference to the window or another reference component, the stoppage of such motion, and the rated or change of rate of motion.
US11173242B2 Infusion pump assembly
An infusion pump assembly is disclosed. The infusion pump assembly includes a locking tab and a pump barrel inside a pump barrel housing, where the pump barrel accommodates a reservoir assembly. The reservoir assembly includes a reservoir and a plunger rod. The infusion pump assembly also includes a locking disc at a terminus of the pump barrel. The locking disc includes a clearance hole for the plunger rod. The locking disc also includes at least one locking tab notch in close proximity with the locking tab. The locking tab is in moveable engagement with the locking tab notch, and the reservoir moves the locking tab from a locked position to an unlocked position when the plunger rod is inserted through clearance hole. The locking disc rotates upon torque being applied to the reservoir assembly, the locking disc rotating from a non-loaded position to a loaded position with respect to the plunger rod and a drive screw.
US11173240B2 Optimizing power transfer to negative pressure sources in negative pressure therapy systems
Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a driving circuit that supplies a driving signal to a negative pressure source to cause the negative pressure source to provide negative pressure via a fluid flow path to a wound dressing. The apparatus furthers include a controller that adjusts a frequency of the driving signal supplied by the driving circuit according to a comparison of a previous magnitude and a subsequent magnitude of the driving signal while the negative pressure source provides negative pressure. The transfer of power to the negative pressure source can thereby be tuned to maximize an amount of power transferred to the negative pressure source.
US11173234B2 Biomedical patches with spatially arranged fibers
A three-dimensional electrospun nanofiber scaffold for use in repairing a defect in a tissue substrate is provided. The three-dimensional electrospun nanofiber scaffold includes a first layer formed by a first plurality of electrospun polymeric fibers and a second layer formed by a second plurality of electrospun polymeric fibers. The second layer is coupled to the first layer using a coupling process and includes a plurality of varying densities formed by the second plurality of electrospun polymeric fibers. The first and second layers are configured to degrade via hydrolysis after at least one of a predetermined time or an environmental condition. The three-dimensional electrospun nanofiber scaffold is configured to be applied to the tissue substrate containing the defect.
US11173228B2 Medical dressing comprising a carrier and a composite material
Disclosed is a medical dressing having a carrier material and a composite material. The composite material includes oil droplets dispersed in a matrix. The matrix includes one or more cellulose derivatives and nanocellulose.
US11173227B2 Wound dressings and applications thereof
In one aspect, compositions and wound dressings are described herein. In some embodiments, a composition or wound dressing described herein comprises a mesh formed from a plurality of biodegradable polymer fibers; a first active agent dispersed in the biodegradable polymer fibers; a plurality of biodegradable polymer particles disposed in the mesh; and a second active agent dispersed in the biodegradable polymer particles. The particles can be disposed within the interiors of the fibers of the mesh or between the fibers of the mesh. In another aspect, a composition or wound dressing described herein comprises a first perforated mesh formed from a first plurality of biodegradable polymer fibers; and a second perforated mesh formed from a second plurality of biodegradable polymer fibers, wherein the second perforated mesh is disposed on the first perforated mesh in a stacked configuration and the first and second perforated meshes have different degrees of perforation.
US11173223B2 Apparatus and method to repeatedly fill and purge channels of endoscope
A medical device reprocessor is operable to perform a method of cleaning an internal channel of a medical device. The method entails activating a pump assembly to deliver a detergent to the internal channel for a first predetermined duration, activating the pump assembly to deliver water to the internal channel to rinse out the detergent for a second predetermined duration, and activating the pump assembly to deliver pressurized air to the internal channel to purge out the water or detergent contained within the internal channel for a third predetermined duration. Subsequently, the method involves activating the pump assembly to deliver a predetermined volume of disinfectant to the internal channel, and activating the pump assembly to deliver pressurized air to purge out the disinfectant into a chamber. The method repeats filling the internal channel with detergent, water and disinfectant and the subsequent purging of the internal channel with pressurized air.
US11173221B2 Ultraviolet disinfection for a water bottle
Disinfection of a surface, such as a mouthpiece of a water bottle, using ultraviolet radiation is disclosed. A cover assembly can include a cover configured to selectively enclose the surface to be disinfected, such as the mouthpiece. The cover assembly can be configured such that ultraviolet radiation can be emitted into an interior volume at least partially formed by the cover and including the surface. The cover assembly can further include a power source which provides power to one or more ultraviolet light sources that emit the ultraviolet radiation. The cover assembly can be a mouthpiece cover assembly physically separate from a container and top cover or integrated in the top cover. A container and a top cover including one or more features for improved cleanliness are also disclosed.
US11173219B2 PD-L1 binding polypeptides for imaging
Provided herein are novel 10Fn3 domains which specifically bind to PD-L1, as well as imaging agents based on the same for diagnostics.
US11173217B2 Methods and compositions for near infrared fluorescent nanodots with aggregation-induced emission characteristics
Disclosed herein is a donor-acceptor-donor (D-A-D) compound of formula I, where in the acceptors are mono-substituted tetraphenylethylene moieties. Also disclosed herein are fluorescent nanodots that comprise the compound of formula (I) and uses of said compound or nanodots in in vivo imaging or detecting of cancer cells in a subject.
US11173216B2 Gene editing-based method of attenuating the beta-amyloid pathway
Described herein are CRISPR/Cas9 constructs designed for the C-terminal truncation of human amyloid precursor protein (APP) as well as methods of making and using such a construct. A Cas9 nuclease/gRNA ribonucleoprotein directs cleavage of an APP gene to provide a C-terminal truncated APP having a length of 659, 670, 676, or 686 amino acids, relative to the human or mouse APP sequence.
US11173211B2 Compounds and methods for the targeted degradation of rapidly accelerated Fibrosarcoma polypeptides
The present disclosure relates to bifunctional compounds, which find utility as modulators of Rapidly Accelerated Fibrosarcoma (RAF, such as c-RAF, A-RAF and/or B-RAF; the target protein). In particular, the present disclosure is directed to bifunctional compounds, which contain on one end a Von Hippel-Lindau, cereblon, Inhibitors of Apotosis Proteins or mouse double-minute homolog 2 ligand which binds to the respective E3 ubiquitin ligase and on the other end a moiety which binds the target protein RAF, such that the target protein is placed in proximity to the ubiquitin ligase to effect degradation (and inhibition) of target protein. The present disclosure exhibits a broad range of pharmacological activities associated with degradation/inhibition of target protein. Diseases or disorders that result from aggregation or accumulation of the target protein, or the constitutive activation of the target protein, are treated or prevented with compounds and compositions of the present disclosure.
US11173204B2 MVA-BN and Ad26.ZEBOV or Ad26.filo prime-boost regimen
Compositions and methods are described for generating an improved effective immune response against an immunogen in humans. The enhanced immune response, is obtained by using an MVA vector as a prime, an adenovirus vector as a first boost, and an adenovirus vector as a second boost. The compositions and methods can be used to provide a protective immunity against a disease, such as an infection of one or more subtypes of Ebola and Marburg filoviruses, in humans.
US11173201B2 Methods and compositions for inducing protective immunity against filovirus infection
The present invention provides compositions, vaccines and methods for inducing protective immunity against filovirus infection, particularly protective immunity against infection of one or more subtypes of Ebola viruses and Marburg virus.
US11173192B2 Anti-RNA virus composition comprising EPRS protein or fragment thereof
The present invention relates to an EPRS (glutamyl-prolyl-tRNA synthetase) protein or a fragment thereof.The EPRS protein of the present invention or fragment thereof may bind to PCBP2 protein to activate the MAVS signaling pathway, and thus it has anti-RNA viral effects, thereby being effective for preventing or treating a RNA viral infectious disease.
US11173191B2 IL-15-based molecules and methods of use thereof
The invention features combination therapies using an IL-15-based superagonist complex and an antibody to effectively treat subjects with cancer and infectious diseases.
US11173190B2 Treatment of cystic fibrosis by delivery of codon-optimized mRNA encoding CFTR
The present invention provides, among other things, methods of treating cystic fibrosis, comprising a step of administering to a subject in need of treatment a composition comprising an mRNA encoding a Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) protein, wherein the mRNA encoding the CFTR protein comprises a polynucleotide sequence at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the mRNA is at a concentration of at least 0.4 mg/mL, and wherein the step of administering comprises inhalation.
US11173181B2 Camel hump-oil based herbal compositions and method of making the same
Camel hump oil based herbal compositions and methods for preparing the herbal compositions for the treatment of multiple diseases, such as dermatological conditions, musculoskeletal conditions, and hair conditions. A method for extracting the camel hump oil from camel hump and a method of de-odorizing the extracted camel hump. The camel hump-oil based herbal composition includes camel hump oil, an herbal oil extract, a curing agent, and additives. The camel hump oil-based composition is topically applied.
US11173176B2 Modulators of vault RNAs for use in the treatment of diseases
The present invention relates to the finding that vault RNAs (vtRNA) associate with p62, an important factor of cellular autophagy. The invention provides the modulation of the binding of vtRNA to p62 as a novel strategy to influence autophagic flux in cells. Thus, the present invention provides inhibitors of vtRNA for use in the treatment of diseases associated with a pathological reduced or insufficient autophagy in cells, such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Further provided are methods for screening novel therapeutic compounds modulating autophagy via the p62/vtRNA axis.
US11173167B2 Nutritional intervention for improving muscular function and strength
The present invention provides a composition comprising HMB and Vitamin D. Methods of administering HMB and Vitamin D to an animal are also described. Vitamin D and HMB are administered to increase muscle mass, strength, and functionality. The combination of Vitamin D and HMB together has a synergistic effect, which results in a surprising and unexpected level of improvement in muscle mass, strength and functionality.
US11173166B2 Composition and uses thereof
The present invention relates to compositions for inhibiting inflammation. The composition can comprise one or more natural products in the form of a nutraceutical or functional food. The present invention further relates to the combinatorial use of nutritional supplements and nutraceuticals for the prevention and/or treatment of sterile inflammation and conditions associated with sterile inflammation.
US11173163B2 Topical antimicrobial compositions and methods of formulating the same
A method of treating a bacterial infection of a subject includes topically administering a topical composition that includes cefixime combined with a carrier. The topical composition may be administered by contacting a tissue surface of the subject to be treated with the topical composition such as skin or mucosal tissue.
US11173159B2 Methods and compositions for inhibition of polymerase
The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for inhibition of viral nucleic acid polymerases, such as RNA and DNA polymerases, and methods and compositions that are useful for treating viral infections in subjects. The methods comprise administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof, or a composition comprising a compound of formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The composition or method may optionally comprise one or more additional anti-viral agents.
US11173157B2 Substituted pyrimidines containing acidic groups as TLR7 modulators
The present disclosure relates to a class of pyrimidine derivatives having immunomodulating properties that act via TLR7 which are useful in the treatment of viral infections and cancers. One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a compound represented by Formula 1:
US11173155B2 Tamper resistant immediate release formulations
Disclosed in certain embodiments is an immediate release solid oral dosage form comprising a plurality of particles, each particle comprising: (i) a core comprising a first active agent; (ii) a coating comprising a second active agent layered over the core; and (iii) a material that is sensitive to acidic pH layered over the coated core; wherein the dosage form releases at least about 70% of the second active agent within 45 minutes as measured by in-vitro dissolution in a USP Apparatus 2 (paddle) at 50 rpm in 500 ml 0.1 N HCl at 37° C.
US11173153B2 Methods of diagnosing and treating anxiety disorder
Methods and uses for diagnosing and treating anxiety disorders are encompassed, wherein diagnosis and treatment may be based upon an assessment of genetic alterations in metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) network genes and wherein treatment is with nonspecific activators of mGluRs such as fasoracetam.
US11173152B1 Glutathione-coated nanoparticles for delivery of MKT-077 across the blood-brain barrier
Nanoparticle based MKT formulation. MKT is encapsulated by poly(ethylene glycol)ylated (PEGylated) poly-(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) to form nanoparticles (NPs). To induce trans-BBB permeability, glutathione (GSH) is coated on the resulting NPs. Newly generated MKT-NPs showed BBB permeability and tau reduction in experimental models. Specifically, brain-targeting MKT NPs were developed with a glutathione coating, characterized, and shown to permeate BBB permeation insert models as a therapeutic for Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies.
US11173138B2 Administration of butyrate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and related compounds in humans
In various implementations, beta-hydroxybutyrate, related compounds, and/or one or more other compounds may be administered to an individual to cause weight loss, weight maintenance, elevate blood ketone levels, maintain blood ketone levels, reduce blood glucose levels, maintain blood glucose levels, improve energy, focus, mood, cognitive function, or aide with neurological or inflammatory disorders and/or combinations thereof. Other compounds may include short chain fatty acids, short chain triglycerides, medium chain fatty acids, medium chain triglycerides, long chain fatty acids, long chain triglycerides, berberine, metabolites of berberine (e.g., dihydroberberine), and/or combinations thereof.
US11173137B2 Compositions and methods to modulate chloride ion channel activity
Provided herein are small-molecules for use in modulating chloride ion channel (CLC) activity, particularly the activity of CLC-2, to elucidate the role of CLC-2 in disorders associated with CLC-2 malfunction, and to identify therapeutic leads for their treatment. Compositions and methods for modulating CLC activity are also provided. In certain aspects, the subject compounds and compositions are useful for imaging or channel pull-down studies.
US11173134B2 Methods for the treatment of depression
The present invention is directed to methods and dosing regimens for the treatment of depression (preferably, treatment resistant depression), for the treatment of depression in a suicidal patient, and/or for the treatment and/or prevention of suicidality (e.g. suicidal ideations).
US11173133B2 Zeaxanthin formulations with additional ocular-active nutrients, for protecting eye health and treating eye disorders
Oral formulations for promoting eye health, and in particular for preventing or treating macular degeneration, are disclosed, containing zeaxanthin, a carotenoid pigment, and at least two or more additional ocular-active nutrients selected from lipoic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, plant-derived compounds such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, or polyphenolics, taurine, carnitine, Coenzyme-Q10, carnosine, and nutrients that stimulate the production of glutathione. Processes are disclosed for identifying ocular-active nutrients that will interact in a synergistic and potentiating manner with zeaxanthin, to provide better and more effective protection, for eye health, than can be provided by zeaxanthin alone. Additional optional agents include zinc, vitamin E, and vitamin C.
US11173131B2 Transdermal device including porous microparticles
The present invention relates to a transdermal device including porous microparticles capable of containing an active principle, in particular nicotine, and to the use thereof as a drug, in particular for tobacco cessation. The present invention further relates to a method for preparing a transdermal device including porous microparticles filled with an active principle.
US11173126B2 Nanoalum particles comprising a PAA sizing agent
Provided herein are nanoalum particles comprising an aluminum salt and a sizing agent, wherein the size of the particle ranges from about 1 nm to 450 nm. Such nanoalum particles are stable and are amenable to a terminal sterilization step prior to vialing. Compositions comprising the nanoalum particles, and the making and using of the nanoalum particles are also provided.
US11173124B2 Oral delivery of GLP-1 peptide analogs
The present invention provides formulations for oral administration of GLP-1 peptide analogs, methods of making such formulations, and methods of treatment using such formulations.
US11173123B2 Pharmaceutical formulation comprising one or more fumaric acid esters in an erosion matrix
A pharmaceutical formulation comprising an erosion matrix comprising one or more fumaric acid esters as well as one or more rate-controlling agents, wherein erosion of said erosion matrix permits controlled release of said fumaric acid ester(s).
US11173121B2 Pellets having a multi-layer structure for delayed release of the active substance in the distal colon
An optimized pharmaceutical formulation for the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the colon is disclosed, wherein the pharmaceutical formulation is a capsule containing pellets, which capsule is suitable for oral administration and delivers the active substance in a targeted manner to the site of action, namely the colon. This is achieved by a complex and multiple coating of pellets, which permit a modified release of active substance. The release of the active substance is at its maximum only in the colon, with at the same time low blood plasma levels. The results of the pharmaceutical tests concerning in vitro release are corroborated by the results in pharmaco-kinetic and clinical studies and the clinical efficacy demonstrated by these. The formulation according to the invention has a very good medicinal safety.
US11173117B2 Topical Montelukast formulations
The present disclosure provides for topical emulsion comprising about 0.5% to about 10% Montelukast or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and about 0.4% to about 4% carbomer; wherein particles comprising the Montelukast in the emulsion have D90 of less than about 50 μm, wherein the Montelukast or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is homogeneously dispersed in the emulsion, and wherein the emulsion has a pH of about 3.0 to about 6.5. The present disclosure also provides a topical gel comprising (a) about 0.5% to about 10% Montelukast or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; (b) about 0.2% to about 8% cellulose polymer; and (c) about 80% to about 95% amphiphilic compound; wherein the gel comprises less than 4% water.
US11173116B2 Drug delivery system kit comprising an enzyme
The present invention relates to a drug delivery kit including an enzyme, and more particularly a drug delivery system using a drug delivery system kit, which includes a drug delivery system including a core and a coating layer; and an enzyme having a degradation activity against the coating layer.
US11173112B2 Ophthalmic preparations
The present invention provides ophthalmic formulations containing cyclosporine, methods for preparing the formulation, and methods for using the formulation.
US11173111B1 Composition and method for prevention and treatment of anorectal disorders
A composition comprising at least one TCA useful in a method for treating an anorectal disorder, a rectal device and method of treating the anorectal disorder by anorectally administering an effective amount of the TCA, e.g. amitriptyline.
US11173109B2 Compositions in the form of an injectable aqueous solution comprising amylin, an amylin receptor agonist or an amylin analog and a co-polyamino acid
A composition in the form of an injectable aqueous solution, wherein the pH is comprised from 6.0 to 8.0, includes at least:a) amylin, an amylin receptor agonist or an amylin analog; andb) a co-polyamino acid bearing carboxylate charges and hydrophobic radicals Hy, wherein the composition does not comprise a basal insulin wherein the isoelectric point pI is comprised from 5.8 to 8.5. The composition may further include a prandial insulin.
US11173106B2 Compositions comprising a superhydrophilic amphiphilic copolymer and a micellar thickener
Provided are healthcare compositions comprising a superhydrophilic amphiphilic copolymer, a micellar thickener, and a cosmetically-acceptable or pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier. Also, provided are methods of cleansing or treating a mammal by applying healthcare compositions of the present inventions to the mammalian body.
US11173102B1 Methods and compositions for removing color from color-treated hair
The disclosure relates to compositions and methods for removing direct dyes from hair, the methods comprising contacting hair with a composition comprising (i) at least one organic salt selected from imidazolium-based compounds and/or ammonium-based compounds, and (ii) at least one surfactant. The compositions can further contain at least one co-surfactant and/or cyclic compound.
US11173098B1 Magazines for tactical medicine dispensers
Magazines that include a supporting member such as a strap, rod or chamber and one or preferably a plurality of portable medicament cases that each include a medicament provided in a package. Each case has first and second housing members that are configured to form a medicament package receiving cavity when joined together. The housing members mate together in a sealed configuration that prevents moisture or contaminants from entering into the cavity. The magazines are configured for containing a plurality of medicament cases for administration of medicaments to a group of people. Also included is a method of administering medications to mass casualties of multiple persons that are in need thereof. The medicaments are rapidly disintegratable and can include a dye that stains the person's mouth so that medical personnel can determine who has been treated with the medicament.
US11173096B2 Packaging device configured to support medical containers and method for removing the medical containers from said packaging device
This packaging device comprises a first stage (2a) of supporting units (20) configured to support a first plurality of medical containers (100a) in a first plane, a second stage (2b) of supporting units (20) configured to support a second plurality of medical containers (100b) in a second plane parallel to said first plane, the first plane and the second plane being spaced apart from each other so that the distal ends (106) of the first plurality of medical containers (100a) extend between medical containers of the second plurality of medical containers (100b), and the supporting units (20) of the first and second stages (2a, 2b) being configured so that the medical containers of the first and second pluralities of medical containers (100a, 100b) are oriented in a same direction. The first stage (2a) of supporting units (20) is formed by a first plate-shaped nest and the second stage (2b) of supporting units (20) is formed by a second plate-shaped nest.
US11173094B1 Shock absorber under arm adjustable height walking crutch
The new Shock Absorber Under Arm Adjustable Height Walking Crutches are standard aluminum adjustable height walking crutches modified with 4 coil springs added under the arm rest, one spring in each crutch pipe below the arm rest. Two per crutch 4 per pair of crutches, the springs are accommodated by a Pipe Spring Adapter which holds the springs in place and also allows the springs to move freely. The crutches are used exactly the same as standard aluminum adjustable height crutches but with the addition of the springs and pipe spring adapters the crutches now have a shock absorber effect under the arm rest. The springs actuate each time the user applies weight to the arm rest therefore alleviating the pain caused to the under arms by standard crutches.
US11173090B2 Nerve de-tensioning method and apparatus
A method and apparatus to de-tension or unload the sciatic or other major nerve or muscle group compressing a nerve of a user.
US11173088B2 Reclining furniture comprising a warning device, and method for operating a warning device of a reclining furniture
The invention relates to reclining furniture comprising at least one sensor (6) and a warning device coupled to said sensor in order to warn about an undesired standing process of a user of the reclining furniture. The reclining furniture is characterized in that the warning device is designed to evaluate information of the at least one sensor (6) with respect to a movement and/or behavior pattern of a person using the reclining furniture in order to emit a warning signal as soon as there is an intention to leave the reclining furniture. The invention additionally relates to a method for operating a warning device of reclining furniture, said warning device being coupled to at least one sensor (6) which is arranged on the reclining furniture.
US11173085B2 Mattress cover for a mattress providing rotation therapy to a patient
A mattress cover for a mattress providing movement therapy to a patient. A patient support portion covers the upper surface of the mattress, and a bottom portion is coupled to the patient support portion. The mattress cover may substantially encase the mattress. An augmenting feature is associated with a peripheral portion with the augmenting feature adapted to move between a stored configuration, and a deployed configuration in response to increasing thickness of the mattress during the movement therapy. The augmenting feature may include concertinaed material, such as thermoformed plastic, and/or a fold of material coupled to the peripheral portion. The patient support portion and the bottom portion may at least partially overlap and be moveable relative to one another. The mattress cover may be included on a mattress overlay having a patient turning device, or on the mattress supported on a patient support apparatus.
US11173084B2 Sit-to-stand wheelchair
This invention comprises a low cost, high strength sit-to-stand wheel chair assembly. It is comprised of a base with an upward extension formed of a linear actuator mounted within telescopic members. The telescopic members carry large wheels together with a linkage operated front wheels that are mounted on the forward position of the base. A power linear actuator assembly causes the telescopic members to extend and retract to move the wheelchair assembly from the mobile position to a raised position that permits the base to engage the floor surface and to assist the patient to move from a sitting position to a standing position.
US11173082B2 Wheelchair footrest
The present invention relates to a wheelchair footrest 1, comprising a continuous foot support 10 or two separate foot supports 10 for supporting the feet of a user; and at least one lighting means 20; wherein said lighting means 20 is fixedly arranged on at least one of said foot supports 10 to illuminate at least a floor area 40 on a front side 102 of said wheelchair 100; and the lighting means 20 comprises an LED strip which is fixedly arranged on the underside 12 of the at least one foot support 10, and wherein the LED strip has a length BL which extends over at least 50% of the width B of the at least one foot support 10. The present invention relates also to a wheelchair 100 comprising a corresponding wheelchair footrest 1.
US11173080B2 Mobile object
A mobile object is configured so as to be capable of moving front and rear bases 10,30 object to each other in order to make a wheel base provided between the front wheels 12 and the rear wheels 32 expandable and contractible. The front base 10 moves so as to be expand and contract the tread width between the front wheels 12 in association with the expansion and the contraction of the wheel base achieved. The seating part 41 is configured so as to turn forward in association with the relative movement of the front and rear bases 10,30 in order to contract the wheel base and the tread width. The seating part 41 is configured so as to turn backward in association with the relative movement of the front and rear bases 10,30 in order to expand the wheel base and the tread width.
US11173078B2 Absorbent structure
An absorbent structure comprising a heterogeneous mass comprising one or more enrobeable elements and one or more discrete open cell foam pieces wherein at least one of the discrete open cell foam pieces comprises a first vacuole and a second vacuole wherein the first vacuole has a first cross sectional area, wherein the second vacuole has a second cross sectional area, wherein the first vacuole enrobes a first enrobeable element, wherein the second vacuole enrobes a second enrobeable element, wherein the first enrobeable element and the second enrobeable element exhibit different surface properties.
US11173077B2 Topsheet comprising natural fibers with good mechanical strength
A topsheet for use with an absorbent article is provided and comprises a first layer and a second layer. The first layer may be a spunlace nonwoven and may comprise at least 15% by weight of natural fibers by total weight of the first layer. The first layer may comprise a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of apertures. The first layer and the second layer may be in contact with each other between the majority of the protrusions. The second layer may have a plurality of apertures at least partially aligned with the apertures of the first layer. The first layer may have a minimum CD strength of at least 3N/(5 cm), according to the Tensile Strength Test Method.
US11173076B2 Stretchable structure of absorbent article and manufacturing method of the same
A stretchable structure of an absorbent article has a first sheet layer made of a nonwoven fabric; a second sheet layer made of a nonwoven fabric and opposed to one side surface of the first sheet layer; and a plurality of elongated elastically stretchable members provided along the stretchable direction at intervals from each other between the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer. The first sheet layer and the second sheet layer have sheet bonded portions bonded via a hot melt adhesive disposed in a striped pattern that is intermittent in the longitudinal direction of the elastically stretchable members and continuously elongated in the direction intersecting with the elastically stretchable members, and either one of the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer is made of a low-adhesion nonwoven fabric having lower peel strength with respect to the hot melt adhesive than the other sheet layer.
US11173074B2 Sensor for absorbent article
An absorbent structure, including a sensor system, can sense and measure the level of wetness contained within the absorbent structure as well as sense and measure environmental conditions. The sensor system may include passive RFID sensors or tags, RFID readers, antenna, a tuning module, a processing module, a memory module and a wireless communication module. The absorbent structure may further include two or more sensors, with a first sensor placed in a first area most likely to first be exposed to liquid and a second sensor spaced apart from the first sensor in an area likely to be exposed to liquid only after the absorbent structure has become more saturated.
US11173066B2 Device for defining a flap geometry
A device for defining a flap geometry of a flap for laser treatment of a human eye comprises a control unit programmed to evaluate ablation profile data of an ablation profile for a laser ablation treatment of a human cornea and to define the flap geometry based on this evaluation.
US11173065B2 Eye surgery method and eye surgery system
The present invention relates to an eye surgery method and an eye surgery system. An eye surgery method comprises directing illumination light direction onto a target object of an eye; generating an observation image from observation light emerging from the target object due to scattering of the illumination light at the target object; highlighting, in the observation image, a region of interest characterized by a specific wavelength range by modifying the observation light or by modifying digital raw image data representing a spatial intensity distribution of the observation light; and identifying the target object in the observation image including the highlighted region of interest and manipulating at least one part of the identified target object.
US11173062B1 Medical splint
A compact, lightweight, portable, foldable, multi-purpose, multi-functional, medical splint, primarily to use in emergency and/or remote situations to effectively provide quick, easy, and rigid immobilization to a person's limbs.
US11173061B2 Potentiating support with expandable framework
A method of donning a potentiating support for a hinge joint of a body includes positioning a garment proximate an area of a body; positioning an expandable and recoverable framework in abutment with the area of the body such that the framework spans a hinge joint of the body, the framework defining a plurality of permanent openings extending therethrough regardless of whether the support is donned; applying tension at points of the framework such that the framework is expanded and the framework is tensioned in its abutment with the area of the body, said step of applying tension being performed by pulling on one or more fastening components that are attached at one or more points to said framework; and affixing each of the fastening components to the garment while applying tension to the framework to secure the expanded framework in its forced abutment with the area of the body.
US11173058B2 Stent
A stent is disclosed that has an elongated body composed of a bioabsorbable polymer having a proximal end, a distal end, two open spiral channels formed on the exterior surface of the body to provide fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end. The stent also has a central lumen open at the proximal and distal ends of the stent for the passage of a guide wire. A method for using the stent and a kit containing the stent are also disclosed.
US11173055B2 Method for setting up a control and technical orthopedic device
The invention relates to a method for setting up a control, and to a control for a technical orthopedic device, and a technical orthopedic device as such. Actuations of the technical orthopedic device (1) are provided by means of an output device (2, 3), biomettric signals are received by sensors (12), and said signals are associated with the respective actuations.
US11173050B2 Modular femoral trialing system with temporary locking
An assembly for attachment to a first implant component has a size and shape of a second implant component to be implanted together with the first implant component. The assembly includes a first body defining a protrusion and a second body including a recess into which the protrusion is insertable. When the protrusion is seated within the recess, the first and second bodies are removably connected such that the first and second bodies are prevented from separating. A modular kit includes a plurality of the first bodies each having a different size or shape, and a plurality of the second bodies each having a different size or shape. A method of assembling the assembly includes removably connecting the protrusion of the first body into the recess of the second body, such that the first and second bodies are prevented from separating, and positioning the assembly on the first implant component.
US11173048B2 Robotic system for shoulder arthroplasty using stemless implant components
Robotic systems and methods for robotic arthroplasty. The robotic system includes a machining station and a guidance station. The guidance station tracks movement of various objects in the operating room, such as a surgical tool, a humerus of a patient, and a scapula of the patient. The guidance station tracks these objects for purposes of controlling movement of the surgical tool relative to virtual cutting boundaries or other virtual objects associated with the humerus and scapula to facilitate preparation of bone to receive a shoulder implant system. The virtual objects are located based on density data of the bone such that, when one or more shoulder implants are fully seated in the bone, distal portions of the implants are located in a first region of the bone having a density characteristic greater than an adjacent second region of the bone.
US11173044B1 Expanding orthopedic implant
An expandable intervertebral implant having an upper body portion, a lower body portion opposite the upper body portion, a wedge member connecting the upper body portion to the lower body portion, a nose member having a tapered distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end, and an actuator disposed between the nose member and the wedge member, for translation of the wedge member along a longitudinal axis of the implant. A pin connects to the actuator for positioning the nose member relative to the actuator. Translation of the wedge member along the longitudinal axis of the implant displaces the upper body portion and the lower body portion away from each other, thereby expanding the intervertebral implant.
US11173042B2 Spinal surgery devices, systems, and methods
An intervertebral spacer may include a fastener channel configured to receive a fastener, a locking member channel, and a locking member. The locking member channel may include an inner wall and one or more inner wall engagement features. The locking member may include an anti-backout member, a collet retainable within the locking member channel, and one or more collet engagement features. The locking member may be rotatable within the locking member channel between an unlocked position and a locked position. The one or more collet engagement features may engage the one or more inner wall engagement features in order to retain the locking member in either the unlocked position or the locked position, such that the anti-backout member may selectively obstruct the fastener channel and prevent the fastener from backing out of the fastener channel.
US11173040B2 Devices and methods for spinal stabilization and instrumentation
Apparatus and methods for providing spinal percutaneous delivery of an implant that can rigidly fixate the spinous process of a first superior bone and a second inferior bone of a functional spinal unit. In one aspect, the device comprises two bone abutment members connected via an interconnecting member. In another aspect, the method comprises implanting at least two spinal implant apparatus within a target disc space via an implantation apparatus. In another aspect, a placement instrument comprising an implant delivery segment, an anchor segment, and an articulating arm is disclosed.
US11173039B2 Anatomy accommodating prosthetic intervertebral disc with lower height
An intervertebral disc includes a superior endplate having an upper vertebral contacting surface and a lower bearing surface, wherein the upper vertebral contacting surface of the superior endplate has a central portion that is raised relative to a peripheral portion of the superior endplate, and wherein the lower bearing surface has a concavity disposed opposite the raised central portion. The disc includes an inferior endplate having a lower vertebral contacting surface and an upper surface, wherein the lower vertebral contacting surface of the inferior endplate has a central portion and wherein the upper bearing surface has a concavity disposed opposite the central portion. A core is positioned between the upper and inferior endplates, the core having upper and lower core bearing surfaces configured to mate with the bearing surfaces of the upper and inferior endplates. The upper vertebral contacting surface of the superior endplate has a different shape than the lower vertebral contacting surface of the inferior endplate.
US11173033B2 Dome structure for improved left ventricle function
Device sand methods for improving cardiac function are provided. The device includes a dome structure having a top end with an engagement element disposed thereon. The dome structure is moveable from a first inside out configuration to a second deployed configuration, and the dome structure is biased in the second deployed configuration. The dome structure includes a plurality of anchor members disposed around a bottom open end of the dome structure.
US11173032B2 Transcatheter device for treating mitral regurgitation
The invention is a prosthetic device for improving function of a mitral valve. The device includes a sealing member configured for positioning between mitral valve leaflets. The device also includes an expandable anchor frame configured to be positioned within one or more heart chambers, for maintaining the sealing member at a desired position between valve leaflets. The sealing member reduces mitral regurgitation be filling the gap that can occur between opposing leaflets of a damaged mitral valve, thus restoring proper mitral valve closure.
US11173027B2 Side-deliverable transcatheter prosthetic valves and methods for delivering and anchoring the same
A side-deliverable prosthetic valve includes an outer frame, a flow control component mounted within the outer frame, and an anchoring element coupled to a distal side of the outer frame. The prosthetic valve is foldable along a longitudinal axis and compressible along a central axis to a compressed configuration for side delivery via a delivery catheter and is expandable to an expanded configuration when released from the delivery catheter. An end portion of the anchoring element is configured to engage a guide wire. The anchoring element is extended during deployment to allow the anchoring element to capture at least one of native leaflet or chordae and, in response to the guide wire being disengaged from the end portion, transitions to a folded configuration to secure at least one of the native leaflet or the chordae between the anchoring element and the distal side of the outer frame.
US11173026B2 Two-part mitral valve and implant method
In certain embodiments, a multiple component heart valve prosthesis includes an abutment ring and a removable bioprosthetic heart valve. The abutment ring is configured for attachment at a heart valve annulus location and includes a locking system. The removable bioprosthetic heart valve includes a valve frame and at least one locking feature. The at least one locking feature is configured to be received by the locking system. The bioprosthetic heart valve can be rotated relative to the abutment ring such that the at least one locking feature transitions from a disengaged position to a first engaged position. When in the disengaged position the bioprosthetic heart valve may be removed from the abutment ring, and when rotated to the engaged position the bioprosthetic heart valve is restrained from axial movement relative to the abutment ring.
US11173025B2 System for branches for endovascular endoprostheses and corresponding endoprosthesis for endovascular treatment of aortic aneurysms or dissections
An internal duct and fixing system for branches for endovascular endoprostheses, and a corresponding endoprosthesis, for endovascular treatment of aneurysms or dissections of the aorta, including (i) an endoprosthesis provided with windows, (ii) one or more occlusions, fixed to the endoprosthesis by a suture, reversibly occluding the windows, and a set of fixing and duct elements that forms one or more internal channels of the endoprosthesis, preferably in the region adjacent to one of the windows.
US11173020B2 Oral irrigator appliance with radiant energy delivery for bactericidal effect
An oral irrigator includes a base having a pump mechanism, a reservoir housed within the base and fluidically connected with the pump mechanism. A handle with a jet tip is connected with an outlet from the pump mechanism to receive a pressurized fluid stream from the reservoir to direct a fluid at a surface inside an oral cavity. The oral irrigator also includes a radiant energy source and delivery system for directing radiant energy at a surface inside an oral cavity.
US11173019B2 Apparatus and methods for cleaning teeth
Various embodiments for cleaning carious regions of a tooth are disclosed herein. For example, a dental apparatus can include a fluid platform having a chamber sized and shaped to retain fluid. The chamber can be configured to be coupled to the tooth over the carious region. A pressure wave generator having a distal end may be configured to be positioned in the chamber. The pressure wave generator may be configured to generate pressure waves in the retained fluid sufficient to clean the carious region.
US11173013B2 Dental system with hand piece for endodontic files
A dental tool includes: a hand piece; an endodontic hand file; a stopper, wherein the stopper comprises a first hole for receiving a portion of the endodontic hand file; and a mechanical motion module that imparts mechanical motion to the endodontic hand file. A dental system includes: a hand piece; an endodontic file; and a stopper comprising at least two holes, wherein a first hole receives a portion of the endodontic file, and wherein a second hole receives a portion of a first tube for delivering a liquid to the endodontic file. The dental system can further include a second tube partially contained in a third hole of the stopper for suctioning liquids from a patient's mouth. The dental system can also further include a mechanical motion module.
US11173004B2 In-vivo robotic imaging, sensing and deployment devices and methods for medical scaffolds
A multifunctional robotic system for performing in vivo procedures includes a control unit comprising a computer processor and a robotic arm in communication with the control unit for multi-axis movement of the robotic arm. The robotic arm has a plurality of passages therein. A printer head is disposed in one of the passages and is configured to create multi-dimensional objects in vivo. The robotic system includes a measuring system disposed in one of the passages. The computer processor has executable software configured to receive signals from the measuring system and is configured to control the printer head and the measuring system to position the object in an in vivo location based upon the signals from the measuring system.
US11173002B2 Flexible surgical instrument system
Disclosed is a flexible surgical instrument system, comprising a flexible surgical instrument and a driving unit, wherein the flexible surgical instrument comprises a distal structural body, a proximal structural body and a middle connecting body; the distal structural body comprises a distal structural segment, the distal structural segment comprising a distal spacing disk, a distal fixing disk and structural backbones; the proximal structural body comprises a proximal structural segment, the proximal structural segment comprising a proximal spacing disk, a proximal fixing disk and structural backbones; the middle connecting body comprises channel fixing and structural backbone guide channels; the driving unit comprises a motor part, a motion conversion part and linear motion mechanisms; the motor part comprises a first fixing plate and a first motor; the motion conversion part comprises transmission chains, the transmission chain converts a rotational output of the first motor into a linear motion of output rods, the linear motion is transferred to an input end of the linear motion mechanism through a sterile barrier, an output end of the linear motion mechanism is connected to one end of a driving backbone, the driving backbone passes through the proximal spacing disks, and the other end of the driving backbone is connected to the proximal fixing disk.
US11173001B2 Surgical end effectors and pulley assemblies thereof
An end effector of a surgical tool includes a first jaw and a second jaw rotated by a driving pulley. A first driven pulley is attached to the first jaw and a second driven pulley is attached to the second jaw. A first end portion of a first cable is connected to a first radial side of the first driven pulley, a second end portion of the first cable is connected to a second radial side of the second driven pulley, and an intermediate portion of the first cable is connected to the driving pulley. A first end portion of a second cable is connected to a first radial side of the second driven pulley, a second end portion of the second cable is connected to a second radial side of the first driven pulley, and an intermediate portion of the second cable is connected to the driving pulley.
US11173000B2 Robotic surgical control system
The invention involves a system and method for controlling the movements of a multi-axis robot to perform a surgery at least on the spinal area of a human in vivo. The system includes controls and software coding to cause the robot to move in desired patterns to complete the surgery, which may include bone, disc and tissue removal, and may also include insertion of hardware for fusing adjacent bony structures.
US11172996B1 Instrument-based registration and alignment for augmented reality environments
Various embodiments of an apparatus, methods, systems and computer program products described herein are directed to Registration Engine. The Registration Engine tracks positions of a fiducial marker relative to positions of an Augmented Reality (AR) headset device worn by a user. The Registration Engine receives respective registration landmarks that correspond with locations of a physical region of a patient's anatomy and the tracked positions of the fiducial marker. The Registration Engine generates an AR display of medical data at the AR headset device in alignment with the physical region of a patient's anatomy that corresponds with the respective registration landmarks.
US11172989B2 Dynamic 3D lung map view for tool navigation inside the lung
A method for implementing a dynamic three-dimensional lung map view for navigating a probe inside a patient's lungs includes loading a navigation plan into a navigation system, the navigation plan including a planned pathway shown in a 3D model generated from a plurality of CT images, inserting the probe into a patient's airways, registering a sensed location of the probe with the planned pathway, selecting a target in the navigation plan, presenting a view of the 3D model showing the planned pathway and indicating the sensed location of the probe, navigating the probe through the airways of the patient's lungs toward the target, iteratively adjusting the presented view of the 3D model showing the planned pathway based on the sensed location of the probe, and updating the presented view by removing at least a part of an object forming part of the 3D model.
US11172988B2 End fire fiber arrangements with improved erosion resistance
A protective ferrule for an end-firing optical fiber arrangement combines a spherical or rounded shape with a planar end. The combination of the spherical or rounded shape and planar end provides protection for the working channel of an endoscope or catheter through which the fiber is inserted while confining and minimizing erosion of the active surface area of the fiber. The protective ferrule of may be fitted to the end of the optical fiber by the steps of heating the ferrule to expand an inside diameter so that it fits over the end of the fiber, with subsequent cooling of the ferrule causing it to contract and create a compression fit.
US11172978B2 Methods, devices and systems for inducing collagen regeneration
A microneedling system may reciprocate a plurality of microneedles disposed on a handpiece into the skin of a patient. The microneedles and/or electrode plates may deliver RF energy to the patient for inducing collagen coagulation and regeneration. An interrogative modality such as ultrasound may combined into the microneedling handpiece or used as a separate instrument to interrogate the skin and identify or measure the thicknesses of constituent layers. The data obtained from the interrogative modality may be displayed and can be used to automatically adjust operating parameters of the microneedling device, including the penetration depth of the needles, the pulse duration, and/or the power level of the RF energy to optimize the treatment for the specific patient and/or condition being treated. The microneedling system may recall the skin measurements for distinct sectors of the skin which are expected to have different properties.
US11172973B2 Intramedullary pin, clamp and method of use thereof
An intramedullary pin includes a main body having a proximal boundary and a distal boundary; a curved extension having a degree of curvature of at least 1°, the curved extension being in direct contact with the distal boundary; a distal cap having a cylindrical portion and a rounded portion, the cylindrical portion being in direct contact with the curved extension; a grip element having at least one contour, the grip element being in direct contact with the proximal boundary; and a proximal cap having a flat surface, the proximal cap being in direct contact with the grip element. Also disclosed is a clamp that includes a handle, two blades, a pivot, and a plurality of grasping elements including a notch, at least one protrusion, and a groove, where one or more grasping elements have a contour that is structurally complementary to the grip element in the intramedullary pin. A method of immobilizing a bone fracture using the intramedullary pin and/or clamp is also disclosed.
US11172972B2 Skeletal manipulation method
A method of treating scoliosis in a subject includes securing a scoliosis treatment device to first and second locations on the subject's skeletal system, the scoliosis treatment device including a first portion, a second portion moveably mounted relative to the first portion, and an adjustment device disposed on the device and configured to change a distraction force between the first location and the second location, the adjustment device including a rotationally mounted magnetic element configured to move the second portion relative to the first portion in response to rotation of the magnetic element. An external adjustment device is provided external to the subject and is able to adjust the distraction force between the first location and second location.
US11172971B2 Surgical rod bending system and method
System and method for automatically bending a surgical rod are provided. The system includes a linear movement device configured to axially feed the surgical rod, a rotational movement device configured to rotate the surgical rod as it is axially fed, and a bending device including a roller to impose bending forces against the rod. The rod is free from contact with the bending device after it is axially fed past the roller.
US11172968B2 Bone screw with self-constrained flexibility
A bone screw is provided including a longitudinal core member having a longitudinal axis defining a longitudinal direction and having an outer surface and a helical groove in the outer surface, the groove being defined by opposed sidewalls; and a helical thread body configured to be accommodated in the groove. When the thread body is assembled in the groove of the core member and when the core member is straight, the thread body is configured to abut one opposed sidewall without abutting the other opposed sidewall along a full turn of the thread body, the thread body is configured to slide in the groove between the opposed sidewalls of the helical groove parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a first portion of the thread body that is outside the helical groove has a height greater than a second portion of the thread body that is in the helical groove.
US11172964B1 Translaminar pedicle anchor suspension system and its anchor and related component-set
A translaminar pedicle anchor suspension system (referred as T-PAS system) applicable to vertebral surgeries is disclosed. The T-PAS system comprises: at least one pedicle anchor capable of being fixed to a pedicle of a lower vertebral segment, at least one suspension ligament having one end thereof fixed to the pedicle anchor, and at least one washer capable of fixing the other end of the suspension ligament to a contralateral side of a lamina of an upper vertebral segment. By using the suspension ligament to suspend the upper vertebral segment via a tunnel drilled on the lamina, not only the spine can be dynamically stabilized, but also the use of traditional pedicle screws and bone fusion can be avoided.
US11172963B2 Spinous process fixation system and methods thereof
An implantable device may include a barrel, the barrel having an upper portion and a lower portion. The implantable device may further include an actuator assembly disposed in the barrel, and a central screw that extends from a rear ramped actuator through a front ramped actuator. The implantable device may further include a first plate having multiple projections extending from one side of the first plate. The implantable device may further include a second plate having multiple projections extending from one side of the second plate, the second plate configured to be received on the central screw. The barrel may be configured to transition from a collapsed form having a first height to an expanded form having a second height and wherein the second height is greater than the first height.
US11172962B2 System for mounting of a cervical plate to a vertebra
A system that includes a cervical plate and an intervertebral cage, the cervical plate having a mounting section that renders the cervical plate mountable to a reference feature located on the front wall of the intervertebral cage, the reference feature being positioned to set a distance between an eyelet of the cervical plate and an edge of the front wall to position the eyelet over a mounting location on a vertebra when the mounting section is mounted to the reference feature.
US11172961B2 Orthopedic fixation devices and methods of installation thereof
The present invention is generally directed to orthopedic fixation devices that comprise a pre-assembled double headed tulip assembly, having two tulip elements to receive rods, wherein the assembly may be configured to receive a bone fastener in at least one of the tulip elements. At least one of the tulip elements may comprise a saddle and a ring to attach the double headed tulip to a bone fastener.
US11172957B2 Surgical cannula and methods of use
A cannula comprising a monolithic, flexible body having a central passageway bounded by a first flange and a second flange, the central passageway having an irregular shape and a diaphragm positioned therein, the first diaphragm having the same irregular shape and including at least one first diaphragm slit, and a second diaphragm positioned adjacent to or at one of the first or second flanges and having at least one second diaphragm slit.
US11172954B2 Reciprocating rotary surgical cutting device and system for tissue resecting, and method for its use
An endoscopic tissue resecting system that includes a reciprocating rotary surgical instrument for cutting tissue that includes a planetary gear assembly to vary rotational speed. A method of cutting and detaching tissue includes positioning an outer member such that tissue is located within a window in the outer member, engaging the tissue with an inner member, and simultaneously rotating at an increased speed relative to a rotary driver and translating the inner member to cut the tissue. A tangential cutting force is applied to the tissue with the inner member to mechanically cut and detach the tissue.
US11172952B2 Surgical apparatus
A surgical apparatus includes a housing that supports a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly defines a longitudinal axis therethrough and includes coaxially aligned outer and inner shaft members. The inner shaft member is movable within the outer shaft member. An end effector includes a pair of jaw members disposed at a distal end of the outer shaft. At least one of the jaw members is pivotably coupled to the outer shaft and is movable between open and clamping configurations for grasping tissue. The inner shaft contacts a proximal end of the moveable jaw member to maintain the movable jaw member in the open configuration and is slidable against the movable jaw member to move the moveable jaw member between the open configuration and clamping configuration.
US11172950B2 Autonomous endoscopic system and control method therefor
According to an embodiment, an autonomous endoscopic system capable of controlling movement of an endoscope inserted into a protective sheath installed in the body of a patient may comprise: an endoscope operating device capable of operating a relative position of the endoscope with respect to the protective sheath, a rolling angle of the endoscope, and a bending angle of a bending portion which is located at the end of the endoscope and is bendable; and a control unit for controlling the endoscope operating device, wherein the control unit controls the endoscope operating device on the basis of a driving record of the endoscope.
US11172948B2 Arterial embolus retriever
An arterial embolus retrieval system that includes an outer sheath configured as a tubular structure and that is able to move independent of a vessel wall. The arterial embolus retrieval system includes a retriever within the outer sheath, and configured to move independent of the outer sheath. The arterial embolus retrieval system also includes a handle configured to deploy the retriever, and a guidewire opposite of the handle and surrounded by the vessel wall. The outer sheath and the retriever can be configured to be guided to a location of an embolus using the guidewire. The guidewire can be configured to be retrieved once the outer sheath and the retriever are proximal to the embolus.
US11172947B2 Endoscope tool
A tool for use by a surgeon for operating a basket device for capturing an object to be removed from a body of an animal. The tool includes a first controller and a second controller. The first controller is adapted to be coupled to the basket device for selectively controlling the basket device and moving the basket device between a first, closed position and a second, open position. The first controller includes a plunger and cylinder mechanism; and a handle coupled to the plunger for operating the relative position of the plunger with respect to the cylinder. The second controller is positioned adjacent to the first controller and adapted to be coupled to the basket device for selectively independently controlling the rotation of the relative to the first controller.
US11172946B2 Apparatus, system, and method for vasculature obstruction removal
In embodiments of an obstruction removal device, system, and/or method, a removal tool and an expandable member are configured to be disposed at a distal end of a delivery tool. The removal tool may include peeler wires and hook wires that are configured to at least partially separate an obstruction from an inner surface of a vasculature. The expandable member is configured to at least partially surround the removal tool and is further configured to grasp at least one portion of the removal tool and the obstruction as the expandable member transitions from an expanded state to a contracted state when the delivery tool is removed from the vasculature to remove the removal tool and the obstruction from the vasculature.
US11172945B1 Custom radiographically designed cutting guides and instruments for use in total ankle replacement surgery
A system comprised of custom radiographically designed tibial and talar cutting guides, a tibial reaming guide and bit, and instrumentalities for use in total ankle replacement surgery and a computer-based system and method for making the custom radiographically designed tibial and talar cutting guides.
US11172943B2 Adjustable drill guide and methods of use thereof
Drill guide assemblies are adjustable for proper alignment of drill holes in the glenoid with the drill holes in the coracoid during a Latarjet procedure. The drill guide has an aimer arm extending from the body of the drill guide which has a fixed angle with respect to a drill sleeve inserted through the guide. The aimer arm can move up or down relative to the drill sleeve while maintaining the fixed angle relative to the drill sleeve by actuation of a translation member on the body.
US11172940B2 Systems and methods for preparing bone voids to receive a prosthesis
A method of implant a knee prosthesis includes forming a bone void at an end of a bone, implanting a void filler in the bone void, and implanting a knee prosthesis onto the end of the bone so that a stem of the knee prosthesis is received by the void filler.
US11172939B2 Systems for and methods of preparing a sacroiliac joint for fusion
A method of surgically preparing a sacroiliac joint comprising: a) approaching a sacroiliac joint space with a joint preparation tool comprising a cutting element including an exterior having an asymmetric cutting band such that the first side includes a first surface having a first texture and the second side includes a second surface having a second texture, the first and second textures being different such that the first texture is substantially smoother than the second texture; and b) delivering at least a portion of the cutting element non-transversely into the sacroiliac joint space for decortication, the cutting element being oriented in the sacroiliac joint space such that the first surface opposes the generally softer sacrum and the second surface opposes the generally harder ilium in order to more aggressively prepare the surface of the ilium while not over-preparing the sacrum to provide a robust biologic environment for intra-articular fusion.
US11172935B2 Hand-held grasping device
A hand tool has a pivot connection pivotally attaching a first arm to a second arm, with the pivot connection fixed relative to the first arm and movable to first and second positions relative to the second arm. A spring urges the pivot connection into the first position. When jaws on the front ends of the arms clamp tissue with force greater than a pre-set threshold, the spring force is overcome and the jaws may move linearly apart, allowing for more uniform clamping of the tissue. The first arm may have an arm spring extending between a front segment pivotally attached to a rear segment of the first arm.
US11172934B2 Embolism coil conveying device and preparation method therefor
An embolic coil conveying device and a preparation method thereof are disclosed. The embolic coil conveying device includes a pusher and an embolic coil. A distal end of the pusher and a proximal end of the embolic coil are connected to serve as a detachment section. A stretch-resistant thread is disposed in the embolic coil. The stretch-resistant thread is fixed at the proximal end of the embolic coil. A conductive wire is disposed in the pusher. The stretch-resistant thread is connected to the conductive wire. Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the advantages that the stretch-resistant thread is fixed at the proximal end of the embolic coil, so that the stretch-resistant thread is connected to the conductive wire, thereby reducing the length of the detachment section, making the detachment section more flexible, and avoiding kick-out of a microcatheter due to release of the embolic coil.
US11172932B2 Apparatus and method for assisting in hemostasis of a vessel
A hemostatic vessel band is provided. The hemostatic vessel band has a membrane. A plurality of cells extend transversely from a membrane second surface. Each of the cells has a cell chamber that is defined by the membrane second surface and a plurality of cell walls. When the hemostatic vessel band is selectively fastened circumferentially about a vessel to at least partially cover the target site. The hemostatic vessel band applies radially inward pressure to at least a portion of the vessel and at least a portion of the target site. Each cell chamber that is positioned transversely adjacent to at least a portion of the target site forms one isolation zone of a plurality of isolation zones. Each isolation zone is at least partially isolated from each of the other isolation zones and from any vessel surface adjacent to the isolation zone.
US11172930B2 Electrically self-powered surgical instrument with manual release
A method for manufacturing a surgical instrument to have a manual release, which comprises mechanically coupling a manual release to a transmission of a surgical instrument having a self-contained power source disposed within a handle thereof, the transmission mechanically connecting an electrically-powered motor inside the handle to a movable part of a surgical end effector connected to the handle such that the transmission is operable to displace the movable part to a starting position, an actuated position, and at least one point between the starting position and the actuated position when the motor is operated; and wherein the manual release is operable to interrupt the transmission from operation of the motor and, during interruption, displace the movable part towards the starting position irrespective of the position of the movable part and independent of operation of the motor.
US11172923B2 Instrument for skin stretching
An instrument for stretching the skin comprising an elongate, dimensionally stable guide with at last two modules that are disposed on said guide and comprise anchoring means for securing to the skin, wherein at least one of said modules can be moved on the guide in the longitudinal direction thereof, and a non-return device allows movement thereof in a movement direction and blocks movement thereof in the opposite, reverse direction, said non-return device being able to be inverted in terms of the movement direction and the reverse direction.
US11172921B2 Heart tissue anchors
A heart valve anchor has a body that includes a distal portion, a distal end, a proximal portion, and a proximal end. The distal end and the proximal end define a longitudinal axis. The body has an expandable portion that includes a first radially expandable portion at the distal portion of the body, a second radially expandable portion at the proximal portion of the body, and a root portion disposed between the first and second radially expandable portions. The body has a first configuration adapted to be housed at least partially within a tissue penetrating device, and a second configuration in which the first and second radially expandable portions are partially or fully expanded such that the anchor engages tissue in a region between the first and second radially expandable portions.
US11172920B2 Surgical methods for the treatment of plantar plate injury
A method for the treatment of plantar plate injury including insertion of at least one suture anchor into a bone opening and anchoring the at least one suture anchor and thereafter threading two ends of a suture of at least one anchored suture anchor through the plantar plate and pulling the plantar plate to the bone with the opening and fix the soft tissue to that bone by tying a knot in the suture.
US11172919B2 Apparatus and method for enlarging an incision
A retraction system and method are provided for retracting tissues surrounding a surgical site. In one aspect, a method including engaging slide connections between a guide dilator and a plurality of tissue engaging members and sequentially enlarging an incision using the guide dilator and the plurality of tissue engaging members. In another aspect, a method of inserting a plurality of tissue engaging members into an incision including fixing tip portions of the plurality of tissue engaging members in an insertion configuration, advancing the tip portions into an incision, and restricting movement of the tip portions away from the insertion configuration. A guide dilator system comprising an elongate body, a plurality of tissue engaging members, and slide connections between the elongate body and the tissue engaging members is also provided.
US11172915B2 Specimen retrieval devices with selective bag release
A specimen retrieval device includes an elongated shaft assembly having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. An end effector is supported on the distal end portion of the elongated shaft assembly and includes a first arm and a second arm. The first arm includes a first distal finger and the second arm includes a second distal finger. The first and second fingers are configured to selectively engage one another to support a collection bag on the first and second arms.
US11172912B2 Biopsy needle and medical device incorporating the same
Disclosed is a biopsy needle, medical device incorporating the biopsy needle, and method of using the biopsy needle and medical device. The biopsy needle and medical device is used to obtain a sample of tissue for further analysis and testing. The biopsy needle includes an inner stylet that is slidably engaged with an outer coaxial sheath and at least part of the distal portion of the stylet is bent or curved relative to the longitudinal axis of the coaxial sheath.
US11172911B2 Systems and methods for improving ultrasound image quality by applying weighting factors
Systems and methods for improving the quality of ultrasound images made up of a combination of multiple sub-images include giving more weight to sub-image information that is more likely to improve a combined image quality. Weighting factor information may be determined from the geometry (e.g., angle or path length) of a location of one or more specific transducer elements relative to a specific point within a region of interest or a region of an image. In some embodiments, any given pixel (or other discrete region of an image) may be formed by combining received echo data in a manner that gives more weight to data that is likely to improve image quality, and/or discounting or ignoring data that is likely to detract from image quality (e.g., by introducing noise or by increasing point spread).
US11172902B2 Recording a panorama dataset of an examination object by a movable medical x-ray device
The disclosure relates to a method for recording a panorama dataset of an examination object by a movable medical x-ray device, to a medical x-ray device, and to a computer program product for carrying out the method. The medical x-ray device has an x-ray source, which emits a bundle of x-rays, wherein a first image segment, which maps at least one part of the examination object, is recorded at a first point in time. Position data is acquired, which maps the spatial position of the x-ray device at this first point in time. At least one further image segment along an imaging path is recorded after there has been a movement of the x-ray device, wherein the imaging path lies in one plane, wherein a central ray of the bundle of x-rays emitted by the x-ray source does not run in parallel to the plane in which the imaging path lies. Additionally, position data is acquired, which maps the spatial position of the x-ray device at the time of the recording of the at least one further image segment. The acquired position data is uniquely assigned to the recorded image segments. The panorama dataset is assembled from at least two image segments with the position data assigned thereto from a set of all recorded image segments with the position data assigned thereto.
US11172899B2 X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus
The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus is provided with an imaging unit including an X-ray source and an X-ray detector, a handle, a fluoroscopic button, and an imaging button. At least one of a fluoroscopic button and an imaging button is composed of a plurality of buttons provided on at least one end portion side in a direction along which the handle extends, and the plurality of buttons is mutually offset in a direction intersecting with the direction along which the handle extends.
US11172896B2 Drug concentration determination after transarterial chemoembolization with different sized drug-eluting microsphere beads
The present invention is directed towards a system and method for transarterial chemoembolization using differently sized drug-eluting microsphere beads filled with drugs and determining a delivered drug concentration using an imaging system.
US11172895B2 Visualization, navigation, and planning with electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy and cone beam computed tomography integrated
The present disclosure relates to systems, devices and methods for providing visual guidance for navigating inside a patient's chest. An exemplary method includes presenting a three-dimensional (3D) model of a luminal network, generating, by an electromagnetic (EM) field generator, an EM field about the patient's chest, detecting a location of an EM sensor within the EM field, determining a position of a tool within the patient's chest based on the detected location of the EM sensor, displaying an indication of the position of the tool on the 3D model, receiving cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) image data of the patient's chest, detecting the location of the tool within the patient's chest based on the CBCT image data, and updating the indication of the position of the tool on the 3D model based on the detected location.
US11172894B2 Medical processing apparatus, X-ray diagnosis system, and medical processing method
A medical processing apparatus includes processing circuitry. Based on a first number of X-ray datasets that correspond to the first number of energies and that are acquired by scanning a subject with X-rays, the processing circuitry generates a second number of virtual monochromatic X-ray datasets, which is a number larger than the first number. Based on the second number of virtual monochromatic X-ray datasets, the processing circuitry estimates quantities of the second number of reference materials mixed or a mixing ratio between the second number of reference materials for each of multiple positions in the subject.
US11172890B2 Automated condition screening and detection
Embodiments are disclosed that enable an electronic device to instruct as user how to user one or more noninvasive sensors to measure one or more physiological parameters of a patient. In one embodiment, the measured parameters are used to obtain a diagnosis, such as a diagnosis of a critical congenital heart defect.
US11172889B2 Topological evolution of tumor imagery
Topological evolution of a lesion within a time series of medical imagery is provided. In various embodiments, a time series of medical images is read. Each of the images depicts a subject anatomy and a lesion. The lesion has a size and a contour within each of the medical images. At least one anatomical label is read for the subject anatomy within each of the plurality of images. Based upon the contour of the lesion within each of the medical images and based on the at least one anatomical label, a further contour of the lesion is predicted outside of the time series.
US11172886B2 Hydration system and method thereof
A communicative water bottle includes communication logic and wireless transmission logic technology electronically connected with a variety of sensors either on the water bottle or located remote from the water bottle. The sensors on the bottle create digital data associated with amount of fluid in the bottle and change thereof. The sensors remote from the bottle, which can be on an activity tracker, create digital data associated with an activity being performed by a user, such as running, or the absence of activity, such as remaining sedentary. A display on the bottle can indicate to the user the amount of fluid consumed or a reminder that fluid should be consumed. The fluid consumption data syncs with other remote devices such as mobile applications executable on smartphones.
US11172885B2 Medical device equipped with sensors
A medical device including an electric measurement circuit, in which are connected at least two sensors the impedance of which varies as a function of a sensed physical parameter, a source of electrical power for powering the electric measurement circuit, an antenna for emitting an electromagnetic field as a function of the impedance of the electric measurement circuit, each of the sensors being associated with a switch for short circuiting the sensor in the measurement circuit, the medical device further including a system for controlling the switches in order successively to command the opening or closing of the switches in determined configurations. The medical device may notably be able to be applied to the human body or implanted in the human body.
US11172878B2 Apparatus and system for diabetes management
An apparatus and system diabetes management. The apparatus comprises a body which houses: (i) at least a first memory for storing data inputs corresponding at least to one or more components in a patient's present insulin dosage regimen and the patient's blood-glucose-level measurements determined at a plurality of times; (ii) a processor operatively connected to the at least first memory, the processor programmed at least to determine from the data inputs corresponding to the patient's blood-glucose-level measurements determined at a plurality of times whether and by how much to vary at least one of the one or more components of the patient's present insulin dosage regimen; (iii) a display screen operatively connected to the processor, (iv) a quantity of insulin; (v) a needle communicating with the quantity of insulin for delivering insulin to the patient; (vi) means for effecting delivery of a portion of the quantity of insulin to the patient via the needle; and (vii) metering means for controlling the portion of the quantity of insulin delivered to the patient via the needle.
US11172877B2 Integrated injection system and communication device
An integrated system for injection including an injection device in electronic connection with a communication device is provided. The external communication device may be a handheld electronic device such as a Smartphone or a dedicated reader such as a reader capable of reading information contained on an RFID tag. The injection device includes a needle and a drug delivery portion enclosed within an external housing. Optionally, a plurality of sensors is affixed to the surface of the needle to collect data about the injection and physical characteristics of the patient. The data may be recorded on a data capture module. The electronic chip may be a readable and writable electronic chip such as a non-volatile memory chip. Alternatively, the electronic chip is a passive RFID tag. The injection device may further include a data transmitter for sending information obtained from the data capture module to the external communications device.
US11172873B2 Systems and methods for hair analysis
Disclosed are hair analysis systems and methods comprising: (a) a step to capture an image of a user at an image capture unit and to send the image from the image capture unit to a hair analysis unit; (b) a step to analyze the user's hair condition at hair analysis unit, based on the image from the image capture unit by using a deep neural network, and to provide an analysis result to a display unit; and (c) a step to display at a display unit the analysis result to the user. The present invention provides the system and the method with an improved sensitivity.
US11172864B2 Monitoring brain neural potentials
Neural activity in the brain arising from a stimulus is monitored. A stimulus is applied to a target structure of the brain and a neural measurement is obtained from at least one electrode implanted in contact with the target structure. The neural measurement is configured to capture a measure of any late response arising in the target structure, typically being a neural response arising after conclusion of an ECAP, such as in the period 1.5-10 ms after stimulus onset. The late response(s) can be a useful biomarker such as of therapeutic ranges of deep brain stimulation, disease progression, medication efficacy, and intra-operative changes.
US11172863B2 Method and apparatus for verifying bradycardia/asystole episodes via detection of under-sensed events
A system and method for detecting and verifying bradycardia/asystole episodes includes sensing an electrogram (EGM) signal. The EGM signal is compared to a primary threshold to sense events in the EGM signal, and at least one of a bradycardia or an asystole is detected based on the comparison. In response to detecting at least one of a bradycardia or an asystole, the EGM signal is compared to a secondary threshold to sense events under-sensed by the primary threshold. The validity of the bradycardia or the asystole is determined based on the detected under-sensed events.
US11172857B2 System, system architecture, and method for neural cross-frequency coupling analysis
There is provided a system, system architecture, and method for neural cross-frequency coupling analysis. In an embodiment, the method includes: receiving neural signals; extracting a phase frequency signal and an amplitude frequency envelope signal from each of the neural signals; determining a first measure of cross-frequency coupling comprising a mean vector length modulation index (MVL-MI), determining the MVL-MI comprises determining a magnitude of an averaged complex-valued time series from a plurality of samples of the neural signals to extract a phase-amplitude coupling measure, each sample associated with a respective one of the amplitude frequency envelope signals and the phase frequency signals; and outputting at least one measure of the cross-frequency coupling.
US11172853B2 Biological information acquisition device and biological information acquisition method
A technique restrains degradation of a light emitting element. A biological information acquisition device acquires light receiving result by causing a light receiving unit to receive light emitted by a light emitting unit serving as a measurement-purpose light emitting unit, and acquires biological information by using the light receiving result. The light is emitted from the light emitting unit so as to acquire the light receiving result for one time, while a plurality of light emitting patterns are switched between a light emitting element which emits the light and a light emitting element which does not emit the light in a plurality of the light emitting elements.
US11172852B2 Method for measuring physiological parameters of physical activity
The present disclosure generally relates to methods of using near infra-red radiation, such as from a near infra-red spectroscopy device, to monitor physical activity in a person. In one aspect, a method of measuring physiological parameters is provided. The method further includes determining a NIRS-derived measure of a tissue of a person using near infra-red spectroscopy over a time period, associating the NIRS-derived measure to the time period to determine a function-related change, and associating the function-related change to a biomechanical function.
US11172851B2 System for monitoring body chemistry
A system and method for monitoring body chemistry of a user, the system comprising: a housing supporting: a microsensor comprising a first and second working electrode, a reference electrode, and a counter electrode, and configured to access interstitial fluid of the user, and an electronics subsystem comprising a signal conditioning module that receives a signal stream, from the microsensor, wherein the electronics subsystem is configured to detect an impedance signal derived from two of the first working electrode, the second working electrode, the reference electrode, and the counter electrode; and a processing subsystem comprising: a first module configured to generate an analysis indicative of an analyte parameter of the user and derived from the signal stream and the impedance signal, and a second module configured to transmit information derived from the analysis to the user, thereby facilitating monitoring of body chemistry of the user.
US11172844B2 Apparatus and method for detection of dysfunctional breathing
A monitoring method is performed by a digital processor while a subject is asleep or with little movement. The method includes receiving transducer signals for a subject and training a model for characteristics of a subject or subject group. The model is used in generating sleep data according to real-time correspondence and values of transducer signals including subject rib displacement, subject abdomen displacement, subject torso movement, and subject orientation. Combinations of the transducer inputs are used to determine features from which outputs such as an AHI score are determined. A feature matrix is normalized based on dynamically-generated positional epochs bordered by subject movements to new positions and used to provide a normalization matrix.
US11172838B2 Sensing body information apparatus for volume and blood flow via light reflectance
An apparatus and method for sensing body information is provided. The apparatus includes: a light-emitting device configured to emit a light signal toward an object that is to be sensed; a light-receiving device configured to detect a reflected light signal reflected from the object; an image sensor configured to detect the reflected light signal reflected from the object; and a controller configured to selectively drive at least one of the light-receiving device and the image sensor according to a distance between the object and the light-emitting device and to sense volume information or blood flow information of the object by using the reflected light signal.
US11172834B2 Sensor assembly
A sensor assembly of the present invention includes a fluid chamber. A pressure transmitting fluid disposed facing an artery passing portion of a part to be measured via a film which forms a part of an outer wall of the fluid chamber is accommodated in the fluid chamber. A pressure sensor is provided for detecting pressure of the pressure transmitting fluid as pressure applied to the artery passing portion of the part to be measured. Plate members each having a flat shape along a longitudinal direction of a wrist as the part to be measured are disposed on a side opposite to the part to be measured along the film.
US11172827B2 Apparatus and method for providing mesoscopic spectroscopy co-registered with optical frequency domain imaging
An apparatus can be provided according to certain exemplary embodiments. For example, the apparatus can include a waveguiding first arrangement providing at least one electromagnetic radiation. A configuration can be provided that receives and splits the at least one electromagnetic radiation into a first radiation and a second radiation. The apparatus can further include a waveguiding second arrangement which has a first waveguide and a second waveguide, whereas the first waveguide receives the first radiation, and the second waveguide receives the second radiation. The first arrangement, the second arrangement and the configuration can be housed in a probe.
US11172826B2 Non-invasive detection of skin disease
In some aspects, the present disclosure provides methods for identifying a disease in an epithelial tissue of a subject. Methods for identifying a disease in an epithelial tissue comprise the generation of a depth profile of the epithelial tissue using signals generated from the tissue by pulses of light directed towards a surface of the epithelial tissue. In some aspects, the present disclosure provides apparatuses consistent with the methods herein.
US11172820B2 Physiological information processing apparatus, physiological information processing method, and storage medium
A physiological information processing method includes: acquiring electrocardiogram data from a subject; acquiring pulse wave data from the subject; measuring a plurality of RR intervals based on the acquired electrocardiogram data; measuring a plurality of pulse wave transit times based on the acquired electrocardiogram data and the acquired pulse wave data; calculating, based on the measured RR intervals and the measured pulse wave transit times during a given time period, a parameter related to correlation between the measured RR intervals and the measured pulse wave transit times; and outputting the calculated parameter.
US11172819B2 Single point wireless biopotential monitoring systems and methods
Multiple wireless sensor assemblies are individually attached to standard biopotential electrodes, which are placeable on a subject's body at locations for biopotential signal recording. The sensor assemblies, which are electrically isolated, simultaneously measure potential voltages from the body sites in accordance with a synchronization. The measured signals are amplified, digitized, and filtered, and then sent wirelessly to a monitoring system. The monitoring system receives multiple sensor signals and constructs biopotential vectors depending on the placement and number of the sensors. The sensor signals are referenced to a common virtual center bias to synthesize a common mode rejection.
US11172818B1 Streaming analytics of human body movement data
Large amounts of human body movement data may be collected, possibly via streaming data, from one or more sensors worn by a user. The data may be analyzed along with other classification data to generate feedback for the user or for other interested people (e.g., a trainer, a coach, a team member, health professional, etc.). The analysis may utilize one or more machine learning (ML) algorithms that use training data to create one or more ML models. When a user is evaluated after receiving feedback, accuracy of the feedback may be evaluated and fed back to the ML model to continue training the ML model(s).
US11172817B2 Fundus image capture system
A fundus image capture system operates to determine if the system has captured an image that identifies the fundus, a region of interest in the image, or the current field of view. According to the determination, the system can guide the user to operate the system to capture a desired fundus image.
US11172816B2 Digital 3D infrared slit lamp with pupil measurement
A device and method of ophthalmic diagnosis of lesions on retina utilizing a slit lamp apparatus with a pupil reader and at least one visible LED and one Infrared LED to detect a lesion on the retina of an eye.
US11172812B2 Endoscope
An endoscope includes an opto-electric composite module, an optical fiber, and a plurality of electric cables each including a core wire and a shielding wire. The opto-electric composite module includes a light emitting device, a wiring board including a plurality of bonding electrodes to which the plurality of core wires are bonded, a ferrule causing the optical fiber inserted into a first through hole to be optically coupled to the light emitting device, and a cable holder having grooves to which the plurality of core wires are fixed with the plurality of core wires so disposed as to be bonded to the plurality of respective bonding electrodes. The cable holder is a holder conductor electrically connected to a ground potential electrode of the image pickup device, and the shielding wires in the electric cables are bonded to the holder conductor of the cable holder via an electrically conductive member.
US11172810B2 Speckle removal in a pulsed laser mapping imaging system
Speckle removal in a pulsed laser mapping imaging system is described. A system includes a coherent light source for emitting pulses of coherent light, a fiber optic bundle connected to the coherent light source, and a vibrating mechanism attached to the fiber optic bundle. The system includes and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of coherent light emitted by the coherent light source comprises a laser mapping pattern.
US11172800B2 Floor cleaner
A floor cleaner having a recovery tank, a suction source, and a filter basket. The suction source is configured to generate an airflow along a fluid flow path to draw fluid and debris from a surface to be cleaned into the recovery tank. The recovery tank has an outlet duct on a tank body. The filter basket is positioned in the outlet duct on the tank body and configured to filter debris from the airflow.
US11172799B2 Portable extractor
An extraction cleaner includes a supply tank, a recovery tank, a pump, a suction source, a base configured to support the suction source and the pump, an external hose, and a hose attachment assembly. The hose attachment assembly has a suction conduit extending from a suction inlet connected to the proximal end of the hose to a suction outlet in fluid communication with the recovery tank. The suction conduit is removable from the base with the hose. The hose attachment assembly also has a fluid coupling which is removable with the suction conduit. The fluid coupling extends from a coupling inlet in fluid communication with the pump to a coupling outlet coupled to a supply tube having one or more portions carried within the suction conduit. The proximal end of the hose is at least partially nested adjacent the base when the suction conduit is coupled to the base.
US11172795B2 Dryer stand
A dryer stand including a stem, a base, a receptacle on which a dryer is mounted, and a rotator including a rotation motor. An air discharge direction of the dryer can be automatically controlled by controlling the rotation direction and angle of the rotation motor based on the position and size of an object to be dried detected by a sensor.
US11172790B2 Portable body waste collection and sanitation system
The disclosure relates to a portable waste collection and sanitation system designed to handle liquid and solid waste, and while conserving water and minimizing odors. The sanitation system is also designed with modular components adapted for in-home installation, where the system can be quickly disassembled and relocated as needed, such as for moving the components to a new location based on environmental conditions.
US11172789B2 Scooping device
Scooping devices are presented including: a scoop forming a planar top surface and a bottom surface, the scoop defining a leading edge, a trailing edge, a proximate edge, and a distal edge, where the bottom surface includes a grooved hinge that extends from the leading edge to the trailing edge; a proximate handle portion located along the trailing edge, the proximate handle portion forming a cavity and extending inward from a raised edge adjacent to the proximate edge; a distal handle portion located along the trailing edge, the distal handle portion forming a cavity and extending inward from a raised edge adjacent to the distal edge, where a gap is formed between the proximate handle portion and the distal handle portion; and a flexible handle wrap.
US11172786B2 Container for food processing system
An attachment for use with a food processing system includes a container body having a sidewall, a first end configured to be mounted to a food processing base, and a second end remote of said first end. The first end is open and the second end is at least partially open. A chamber is defined by said container body and an agitating member is receivable at the first end. A displacement member is arranged at the second end to seal the second end. The displacement member is extendable into the chamber from the second end to increase a pressure within the chamber.
US11172782B2 Method for the instantaneous self-calibration of the dose for a coffee grinder-doser apparatus
Method for the instantaneous self-calibration of the dose of coffee, for a grinder-doser apparatus with electronic control provided with a weighing means and with a granulometry adjusting means with a warning microswitch. The method provides: a first setting of the nominal dose with temporary grinding times; a second setting of the tolerance and reliability ranges of the dispensed doses, for the purpose of recalculation; the automatic control of the weight of each actually dispensed dose; the automatic recalculation of the grinding times according to an ordinary calculation logic, when one detects three consecutive out-of-tolerance doses all within the positive or negative reliability range, or according to a forced calculation logic when the microswitch detects a granulometry variation; automatic calibration of the apparatus according to the recalculated times.
US11172780B2 Compound eco-friendly stove
A compound eco-friendly stove includes a main body, a baking tray support, a baking tray, a butterfly style burner assembly, a grill grate, a grease guide plate, a grease pan, and a lift handle. The main body is provided, on a top, with a first cover and a second cover, which define therebetween an airflow passage. The baking tray support supports the baking tray thereon and is formed with multiple through holes at two sides of the baking tray. The butterfly style burner assembly, the grill grate, the grease guide plate, and the grease pan are disposed sequentially under the baking tray support. An upper compartment oven is formed between the baking tray support and the first and second covers and a lower compartment grill is formed between the butterfly style burner assembly and the grill grate.
US11172778B2 Mailbox and control system thereof
A mailbox and control system thereof includes a mailbox, and flip door provided thereon; a second drop slot is provided on the flip door, inside the mailbox is provided storage cavity for parcel storage; the flip door can be swung and open the storage cavity, wherein: on top of the storage cavity is provided a drop bucket, which is connected to the flip door by a transmission device, and by swinging the flip door it is possible to drive the drop bucket above the storage cavity. In the present invention, existing fixed drop slot structure is changed and by the swingable flip door, parcels can be put into the storage cavity by swinging the flip door until parcels are allowed in, meanwhile, the storage cavity is covered when the drop bucket is driven by the transmission mechanism, to limit parcels in, improve mailing safety.
US11172776B1 Package lockbox apparatus
A package lockbox apparatus for safely receiving packages includes a box body and a lid hingingly coupled to the box body. A housing is coupled to a lid bottom side of the lid. A microprocessor is coupled within the housing. A battery, a display, a camera, and a lock are coupled to the lid and are in operational communication with the microprocessor. A catch is coupled to the box body. The catch is coupled to the box front side adjacent the box top side and within the box inside. The catch is selectively engageable with the lock.
US11172771B2 Modular display booth assembly that requires no tools
A modular display can be assembled and disassembled by one person without any tools, and which stacks flat into a manageable box that can be either rolled in or shipped on a standard pallet. The structural parts of the assembly include several types of interlocking pieces which form stable columns, and various bridging devices that allow for slatwall or pegboard to be easily inserted to display a wide range of products that merchandise on slatwall, pegboard, shelves, tables and free-standing pedestals as well as garment poles. This display booth emulates a retail shopping experience where physical products are sold on varying display mediums. The parts fit to together by inserting hooked tabs into slots that fit the width of the tabs. Since all the parts are interchangeable, the system allows for multiple configurations, as well as easy expansion of the display booth by adding more parts.
US11172768B2 Refrigerator
A refrigerator includes a cabinet, a door, the door, and a transparent display covering an opening of the door through which an inner space of the refrigerator is visible. The transparent display assembly includes a front panel, a rear panel, an outer spacer defining a circumferential surface of the transparent display assembly and a sealed space between the front panel and the rear panel, a display disposed inside the sealed space, a light guide plate, a display light configured to emit light to an end of the light guide plate, and a first spacer mounted on a rear surface of the front panel and configured to support the light guide plate and maintain a predetermined distance between the light guide plate and the front panel.
US11172764B2 Feature high chair
A combination step stool and high chair includes at least a base with one or more steps and a chair that can be selectively attached to and detached from the base.
US11172763B2 Wearable sitting-posture aid
A wearable sitting-posture assisting device includes at least one leg unit that defines at least one longitudinal leg axis, and includes at least one foot unit that is configured for a connection of a shoe and/or a foot of a person, and includes at least one bearing unit supporting at least a portion of the foot unit such that it is translationally movable at least transversely to the at least one longitudinal leg axis.The bearing unit comprises at least one reset element, which is configured, in at least one bearing position, to apply a reset force to at least a portion of the foot unit.
US11172752B2 Holder for container
A container holder may include an inner liner, an outer shell, and an intermediate layer in between the inner liner and the outer shell. The inner liner may provide an inner wall. And the inner wall may include a cavity for receiving a container. The container holder can define a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may follow a curved profile and the second portion may follow a flat profile such that a cross-section of the container holder follows a D-shape. The second portion may have a series of openings extending through the outer shell to vent the cavity to an outside. A series of loops may cover the series of openings on the second portion and a pair of clips can be mounted to the series of loops. A bottom vent can extend through the base, the intermediate layer, and the inner liner.
US11172751B2 Method of defining a treatment area of an applicator for registration with a condition to be treated
Method of defining at least one treatment area including receiving a first set of data from a digital geometric representation of a target area; receiving a second set of data representing at least a portion of an applicator designed to contact the target area; digitally overlying the second set of data over the first set of data to generate a first digital overlay; digitally defining a treatment area on the first digital overlay surrounding the condition; generating a third set of data representing a portion of the applicator and the treatment area; digitally overlying the third set of data over the first set of data to generate a second digital overlay representing coverage of a condition by the treatment area; and generating a first electronic image that includes a visual depiction of the second digital overlay.
US11172748B2 Bar-shaped cosmetic housing container
A bar-shaped cosmetic housing container includes: a dish member that holds a bar-shaped cosmetic and has an engaging portion; an inner cylinder member that has a dish-member guide groove with which the engaging portion of the dish member is engaged and a body-member slit groove with which a rotation control portion provided in a body member is engaged; the body member has a guidance groove with which the engaging portion is engaged and has the rotation control portion that is engaged with the body portion slit groove on an inner peripheral surface thereof; a screw member in which a screw groove is formed on an inner peripheral surface, the engaging portion being engaged with the screw groove and the dish member being moved in an up/down direction; and a skirt member that is provided in a lower end portion of the body member.
US11172747B2 Support for use in cosmetic or leisure activity
A support for use in a leisure activity or cosmetic treatment in a reclined position wherein the support includes two sections connected by a section hinge wherein a first section includes a leg connected by a leg hinge to the first section where the leg hinge is substantially perpendicular to the section hinge.
US11172743B2 Mobile electronic device case
A case for a mobile, electronic device, the case having a hard, clear case body with an outer surface and an inner surface facing the electronic device and at least one separator on the inner surface of the case body to create a space between the electronic device and the case body.
US11172742B2 Storage system for hunting equipment and accessories
A carrying case for archery equipment including at least a first airtight compartment with provisions for organizing additional items, wherein the first compartment is suited for clothing, and a second compartment configured to store a changing mat wherein the second compartment further includes at least one distinct compartment configured to store a plurality of scents and lures.
US11172741B2 Tote bag
A tote bag including an outer shell defining a sidewall, wherein the outer shell also includes multiple shoulder straps, wherein the shoulder straps also include hand straps, and wherein the shoulder straps are configured to remain above a plane of the base of the bag when the tote bag is carried by the hand straps is disclosed. An inner bottom liner and the outer shell form a storage compartment with an opening configured to allow access to the storage compartment. Further, a semi-rigid base configured to keep the tote bag upright is disclosed.
US11172736B1 Locking device
A locking device includes a sleeve, an actuator, and a stopper. The sleeve defines a receiving cavity and an outlet communicating with the receiving cavity. An inner wall of the receiving cavity defines a sliding groove and a stopping groove. The actuator is provided in the receiving cavity. One end of the actuator is inserted in the outlet, and another end of the actuator extends out of the receiving cavity. The stopper is provided on the actuator. The actuator is configured to be rotated to switch the stopper between the sliding groove and the stopping groove. When the stopper resists in the stopping groove, the actuator is fixed in the sleeve. When the stopper is switched to the sliding groove, the actuator is pressed to slide along the sliding groove and extend out of the outlet.
US11172730B2 Article of footwear with base plate having structure and studs
An article of footwear with a base plate having a structure and studs is disclosed. The structure may moderate stud pressure and enhance support during the first step of sprinting, quick directional changes, and backward movement. The structure may include a medial forefoot pad, a lateral forefoot pad connected to the medial forefoot pad, a medial heel pad, a first lateral heel pad connected to the medial heel pad, a first diagonal rib extending from the medial forefoot pad to the first lateral heel pad, a second diagonal rib extending from the lateral forefoot pad to the medial heel pad, a medial midfoot bar substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and disposed proximate the medial edge, and a lateral midfoot bar substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and disposed proximate the lateral edge.
US11172724B2 Hat with replacable paracord chinstrap
A hat with a replaceable paracord chinstrap. A hat is provided that includes a removably attached paracord chinstrap. A chinstrap adjustment piece is attached to the hat and may be used to adjust the tightness around a wearer's chin. An instruction sheet is provided that includes instructions on how to attach the paracord chinstrap and adjustment piece and how to utilize the paracord chinstrap.
US11172720B2 Helmet with chin crush zone and integrated ventilation
A chin-bar for a helmet with a crumple zone and an integrated air-flow system formed from passages running internally from the bottom to the top of the chin-bar. A scoop at the bottom of the chin-bar controls air flow. Diffusers at the top provide de-misting and fresh air to the rider.
US11172719B2 Protective helmet with multiple pseudo-spherical energy management liners
A helmet comprising and outer liner and an inner liner slidably coupled to an interior surface of the outer liner is disclosed. The outer liner comprises an interior surface and the inner liner comprises an exterior surface. The inner liner is composed of an elastically deformable material. A majority of the interior surface of the outer liner and a majority of the exterior surface of the inner liner are both substantially parallel to a pseudo-spherical surface having a coronal cross section that is circular with a first radius and a sagittal cross section that is circular with a second radius different from the first radius. The inner liner is elastically deformable along the interior surface of the outer liner in response to rotation of the outer liner relative to the inner liner caused by an impact to the helmet.
US11172718B2 Wearable display device
A wearable display device includes a wearing device, a linking-lever set, a bracket and an optical imaging device. The linking-lever set includes a first rod and a second rod, and the first rod is pivotally connected to the wearing device and the second rod, respectively. The bracket is fixedly connected to the optical imaging device, and is pivotally connected to the second rod of the at least one linking-lever set.
US11172717B2 Magnetic fastener providing electrical connection and having female member with solid cover
An electrically conductive magnetic snap fastener for releasably coupling a first material to a second material, the fastener including a male fastening element having a stud and stud flange affixable to the first material, and a female fastening element affixable to the second material and including a cover and a magnet disposed within a cavity defined by the cover, and defining a channel into which the stud is insertable, the female fastening element being electrically conductive at least in a portion disposed for electrically conductive contact with the male fastening element when the stud is inserted in the channel, and the cover being a unitary member of electrically conductive metal, wherein the channel is a distally closed and proximally open socket defined by a continuous wall portion of the cover for receiving the stud and preventing passage of liquid through the channel to the magnet.
US11172707B1 Smoking assemblies and methods of smoking
Disclosed herein are methods of smoking combustible material(s) including methods that may include: providing any of the smoking assemblies disclosed herein, and utilizing such smoking assemblies for smoking, wherein such smoking assemblies may each include, for example: a housing that may include an intake aperture and an exhaust aperture; a fan disposed inside the housing; and a valve coupled to the housing, inside the housing; moving air in the housing and out through the exhaust aperture, preferably utilizing the circular movement of the fan; and partially or fully inhibiting air flow from the intake aperture to the exhaust aperture, preferably using the valve, e.g., by partially closing and/or opening the fan.
US11172706B2 Laser welding method for joining a solid and porous metal component
In a method of laser welding, a solid metal component is placed in contact with a porous metal component at an interface region, a laser beam is directed onto the solid metal component to cause heating and melting of one or more portions of the solid metal component in the interface region, and the melted metal portions flow into interstices in the porous metal component and then solidify by cooling such that portions of the porous metal component adjacent the interstices are integrated into the metal of the solid metal component thereby bonding the solid metal component and the porous metal component.
US11172704B2 Electronic cigarette
An electronic cigarette includes a battery assembly, an atomizer assembly and a cigarette bottle assembly. An external thread electrode is located in one end of battery assembly. An internal thread electrode is located in one end of atomizer assembly. The battery assembly and the atomizer assembly are connected by the screwthread electrode. The cigarette bottle assembly is inserted into the other end of the atomizer assembly and both form a cigarette type or cigar type body.
US11172703B2 Tongue and tongue assembly for rod forming apparatus, rod forming apparatus with tongue assembly and method of installing tongue assembly on rod forming apparatus
The tongue includes a shaft, the shaft being hollow. The tongue includes an upper plate connected to the shaft. The upper plate includes a first protrusion on a first side of the upper plate, and a second protrusion on the first side of the upper plate. The first protrusion and the second protrusion define a notch. The first protrusion runs along at least part of an upper portion of a longitudinal length of the shaft. The rod forming apparatus includes the tongue. The method installs the tongue on the rod forming apparatus.
US11172701B2 System utilizing compressed smokable product
The invention includes a device for smoking smokeable material. The device has a housing, a rotatable shaft for driving smokeable material towards the first end of the housing as the smokeable material is smoked, at least one radial hole through the shaft for passage of smokeable material from the burning section of the housing into the longitudinal hole of the rotatable shaft.
US11172700B2 Image-based encoding
A technique relates to tracking a foodstuff. A device images human consumable code formed on the foodstuff, the human consumable code being part of the foodstuff, the foodstuff being unpackaged. A coding associated with the human consumable code is determined. Product information of the foodstuff is retrieved from a computer system by using the coding. The product information of the foodstuff is provided on the device.
US11172696B2 Popcorn machines having removable kettle assemblies
Popcorn machines having easily removable popping kettle assemblies are described herein. In some embodiments, a popcorn machine configured accordance with the present technology includes a cabinet and a pair of kettle supports mounted within the cabinet. A kettle assembly is configured to be positioned on the kettle supports and to pop popcorn placed in a kettle of the kettle assembly when the kettle assembly is in a popping position, and to discharge the popcorn when the kettle assembly is moved from the popping position to a dumping position. The kettle assembly can be lifted off the kettle supports in the popping position to facilitate removal of the kettle assembly from the cabinet for maintenance, cleaning, repair, replacement, etc. In some embodiments, the kettle assembly can be stopped in the dumping position.
US11172695B2 Method, apparatus, and product providing hydrolyzed starch and fiber
A method and composition for providing hydrolyzed starch and fiber. In one aspect, the method comprises providing a first enzyme; a second enzyme; water; and a starting composition comprising at least one material selected from the group consisting of at least a portion of grain and at least a portion of pulse. Additional steps comprise hydrolyzing the fiber and starch in the at least one material through fiber and starch hydrolysis reactions catalyzed by the first and second enzymes, respectively. Further steps comprise deactivating the first and second enzymes. In a second aspect, a composition comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of at least a portion of grain and at least a portion of pulse. The average molecular weights of the hydrolyzed starch and fiber molecules in the composition are fractions of the molecular weights of unhydrolyzed starch and fiber molecules, respectively.
US11172693B2 Feed additive composition
A feed additive composition comprising a direct fed microbial in combination with a protease, and a phytase, and a method for improving the performance of a subject or for improving digestibility of a raw material in a feed (e.g. nutrient digestibility, such as amino acid digestibility), or for improving nitrogen retention, or for improving the subject's resistance to necrotic enteritis or for improving feed conversion ratio (FCR) or for improving weight gain in a subject or for improving feed efficiency in a subject or for modulating (e.g. improving) the immune response of the subject or for promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract of a subject, which method comprising administering to a subject a direct fed microbial in combination with a protease and a phytase.
US11172692B2 Horse supplement
The present invention relates to compositions and their uses, specifically provides supplements for equines, in particular horses and ponies. Such a composition is ideal for horses and ponies where promoting, supporting or maintaining calm behavior is desired or required.
US11172691B2 Product analogs or components of such analogs and processes for making same
Provided are food products that are derived from non-animal sources that have one or more of the following: color, taste, nutritional content, and other qualities similar to those of dairy products and/or other types of food products. Also provided are processes for production of such dairy-like food products and/or other types of food product analogs.
US11172690B2 Enclosing materials in natural transport systems
An edible composition, particularly an edible transport system, comprising an edible substance and a cross-linked matrix encapsulating the edible substance, the cross-linked matrix comprising (1) at least one edible polymer and edible particles or (2) a plurality of edible polymers.
US11172688B2 Gravity fed smoker
A gravity fed smoker includes a smoking enclosure and an external stack. The stack is double walled with an inner wall, and an outer wall. A vented cooling space exists between the inner wall and the outer wall. An inner chamber of the external stack includes a fire box with a fire grate and a feed hopper positioned above the fire box. A smoke tunnel with a series of openings for releasing smoke into the smoking enclosure extends along the bottom of the food smoking enclosure and is connected to the external fire box at one end. Fuel, including charcoal, lump coal, or wood pellets, is loaded into the feed hopper. As the fuel burns on the fire grate and turns to ashes, the fuel is fed from the hopper onto the fire grate by gravity. A fan and dampers controls air flow through the fire grate and into the smoke tunnel.
US11172687B2 Keel harvesting apparatus and method
An apparatus and method for removing a keel from a poultry carcass that is conveyed at a predetermined speed along a path. Planar members extend radially outwardly from a continuous loop driven adjacent the path at the predetermined speed. A keel-receiving gap is configured between a pair of planar members. At least one blade is disposed between the path and the continuous loop for severing the keel from the carcass. A ramp above the path has a downwardly-facing surface angled to the path for contacting the poultry carcass and adjusting its vertical position relative to the blade. A keel guide spaced from the plurality of planar members may contact the keel to adjust the keel relative to the blade.
US11172686B2 Venturi effect technology on a food product molding machine
An apparatus and method for creating a venturi effect in a food product molding machine. The venturi effect accelerates food product in order to cause the product to be stretched aligning the fibers of the product.
US11172685B2 Gluten-free tortillas
Gluten-free tortillas are made from a composition including a gluten-free flour mixture constituting from 50-60% of weight of the composition, with the gluten-free flour mixture consisting of a combination of rice or tapioca flour, oat flour and quinoa flour. In particular embodiments, the flour mixture includes substantially equal amounts of the rice or tapioca flour, oat flour and quinoa flour by weight of the composition. In addition, the composition includes an enzyme for structural integrity purposes. In embodiments utilizing rice flour in the tri-flour blend, the composition can also comprises about 8% by weight of tapioca starch. Further, the gluten-free tortilla may be soft flat tortilla or a soft shaped tortilla having a formed shape selected from a cup, bowl, U- or square bottomed shaped taco shell, boat, tube, envelope or cone.
US11172683B2 Synergistic combinations of monochloramine and organic acid, and methods of using the same for microbial control
Methods for controlling the growth of microorganisms in or on a product, material, or medium, such as a fermentable or fermenting medium, susceptible to attack by a microorganism, by treating with aqueous solution comprising monochloramine and at least one organic acid in a synergistically microbicidally effective combined amount to control unwanted microbial growth. Microbicidal aqueous solutions containing monochloramine and at least one organic acid in a synergistically microbicidally effective combined amount to control the growth of at least one microorganism are also described.
US11172681B2 Crystalline form C of shuangzuocaotong, preparation method therefor and use thereof
The present invention relates to the technical field of herbicide crystallization process, particularly to Crystalline form C of shuangzuocaotong, and a preparation method therefor and use thereof. The Crystalline form C of shuangzuocaotong has an X-ray powder diffraction pattern having characteristic absorption peaks at the following 2θ positions: 10.159, 10.658, 13.318, 14.579, 16.096, 18.061, 19.322, 19.68, 20.04, 20.659, 21.281, 23, 24.16, 24.619, 26.101, 26.74, 30.359, 31.018, 32.378, 35.398 and 38.26 degrees, wherein 2θ has an error range within ±0.2°. The Crystalline form C of shuangzuocaotong has good stability, and its compounded composition with additional active ingredient(s) has a good control effect to broadleaf weeds and some gramineous weeds in wheat, significantly better than that of Crystalline form A of shuangzuocaotong.
US11172680B2 Nanostructures fabricated by metal asisted chemical etching for antibactertial applications
The method comprises contacting a silicon substrate with a silver salt and an acid for a time effective to produce spikes having a first end disposed on the silicon substrate and a second end extending away from the silicon substrate. The spikes have a second end diameter of about 10 nm to about 200 nm, a height of about 100 nm to 10 micrometers, and a density of about 10 to 100 per square microns. The nanostructures provide antimicrobial properties and can be transferred to the surface of various materials such as polymers.
US11172677B2 Method for treating a fluid with an antimicrobial solid
A solid material adapted to kill bacteria in planktonic, spore and biofilm states is lethal toward a wide spectrum of gram positive and gram negative bacteria as well as other microbes. The solid material includes a significant amount of one or more surfactants entrained in a crosslinked polymeric network.
US11172674B2 Preservation solutions
There is described a preservation solution for the preservation of cells, tissues and/or organs, said solution comprising: (i) water for injection; (ii) at least one saccharide; (iii) at least one component with pH buffer properties; (iv) optionally at least one component with calcium transport blocking properties or an anti-calcium action activity; (v) salicylic acid, in free form or in salt form, or aspirin; and (vi) glutamic acid, in free form or in salt form, or glutamine; provided that acetamide is absent and/or if aspirin is present glutamine is absent and if glutamine is present aspirin is absent.
US11172673B2 Platelet storage methods and compositions for same
Disclosed are compositions and methods for slowing, preventing, or reversing platelet damage, particularly as may occur during blood banking or during refrigeration of platelets. The composition may include one or more of a RAC inhibitor, a CDC42 inhibitor, a RHOA inhibitor, or a combination thereof. The compositions may further include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
US11172671B2 Multifunction infrared induction water sprinkler
A multifunctional infrared induction water sprinkler includes a water inlet pipe (10), an infrared induction control device (20) connected with the water inlet pipe (10), and a water outlet device (30), wherein the water outlet device (30) is connected with the infrared induction control device (20) through a universal joint (301); the infrared induction control device (20) includes an infrared pyroelectric probe, a pre-amplifier, a central processing unit, an electromagnetic valve actuator and an electromagnetic valve which are connected in sequence, and further includes an irrigating/repelling selection controller, a sprinkling duration regulator and a sprinkling interval regulator which are connected with the central processing unit. The multifunctional infrared induction water sprinkler can effectively repel animals to protect gardens, lawns and nursery gardens against damage and can also automatically spray water to irrigate gardens, lawns, nursery gardens and the like, and water resources can be saved.
US11172669B2 Materials and methods for the control of nematodes
The invention provides materials and method for controlling pests, in particular, nematodes. The invention also provides compositions comprising biosurfactants as pesticides.
US11172667B2 Device for detecting insects
Device for detecting insects comprising as main elements an inner chamber that has a temperature higher than the temperature outside and a passive infrared sensor that emits an alarm signal when it detects a change in temperature in the inner chamber due to the presence of any animal, for example, an insect; which is very useful for the monitoring of insects in a determined area and the subsequent actuation for the eradication thereof.
US11172664B1 Fishing lure launching device
The fishing lure launching device is a mechanical device. The fishing lure launching device launches a payload. In the first potential embodiment of the disclosure, the payload comprises one or more elements selected from the group consisting of a fishing line, a fishing lure, a leader and a swivel. An example of a fishing lure is a spinnerbait lure. The fishing lure launching device launches the payload on a controlled trajectory. The fishing lure launching device is a pneumatically operated device. The fishing lure launching device comprises a bucket, a transfer shaft, a thrust structure, a trigger valve, an adjustable pressure regulator, and a gas source. The payload is contained in the bucket. The transfer shaft attaches the bucket to the thrust structure. The thrust structure generates the forces necessary to launch the payload out of the bucket. The trigger valve initiates the operation of the thrust structure.
US11172663B2 Fishing reel provided with fixed constant brake and movable inertial force brake
A fishing reel provided with a fixed constant brake and a movable inertial force brake is provided. In the fishing reel, a user may adjust a braking force to use according to his or her fishing method by utilizing only advantages of conventional centrifugal brakes, magnet brakes, and inertial force brakes, the advantages including prevention of pad wear, prevention of casting distance reduction and backlash when a spool rotates at a low speed, compatible use tailored to left-handed or right-handed handles, etc.
US11172660B2 Spinner bait
A bait having a frame, a hook and a blade that spins when the bait is retrieved in the water. The spinning blade contacts a housing containing one or more balls. The contact causes the balls to contact each other and/or the housing to create noise and vibration to attract fish.
US11172658B2 Porcine animals lacking expression of functional alpha 1, 3 galactosyltransferase
The present invention is a porcine animal, tissue, organ, cells and cell lines, which lack any expression of functional alpha 1,3 galactosyltransferase (alpha1,3GT). These animals, tissues, organs and cells can be used in xenotransplantation and for other medical purposes.
US11172656B2 Methods for controlling sex of oviparous embryos using light sources
The sex of embryos in eggs is influenced or controlled through the application of light having selected wavelengths in order to promote the development of embryos of a selected sex. An incubating device is provided having an interior cavity that can be sealed from an outside, and having a plurality of lighting elements in the interior cavity. Eggs are disposed in the interior cavity, and pre-determined environmental conditions are applied to the interior cavity to promote hatching of the eggs. Concurrently with the application of the environmental conditions, the eggs are irradiated according to pre-determined lighting conditions. The lighting conditions include applying light having wavelengths substantially concentrated in selected ranges, such as light wavelengths within the 440-460 nm, or other narrow range.
US11172645B2 Disposable kitty litter box
A disposable kitty litter box is provided. The disposable kitty litter box includes a base portion and a plurality of layer portions each including a plurality of apertures. In an assembled configuration, the plurality of apertures of each layer portion of the plurality of layer portions are offset from each other to keep kitty litter from passing between a plurality of apertures of a top layer portion.
US11172643B1 Soybean cultivar 94440162
A soybean cultivar designated 94440162 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 94440162, to the plants of soybean cultivar 94440162, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 94440162, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 94440162. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 94440162. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 94440162, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 94440162 with another soybean cultivar.
US11172640B1 Soybean cultivar 91230357
A soybean cultivar designated 91230357 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 91230357, to the plants of soybean cultivar 91230357, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 91230357, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 91230357. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 91230357. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 91230357, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 91230357 with another soybean cultivar.
US11172637B1 Soybean cultivar 96350326
A soybean cultivar designated 96350326 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 96350326, to the plants of soybean cultivar 96350326, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 96350326, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 96350326. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 96350326. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 96350326, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 96350326 with another soybean cultivar.
US11172631B1 Maize hybrid X03R704
A novel maize variety designated X03R704 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X03R704 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X03R704 through backcrossing or genetic transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Maize variety X03R704, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X03R704 are provided. Methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X03R704 and methods of using maize variety X03R704 are disclosed.
US11172603B2 Ejecting-clamping-pulling combined seedling fetching device for automatic transplanter and operating method therefor
An ejecting-clamping-pulling combined seedling fetching device for an automatic transplanter and an operating method therefor. The device comprises: a seedling ejecting mechanism (1), a seedling feeder mechanism (2), a seedling fetching mechanism (3), and a control system. The seedling feeder mechanism (2) is mounted on a stander; the seedling ejecting mechanism (1) is mounted on the seedling feeder mechanism (2) and is located at the rear side of the seedling feeder mechanism (2); the seeding fetching mechanism (3) is mounted at the stander and is located at the front side of the seedling feeder mechanism (2). An upper ejector rod support (1-6) and a lower ejector rod support (1-4) are provided on the seedling ejecting mechanism (1); the seedling ejecting rods on the two supports are disposed in a staggered manner, and the upper ejector rod support (1-6) and the lower ejector rod support (1-4) are configured to alternately eject and loosen seedling trays. The ejecting-clamping-pulling combined seedling fetching device can eject and loose seedling trays, and the completeness of the trays is guaranteed. The ejecting-clamping-pulling seedling fetching method can accurately control seedling fetching and feeding actions; and furthermore, the device is simple in structure, high in reliability and efficiency and low in damage rate of tray bodies.
US11172602B2 Bulk container to meter seed transfer
A seed supply system includes a singulating meter with a seed reservoir pressurized to a meter pressure that is in a desired pressure range. A seed supply air stream carries seeds dispensed from a nurse tank to an air release assembly located above the singulating meter. As seeds are metered from the seed reservoir at a rate less than the rate seeds are dispensed from the nurse tank seeds accumulate in the air release assembly. The pressure of the seed supply air stream at the top of the seed column fluctuates and a barrier is operative to resist air flow between the air release assembly and the seed reservoir sufficiently to maintain the meter pressure in the desired meter pressure range. The barrier can be provided for example by an airlock or a column of seed in a drop tube between the air release assembly and the seed reservoir.
US11178801B2 Method and system for determining component illumination settings
A method, a system and an archive server for determining an illumination setting for capturing an image of a component, belonging to a specific package type, in a pick-and-place machine are provided. The method comprises capturing a first image of a first component of the specific package type while the first component is illuminated by a first illumination component, and capturing a second image of the first component while the first component is illuminated by a second illumination component, the second illumination component being different from the first illumination component. An illumination setting may then be determined by creating a plurality of generated images based on the first and second image of the first component, and selecting the generated image that fulfils a predetermined quality measure.
US11178799B2 Electronic device
Disclosed is an electronic device including a shielding member. The electronic device includes a substrate having an electric element mounted thereon; a shield can mounted on the electric element and including an opening formed at a part facing the electric element; a shielding member mounted around a part in which the opening is formed on an outer surface of the shield can, and electrically connected to the shield can; a metal plate mounted on the shielding member, with the opening covered, and electrically connected to the shielding member; and a heat conductive member mounted in the opening and interposed between the electric element and the metal plate, and in contact with the electric element and the metal plate.
US11178796B2 Power conversion equipment cooling with cyclonic airborne particle reduction
A cooling system is provided for power conversion circuitry. An intake section of a cooling air channeling element is arranged to direct cooling air through an enclosure, and through or around system components to circuit board-mounted circuitry to be cooled. The element has internal structures, such as deflectors that create local pockets of lower velocity and/or higher pressure air to trap airborne particles that can be evacuated through apertures (e.g., in adjacent plates or mounting structures). The intake section leads to a distribution section that is positioned adjacent to the circuit components to be cooled. The element may have an open bottom that cooperates with surrounding structures to channel the cooling air, facilitating molding of a single-piece element that can be easily mounted during system assembly.
US11178786B2 Method for manufacturing hermetic sealing lid member
The method manufactures a hermetic sealing lid member used for an electronic component housing package including an electronic component arrangement member on which an electronic component is arranged. The method includes forming a clad material in which a silver brazing layer that contains Ag and Cu and a first Fe layer arranged on the silver brazing layer and made of Fe or an Fe alloy are bonded to each other by roll-bonding a silver brazing plate that contains Ag and Cu and a first Fe plate made of Fe or an Fe alloy to each other and performing first heat treatment for diffusion annealing; softening the clad material by performing second heat treatment; and forming the hermetic sealing lid member in a box shape including a recess portion by bending the softened clad material.
US11178782B2 Display apparatus for vehicle
A display device for a vehicle includes a first frame configured to be coupled to a dashboard of the vehicle, a second frame configured to move vertically relative to the first frame, and a flexible display having a first area that extends along the second frame and defines a flat surface and a second area that is configured to extend from the first area, where the display device is configured to vary a shape of the second area. The display device further includes a first roller that extends in an upward-downward direction and that supports an inner surface of the flexible display to allow the second area to be curved around the first roller, a first moving body is coupled to the second area, and a second actuator configured to move the first roller and the first moving body laterally relative to the second frame.
US11178777B2 Component embedded circuit board with antenna structure and method for manufacturing the same
A component embedded circuit board includes a printed circuit board, a dielectric layer, and an antenna structure laminated in that order. The printed circuit board includes a first opening and a first circuit layer, and the first circuit layer includes at least one first connecting pad. A second opening is defined in the dielectric layer. A conductive structure is embedded in the dielectric layer. The second opening penetrates the dielectric layer. The antenna structure includes a first ground layer. A component is embedded in the first opening. One end of the conductive structure is connected to the first ground layer, and the other end of the conductive structure is connected to the first connecting pad. The second opening corresponds to the first opening. A gap is generated by the second opening and the component. A method for manufacturing the package circuit structure is also disclosed.
US11178776B2 Fold flex circuit for LNOP
Various sensors and methods of assembling sensors are described. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly includes a first end, a body portion, and a second end. The first end can include a neck portion and a connector portion and the second end can include a flap, a first component, a neck portion, and a second component. A method is also described for sensor folding. The method can include using a circuit with an attached emitter and a detector that is separated by a portion of the circuit. The method can also include folding the portion of the circuit such that a first fold is created through the emitter and folding the portion of the circuit such that a second fold is created such that the first fold and second fold form an angle.
US11178775B2 Manufacturing method of circuit board and display device
A manufacturing method of a circuit board and a display device are provided. In the method, an error caused by that pin alignment on a conventional flexible substrate after a pin column is disposed on the flexible substrate based on a second pin position and a hot pressing process is performed is adjusted, so that the pin alignment is more accurate after the flexible substrate on which a pin is disposed based on a position of the to-be-disposed pin column is finally hot pressed with the display panel, thereby avoiding a problem that the pin is misplaced or short-circuited, and improving a good rate of the product.
US11178769B2 Dataloggers in compact design
A data logger is disclosed as having functional units, arranged inside a housing, for detecting, digitizing, optionally storing and optionally evaluating measurement data and for transmitting data to an external data processing device, and a power source, such as a button cell battery, arranged inside the housing. The functional units for detecting, digitizing, optionally storing and optionally evaluating measurement data and for transmitting data to an external data processing device are arranged on a printed circuit board, which forms a component of the housing of the data logger. The housing of the data logger forms at the same time the housing of the power source, whereby at least one electrical contact for the power source is provided on the housing.
US11178762B2 Connection structure for wiring substrate and flexible substrate and package for housing electronic components
A connection structure for a wiring substrate and a flexible substrate including a wiring substrate and a flexible substrate, in which the wiring substrate includes an insulating member, conductor layer, and ground layer, the flexible substrate includes an insulating sheet and metal film, and the metal film includes a signal line pad joined to the conductor layer via a joining material when viewed from the back surface of the flexible substrate. When viewed from behind the flexible substrate, there is an overlap region where the signal line pad and conductor layer overlap. In a cross-section when the overlap region is cut in a direction perpendicular to a signal transmission direction, in a case where a width of the signal line pad including the overlap region is W, and a width of the conductor layer including the overlap region is W0, the connection structure satisfies W0
US11178759B2 Electronic component and camera module
To enhance reliability of an electronic component. There is provided an electronic component including a base material having a first face and a second face, a first layer provided on the first face of the base material and including a plurality of pads connected to a plurality of bumps of a chip flip-chip mounted on the first face of the base material, respectively, and a second layer provided on the second face of the base material, in which a contacting member arranged at apart contacting with the second face of the base material at a position corresponding to each of the plurality of pads in the second layer is made of the same material.
US11178757B2 Selective dielectric resin application on circuitized core layers
A process of manufacturing a multiple-layer printed circuit board includes selectively applying a dielectric resin to a region of a circuitized core layer. The process also includes partially curing the dielectric resin prior to performing a lamination cycle to form the multiple-layer printed circuit board that includes the circuitized core layer.
US11178755B2 Flexible printed circuit board, method for producing connection body, and connection body
A flexible printed circuit board of the present invention includes an insulating base film and an electrode stacked on a first surface of the base film, in which the electrode includes a low-melting-point metal layer on a surface of the electrode, and a plate- or strip-like rigid member electrically insulated from the electrode is disposed in a region of a second surface of the base film opposite from the electrode.
US11178753B2 Switch device
Bus bars are soldered to a wiring pattern of a printed board to which the bus bars are connected, and the bus bars are screwed to the printed board. Tips of bolts passing through holes in the bus bars and holes in the punted board may be tightened using nuts. The holes in the printed board may be electrically connected to the wiring pattern.
US11178751B2 Printed circuit board having vias arranged for high speed serial differential pair data links
A printed circuit board includes a differential signal via pairs to route differential signal between layers of the printed circuit board. A first differential signal via pair is oriented in a first orientation and a second differential signal via pair is oriented perpendicular to the first orientation. The second differential signal via pair is located such that a midpoint of a first line segment drawn between centers of first and second vias of the second differential signal pair intersects a first ray drawn from a center of a first via of the first differential signal via pair through a center of a second via of the first differential signal via pair. Further, the second differential signal via pair is located such that the midpoint of the first line segment is at a characteristic via-to-via pitch distance for the printed circuit board from the center of the second via of the first differential signal via pair.
US11178748B2 Particle acceleration system and particle acceleration system adjustment method
A particle acceleration system includes an ion source that generates an ion, an accelerator that accelerates the ion, And a transporting unit that transports the ion from the ion source to the accelerator, in which an attachment angle and an attachment position of the ion source with respect to the transporting unit are able to be adjusted.
US11178747B2 Target system for irradiation of molybdenum with particle beams
A target system for irradiation of molybdenum with charged particles from an accelerator to produce technetium and molybdenum radioisotopes. The target system comprises a molybdenum-100 material brazed with a brazing alloy to a backing material. The backing material preferably comprises a dispersion-strengthened copper composite. The brazing alloy comprises copper and phosphorus.